Spanakopita - Enjoy a Greek Spinach Pie

Many years ago, my good friend Maria Savvenas was a guest chef at Harter House World Flavors Sampling Station she demonstrated how to make Spanakopita, a Greek Spinach Pie.

At that time, I had eaten it before but had never made it myself. So I watched her put them together into small triangles and of course, she made it look SO easy. So I purchased all the ingredients and decided I would attempt to make them at home. Which I did do.  It was time consuming, it took me at least 3 hours, but OMG, it was so worth it. I did get faster the next time because I then had a better understanding of the process. The time consuming part is taking the Fillo Dough, one sheet at a time, and basting each sheet with butter, using 4 sheets for each triangle, and trying to get them right on top of the 1st sheet.  Today I feel like a pro.  I make it often, my family loves it, and I love to take it when I need to "bring a dish" to my holiday parties.

Working with Phyllo Dough

I put wax paper on the counter, unroll the Fillo dough on the wax paper, and put another piece of wax paper on top of the phyllo dough, then put a damp towel on top to keep the phyllo dough from drying out. It's nearly impossible to work with the Fillo dough after it starts to dry out.

I was able to get 16 Spanakopita triangles from this recipe and 1 box of Athen's Fillo Dough.

 

Maria also told me that if I want to make a lot for a large group that I can use a 9x13 pan, putting phyllo dough on the bottom of the pan, then the mixture, another layer of Fillo Dough and mixture, and top with more phyllo dough sheets. Same process of buttering each layer.

Spanakopita

1 lb. Spinach (baby – Large Container)

2 Leeks – chopped

Large Onion – chopped

1 bunch Green onion – Chopped

2-3 cloves of Garlic – Chopped or minced

Dill

2 Eggs

2 Cups Crumbled Feta

1 tsp. Salt

½ tsp. black pepper

1 lb. Fillo Dough

1 cup salted butter, melted

1) Remove fillo from Freezer and put it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. As you prepare the filling, remove fillo from the fridge and leave on the counter

2) Sauté onion, leeks, green onion and garlic over medium high heat until softened. Add Spinach, wilting the leaves. Remove pan from heat. Add Salt, pepper, dill, and feta mixing well. Then add slightly beaten eggs, stirring well – to blend the ingredients. Set mixture aside.

3) Unroll fillo dough from package. Lay it out flat on the countertop. Wet a dishtowel to cover the fillo you are not using to keep it from drying out. Use a sharp knife to cut fillo in half lengthwise to create two columns of equal size. Cover one column with a damp towel. Use other column to begin assembling.

4) Take one sheet and brush with melted butter, and then place another sheet on top of the buttered side and brush with butter again. Repeat until you have four layers of fillo.

5) Place butter fillo in front of you lengthwise. (The wider side toward you)

  Drain spinach mixture in a colander. Press mixture with the back of a spoon to remove excess moisture. Take a Tbl. of spinach mixture and place it on the bottom inside corner of the fillo. Take the corner of the dough, underneath the spinach mixture so that the corner meets flush with the other side. Continue folding until there is no more fillo and you have a triangle.

6) Repeat until fillo or mixture is gone. Place on a baking sheet and brush each triangle with more butter

7) Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the fillo dough is golden.  

Tips

I like to use Plugra European Butter.

        

I also like Athenos Feta Cheese. 
Plain or mix it up with flavored varieties.

I like to chop all my vegetables before I start.  They tend to cook faster than I can cut. 

           

Open a bottle of your favorite wine and consume while cooking.

    

Find everything you need at Harter House

and Harter House World Flavors.

Pepperoni and Cheese Crescents

 

1 (8oz) can Pillsbury refrigerated Crescent Rolls
24 slices (about 5 oz.) Pepperomi
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pasta or pizza sauce, heated

Heat oven to 375 Degrees
Separate dough into eight triangles, and pat out each triangle slightly.

Place 3 slices of pepperoni, slightly overlapping. on center of each triangle. 
Top each with about 1 tablespoon cheese.

Roll up, starting at shortest side of triangle, and rolling to opposite point.
Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased  cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.  
Remove from cookie sheet.
Serve warm crescents with warm pasta sauce for dipping.

Enjoy

Texas Caviar

This healthy dish is an absolute favorite of mine.  It is great as a salad, side dish, or appetizer.  Also delicious on tortilla chips.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 white onion, finely chopped
1/4 red bell pepper
1/4 yellow bell pepper
1/4 green bell pepper
1/4 orange bell pepper
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
2 jalapenos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained
1 can black-eyed peas, drained
1 can white corn, drained
1 cup first cold pressed olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

STEPS

In a mixing bowl, combine first 14 ingredients, and mix completely.

Make dressing in a separate small mixing bowl.  Pour olive oil slowly into the bowl, then add red wine vinegar,  Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar briskly for bout 2 minutes., then add lemon juice and Italian seasoning.  Whisk again until all is incorporated.  Pour liberally over the mixed vegetables and stir to incorporate.is an absolute favorite of mine,  It 

Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese MInced Black Olives on a Crusty Baguette

 One of my favorite appetizers to serve.  I first had this at Bijan's Restaurant downtown. ~Shelly

Roasted Garlic

Goat Cheese

MInced Black Olives

on a Crusty Baguette

Ingredients

Garlic Bulbs

olive oil

aluminum foil

goat cheese

minced black olives

Italian bread or sliced baguette

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

 

Cut 1/4 inch from the top of the bulb.

Separate each clove slightly.

Add about a tablespoon of olive oil inside each bulb.

Wrap together in aluminum foil.

Bake about 40 minutes.

I like to toast the bread slightly with olive oil, in a skillet.

I will arrange on a plate so my guests can assemble their own;

Bread topped with goat cheese, and olives, with a garlic clove on top.

 

Easy Hummus

I love hummus and recently made this version.  It turned out great. 
I found it on Inspiredtaste.net website.
Check out the website for other hummus ideas  ~Shelly

Makes 6 servings or about 1 1/2 cups

You Will Need

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)

1/4 cup well-stirred tahini, 

1 small garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt to taste

2 to 3 tablespoons water

Dash ground paprika or sumac, for serving

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process for 30 seconds more. This extra time helps “whip” or “cream” the tahini, making the hummus smooth and creamy.
Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process another 30 seconds or until well blended. Open, drain, and rinse the chickpeas. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl, then add remaining chickpeas and process until thick and quite smooth; 1 to 2 minutes.
Most likely the hummus will be too thick or still have tiny bits of chickpea. To fix this, with the food processor turned on, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until you reach the perfect consistency.
Taste for salt and adjust as needed. Serve hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and dash of paprika. Store homemade hummus in an airtight container and refrigerate up to one week.      


Enjoy!

Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

This is one of my favorite appetizers to serve my guests.

Ingredients

½ baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices (you should have about 25 slices)

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

5 cloves garlic, divided

2 8-ounce pieces beef tenderloin

Salt

Fresh ground pepper

1/3 cup pesto of your choice

For the Whipped Goat Cheese:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 ounces goat cheese, softened

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Start with the crostini. Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil (you’ll need about 2 tablespoons of oil for this) and sprinkle with a little salt. Place bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly brown.
2. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and fresh ground pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. When you turn the steaks (after the first 4 minutes), smash 4 garlic cloves in their skins and add them to the skillet. Periodically use a spoon to baste the steaks with the oil/juices in the pan. Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing them against the grain.
4. While the steaks are resting, make the whipped goat cheese.  Place all the ingredients in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy and smooth.
5. Assemble the crostini! Spread each toasted baguette slice with whipped goat cheese. Top with a slice of steak and a small dollop of pesto. Serve immediately.

Preparing your Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto:

Start with the crostini. Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil (you’ll need about 2 tablespoons of oil for this) and sprinkle with a little salt.

Place bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly brown. Please pay attention while you do this, peeps, it is scarily easy to burn crostini.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. When you turn the steaks (after the first 4 minutes), smash 4 garlic cloves in their skins and add them to the skillet. Periodically use a spoon to baste the steaks with the oil/juices in the pan.

Remove the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing them against the grain. (Please don’t skip the resting step!!! You need to let all the beef’s glorious juices redistribute.)

While the steaks are resting, get going on the whipped goat cheese.  Place all the ingredients in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy and smooth.

To assemble your crostini: Spread each toasted baguette slice with whipped goat cheese. Top with a slice of steak and a small dollop of pesto. 

My guests are going to enjoy this appetizer.

This recipe was revised just a bit from this website.

http://domesticate-me.com/beef-tenderloin-crostini-whipped-goat-cheese-pesto/#/

Homemade Stromboli

 I absolutely love Stromboli.

Stromboli makes a wonderful meal, but also works as an appetizer or game day snack.

I found this recipe at Sallysbakingaddiction.com
This link has step by step directions with photos.

Also, you can use store bought pizza dough or make a homemade pizza dough.

You can customize your Stromboli with your favorite various fillings. 

Ingredients

Homemade Dough for 2

• 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active-dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface

Fillings for 2

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 pound thinly sliced meats such as Italian cold cuts, deli ham, or large pepperoni slices*
• 3/4 – 1 pound cheese (about 3 cups shredded or about 16-20 slices deli cheese)*

Egg Wash & Topping for 2

• egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
• optional: a light sprinkle of chopped fresh or dried parsley, flaky/coarse sea salt, ground pepper, Italian seasoning, and/or grated or shredded Parmesan cheese.
  
  

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Instructions

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or paddle attachment. Cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes. *If you don’t have a stand mixer, simply use a large mixing bowl and mix the dough with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula in the next step.
   
   
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes (for a visual, watch me do it in the video above!). The dough can be a little too heavy for a mixer to knead it, but you can certainly use the mixer on low speed instead. After kneading, the dough should still feel a little soft. Poke it with your finger – if it slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading.
   
   
3. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray– just use the same bowl you used for the dough. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until double in size. If using instant yeast, this takes about 1 hour. (Tip: For the warm environment on a particularly cold day, heat your oven to 150°F (66°C). Turn the oven off, place the dough inside, and keep the door slightly ajar. This will be a warm environment for your dough to rise. After about 30 minutes, close the oven door to trap the air inside with the rising dough. When it’s doubled in size, remove from the oven.)
   
   
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
   
   
5. Shape the dough: When the dough is ready, punch it down to release the air. Divide in half. (If you aren’t making 2 Strombolis, freeze the other half of dough. See freezing instructions below.) On a lightly floured work surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll each half of dough into a 10×16 inch rectangle. I like to use my hands to square off the edges, as shown in the video above. If the dough keeps shrinking as you try to shape it, cover it lightly and let the dough rest for 10 minutes before trying again. (The gluten just needs to settle.)
   
   
6. Add fillings: Mix melted butter and garlic together. Spread all over each rectangle. Sprinkle each with parsley. When you start layering on meats and cheeses, leave a 1 inch border on the bottom and sides and a 3 inch border on top. (Basically you’ll have an empty 3×16 inch gap on top that only has butter/garlic on it. This is because when rolling, the fillings will be pushed forward. See photos and video above if you need a visual.) Arrange a layer sliced meats onto each dough, usually about 8-10 slices on each depending on size and thickness of slices. Add a layer of cheese. Repeat with more meat and cheese until all is used– about 1/2 pound meat and 1/2 pound cheese per Stromboli. Brush all edges with egg wash, including 3 inch gap at the top. This helps the Stromboli hold its rolled shape. Slowly roll each into a tight 16 inch log, folding in the two ends as you roll. See me do this in the video above. Dust your hands or the dough with flour if things become too sticky. Carefully transfer each to lined baking sheets. Pinch or tuck in ends to seal if they became unfolded.
   
   
7. Brush each Stromboli with egg wash and, if desired, optional toppings. Using a very sharp knife, cut 3-4 slits into the tops of each, which helps steam escape. At this point, you can cover shaped Stromboli tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
   
   
8. Bake for about 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown– if you have an instant read thermometer, the center of the Stromboli should be at least 200ºF (93ºC). If meats are particularly greasy (like pepperoni), some grease will spill out the sides. Cheese may bubble out the sides or top slits, too. If baking both at the same time, rotate pans halfway through baking and extend bake time (if needed) by 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cutting board and slicing.
   
   
9. Serve plain or with pizza/marinara sauce for dipping.
   
   
10. Cover and store leftover Stromboli (slices or whole) in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Chili's Chicken Crispers (Copycat Recipe)

These are a cross between a tempura texture and a fish and chips texture.  

A smoother, lighter batter.

This is so easy to make and also a great batter for fish too

Chili's recipe does call for MSG, but the copycat recipe swaps out the Accent Seasoning for chicken broth. 
In this recipe it works well to emulate the same flavors.!

Ingredients

• 1 egg beaten
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup self rising flour
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the egg, milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Add in the self rising flour.
4. In a second bowl add 1 cup of flour.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then into the flour.
6. Add the chicken to the oil in small batches and fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Traditionally served with potato wedges or fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Chili’s Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe

• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons ground chipotle powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Add the ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Cook, whisking, for two minutes before turning off the heat.
3. Cool the sauce before serving as a dip or toss the chicken crisper in the warm sauce if serving fully dipped.

Chili’s Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup honey

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before serving.

FROM: Dinner then Dessert

WICKED GOOD, NO-FRY WINGS

Wings go great with friends, football and ice cold beer. You can't go wrong with any of these recipes.  ~~Shelly

UNCLE DOUGIE’S, WICKED GOOD, NO-FRY WINGS  

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 Bottle Wicked Good Wing Marinade
4 lbs Fresh Chicken wing drumettes
1 large baking dish*

Uncle Dougies Wicked Good Wing Sauce
Available at both Springfield
Harter House locations.

OPTIONAL:
Large kitchen storage bags
Disposable aluminum oven roasting pan

PREPARATION:

1. Wash and dry wings
2. Place wings in marinade so they are smothered ( Plastic Kitchen Bags work great!)
3. Place in Fridge for a half hour
4. Go to the oven or grill with these babies!

CONVENTIONAL OVEN:

Preheat: 

Conventional oven to 400˚ | Convection to 375˚

Pour wings and marinade into a lasagna-style baking dish(es).
* You can use a disposable aluminum foil, oven roasting pan 

and cut your clean-up time and trouble completely out of the equation!

Bake: 

1 hour, rolling the wings at least twice during the cooking cycle.
After all the marinade has baked into the wings and there is no moisture left in the pan, cook to desired crispness.
* but anytime after 60 minutes will be delicious

GRILL:

Just cook it like chicken! For extra heat, Brush with marinade often during cooking.
* For an extra-tasty touch, glaze with Sweet N Snappy BBQ sauce during the last couple of minutes of grilling.

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Frank's RedHot Original Buffalo Chicken Wings

Discover just how simple it is to make this Buffalo wings recipe right at home.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup FRANK'S RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix butter and RedHot Sauce in medium bowl; set aside.

Arrange wings on large foil-lined pan. Bake on lowest oven rack for 30 minutes or until crispy, turning once.

Toss wings in sauce mixture until well coated. Serve with blue cheese and celery, if desired. 

OR

Substitute 3/4 cup FRANK'S® RedHot® Buffalo Wings Sauce for the RedHot Original Sauce and butter.

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Moore's Classic Buffalo Wings

Ingredients

1 cup Moore’s Original Marinade

1 cup Moore’s Original Buffalo Wing Sauce

1 pound fresh or frozen chicken wings; if frozen, thaw

 

Instructions

1. Pour Moore’s Original Marinade over meat.
    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Grill or bake wings until cooked throughout.
     Internal temperature should be 165 degrees.

3. In a large bowl, pour Moore’s Original Buffalo Wing sauce over       wings and toss until thoroughly mixed.

  

Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Do you love a peanut sauce? 

This recipe called out to me and I want to give it a try.  ~Shelly

Ingredients

½ cup smooth peanut butter, preferably natural

3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk

1 ½ tablespoons lime juice, more as needed

2 teaspoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons grated ginger root

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce

¼ teaspoon plus a pinch kosher salt, more as needed

1 ½ tablespoons peanut oil

⅛ teaspoon crushed red chile flakes

1 pound cleaned large shrimp

2 cups pineapple chunks

Whole cilantro leaves and torn basil leaves, for garnish

 

Preparation

1.            In a food processor or blender, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, 3 tablespoons hot water, lime juice, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sriracha and a pinch of salt. Purée until smooth. Add more lime juice and or salt to taste. Scrape into a bowl.

2.            Heat oven to 500 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and chile flakes. Thread shrimp on skewers; brush all over with half the peanut oil mixture. Thread pineapple on separate skewers; brush with remaining oil mixture. Arrange shrimp and pineapple skewers on a large rimmed baking sheet.

3.            Roast skewers, turning them halfway through, until shrimp is opaque, about 5 minutes, and pineapple is lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes (use an oven mitt to remove shrimp skewers as they finish cooking but leave the pineapple in for longer). Sprinkle skewers with herbs and serve hot, with peanut sauce for dipping.

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016117-shrimp-and-pineapple-skewers-with-peanut-sauce

Crab-Filled Crescent Wontons

I've been looking for new appetizer recipes and this one is amazing.

Just mix together some chopped crab meat (I used the imitation stuff), cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

1-8 oz. tube crescent roll dough

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup cooked crabmeat, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

1/8- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt and pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 375°F.

Unroll a refrigerated tube of crescent roll dough on your work surface. Pinch the seams and roll it out a bit to make an even rectangle.  Cut the dough into 24 squares (6 rows by 4 rows).

In small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, crabmeat, onion, and red pepper. Salt and pepper to taste. Divide crab mixture evenly among the squares, dropping it by spoonfulls that are 1/2 inch from 1 corner of each square.

Starting with same corner, fold dough over filling, and tuck end tightly underneath filling; continue rolling to within 1/2 inch of opposite corner.

Roll opposite corner of dough over roll; press to seal. Place on cookie sheet. Brush with egg white, if desired.  Then, bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

adapted from Pillsbury.com found on Krist'a Kitchen Blog.