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PISTACHIO BERRY GOAT CHEESE SALAD

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
  • 6 ounces Goat cheese
  • ½ cup Sliced strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons Honey
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 8 ounces Prewashed baby lettuce salad greens or spring mix
  • 1 pint Raspberries
  • 1 cup Blueberries

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped pistachios on a plate. Divide the goat cheese into 16 equal pieces (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll into balls. Roll the cheese balls in the pistachios. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  2. Put the strawberries in a blender with the vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, olive oil and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more honey, salt and/or pepper if desired. Can be made a day ahead. Store in a small jar or covered container and give a good shake before using.
  3. Put the salad greens in a large mixing bowl and toss with the dressing. Add the raspberries and blueberries and gently toss. Divide the salad among 6 salad plates and top each with 4 pistachio goat cheese balls.

Café Latte Brownies with Hazelnuts

Description

These brownies are made rich and decadent with the addition of milk chocolate and finely ground coffee beans. Hazelnuts add a pleasant roasted, nutty flavor with a crunchy bite. The simple frosting adds a creamy note to bring the dessert together for an unforgettable treat!

Ingredients

Brownies

  • ¾ cup raw hazelnuts
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons Stumptown Coffee Roasters House Blend coffee beans, ground to a fine powder
  • 1 ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons milk (any variety)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut a piece of parchment paper so that it lines the bottom and two sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. The paper should extend beyond the two sides to allow for lifting the brownies out of the pan once cooled. Spray the paper and the inside of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Halve some of the raw hazelnuts with a knife so that have you a mix of whole and halved nuts. Set aside.
  3. Add the butter and baking chocolate to a small saucepan. Turn the burner to medium heat and warm, stirring often, until the butter and chocolate are melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the finely ground coffee beans.
  4. Place the sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the melted coffee-infused chocolate and butter from the saucepan until smooth. Add the vanilla and then stir in the eggs. Mix in the salt and then fold in the flour until all ingredients are combined into a thick brownie batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Top the batter with chocolate chips and then with the hazelnuts. Gently press them into the batter.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes.
  7. While the brownies cool, make the frosting. Add the butter and powdered sugar to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment. Turn to low and then increase to medium high to blend the ingredients into a crumbly powder. Add the milk and vanilla, mix on high for about 1 minute, until the frosting is light and creamy. Mix in the salt.
  8. Use the parchment to lift the brownies out of the pan. Remove the parchment and place them on a serving plate. Frost the brownies and then sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts. Slice into 9 or 16 squares for serving.

Cider Poached Salmon with Hazelnuts and Cider Mustard Sauce

Description

In this recipe, an intensely flavored dry hard cider is used to cook tender salmon fillets. The fish is complemented with a sprinkle of buttery hazelnuts and a drizzle of tangy mustard sauce that has hints of sweet cider flavor.

Ingredients

  • One 22-ounce bottle Portland Cider Company Kinda Dry
  • ¼ cup prepared Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 5-inch sprig fresh rosemary
  • Four 4-ounce fillets of salmon with skin
  • ½ cup finely chopped roasted hazelnuts
  • Fine sea salt
  • Ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pour 3 ounces of the cider into a small saucepan. Heat over medium and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, until the cider is reduced by half to 1.5 ounces.
  2. Stir together the mustard and honey in a small dish. Add the warm reduced cider and stir well until smooth. Stir in a pinch of black pepper and set aside.
  3. Pour the remaining cider into a shallow 5-quart pot or pan. Add the garlic cloves and rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low to medium heat.
  4. Sprinkle the tops of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Slide the salmon pieces into the cider and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, just until cooked through and no longer raw in the center. They will be pale pink in color and flake easily with a fork. Use a slotted spoon or large spatula to carefully transfer the salmon to serving plates.
  5. Sprinkle with hazelnuts. Drizzle with cider mustard sauce or serve the sauce on the side.

California Walnut Larb Lettuce Wraps

Description

This vegetarian version of the traditional Lao salad is made with walnut meat. Served in lettuce with vegetables and a dipping sauce, it makes a light and fresh dish. Recipe by Chef Ann Kim.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced

Larb:

  • 2 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed or canola oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
  • 4 teaspoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 Thai chilis, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 16 iceberg lettuce leaves or other leafy lettuce
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Mint and cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 8 lime wedges

Instructions

  1. To prepare dipping sauce, stir together all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. To prepare larb, place walnuts and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped
  3. Add shallots, 2 tablespoons oil, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, lime leaves, and chilis. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped and resembles ground pork, stirring and moving the mixture around the food processor to ensure an even mix.
  4. Heat remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add “larb” mixture and saute for 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture is nicely browned. Remove from heat and stir in scallions.
  5. Place lettuce leaves, radishes, cucumbers, herbs, and dipping sauce on a large platter and spoon “larb” into a serving bowl. Spoon “larb” into lettuce leaves and top with desired vegetables. Serve with lime wedges.

Superfood Pecan Energy Bars

Description

The whole family will love these superfood pecan energy bars. They’re simple and nutritious, making them a perfect on-the-go snack! Recipe submitted by Sonja and Alex Overhiser, A Couple Cooks.

Ingredients

  • 15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)*
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup gluten free oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  2. Place the dates in the food processor and process or pulse until they are chopped and a rough texture forms. Then, add the remaining ingredients and process for a minute or so until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Dump the dough into the center of the parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle that is 6” x 10.5”. Cut the dough into 14 bars that are 1.5” x 3” or into a desired shape.
  4. Bake the bars for 30 minutes (this step helps to make the texture more dry and less sticky). Cool the bars to room temperature, then store refrigerated in a sealed container between sheets of wax paper.
  5. To package them for on-the-go snacking: cut out 4” x 6” rectangles of wax paper, wrap them around the bars, and secure them with tape.

Toasted Oat and Pecan Smoothie

Description

Pecans take center stage in this smoothie recipe along with oats, hints of banana, cinnamon, maple and vanilla for a nutritious breakfast that will start your morning with plant protein. Recipe submitted by Brandon Matzek, Kitchen Konfidence.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup whole Greek yogurt
  • 2 bananas, cut into slices and frozen
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Grated nutmeg, for topping (optional)
  • Pecan pieces or pecan halves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Place oats and pecan halves on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake in the oven, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant (12 to 15 minutes).  Let cool completely.
  2. Add toasted oats and pecans to a blender, and blend until finely ground. Add milk, yogurt, frozen bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth. Divide between 2 glasses and top with grated nutmeg and pecan pieces or pecan halves, chopped if using. Enjoy immediately.

Cottage Cheese-Walnut Caprese Toast

Description

The classic Caprese salad was the inspiration for this perfect mid-day snack or go-to weekday meal when you’re short on time. Crunchy, toasted bread is topped with cottage cheese, tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil and finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup. Recipe by Beth Stark, RDN, LDN.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 4 slices whole-grain bread, toasted
  • 1 1/3 cups low fat 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 cup multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange walnuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted.
  2. Spread cottage cheese evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Layer with tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic syrup.

PISTACHIO TART WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

  • 6 ounces (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Salt, pinch
  • 1¾ cups plus 1 tablespoons flour

FOR THE FILLING:

  • 1⅓ cups unsalted pistachio kernels
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 6 ounces (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

FOR THE CRUST

  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine all ingredients and mix with paddle attachment until fully incorporated. Remove from bowl and press evenly into a fluted 9-inch tart pan that has been sprayed with pan spray. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator, line bottom of tart pan with a circle of parchment paper, cut to size. Fill with dry beans, enough to cover the parchment paper. Par-bake the shell until light golden brown, about 10 minutes, remove from oven and cool completely. Once cool, discard the beans (or store for later use).

FOR THE FILLING

  1. Pulse the pistachios in a food processor until very coarsely chopped (some of the pistachio will be mealy and the remainder will be coarse). Turn pistachios into a mixing bowl, add all other ingredients and combine with a spatula until fully incorporated.
  2. Fill the par-baked tart shell with the pistachio filling, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 30-40 minutes, until filling is golden brown and set. Test for doneness by inserting a clean knife or toothpick in the center—it should come out clean and the tart should not jiggle. If the crust begins to brown before the pie filling is set, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake until done.
  3. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Note: Baking time may vary depending on oven and altitude.

Warm Cauliflower Tuna and Walnut Pasta

Description

This fresh, lemony whole grain pasta dish is loaded with protein and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound bite-size cauliflower (1/2 medium head)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup julienne slices red onion
  • 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
  • 3/4 cup California walnuts, coarsely broken
  • 4 oz. whole grain pasta
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons drained capers
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups lightly packed baby arugula
  • 2 (4.5-oz.) cans StarKist Selects Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss cauliflower with olive oil and place on a foil- lined baking sheet; roast for 10 minutes. Stir in onion and tarragon and roast for 5 minutes more. Stir in walnuts and roast for 5 minutes more or until cauliflower is lightly browned and walnuts are toasted.
  2. While vegetables are roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well, then place back in pan. Stir in lemon juice, capers, garlic salt and pepper. Add arugula and tuna and toss lightly to mix.
  3. Transfer to 6 bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Almond, Farro And Black Bean Salad With Cilantro

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces slivered almonds
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup farro
  • 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen, thawed shelled edamame or frozen green peas, thawed
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Grated rind and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon coarse-grain mustard
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add almonds and cook two minutes or until beginning to lightly brown, stirring frequently.
  3. Remove from saucepan and set aside on separate plate.
  4. Add water to saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat, stir in farro, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until just tender.
  5. Drain in a fine mesh sieve and run under cold water to cool quickly. Shake off excess liquid.
  6. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients, except cilantro, in a medium bowl.
  7. Stir in drained farro and cilantro and mix until blended.
  8. Note: For an even fresher flavor, add one cup diced cucumber.