Summer Vegetable Cavatelli with Fresh Corn “Cream” – Corn Not Cows!

There’s a restaurant near us that features a burrata-filled tortellini, served in a cream sauce fortified with fresh, sweet corn. It’s a wonderful dish, and was the inspiration for this simple, summer vegetable cavatelli.

I was going to use reduced cream, with fresh, pureed corn stirred in at the end, but then I had a thought. What if skipped the dairy altogether, and made the sauce 100% cob-based? I was also out of cream.

So, I blended the fresh corn with some chicken broth, and ended up with what looked like corn milk. At first, I thought I’d made it too thin, but after a few tests reducing some in a pan, I realized it was thickening up beautifully.

While I was very happy with this, in hindsight, I’d do a few things differently next time. I went with pancetta, but I think the smokiness of bacon would have made this even more delicious. I also think you should probably add the corn cream to the vegetables, and bring it to a simmer before the pasta is added.

Of course, this recipe will work with whatever fresh seasonal vegetables you happen to find at the market, as long as its something that tastes good with sweet corn. In related news, everything tastes good with sweet corn. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 portions:

For the corn “cream” (will make more than needed for the recipe)

2 ears fresh white corn, or other sweet corn

2 cups chicken broth or water

For the pasta:

2 cups cavatelli

1 tbsp olive oil

4 ounces diced bacon or pancetta (sausage would also work nicely)

1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper

1 1/2 cup diced zucchini

pinch of cayenne

salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 to 2 cups corn “cream,” or as needed

1 cup halved sweet cheery tomatoes

1 tbsp chopped Italian parsley

1 tbsp finely sliced basil leaves

grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Turkish Chicken Kebabs – Expect More

I’d like to think that all the chicken coming off American grills this summer will be as tasty, juicy, and tender, as these Turkish chicken kebabs, but I know better. This has nothing to do with cooking skills, or quality of grills, but rather the unremarkable residue of low expectations.

People simply don’t expect much from their grilled chicken, and that’s exactly what they get. They use too little seasoning, and way too much time on the grill, followed by the inevitable barbecue sauce cover-up. Sure, the chicken was dry, but at least we couldn’t taste it.

It doesn’t have to be this way. By using a flavorful, yogurt-based marinade, like the one seen herein, even inexperienced grillers can produce impressive results. The acid and calcium in the yogurt tenderizes the meat, and unless it’s horribly over-cooked, you’ll be enjoying the kind of succulent chicken you didn’t even realize was possible.

Like I mentioned in the video, I’m not sure how "Turkish" this is. It’s loosely based on a lamb marinade I’ve used for a long time, but it really worked beautifully on these thighs. I really hope you give this easy, and very adaptable recipe a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 large portions:

1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 or 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tbsp ketchup

6 finely minced garlic cloves

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp Aleppo red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

4 long metal skewers

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Ever.

I know, everybody says that, but I really mean it. These are, these have to be, the best chocolate chip cookies, ever. Crispy around the edges, chewy and chocolaty in the middle, and thin, oh so thin.

The only way someone doesn’t love these, is if they prefer thick cookies instead, which, in that case, makes their opinion invalid, since they’re obviously crazy. Besides, you know you can just press two thin cookies together to get a thick one. Right?

My “secret” formula has been adapted from Alton Brown’s famous, “The Thin” recipe, and is fairly foolproof. The only real variable is the baking time, since we all scoop slightly different amounts. Mine took about 12 minutes, but if you make yours a little bigger, or smaller, that time will change.

And yes, of course you can add nuts to yours! I’m a walnut guy from way back, but decided to go sans nuts for this video. Speaking of nuts, you’re nuts if you don’t try this very simple, and amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for about 32 Chocolate Chip Cookies (depending on size):

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon of fine table salt)

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 sticks (1 cup) very soft unsalted *butter (be sure the butter is room temp, and very, very soft!)
*I used a high-quality European-style butter, and recommend you do the same. Cheaper butters will have more water content, which can affect the fat ratio, and thickness of your cookie.

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

1 large egg

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

- Bake at 375 F. for about 12 minutes

Next Up: Chocolate Chips Cookies

Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Peaches with Burrata and Basil – An Exceptional Summer Exception

There are many people, myself included, that think cooking prosciutto is basically a crime against nature; but there are exceptions, and this plate of grilled peaches with burrata is one incredibly delicious example. 

Having said that, I used a domestic version, which works beautifully here, so we’re not expecting you to use up your precious prosciutto di Parma.

As far as the peaches go, you want something ripe, and sweet, but still somewhat firm. Above and beyond not being too soft, you must also make sure you’re buying “freestone” peaches. Non-freestone varieties will not separate as seen in the video. Ask the produce person at the market, and if they’re not sure, have them cut one open. They’re usually happy to do so!

After you talk to them, head over to the cheese department, and pick up some burrata. This extra rich and creamy cousin of mozzarella is not that hard to find, and really puts this over the top. You could use a nice, fresh mozzarella, or even a full-fat ricotta instead, but, if at all possible, find some burrata, and treat yourself to one of the world’s great cheese experiences. I hope you give this great summer recipe a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 2 large or 4 small portions:

2 ripe, sweet, but not soft peaches (must be “freestone”)

3 or 4 thin slices prosciutto, torn in ribbons

6 ounces (about 3/4 cup) burrata cheese

salt and pepper to taste

extra virgin olive oil as needed

1 tbsp finely sliced fresh basil leaves

Cheese Rice Balls

INGREDIENTS

-Boiled Rice - 1 Cup

- Paneer - 1 Cup ( Grated )

- Carrot - 2 Spoon ( Grated )
- Sweet Corn - 2 Spoon
- Mozzarella Cheese Cubes ( Small )
- Green Chilly - 1 ( Finely Chopped )
- Corn Flour - 1 Spoon
- Corn Flour Slurry ( 1 Spoon Corn Flour in 4 Spoon Water )
- Bread Crumbs
- Garlic Powder ( Optional )
- Oregano or Italian Seasoning
- Salt To Taste

PROCEDURE

For Outer Layer:In A Bowl , Take Rice add Paneer , Seasoning , Salt and Corn Flour and Mash It and Prepare a Dough

For Stuffing : Take Carrot , add Cheese Cubes , Sweet Corn and Chilly and Mix It

For Preparing Balls : Stuff the Stuffing in the Dough and Make Balls of it, Dip the balls in the Corn Slurry,Then Roll the Balls over Bread Crumbs and airfry for 10-15 minutes at 200 degree. Server Hot with  Chutney and Tomato Sauce!!

Cheese Paneer Balls

Ingredients:

Paneer/Indian cottage cheese (grated)-200 gm
Cheese (cut into small cubes)-50 gm
Gram flour-2 tbsp
Corn flour-1 tbsp
Finely chopped onion-2
Finely chopped green chilli-1
Finely chopped ginger-1 inch
Red chilli powder-1/3 tsp
Chopped coriander leaves
Cooking oil for fry
Salt to taste
Method:
Mix all the ingredients into the paneer except cheese and oil, mix it properly.Take a small portion of mixture, roll it and press it on your palm like tikki(make it flat). Stuff one cheese cube inside, seal the edges and make a ball by rolling it on your palm. Repeat the same process to make balls from remaining mixture.
Airfry the balls for 10-15 minutes at 200 degrees. Serve hot with tomato ketchup and green chutney.

Matar Kachori Made in Airfryer

Take maida add oil and salt knead it with water and make it a dough, keep it aside for 15-20 minutes

Filling : boil matar till it get soft, strain it and cool it down, make sure water should not be there in matar. Cut green coriander, green chilli's, Add crushed matar with salt, garam masala,roasted jeera and chat masala or amchoor,

Now take a small ball of maida and with the help of hands make a katori add filling and close it properly. Now airfry for 10-15 minutes  Serve hot !!

Next Up: Something with Peach

I think I’m going to start a new tradition, where the first video I post after a vacation, is whatever the most delicious thing I had during my time away was. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I can tell you it involved peaches, and was amazing. Stay tuned!

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Just wanted to stop by and say.....

I have been so busy today working on the magazine and doing my best to make this the best issue yet. After all, It's the first issue to start a whole new year of new recipes and I want to make sure you like each issue better than the last. So I have been at it now for 12 straight hours today and have finally loaded all the photographs in. Now comes the hard part...writing all those recipes! That will take another two weeks and bring me right down to the wire as it does every month.

That's not why I stopped by. I wanted to stop for a minute and say something to those of you who have already renewed your subscription. I want you to know that you touch my heart in the most profound way. I am so deeply humbled each time I see any of your names come up in my email when you renew your subscription for another year. I am amazed at the kindness and generosity of the people here and feel loved and surrounded by friends.

For those of you who have renewed, you need to know that I am flattered beyond words. You couldn't compliment me more than when you invest in my work. It says you love my cooking, my recipes, my photography, and my writings about my life with my Mom. To know you trust me and believe in me and stand by me means more than you know.

Oh I know it's not just about a cooking magazine. It's not just about food and pictures and stories. It goes way beyond that. Let's face it, there are thousands of bloggers out there putting out recipes. You didn't invest in the magazine just for that reason. You're not here just for that. Your renewal says so much more....

It says, I want to walk with you on this journey to help others. I want to be a part of the efforts you take to make sure that those who have lost their way can find hope again. It says, I'm right there with you in spirit and I am part of the reason you can take food and warm clothes to those that are hungry and poor.

It says you want to share my joy as I watch fur babies walk happily out the front door of these horrible kill shelters, instead of never walking out because no one got there in time. It says you are with me in mind and spirit and want to continue to walk this journey with me.

So thank you my friends. Thank you from my heart. Who knew I would find such good people in my life. Who knew God would bless me with such incredible friendship. Our paths have crossed for a reason.

Chicken Parmesan Bake over Farfalle

What a quick and easy recipe for a classic meal.  Now and then I take shortcuts just like everyone else when it comes to making good food.  This time I used ready made store bought ingredients to put together a quick delicious meal.  Your friends and family will never know!

Chicken Parmesan Bake over Farfalle 

4 Tyson Chicken Breaded, chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 26 ounce jar of Ragu Chunky Tomato, Garlic and Onion Sauce
1 pound farfalle or bow tie pasta

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Open sauce and heat in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

Lay chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake at 350 according to package instructions. Once chicken is golden brown, remove from oven.

Sprinkle a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese on each breast and then cover with a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Prepare pasta as directed on package and drain well.  Pour hot pasta onto plate or serving bowl and ladle warm sauce over it.  Place chicken breast on top of pasta and serve.

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home.

Incredible Steak and Shrimp Fajitas

I am such a fan of Mexican food. But I am not always a fan of all the red and green peppers that go into making them.  So sometimes I just like to make my own and keep it simple. Making your own fajitas is simple and you can add whatever you like.  These are my favorite surf and turf fajitas. Tender marinated shrimp sauteed with onions and steak.  Oh My! 

Steak and Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Marinade

12 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled and de-veined with tails removed

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coriander

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 pinch of red pepper flakes

Mix ingredients together in a large plastic resealable bag and add shrimp. Refrigerate for about one hour.

Steak Marinade

1 lb flank steak (or flat iron or skirt steak)

Juice of one lime

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 cup cilantro

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag. Add steak and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.  Remove steak from bag and shake off excess marinade. Next, slice the steak across the grain in thin strips. 

Fajitas

1 medium onion, sliced

2 tbsp  olive oil, divided   

Salt and pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese 

8  (6 to 8 inch) flour tortillas

sour cream

1 cup  refrigerated guacamole

2  limes, cut into 6 wedges

Red, green, yellow bell peppers and other vegetables (optional)

In a heavy skillet set on medium high heat, heat the other tablespoon of olive oil until it starts to smoke lightly.  Add onions and saute until caramelized.  Remove from skillet and set aside.  Add steak and saute for  3 to 4 minutes or until medium-rare and well browned on surface. Remove steak to a plate and tent with aluminum foil.  If you would like to add peppers or any other vegetable, now would be the time to do it.  Just saute them until tender in the same skillet once steak has been removed.

In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Remove shrimp from bag and discard marinade.  Sauté shrimp until they turn pink and tender and heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove shrimp to plate and cover with foil.

To build fajitas, first warm them in a skillet over very low heat. Divide meat and shrimp mixture equally among tortillas.  Add sauteed vegetables, sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, or whatever filling you like.  Fold tortillas in half and enjoy! 

Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home.

♥ Chicken Enchiladas In Cheese Sauce

I love Mexican food!  Well, I love my version of it. I am not into hot and spicy but I do like a little kick.  I prefer more mild and creamy like my recipe for these delicious Chicken Enchiladas. Don't get me wrong. You can add all the spices and peppers you want to make them just the way you like them.  

Chicken Enchiladas in Cheese Sauce

10 soft corn or flour taco shells, medium size
1 can of whole kernel yellow corn, drained
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 2 cups)
3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese for sauce
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
3 cups white rice, cooked

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan by lightly coating with non stick spray. Set aside. Make white rice and spread out on the bottom of baking dish.

In a sauce pan on medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook one minute while stirring constantly to make sure it doesn't burn. Add chicken broth and whisk until smooth. Add 1/2 cup Monterey Jack and sour cream and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Pour about 1/2 cup of cheese sauce on top of rice and spread evenly with rubber spatula.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, corn, 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese, red pepper, chilies, and salt. Spread one large heaping spoonful onto one end of the taco shell. Roll up the shell and place it seam side down on top of rice and cheese sauce. Repeat for remaining shells.

Next pour remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas making sure to cover in between and the sides of the enchiladas. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. Then turn on the broiler to high and broil quickly to melt and brown the cheese making sure to keep an eye on it. Remove from oven and serve.

 Photography is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home.

Deep Fried Artichoke and Rice Croquettes

My friend Lori and her daughter absolutely love these little croquettes.  So whenever they plan to visit I make sure they are on the menu!  Serve them as delicious little "pop in your mouth" appetizers or as a main course for lunch or dinner.  A wonderful light and crispy panko coating surrounds an artichoke and rice mixture. Break them open to reveal a melting cheesy center. Yum!

Deep Fried Artichoke and Rice Croquettes

1 (14.75 oz.) jar CARA MIA Artichoke Hearts in Water, drained and diced (or use their marinated hearts)
1 cup uncooked rice

½ cup dry bread crumbs

½ onion diced fine
4 ounces Gruyere or Fontina cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Coating 

¼ cup Flour
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup Panko
Vegetable Oil for Deep Frying

Prepare rice by combining 1 cup rice with 2 cups of water. set aside to slightly cool.

In a large bowl add the rice, artichokes, breadcrumbs, onion, salt and pepper and parsley, cheese and egg. Mix until all ingredients are combined. 

Dampen your hands and shape mixture into balls and set aside.  Beat the egg in shallow bowl and set aside. In two similar sized bowls make a dredging station by filling one bowl with flour and the other with Panko.

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees. Roll the rice balls in flour then egg and then panko. Next, using a spoon gently place balls in hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Do not crowd.  You may have to fry in batches. Place on paper towels to remove excess oil. 

Photography is the property of and Copyrighted to ©Welcome Home.


Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts can be found at select grocery stores nationwide either in the produce section or the canned vegetable aisle and online at http://shop.starfinefoods.com/Cara-Mia-Artichokes/c/Star@Artichokes.

Star Fine Foods now has a promo code for all Welcome Home fans that will give you a 10% discount on anything you order online. Just enter WELCOMEHOME10 at checkout!


Disclaimer: I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for my recipes and photography using their wonderful products. This post is sponsored by STAR. I am compensated for my time and work and I am sent products as I request them. However, all opinions of the product stated in this post are 100% my own. I truly love their products!