Sunday, November 22, 2009

Inevitable Holiday Lbs...



Well I am on DAY 2 of my fall/Thanksgiving break... and let's just say... I think I have already packed on about 5 lbs!!! ha ha!


Typically this ALWAYS happens when I go home though because my dad is a MASTER cook and loves to LOAD UP on the olive oil!!!


So yea, I thought I'd share the wealth... and tell you all a recipe that I am OBSESSED WITH... but you must know, I am not the BRAINS behind this recipe... Kalyn's Kitchen is... so thank you Kalyn for contributing to my new found ass... ha ha!


Warm or Cold Salad with Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Red Pepper, Capers, and Basil Dressing
(Makes 4-6 servings)


16 oz. frozen or canned artichoke hearts (I prefer frozen artichoke hearts, but canned artichokes are often cheaper)
1 T extra virgin olive oil
salt and fresh ground black pepper
12 oz jar roasted red pepper (or use one red bell pepper roasted on a barbecue grill)
3 T capers (drained but not rinsed, next time I might use even more)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
freshly chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Basil Dressing:
2 minced shallots (or use about 2 T finely minced red onion)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (or use 3-4 tablespoons purchased basil pesto, frozen basil, or Pistou sauce)
3 T fresh lemon juice
1 T white wine vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (I'd use a bit less if using pesto, frozen basil, or pistou sauce)
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste




Directions:
1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350F / 175C. Pour roasted red bell pepper into a colander placed in the sink, and let drain well.)


2. Thaw frozen artichokes in the microwave, or drain well if using canned artichokes. Put artichokes in large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. (Use a bowl that's big enough for finished salad, so you don't have to dirty two bowls.) Spray small baking sheet with non-stick spray or olive oil, then arrange artichokes in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes.


3. While artichokes roast, fit food processor with steel blade and process minced shallot (or red onion) and chopped basil (or basil pesto, frozen basil, or pistou sauce.) When shallots and basil are fairly well chopped, add lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and Dijon and process 30 seconds. Then measure 1/2 cup olive oil (or a little less) and with food processor running, add it slowly through the feed tube and process 1-2 minutes, until dressing mixture is well-blended.


4. Put roasted artichoke hearts back into the bowl and toss with 1/2 cup basil dressing, then let it marinate for a few minutes if you're not rushed for time. While artichoke hearts marinate, cut roasted red pepper into same-size pieces (I cut them into small strips about 1 inch long.) Chop red onion into very small pieces and drain capers. Add roasted red pepper, chopped red onion, and drained caper to marinating artichoke hearts, and enough dressing so that all ingredients are moistened. (You will not need all the dressing, but save it to re-moisten any leftover salad.) Season salad with salt and fresh ground black pepper, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve.


***While this recipe doesn't call for too much olive oil: my dad DEFINITELY used about 5x more than what's recommended! ha ha! Oh and I ate like the ENTIRE 6 servings!!***


PERHAPS this could be a Thanksgiving side dish?! Turkey and this concoction sounds like a dream come true to me!

1 comment:

  1. It looks lit a bit-O calorie transfer is in order. Your daddy feeds you beyond measure, and HE gains all the weight. m'Kay?

    ReplyDelete