The Recipe Box
Pistachio Pesto
This recipe is from Stacy Adimano's Piatti: Plates and Platters for Sharing, Inspired by Italy. The books pages are packed with approachable recipes for small gatherings. It's cover features a tray of artichokes slathered with olive oil so enticing that we keep catching our selves day dreaming for al fresco lunches paired with a crisp white wine. For one member of our team, the book and this recipe in particular transported her back in time to her days living in Sicily where she first fell for pistachio pesto. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Quick Tellicherry Buttermilk Biscuits
Two things about home cooking really intimidate me: cooking a new type of cuisine and baking. As a homecook, I have been in awe of Indian cuisine and the mastery of spices and flavors those meals bring - resulting in my local indian restaurant being a favorite in my phone contacts. While cooking has always been something I just meal plan with what I have in the pantry, the strict science of baking was always something that just didn’t vibe for me. So when our monthly cooking theme of World Cuisine came up I wanted to push myself and my skills by taking on some Indian inspired recipes.
Tom Yum Noodle Soup
When trying out new recipes or cuisines at home, I usually stay away from my favorite takeout items as the comparison to the delicious restaurant options we have in Portland are just too easy to make! But then came along the beautiful Southeast Asian cookbook, Lemongrass and Lime. The recipe is simple and intimidating all at the same time, but MY GOODNESS the end result is spectacular!
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is one of my favorite take out meals. There was a great Indian restaurant on our old block and take out was my go to Saturday dinner. Then we moved and I've really been missing my weekend treat. Enter Mumbai to Maine's phenomenal butter chicken recipe. I stumbled upon this one while reading the Mumbai to Maine blog and decided to give it a try. Wow! It's so simple to make, so satisfying and has converted my husband into a curry fan. I loved it so much I sent Cherie Scott, the author of Mumbai to Maine and all around foodie genius, a note asking if we could share the recipe. So here it is (with a few home cook modifications) for all your comfort food needs!
Chickpea and Beef Stew
This recipe is inspired by the Cannellini Bean and Lamb Soup in Jerusalem: A Cookbook. I’m the kind of home-cook who looks at a recipe, opens the pantry doors and thinks ‘Yeah, I can make this work.’ Sometimes to great success, other times it’s clear the recipe is less of a guide and more of a hard and fast set of rules. In this case, I probably should have followed the recipe to a T, but I didn’t and had to make some significant changes on the fly. The end result was pretty great, but I have a feeling the original recipe as written is excellent. Below is my recipe with flavors inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi.
Rice with Yogurt, Roasted Cauliflower and Fried Garlic
I recently made the Rice with yogurt, roasted cauliflower, and fried garlic (Labaniet alzahar) from Falastin: A Cookbook. I have never had anything like this before and was pleasantly surprised! I added some steak because MEAT and saw this as an opportunity to try the Urfa Biber Chili Flakes. Such unique flavors! I loved this recipe.
Morel Cream Sauce with Skillet Chicken and Pan Fried Asparagus
Fall is here and the cooler weather has us craving rich meals. This morel cream sauce is decadent and bursting with flavor. Try it with pork, beef or chicken and a simple side veggie for a meal that's sure to satisfy and impress.
Gluten-Free Chipotle Spice Chicken Tenders
Living gluten free is easier than people think. I thrive off of the great food and inspiration from the amazing restaurants here in Maine. I'm always on the hunt for great gluten free options! Fried food is a luxury now and luckily I can make it happen with a hot pan, hot oil, and homemade bread crumbs! Continue the chipotle train and enjoy these tenders with SKORDO Chipotle Dip, or keep it nice and savory with SKORDO Ranch Dip.
Masala Chai Lamb Chops
Lamb isn't an every day protein in our house, but there's something about bolder meats when the temperature start to drop. I was going to make these with salt and pepper, but at the last minute decided to spice them up with SKORDO Masala Chai Spice Blend. My husband is an unabashed food critic and he gave this meal 10/10.
Masala Chai and Whiskey Tea Cake
I'm a big fan of tea cakes. They're quick to make, great to snack on and handy to have when friends pop over for a visit. Plus, they're an excuse for a quick mid-week bake! This one is fall inspired and pairs perfectly with Builder's Tea. In a pinch coffee will do, but there's nothing better than strong black tea (we recommend PG tips) and a slice of this spicy, sweet treat.
Masala Chai Dalgona Whipped Coffee
This is one of our favorite ways to use SKORDO Masala Chai Spice Blend. The cardamom, clove and pepper really shine through in contract with the instant coffee. Dalgona coffee was a summer star we’re planning on enjoying well into fall!
Apple Coffee Cake
This apple cake recipe is actually a blueberry cake recipe that’s been reworked. It’s a family favorite and nobody knows the exact origins, but there’s rumor of a very stained/browned newspaper clipping tucked into a homemade recipe book in my grandmother’s kitchen.