Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – Legend of the Fall

This roasted butternut squash soup is probably my favorite fall soup of all time, which is why I’m so shocked we haven’t posted a video for it before. It’s cheap, easy, nutritious, and absolutely delicious; and should probably go into the once-a-week rotation for a few months at least.

As I mention in the video, there’s really no great reason to simmer this for an hour like I did, but I think it does help harmonize the flavors, not to mention humidify your home. A cold, rainy day just looks better through steamed-up windows.

If you’re feeling like something a bit more substantial, try this topped with a handful of crispy bacon. Of course, I wouldn’t say no to some diced ham either. Add a hard roll, and you can’t get a better autumn meal. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 6 portions:

For the sage brown butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

6-8 large sage leaves (or a lot of tiny leaves like I used in the video)

For the soup:

3 1/2 pound butternut squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 chopped onion

1 cup sliced carrots

6 garlic cloves, peeled
sage-infused brown butter

2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

6 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or other vinegar)

cayenne to taste

creme fraiche and chive to garnish

German Chocolate Cake

When I was little I would get so excited watching my Mom make my Dad's birthday cake. I couldn't wait to put the candles on and carry it out to him, singing happy birthday. He would laugh and be so delighted with his favorite cake. She made it every year for as long as I can remember. When she moved to Heaven I carried on that tradition. When I light the candles and carry it out to him, it bows his head and cries.

German Chocolate Cake

4 ounces semi sweet chocolate, chopped
2 1/4 cups cake flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/4 cups butter, softened
2 1/2 cups granulated white sugar

5 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9 -inch cake pans with non-stick spray and then line with parchment paper.

In a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.  In a small bowl, combine the hot water and buttermilk and set aside.

With a hand mixer, cream the sugar and butter until fluffy. in a large bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine. Next, add the buttermilk mixture and the dry ingredients in three additions. Beat only until the ingredients are incorporated...do not over-beat. Fold in the melted chocolate.

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and drop your pans on counter to break air bubbles and flatten tops.  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely before frosting. 

For the Chocolate Icing

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream

Place the chopped chocolate, corn syrup and butter in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Let stand one minute, then stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature. 

Coconut Pecan Frosting

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, egg yolks, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, and when the mixture begins to boil and thicken, remove from heat. Stir in the chopped pecans, coconut, and vanilla extract. Let cool until spreadable.

Assembly

Place a dab of coconut pecan filling on a serving plate. This will hold the cake in place so that it does not move around. Then, place one layer of cake, on your serving plate, and cover with one third of the frosting. Add the next layer and another third of the filling.  Do the same for the third layer. Make sure you spread your filling all the way out to the edges of the cake.

Once you have all three layers stacked and filled, you want to frost the sides of the cake with the chocolate icing. Then pipe a decorative border around the outside top edge of your cake.

Photographs are copyrighted and the property of Welcome Home.

My Moms Yellow Cake

Sometimes I want to just make a simple dessert...nothing fancy...no sprinkles or rosebuds or swirls or extra toppings. Just a delicious moist cake with butter cream frosting like my Mom used to make. This is her recipe for one of my favorite cakes. I like to put it in the fridge and eat it cold!

My Moms Yellow Cake
Cake:

1 cup butter
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 cups plus 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream

Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup butter
6 tablespoons of canned evaporated milk or cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
4-5 cups powdered sugar
dash of salt

Put butter and water in a large bowl. Heat in microwave for 2 minutes. Stir until butter is melted. Add sugar, flour, salt, and soda. Stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Stir in sour cream until all is blended. 

Pour into a 11 x 17 baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and then sprayed with non stick spray. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until cake springs back when lightly touched or toothpick inserted in center comes clean.
Remove from the oven and cool on cooling rack. 

Melt butter and evaporated milk or cream for 3-4 minutes in microwave. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a dash of salt. Beat until smooth. Spread on cooled cake. 

Photograph is copyrighted and the property of ©Welcome Home.

Borscht-Braised Beef Short Ribs – It Sure Beats Beets

Even though I often joke about naming dishes a certain way to help with the search engines, I rarely actually do. Mostly because I don’t get a bonus for extra traffic, but with this borscht-braised beef short ribs, I fully admit to intentionally not using the “B” word.

I would hate for someone who thinks they hate beets to not even watch the video. I figured if we could trick them into at least seeing the dish in all its colorful glory, they’d simply have to give it a try. Unless they don't like beets, and gorgeous things.

By the way, I can totally relate to the “I don’t eat beets” people, as I am one. I’ve never been a big fan, but in certain things, like borscht, I love them. With that simple soup as an inspiration, I thought the flavors would work nicely with the rich, fatty short ribs, and they sure did.

Will this be enough to change your mind about beets? There’s only one way to find out. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 portions:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

3 pounds beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces, seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf

1 cup cubed carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 pound beets, cut in large pieces (about two large ball sized beets, cut in eighths)

2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

- Optional step: when you taste your finished sauce, if you want to add some acidity to balance the sweetness, adjust with a splash of white vinegar.

- Garnish with sour cream and chives

Next Up: Something with Beef Short Ribs

Crispy “Peking Duck” Lettuce Cups – Faster, Easier, and Better?

I was going to say that one of these days we’ll actually make a proper Peking duck recipe, but that’s probably not going to happen. That takes multiple steps, several days, and requires a place to hang the ducks to dry. Most modern homes don’t have a duck drying room.

However, using this relatively quick and simple technique, we can achieve something kind of similar, which many people would say, all things considered, is even better. Well, maybe not “many people,” but I would say that. These were really, really good.

Regarding the Chinese five-spice seen herein; mine contained cinnamon, anise seed, cloves, ginger, and fennel; but these ingredients can vary. Believe it or not, despite the name, many contain more than five spices, as things like pepper, nutmeg, orange peel, and cardamom, are also common additions. The good news is, for something like this, any combination of those will work.

If you’re not into lettuce cups for whatever reason, you can also use this technique for serving whole duck legs. The only difference is, don’t cut them up. Since this is something that can be made well ahead of time, it works nicely for large groups. Just simply reheat, and crisp up the skin before serving. I really hope you give these a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

6 whole duck legs

1 tbsp veg oil

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons Chinese 5-spice powder

3 green onions, cut into large pieces

5 garlic cloves, halved

For the sauce (everything here is to taste, so please adjust):

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/2 lemon juiced

Serve in lettuce cups, garnished with cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Poached Pears “Belle Helene” - Why Escoffier Really Created This Dish

They say Auguste Escoffier created this dish in honor of the opera, La Belle Helen, but we chefs know the real reason. How else are you going to use up bruised pears in such a delicious and beautiful way? Okay, so maybe that wasn’t his motivation, but as you’ll see in the video, it sure does work great.

The recipe is very straightforward, so instead we’ll go into your options for the chocolate sauce, as well as what to do with all that extra simple syrup. We have two chocolate preparations that will work for this (and have been linked). The first would be our easy hot fudge recipe; and the second, and more traditional choice, would be the classic chocolate ganache.

If you follow the link to the later, you’ll be taken to our Boston Cream Pie video, where you’ll see the technique for creating a classic ganache, but you’ll probably need to adjust the ratio of cream to chocolate. Generally it’s equal parts chocolate and cream, but if you want something more pourable, then 2 parts cream to 1 part chocolate (by weight) would work better.

As far as the extra vanilla poaching liquid goes; you’ll want to strain it, pour it into some cool looking bottles, and give it away as edible gifts. The taste is incredible. Better than the pears, if we’re being honest, and would make a fantastic holiday treat for the wannabe mixologists in your life. I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 poached pears:

6 cups water

zest and juice of one lemon

4 bosc pears, cored and peeled (you can also use Anjou or Bartlett)

1 split vanilla bean, or a few teaspoons of vanilla extract

3 cups sugar

Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, depending on size and firmness

Italian Wedding Soup

I love this soup and make it often. I love everything about it from the tiny little orzo pasta to the little meatballs and all the other wonderful ingredients. It is hearty and delicious and just gets better each day until it's all gone! 

Italian Wedding Soup

Meatballs:

1 small onion, grated
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 large egg
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 slice fresh white bread, crust trimmed, bread torn into small pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
Freshly ground black pepper

For the meatballs: Stir the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese, beef and pork. Shape the meat mixture into mini meatballs. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until meatballs are done.

Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups diced onion
1 cups finely diced carrots
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced
4 quarts chicken broth
3/4 teaspoons of dried oregano
3/4 teaspoons dried basil
10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach
salt and pepper to taste
2 2/3 cups uncooked orzo, or other small, round Pearl shaped pasta

Melt butter and olive oil in large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add onions and carrots and saute until onions are tender. Add garlic and continue stirring for two or three more minutes. Then add your chicken broth and the oregano and basil and bring to low boil for about 5 minutes.

Add the frozen spinach to the broth mixture and break it up as it thaws. Lower heat and simmer for about 15 more minutes as it cooks. Gently drop the meatballs into the soup. Simmer the soup for 30 minutes or so, then stir in the pasta, cooking till it's al dente. For orzo, this will take about 8 minutes or so. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Photograph is the property of and copyrighted to ©Welcome Home 

Next Up: Something with Pears

Fried Pickles

Hey I'll try anything once.  Even if sounds quite peculiar, I'm game.  So when I heard these two ladies talking about how incredible fried pickles were and how they each made them differently, I kind of leaned in closer to catch the gist of what they were saying.   "Incredible!  Said one lady to the other. "Awesome", said the other, "just like my Granny used to make."  
Crispy, tangy, spicy, delicious were the other word that made me want to walk up and ask them for the recipe. I bought the ingredients to make them that day.  Why not I thought. What's there to lose.  I just might like them.... And I did.  No I love them!  And you will too!  Don't ever be afraid to try new things....you might end up finding one of your favorites.

Fried Pickles

12 dill pickle

1-2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs

Oil for frying

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup flour

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dill

Heat oil on medium high in a large skillet until sizzling.

Combine flour, milk, baking power, 1 egg, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl. Stir until smooth, let sit for about 10 minutes.

Dry the pickle slices on paper towels until most of the moisture is gone. Pour some of the panko in a pan or shallow bowl and dredge the pickles until they are coated.  The pickles can get your breadcrumbs wet so work only in small batches, pouring more as you need them.

After dredging in panko, dip each pickle slice in the wet batter. Then dredge once more in the breadcrumbs.  Place them on a sheet of parchment paper and allow them to sit until you have finished with all the slices.

Fry the battered pickle slices in small batches for 3-4 minutes or until brown and crispy.  Serve with ranch dip or ranch dressing.

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

The Perfect Olive Bread

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      My Dad loves olives....any kind of olives. He loves to snack on them with  cheese and salami and add them to pizza and to his favorite sandwiches.  So, I decided to make him a nice loaf of  Olive Bread to have with his  favorite soup.  I experimented with different nuts  and seeds and olives  but I found the winning combination when I  combined Star Fine Foods  Queens Stuffed Pimento olives and their  Spanish Ripe pitted olives with  some pumpkin seeds and almonds.  He loved it!  He says he loves to toast  it lightly and then spread cream cheese on top. So today I surprised him  with more!  He is now the proud owner of 3 frozen loaves of  ready to  thaw and bake Olive Bread!  Perfect for this fall and winter to serve warm  out of the oven with his soups and stews! 

    The Perfect Olive Bread

         1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

·        ½ cup almonds, finely chopped

·        3 cups whole wheat bread flour

·        3 cups white bread flour

·        2 teaspoons salt

·        1 teaspoon quick-rising (instant) dry yeast

·        2-1/2 cups lukewarm water

·        1/3 cup finely chopped StarFine Foods Spanish Ripe Med Pitted Olives

·        1/3 cup finely chopped Star Fine Foods Queens Stuffed Spanish olives

In large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, 2 cups of the white flour, almonds, salt and yeast. Stir in lukewarm water until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in warm draft-free place until bubbly and doubled in bulk, about 12 hours.

Sprinkle work surface with 1/3 cup of the remaining flour. Scrape dough onto work surface; sprinkle 1/4 cup of the remaining flour over top. Cover with tea towel; let stand for 15 minutes.

Using floured hands, gently press out dough into 1/2-inch thick rectangle, sprinkling with up to 1/4 cup of the remaining flour if dough is too sticky. 

Sprinkle rectangle with olives and knead until well combined, adding up to 1/4 cup more white bread flour if dough is too sticky. Reshape into rectangle.

Cut in half crosswise. Roll each half into scant 8- x 4-inch cylinder; place, seam side down, in greased nonstick 8- x 4-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle loaves with pumpkin seeds. Cover loosely with lightly greased plastic wrap; let rise in warm draft-free place until almost doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours. 

Bake in 425 degree oven for 10 minutes. Decrease heat to 375 degrees and bake until light golden and loaves sound hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes.  Transfer to racks; serve warm or let cool.

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

The STAR Farmer’s Market Olive pouches are available at Ralphs, King Soopers, Smiths, Albertsons (Southern California), Safeway (Northern California) and Savemart stores and online at http://bit.ly/STAROlivePouches.







STAR Queen olives are available at select grocery stores nationwide and online at http://bit.ly/STARQueenOlives.






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!  

Peanut Curry Chicken – Check Please!

There’s a show called “Check, Please! Bay Area,” which features three locals who try each other’s favorite restaurants, and then compare notes with host, Leslie Sbrocco. We get lots of great ideas for places to try, and every once in a while I hear about a dish that I really want to make, and this peanut curry chicken is the latest example. The restaurant was called Old Skool Café, and the dish was “Abu’s West African Peanut Butter Stew.” 

I was working while it was on, and not paying full attention, but I remember thinking that it sounded like something I’d like to try soon. That was a year ago. 

Last week, Michele and I ended up going there, and I finally had my chance to order the stew, and reverse engineer the recipe for a video. Except, I didn’t order it. I have this mental defect where have to I order fried chicken every time it’s on a menu. Michele was no help, since she has the same affliction with shrimp and grits. 

Anyway, someone ordered it at the table next to us, and I overheard them discussing it, which provided plenty of inspiration for this version. I decided to not follow any specific recipe, but instead do a simple composite of every peanut curry I’ve ever come across. 

Unlike Abu’s stew, and many others, I didn’t use coconut milk, as I feel that’s a little too sweet and rich for the peanut butter. I loved how this came out, and I can’t imagine it being any richer. I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 4 large portions:

For the spice blend:

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

                                                                                  

2 1/2 pounds chicken boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon finely grated ginger

6 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup ketchup 
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (I recommend using an all-natural style that doesn’t contain sugar. If you use the regular stuff, you won’t need the brown sugar called for below). 
1 packed tablespoon brown sugar 
about 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, depending on desired thickness 
1 pound zucchini, cut into chunks 
1 red bell pepper, cubed 
1 green poblano pepper, diced 
1/2 cup roasted peanuts 
chopped cilantro and fresh lime to garnish 
serve on rice