EDIBLES

A savory meal for spring celebrations

Published

3 years ago

04/20/2022

(Family Features) From picnics and family reunions to al fresco meals on the patio, flavor and freshness can make springtime dishes truly mouthwatering. As you plan your spring menu for time with loved ones, think outside the box with recipes that can feed a crowd.

One easy way to elevate your warm weather entertaining is with a lean, delicate protein like grass-fed lamb available at Whole Foods Market from Atkins Ranch, a leader in environmental stewardship and one of the first members of Land to Market, which advocates for regenerative agriculture – a type of outcomes-based land management that seeks to heal landscapes instead of degrading them. In fact, many of the lamb ranchers set aside areas for conservation purposes to focus on regenerating land and water to keep the environment as pristine as possible.

The lambs are raised just as nature intended: 100% grass-fed and free to roam on pastures in fresh air and sunshine, culminating in a result that’s better for you, the animals and the planet.

As the first lamb producer in the world to achieve Non-GMO Project verification, Atkins Ranch is also the first to achieve Global Animal Partnership Step-4 certification for farm animal welfare. If you’re unfamiliar with lamb, consider these cooking tips and pairing options for a deliciously divine spread at your next springtime soiree.

How to Cook Lamb
For cuts like legs, shanks, shoulder roasts and stew meat, slow cooking is the answer. This Herb Crusted Bone-In Leg of Lamb, for example, is roasted for about 3 hours to reach a juicy tenderness complemented by fresh herbs and a mint sauce.

Turn to the grill or stovetop for a quicker cooking method with cuts such as chops, rack and ground lamb. Cooking over an open fire allows the smokiness to meld with lamb’s naturally rich flavor.

What to Pair with Lamb
With its rich, meaty flavor, lamb is a perfect main course for spring meals. Try balancing it out with these sides:

Salad – Like many proteins, lamb is complemented well by fresh greens. Toss baby spinach with a light vinaigrette and fresh fruit, like strawberries, for a true springtime salad.
Sweet Potatoes – The subtlety of a sweet potato dish is nearly a must to pair with lamb. Sweeten the meal even further by mashing with orange juice and zest for a lightly tangy side.
Asparagus – A classic side for many spring meals, roasted asparagus is easy to prepare whether in the oven or on the grill.

Find more grass-fed lamb cooking tips and recipes at AtkinsRanch.com.

Herb Crusted Bone-In Leg of Lamb

Prep time: 3 hours
Cook time: about 3 hours (depending on size and doneness)
Servings: 15

1 Atkins Ranch bone-in leg of lamb (about 8 pounds)
1/4 cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/4 cup white wine

Herb Crust:

2 large egg whites
2 tablespoons minced rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons minced thyme leaves
2 tablespoons ground peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt
fresh mint sauce, for serving

About 2 hours before preparing, remove leg of lamb from fridge to ensure even cooking. Remove gland to prevent gaminess during cooking.
Preheat oven to 325 F on convection setting. Score skin of both sides of leg of lamb.
In bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and white wine. Brush onto both sides of lamb, pressing into scored crevices.
Place leg in roasting pan on roasting rack. Insert cooking probe into thickest part of meat, not touching bone. Cook about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 95 F.
Reduce oven temperature to 300 F and cook to desired doneness. For medium-rare doneness, remove lamb once probe reaches 125 F.
To make herb curst: In bowl, whisk egg whites until evenly foamy with tiny bubbles. Brush onto both sides of lamb.
In separate small bowl, mix rosemary, thyme, peppercorns and salt. Press herb crust mixture onto areas brushed with egg whites. Place back in pan and cook about 5-7 minutes until crust is formed and browned. Remove from oven and rest 30 minutes.
Carve lamb, arrange on platter and serve with fresh mint sauce.

SOURCE:
Atkins Ranch

EDIBLES

A sweet, savory, simple holiday side dish

Published

4 days ago

12/18/2024

bowienews

(Culinary.net) No matter what your main course looks like at the holidays, this Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce offers a sweet yet savory complement. Plus, the surprise pop of flavor and color are perfect for a festive tablescape. Find more easy holiday recipes at Culinary.net.

Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6

1/2 pound bacon
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon garlic powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 bunch fresh asparagus
1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Using kitchen shears, cut bacon into pieces then fry in skillet. Drain and set aside.
In same skillet, add butter and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Saute asparagus then add bacon back to pan.
In saucepan over medium heat, heat cranberry sauce, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
Place asparagus on platter and pour sauce on top.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

EDIBLES

Cozy, comforting recipes to take on the cold

Published

2 weeks ago

12/11/2024

bowienews

(Family Features) If blustery conditions are giving you the blues, come inside from the cold for a winter warmup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cold-weather favorites that are baked, roasted or slow cooked are usually equal parts easy, delicious and filling, making them perfect solutions for chilly, snowy days.

Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that’s ready in about half an hour. A short list of ingredients and allowing your oven to do most of the work for you mean it’s ideal for saving time (and money at the grocery store) while still satisfying winter appetites.

Serving as the hearty base is READ German Potato Salad, made with thinly sliced potatoes and bacon in a traditional sweet-piquant dressing. While it’s delicious when served chilled, heated or at room temperature on its own, it can also be the star of the show in family meals.

For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets. This savory side dish highlights the flavors of the season in a recipe that’s as easy to assemble as it is to enjoy with loved ones.

Picked and packed at peak ripeness, antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s beets are pickled with a delicate balance of sweetness and vinegar for a homemade flavor that’s perfect in this roasted side that can accompany winter meals of all sorts. Versatile jarred whole pickled beets are always in season, meaning you can enjoy them chilled, warmed or worked into recipes.

Find more favorite wintertime recipes by visiting READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.

Loaded Chicken Bake

Recipe courtesy of Hungry In LA
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Nonstick cooking spray
2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cups crumbled, cooked bacon
French fried onions (optional), plus additional for serving (optional), divided

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Lightly coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread German potato salad evenly in dish. Top evenly with chicken.
In small bowl, stir heavy cream, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.
Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and onions, if desired.
Bake 15 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional onions, if desired.

Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets

Servings: 4

1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Whole Pickled Beets
2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4-inch cubes)
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 red onion, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
2 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus additional for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 F. Drain beets. Discard liquid or save for another use.
In large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper and onion until coated.
Place silicone mat on baking sheet or line with aluminum foil.
Pour contents of bowl onto baking sheet in single layer. Remove rosemary from stems; sprinkle over vegetables. Bake 30 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
Add beets to baking sheet. Return to oven 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and beginning to brown. Garnish with additional rosemary, if desired.

SOURCE:
Seneca Foods

Seneca Foods

EDIBLES

Please pumpkin lovers with a twist on a fall favorite

Published

3 weeks ago

12/04/2024

bowienews

(Family Features) Apple, cherry and blueberry crumbles may get all the adoration, but when fall comes around, you may as well lean into the flavor of the season: pumpkin. This simple dessert satisfies the sweet tooth with some fiber to boot.

Discover more desserts designed for pumpkin lovers at Culinary.net.

Pumpkin Crumble

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-12

1 can pumpkin
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 box cake mix (yellow, white or spice)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup chopped white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups melted butter

Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar

Heat oven to 350 F.
In bowl, mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Pour into greased 9-by-11-inch baking dish.
In separate bowl, mix cake mix, pecans and white chocolate chips. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Pour butter evenly over top. Do not mix or stir. Bake 1 hour.
To make whipped cream: Using hand mixer, whip heavy whipping cream and sugar until thick.
Serve crumble with whipped cream.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net