Artichoke steamed in flavored broth

This was my first time making artichokes at home, and we tried this recipe by Tyler Florence:   http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/steamed-whole-artichokes-recipe.html.  This recipe calls for chicken broth, but you can make it vegetarian by using water or vegetable broth instead.  We made a dipping sauce from a separate recipe, which I write about here:  http://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/119235761636/artichoke-dipping-sauce-we-made-this-sauce-to-go

Oven-baked plantains

I got inspiration for this lighter alternative to fried plaintains from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healthily-cook-plantains-3827.html, except I coated the baking pan with some canola oil spray.  Preheat oven to 450, then lightly spray a cookie sheet with canola oil.  Place two plantains, cut on a ½ inch diagonal, on the cookie sheet, then lightly spray with canola oil. … Continue reading Oven-baked plantains

Steamed broccoli tossed in lime vinaigrette 

I made this for Daniel, who loves broccoli.  Using a Chinese steamer, place bite-sized pieces of broccoli florets and stems (the latter trimmed of their outer layer) in a wide pan and place in one layer of the steamer.  Cover with lid and bring to a boil, then let cook until broccoli is tender (approx.… Continue reading Steamed broccoli tossed in lime vinaigrette 

Afghan potato and two-bean salad (shour nahkud)

Boil 5-6 Yukon Gold potatoes, skin-on, in water and a dash of salt until tender.  Drain, let cool, and then slice into rounds (I kept the skin on).  Separately, using a food processor, make the cilantro chutney (chutney gashneez): blend 1 bunch fresh cilantro, a few cloves fresh garlic, 1 jalapeño pepper (I cut mine into slices), and ½ cup… Continue reading Afghan potato and two-bean salad (shour nahkud)

Chinese stir-fried snow pea shoots 

Heat neutral oil in a wok, then add sliced garlic (about 10 cloves).  When fragrant, add about 2 lbs of fresh snow pea shoots (they will reduce volume when cooked).  Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper, and sauté on medium-high heat until the shoots are tender.  Serve immediately.  Thank you to my friend Amy… Continue reading Chinese stir-fried snow pea shoots 

Chicken saltimbocca  

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets.  Sprinkle lightly with salt, then place 3 fresh sage leaves on the top of each cutlet.  Separately, line up 4 thin slices (2 oz total) of pancetta (or prosciutto de Parma) and slice in half, lengthwise.  Wrap each chicken breast with 2 pancetta strips each, securing… Continue reading Chicken saltimbocca