Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread

Ever since making the No Knead Rustic Artisan Bread last March, I have become something of a bread fussytarian. Granted I have yet to master Sourdough Bread using a starter or making bread the old-fashioned kneading way, but making warm, homemade bread regardless of the technique used feels like a necessary indulgence. Especially these days. Besides it tastes so much better than any loaf of store bought bread. After having just one bite of the No Knead Rustic Artisan Bread last week, one of my friends declared it the best bread he had ever tasted! Yes, comments like those pretty much guarantee a return invite to the dinner table. However, there is just one teeny tiny drawback to that no knead bread recipe. You have to make the dough the day before it's baked. Which makes it one of those must plan ahead kind of breads. Waiting twenty-four hours for a fresh, just baked loaf of bread can feel like an eternity when you have a bread craving. Or if you just happen to let you day get away from you.

So what if I told you, you could be serving an incredibly delicious warm loaf of crusty homemade bread in less than four hours after you or someone in your household has a craving for it. And what if I also told you it has an fabulous crust and a lovely dense, hearty texture? Sound enticing? If you said yes, you are my kind of people. Which would be the kind who subscribe to the 'life is short' way of thinking. 

While this Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread is made with beer, it's not anything like this Cheddar Cheese Jalapeño Beer Bread or any other bear bread recipes you may have made before. Unlike most other beer 'quick' breads, this one uses instant (not active, but instant) yeast as one of the ingredients. Most other beer bread recipes rely on the use of self-rising flour.

All-purpose flour, Kosher salt, extra-virgin olive oil, a good quality beer, instant yeast, and Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend creates an incredible loaf of homemade bread. One perfect for serving with a bowl of soup, using to make sandwiches, pairing with a great salad, eating slathered with some butter or jam, or simply putting on the dinner table. It's definitely the kind of bread destined to impress your friends and family. 

Unlike active yeast, instant yeast doesn't need to be dissolved in lukewarm water before the dry ingredients are added. It can be mixed in directly with the other ingredients. The beer not only contributes to the leavening but it also makes for a great tasting bread. I used a Belgium Ale but you can use any good quality beer. Note: Darker ales will change the flavor of the bread.

Once all of the ingredients (except the bagel seasoning) are mixed together, the bowl is tightly covered in plastic wrap and allowed to rest in a warm spot for at least 90 minutes but up to 2 hours (until the mixture has nearly doubled in size). Note: Keep your bowl of dough away from any drafts. I like to let the covered bowl rest in the linen closet as it's one of the warmest places in the house.

Like the No Knead Artisan Bread, no kneading is required for this Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread. Simply turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Once shaped generously sprinkle with the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. Note: You will need to lightly press the seasoning into the dough. Transfer to the dough round to a piece of parchment paper and let rest on top of the oven for 30 minutes (the amount of time needed to preheat your cast iron Dutch oven and lid). Put the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and place it in the oven. Bake the bread for 30 minutes (covered). After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 15-18 minutes (or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown). Remove the bread from the pan and let rest on a cooling rack for at least 15-30 minutes before slicing.

While you won't get drunk on bread made with a bottle of beer, the aroma of the baking bread is intoxicating. 

The bread lovers in your family or in your circle of friends will be smitten with this Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread. It definitely will not last very long. Literally, a quarter of this loaf was inhaled in less than hour after coming out of the oven. And no, I wasn't the one doing the inhaling! 

Needless to say the Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread got rave reviews around here! If you are looking to give your bread baking confidence, ego or reputation a boost, make this bread! Seriously, you are going to love making and serving it. And for those of you who consider yourself to be someone living your life closer to the spontaneous end of the continuum, this is the definitely the bread for you! 

Recipe

Everything but the Bagel No Knead Beer Bread

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for preparing bread for pan

2 teaspoons instant yeast (recommend Red Star Quick Rise Instant Yeast)

2 teaspoons Kosher salt

1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

12 ounces (355ml) Belgian style white ale or other light ale, room temperature

2 Tablespoons Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend (see notes)

Directions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Mix together using a wooden spoon or dough whisk.

2. Add in the room temperature beer and extra-virgin olive oil. Stir just until all of the ingredients are combined. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place the bowl in a warm, draft-free place. 

3. Let dough rest for at least 90 minutes or up to 2 hours (the dough will almost double in size).

4. Generously flour a work surface and very gently slide the dough out of the bowl on the floured surface. Use a rubber spatula or plastic dough scraper around the bowl to release the sticky dough while trying to avoid disturbing the air bubbles as much as possible.

5. Lightly sprinkle the top of the dough with flour. Then gently fold each side into the center of the dough. Carefully flip the dough over so the folds are facing down. Lightly dust your hands with flour and shape the dough into a ball by pulling it toward you a few times. Whatever you do, do not knead this dough.
6. Place the dough, seam side down, onto a sheet a parchment paper. Generously sprinkle with the bagel seasoning (you will need to press the seasoning in lightly into the dough.).

7. Use a sharp knife to make a slash or two on the top of the bread. Place the parchment paper on a bread board or flat pan. Let the dough sit, covered with a kitchen towel, on top of the stove for 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees (F). When the oven has preheated, place your Dutch oven and lid in the oven and let it heat for 30 minutes.

9.  Carefully remove the cast iron pan from the oven. Gently lower the piece of parchment paper holding the dough into the pan. Cover the pan with the lid, return to the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. 

10. Remove the lid from the pan and continue baking the bread for an additional 15-18 minutes or until the crust is deeply golden brown.

11. Let the bread cool for 15-30 minutes before slicing using a serrated knife. 
12. To cut the bread, slice it down the center, then make thick, beautiful perpendicular slices.

Notes: (1) I used the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend with Sea Salt, Garlic and Onion from Trader Joe's. It's the BEST! (2) I used a bottle of New Belgium Fat Tire, a Belgium-Style Wheat Ale Beer. Remember to make certain your beer is room temperature.

Paper Plane Cocktail

For only the second time in the past eleven months we had two of our friends over for dinner on Valentine's Day. To say I was excited for a 'party of four' gathering would be an understatement. The anticipation of actually making and sharing a meal with friends was akin to awaiting the arrival of a favorite childhood holiday. For five glorious hours, the reality of the world we currently live in, was temporarily suspended as life actually felt normal. Next to spending a week in Colorado this past September, I don't think my spirit ever felt happier. Who would have ever imagined a simple dinner with friends could bring the same kind of joy felt while spending time in one's 'happy' place. If I have learned anything in the past year, it has been appreciating the seemingly simple things. Sharing a meal, going on a hike, being able to run, and/or enjoying an outdoor coffee with friends are the kinds of things I once took for granted. Now they are nothing less than treasured occasions. If only there could be more of them.

Ever since our dinner plans were confirmed, I had been planning everything from the table setting, to the flowers (orchids and tulips), to the menu, to the favors (it was Valentine's Day after all), to the wine (an insane bottle of 2015 Austin Hope Paso Robles), to the 'house' cocktail. The meticulous attention to detail for this Valentine's Day dinner would rival a NASA space mission, overseeing a $200 million dollar budget, or embarking on a multi-million dollar public building project. Let's just suffice to say this pandemic has, for better or worse, changed me. A year ago I would have never even thought to make a 'signature' cocktail when having friends for dinner. Now, I could't imagine not having one. Who knows when we will be able to have our next dinner party. But one thing is for certain. The 'signature house' cocktail is definitely going to be a Paper Plane. It seriously might be one of the best cocktails to have ever been created. Says the girl who in recent years has become a Bourbon lover with enough knowledge to make her dangerous.

As far as cocktails go, the Paper Plane is a relative new one. First served in the Chicago bar "The Violet Hour", known for its' artisanal cocktail, it was created in either the summer of 2007 or sometime in 2008 by New York bartender Sam Ross. With a name inspired by the song "Paper Planes" by M.I.A., the Paper Plane is considered to be a slight riff on the pre-Prohibition cocktail "The Last Word" (made with equal parts cocktail made with gin, lime, maraschino liqueur and Chartreuse). The first rendition of this bright orange cocktail was made with equal parts freshly squeezed lemon juice (the citrus element), bourbon (the spirit), Amaro Nonino (the herbal element) and Campari. But the bitterness of the Campari was almost immediately replaced with the slightly sweeter Aperol. The result is a classic cocktail having a perfect balance of bitter, sour, sweet, and herbal notes. 

If have never heard of the Paper Plane cocktail before, it's possible you have not heard of the Italian liqueur Amaro Nonino either. Made from a base of grappa, Amaro Nonino includes notes of botanicals, alpine herbs, and orange peel. Flavorwise is has notes of sweet and burnt orange, cinnamon, and a hint of burnt caramel. When blended with equal parts of freshly squeezed lemon juice, bourbon, and Aperol, it is a cocktail that goes down really, really, really easy.

When making a Bourbon cocktail, save your top-shelf, sipping bourbons. Bourbons like Blanton's, Pappy Van Winkle, or Basil Hayden are best enjoyed when served neat or maybe over ice. For the Paper Plane you want to use a slightly higher proof, good quality bourbon. One with a 43-46% ABV range will add the kind of heft to this cocktail to give it the perfect amount of body. I used the 10 year old Russell's Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, a small batch bourbon distilled by Wild Turkey, to bring some caramel, spicy, slightly sweet flavor to the Paper Plane.    

Serve the Paper Plane ice cold. Add equal parts of freshly squeezed lemon juice, bourbon, amaro nonino, and aperol to a shaker. Add 10-12 ice cubes and shake energetically for just 15-20 seconds. You definitely don't want to over shake this cocktail or allow the ice to melt. Once shaken, immediately strain and pour into a coupe glass. The stemmed, shallow, broad-bowl coupe glasses are best for serving cocktails served without ice. Which makes it the best, most perfect, sexiest choice for Paper Planes. 

The originally created cocktail didn't have a garnish (unless you consider a homemade paper plane one). But adding a peel of orange ties all of the ingredients together in both a flavorful and symbolic kind of way. 

If you are looking for a delicious, refreshing Bourbon based cocktail having incredible flavor complexity, this Paper Plane is for you. If you are new to the Bourbon cocktail world or an Old-Fashioned aficionado, the Paper Plane may be the cocktail destined to open your world up to a whole new cocktail drinking experience. This quite possibly might replace the Pisco Sour and Mint Mojito as the house cocktail here. No, let's make that a definitely. Because this the Paper Plane is nothing short of cocktail perfection.

Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail

Makes two 3 ounce cocktails or one perfect 6 ounce cocktail

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 ounces Amaro Nonino

1 1/2 ounces Aperol

1 1/2 ounces Bourbon (43-48% ABV) See Notes.

Optional garnish: Orange peel or slice of an orange

Directions

1. Add the equal amounts of lemon juice, Amaro Nonino, Aperol and Bourbon to a cocktail shaker.

2. Add in 10-15 ice cubes. Shake energetically for 15-20 seconds. Immediately strain and pour into a coupe glass.

3. Garnish with an orange peel, orange slice or homemade paper plane.

4. Sit back and savor a cocktail having incredible flavor complexity. 

Notes: (1) I used Russell's Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, (45% ALC/VOL, 90 Proof) as I am a big fan of small batch bourbons. But I would also recommend Breckinridge Bourbon Whiskey (43% ALC/VOL or 86 Proof), one having complex flavors that linger on your tongue. (2) You can find Amaro Nonino at any good quality liqueur store. A little expensive but it's worth every penny. (3) I bought these coupe glasses at Crate & Barrel.

Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

"He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.... In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. -John Burroughs, "The Snow-Walkers," 1866". In retrospect, January has had a relatively mild winter in 2021 start. I should have appreciated it more as significant snowfalls and frigid cold temperatures are becoming recurrent themes in February here in the midwest. As striking as the landscape blanketed in snow set against a blue sky looks, I am a bit a wimp when it comes to running outdoors when temperatures hover close to or below zero degrees (F). However, if the current forecast remains for awhile, I am going to have to put on my big girl pants, embrace the cold, and convince myself it will only feel cold for the first four minutes or so. Where have I heard 'you can do anything for four minutes' before? Maybe envisioning sitting by a warm fire or eating a just out of the oven Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie after an cold outdoor run would help shove me out the door. In all seriousness, this cookie would probably be more than enough motivation.

Ever since making the Levain Style Chocolate Chip Cookies way back in July (2020), I have wanted to one day make a chocolate peanut butter version. That day finally came early this week. And all I will say is they were definitely worth the wait. You might find other versions of recipes for Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, but let me be so bold as to tell you this is the ONLY version you want to make. Hands down this cookie is a winner!

Dense, decadent, slightly gooey in the center, and destined to satisfy any craving you might have for chocolate and peanut butter, these ginormous cookies are equal parts insanity and pure bliss. Think of them not so much as a chocolate cookie filled with peanut butter chips, but a rich brownie filled with peanut butter chips.

Unlike most other 'chocolate chip' cookies, these are made with chilled instead of either room temperature or melted butter. But like other  'chocolate chip' cookies, they benefit from a bit of chilling time in the refrigerator before going into the oven to bake. In the case of these cookies, the chilling time is only 2-3 three hours. Both all-purpose and cake flour as well as both granulated and light brown sugars are used in these cookies. Cake flour contributes to the tenderness of these cookies, while the combination of white/brown sugars gives them just the right amount of sweetness.

The assembly process for these cookies doesn't follow conventional cookie batter methods. The peanut butter chips are added in after the butter/sugar/vanilla mixture comes together. While the lightly beaten eggs are added in two additions after the dry ingredients (added in three additions) have been blended in. Approximately 1/4 cup of the peanut butter chips are reserved as they get pressed into the tops and sides of each ball of cookie dough. Making an already substantially sized cookie (about 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 ounces) a little more substantial. But adding more chips makes for a beautiful finishing touch.

These Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are baked at 375 degrees (F), a slightly higher temperature than most other 'chocolate chip' cookies. Yet, in spite of the density of the dough and size of the dough balls, they bake only for 17-19 minutes. The relatively short baking time results in a slightly crunchy exterior and slightly gooey center. Note: If you don't like a gooey center, increase your baking time from 19-21 minutes. Or wait to eat your cookies after they have cooled for a couple of hours for a more fudgy cookie eating experience.

The recipe yields seven ginormous, irresistible, ethereally textured cookies. Perfectly sized to share with a friend who shares your passion for chocolate and peanut butter. As the cookies cool, their slightly gooey centers will become more fudge like. But if it's gooeyness you crave, reheat room temperature cookies in the microwave for about 10-12 seconds. 

If you are going to be snowbound or housebound for any reason, you might want to have all of the ingredients on hand to make these Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. If traveling to New York to stop in at Levain Bakery is not in your immediate future, you can simply savor these uber delicious, decadent chocolate peanut butter soul satisfying cookies from the safety and comfort of your home. And if you have a hard workout planned or plan to run in the bitter cold, just remember you deserve to give yourself a reward. Might I suggest you put these Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies on your extrinsic reward list? I know what some of you might be thinking. Having a decadent cookie might be a tad counterproductive to working out. So let me remind you, 'life is short'. Indulging yourself once in a while can be a really good thing. 

Recipe

Levain Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes 7 ginormous cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour

2/3 cup (76g) cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

3/4 cup (88g) dark cocoa powder (see notes)

1 cup plus 1 Tablespoon (240g) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into tablespoons

2/3 cup (134g) light brown sugar

2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups (425g) peanut butter chips, divided (see notes)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Directions
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and Kosher salt in a medium sized bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
2. Using a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cold butter on low speed until the butter cubes lose their shape (about 30-45 seconds).
3. Beat in the granulated sugar (about 30 seconds)
4. Beat in the brown sugar and vanilla (about 30 seconds). Mixture will be thick and creamy.
5. Mix in the 2 1/4 cups (382g) of the peanut butter chips to distribute evenly in the batter (about 30 seconds).
6. On low speed mix in the dry ingredients in three additions. Do not over beat, but there should be no streaks of flour showing.
7. Add in the lightly beaten eggs in two additions. Beat until mixture begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl and begins to form a cohesive dough.
8. Divide the dough into 8 balls. Balls of dough will weigh slightly more than 5 1/2 ounces each (or 16-164g). Press in the remaining 1/4 cup (42g) of peanut butter chips into the tops and sides of the each of the cookie dough balls. 
9. Place the balls of dough on a baking sheet, tightly cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
10. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Get out two baking sheet pans Line each baking pan with parchment paper. 
11. Place 4 balls of the cookie on one of the parchment paper lined baking sheets. Place this baking sheet on top of an upside down baking sheet so the bottoms of each baking pan are touching. (Yes, you are using two baking sheets.)
12. Bake cookies for 17-19 minutes or until the edges are set. Do not over bake the cookies. When finished baking they will still be moist in the center.
13. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes. Remove from baking the baking sheet and place on a cooling rack. Let cool slightly or let come to room temperature before serving. 
14. Store any left over cookies in a tightly sealed container or wrap in a cellophane bag. If eating the cookies the day after baking, warm them up in the microwave to resurrect their warm gooey centers.

Notes: (1) For the dark cocoa I used Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder. If you can't find that cocoa powder, a high quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also give you a similar depth of flavor and deep rich color. (2) If you aren't a big fan of a chocolate chip cookies loaded with peanut butter chips, feel free to swap out an equal amount of either white or semi-sweet chocolate chips. (3) The cookie making techniques used are similar to one's Stella Parks recommended in her version of a Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

When we moved into our house almost fourteen years ago, we did a tremendous amount of work to get it aesthetically pleasing. The 1940s built house had great bones but needed a major refresh. Paneling in the family room was removed, all the doors and hardware were replaced, wallpaper removed, carpeting removed, hardwood floors refinished, kitchen counters replaced, appliances replaced, light fixtures replaced, some crown molding added, tile replaced in the foyer and library, and every room repainted. Oh, I forgot mention the scraping off eight layers of paint on both sides of the front door. Believe it or not I lived here, sleeping on an air mattress, during the three plus months it took to get all of this work done. But living in chaos in a house without furniture is very different than living in chaos in a house filled with furniture and filled cupboards. Yes, living in chaos while repainting the entire house again, room by room, after all of these years feels harder than sleeping on an air mattress for three months was. Last week the dining room was repainted. Five rooms down with just six more to go, not including hallways and bathrooms. But I need at least a week of reprieve before the sight of madness and bedlam returns. The rooms waiting much too long to be repainted will just have to wait a little longer. 

Speaking of waiting, why did I wait so long before making this Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry? A healthy dish made with skinless chicken, water chestnuts, tender crisp red bell pepper, green onions, garlic, crunchy carrots, cashews, teriyaki sauce, and sesame seeds is a most craveworthy, delicious, flavorful dish. With all that crunch from the vegetables and cashews, it has the most satisfying texture for a dish that looks like chaos on a dish. Only looking at this kind of beautiful chaos makes me happy!

The Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry can be served on a lettuce lined platter with our without/rice on the side or in individual single serving lettuce cups. It can be served as a main course or as a hearty appetizer. What is not to love about a dish having such versatility?

Prepping all of the ingredients early in the day makes it one of those twenty minute weeknight or weekend wonders! Although the julienning, mincing, cutting, and chopping everything takes a bit of time, consider this one of those dishes giving your knife skills a bit of practice.

I used both skinless boneless chicken breasts and thighs in this stir fry, but you can make it only with white meat for the healthiest version. Although whichever chicken choices you make, I have to tell you this is a really a good for you, high protein, low carbohydrate healthy dish. 

If you serve it with some cooked white rice or Japanese Udon noodles, it will still be healthy-ish but even more hearty. Or serve it with some cauliflower rice to make both healthy and hearty. To add even more fun to the meal, put out a bowl of fortune cookies. And be sure to have a bowl of teriyaki on the side for those who want even more teriyaki flavor in their stir fry.

While teriyaki is considered to be a method of Japanese cooking and chicken teriyaki can be found on the menus in Japanese restaurants, it is more of an American food than a Japanese one. Think of Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry as a kind of Hawaiian-Japanese fusion dish.

Colorful, with complex flavors, crunchy, light but filling, with the right combination of sweet/saltiness, this Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is heaven on a platter or even in a lettuce wrap. This is seriously good.

Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Serves 4-6 as a main course or 6-8 as an appetizer

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds (680g) skinless, boneless chicken breast strips or a combination of skinless chicken breast strips and skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces (See notes)

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

2 Tablespoons sesame oil, divided

1 large carrot (3 1/2 oz/98g), peeled and julienned into 1 inch lengths 

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

5-6 green onions, green and white parts, sliced (yield should be a generous one cup), divided

1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced

8 ounce (226g) can of sliced water chestnuts, drained and cut into matchsticks

2/3 cup (98g) whole salted cashews, plus an additional 1/3 cup (49g) for garnishing

1 cup teriyaki sauce, divided (plus more for serving)

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

Butter lettuce, Boston lettuce, Romaine, Endive and/or Radicchio 

Optional: Cooked white rice and/or Japanese Udon noodles

Directions

1. In a large (12") cast iron skillet, heat one tablespoon of the sesame oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken, season with the one teaspoon of Kosher salt and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove from the pan and transfer the chicken to a plate.

3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add in the garlic and 2/3 of the green onions.. Sauté for 30-45 seconds being careful to not let the garlic burn.

4. Add in the julienned carrots, diced bell pepper, and water chestnuts. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Add in 3/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce. Cook for one minute, stirring occasionally.

6. Return the chicken to the pan and continue cooking until the chicken is heated through to desired level of warmth. Remove from heat.

7. Have a platter lined with butter lettuce, Boston lettuce and/or Radicchio. Pour additional teriyaki sauce into a small bowl and place in the center of the platter. Spoon the chicken teriyaki stir fry on the leaves of lettuce. Alternately place spoonfuls of the chicken teriyaki stir fry in lettuce, radicchio, romaine or endive leaves to create individual serving wraps.

8. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of teriyaki. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup of green onions, sprinkle the additional 1/3 cup of cashews and finish with sprinkling with the sesame seeds.

9. Serve immediately with or without cooked white rice.

Notes: (1) I used a combination of white and dark chicken meat for additional flavor. I used 1 1/4 pounds of white meat and 1/4 pound of dark meat. If you are looking to making this dish the leanest possible, use only white meat. (2) Prepare all of the ingredients (chicken, carrots, green onions, water chestnuts, red bell pepper) in advance (early in the day or several hours ahead of serving). Place each ingredient in individual bowls, wrap with plastic wrap and keep chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the dish, the entire cooking process will take less than 20 minutes.

Baked Cod w/ Herbed Panko/Cracker Crumbs

After a longer than anticipated hiatus from yoga, I returned back to my yoga mat last week. Some say the comeback is always stronger after the setback, however, at the moment I am not convinced. Maybe I just haven't given it long enough. Maybe it will take a few more weeks (or months) before my balance and strength will at least begin to return (if not exceed) my pre-pandemic yoga practice. Sporadically engaging in some online yoga classes over the past few months is definitely not the same as being in a very warm yoga studio. However, the return back to the yoga studio is yet another slightly different experience. As having to wear a face mask for an intense sixty minute yoga class makes it feel as if I am now practicing in one of those hot, high humidity yoga bikram studios. Between my lack luster performance, the heat, and intermittent periods of that hyperventilating feeling, my love of and for yoga is definitely being challenged. Although somehow walking away from something that has pushed me, has made incredible demands on my body as well as made me question my sanity, isn't an option I am willing to put on the table. At least not anytime soon, if ever. No one ever said yoga would be easy, not even before or during a Pandemic. Which means I am just going to have to get comfortable being uncomfortable as I am committed to staying in this for the long haul. 

Less than three miles from my home is a great fish and seafood store. It's one I have gone to mostly at the holidays or when looking to make an impressive shrimp platter for guests. Which means it isn't a place I go to frequently. This is due partly because I can sometimes be a creature of habit and partly because cooking fish/seafood (other than my usual salmon) isn't something I have felt confident about. Which is a bit of a surprise considering how much I actually love fish. Quite possibly my fish cooking reluctance has something to do with the red snapper marinated in a whole bottle of French Dressing recipe we made in college. At the time my sorority sister roommate and I thought it so 'gourmet' we made it our company dinner party signature dish. Yes, this is a true fish story! I can't help but wonder if all these years later any of those dinner guests have an aversion to making or having a home-cooked fish dinner. I even wonder if it's a fish dish they still remember it. Quite honestly it would be hard not to!.

.

 Just recently I decided cooking fish is one of things I need to get better at, maybe even good at. Not just because I live close to store sourcing some really great fresh fish, not just because it's an incredibly heart healthy source of protein rich in the good for you Omega-3 fat, and not to erase a fish dish memory from long ago, but because it's simply delicious.

 

After making this Baked Cod w/ Herbed Panko/Cracker Crumbs I discovered cooking fish wasn't as complicated as I had erroneously convinced myself it was. Isn't it funny how we can so easily convince ourselves something is so much harder that it really is? It only took one bite of this incredibly tender, melt in your mouth, flavorful cod for me to realize I had been depriving myself (as well as family and friends) of enjoying amazing home-cooked fish meals for years. So, for those of who consider cooking fish to be something a little out of your comfort zone, I am here to tell you this Baked Cod will help to change that perception. 

If at all possible when shopping for cod or any fish for that matter, find a fish or grocery store that has sells fresh (not previously frozen) fish as well as has frequent fish deliveries. In other words, for the best fish cooking and eating experience you want really good fish. My seafood store did not sell center cut cod fillets, only larger sized cod fillets. So I asked if I could have the thickest fillets possible as I would be cutting them half for this dish. Fillets with an even thickness will bake up evenly. Meaning you won't end up with some under and overcooked pieces of fish. 

This Baked Cod w/ Herbed Panko/Cracker Crumbs recipe has a two-part cooking/roasting process. For the first ten minutes the cod is roasted in oven only coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper. After the partially baked cod has a wine/lemon mixture poured over it and is then topped with a herbed, garlic panko/Ritz Cracker mixture, it bakes for another twelve minutes. After just twenty-two minutes of total baking/roasting time, you will have made one of the best, most elegant cod dishes to grace your table. 

The contrast in flavors from the tender, luscious cod to the slightly crispy buttery, herby, panko/Ritz cracker topping will have your head spinning. 

The fork-tender, succulent cod is the result of roasting it at a high oven temperature combined with the poaching effects of the wine/lemon juice mixture. In other words, how you cook/bake this fish partly contributes to what makes it so divine.

Pair the Baked Cod w/ Herbed Panko/Cracker Crumbs with some sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus and/or a beautiful salad. Open up a bottle of your favorite wine and sit back while enjoying every single bite. As you savor each morsel ask yourself if you are starting to get comfortable cooking fish at home. I am guessing the answer will be a yes.

Recipe

Baked Cod w/ Herbed Panko/Cracker Crumbs

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

2+ pounds boneless cod fillets cut into six 6-7 ounce pieces or 6 center cut boneless cod fillets 6-8 ounces each

2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

15 Ritz crackers (46g) finely ground

1/3 cup (32g) Japanese style Panko crumbs

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 medium sized cloves (2 teaspoons) minced garlic

1 teaspoon lemon zest

4 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Kosher salt and black pepper

1-2 Tablespoons capers, for serving

1 whole lemon cut into 6 wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). 

2. Pour 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil into a 9" x 12" ceramic baking dish. Tilt the dish to coat the bottom of the dish.

3. Place the cod fillets in the dish, turn to coat both sides of the cod with the olive oil.

4. Mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Evenly sprinkle over the cod fillets.

5. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes.

6. Mix together the ground Ritz crackers, Japanese-style Panko crumbs, minced parsley, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Set aside.

7. Mix together the wine and fresh lemon juice.

8. Remove the cod from the oven and evenly pour the wine/lemon mixture over the fillets.

9. Evenly top each fillet with the crumb mixture. Pat it down lightly. Don't worry if some of it falls into the pan.

10. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue roasting for 12 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through in the center, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Note: My baking time was exactly 12 minutes.

11. Transfer cod fillets onto a large serving platter. Pour the incredibly flavorful pan sauce along the edges (not over) the baked fish.

12. Top the cod with 1-2 Tablespoons of capers. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately. Definitely encourage everyone to spoon some of the sauce on their fish. It's really, really good.

Notes: (1) If buying boneless cod fillets, ask your fish monger for the thickest fillets. If using boneless cod fillets, look for ones about 3/4" thick. If buying center cut cod fillets, ask for ones about 3/4" inch thick. (2) Japanese-style Panko crumbs are slightly larger than regular panko bread crumbs which helps to add some nice crunch to the topping. (3) I used Chardonnay insteadd of Pinot Grigio but either will work. (4) This recipe was inspired by the Baked Cod with Garlic and Herb Ritz Crumbs from Ina Garten in her cookbook "Modern Comfort Food".

Nutty Dried Fruit Granola Bars

After posting the recipe for the Homemade Nutty Granola with Dried Cherries and Cranberries late last summer, I have been craving a granola bar version of oatmeal, dried fruit, nutty deliciousness. In spite of there being so many different granola bar options found on the shelves of the grocery stores, very few of them speak to me. Because while there are always some exceptions, homemade is almost always better than store bought. If I can be so bold, these Nutty Dried Fruit Granola Bars turned out to be so much more delicious and possibly healthier than anything you could buy. Perfect for breakfast, as a post-run/workout refueling snack, as a kinder healthy alternative to a candy bar, to take on a hike, and/or to satisfy a craving for something a little sweet, you really need these bars in your life.

 

Made with almost all natural ingredients and only a small amount of sugar, they are chewy, nutty, the perfect amount of sweet, crunchy, and oh so satisfying. And as a bonus they are seriously delicious.

This could not be an easier to make, baked version granola bar. So easy in fact, you will be making them on a regular basis.

Toasting the oats, almonds, wheat germ, and coconut in the oven for just 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees (F) before mixing them with all of the other ingredients further deepens the flavor of these granola bars. 

The honey, dark brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and Kosher salt brought to a boil on the stove becomes the mixture used to bind the oats, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate together. After adding the honey/sugar/butter mixture to the toasted oats, only the dried fruit is mixed in. Then it needs about 15-20 minutes of cooling down time before you add the miniature chocolate chips. If you add the chocolate if the mixture is too warm, your chocolate will melt. Note: I personally love dried cherries and dried cranberries. But feel free to substitute equal amounts of your favorite dried fruits.

After the chocolate chips are mixed in, the mixture is transferred to a parchment paper lined 9"x9" baking pan. If you lightly butter your fingers, it will be easier to press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Baking time ranges from 25-30 minutes or until the granola bars are lightly golden. Once baked the bars need to rest for about two hours before you cut them into bars. Using a 9" x 9" pan creates ten perfectly sized granola bars. Enough for you and enough to share! To keep them as fresh as possible, completely wrap them in parchment paper (not plastic wrap) and store them in a sealed container.

As hard as this may be to believe, I would absolutely choose one of these Nutty Dried Fruit Granola Bars over a candy bar to satisfy my insatiable sweet tooth! And, if by chance, you decided to be a healthier you this year, these granola bars might help you keep that promise to yourself! 

Recipe

Nutty Dried Fruit Granola Bars

Makes 10 bars

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups (203g) old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup (41g) wheat germ

1 cup (130g) whole almonds, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup (50g) flaky sweetened coconut

4 Tablespoons (56) unsalted butter

1/3 cup (113g) honey

1/4 cup (50g) dark brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup (74g) dried cherries

1/4 cup (37g) dried cranberries

1 cup + 1 Tablespoon (92g) mini chocolate chips, divided

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 9"x 9" pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. On a large baking sheet, mix together the oatmeal, wheat germ, almonds, and coconut. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just lightly browned. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.

3. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees (F).

4. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, Kosher salt and vanilla to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.

5. Stir in the dried cherries and dried cranberries. Let mixture rest for 15-20 minutes.

6. Add in one cup of the miniature chocolate chips. Stir to blend.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Lightly butter your fingers and press the mixture down evenly in the pan. Sprinkle with the remaining one tablespoon of miniature chocolate chips.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven. Let the granola bars rest for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

9. Store bars in a tightly covered container. 

Note: (1) If you want to make these granola bars gluten free eliminate the wheat germ and increase the amount of old-fashioned oats to 2 1/2 cups and dried cranberries to 1/2 cup. (2) To keep them fresh, wrap them in parchment paper and store in a tightly sealed container.