Searching4Zen

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  • Ina Garten’s Pasta alla Vecchia Bettola

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    Author Notes: This is Ina Garten’s version of Pasta alla Vecchia Bettola, which has been on the menu at Nick and Toni’s in East Hampton, NY for more than 20 years. Here’s the secret to its success: You take this perfectly adequate sauce and roast it in the oven for an hour and a half. […]

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  • Slow-Roasted Bacon-Wrapped-Pineapple Tacos

    1 hr. 10 mins.
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    Why It Works You know those actors who seem to spend their entire careers in supporting roles, yet manage to steal every scene they’re in? I think about that every time I get a really great al pastor taco. Sure, the crisp-edged marinated pork is the star, but an al pastor taco would be nothing […]

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  • Easy One-Pot Chicken Tinga (Spicy Mexican Shredded Chicken)

    1 hr. 10 mins.
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    Though tinga is traditionally flavored with chorizo, this quick and easy version still packs in the flavor, without forcing you to seek out special ingredients. The chicken is gently poached in broth, then shredded and tossed with a puréed sauce for extra-juicy texture and flavor. Why It Works Spicy, smoky, and juicy chicken. Read the […]

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  • Spanish-Style Grilled Veggies with Breadcrumb Picada (Easy Grilled Veggies)

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    Picada is a Spanish flavoring made with garlic, herbs, and ground nuts. Here, breadcrumbs stand in for the nuts. Ingredients On the Grill 3 large red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, quartered 4 large Oriental eggplants, trimmed, cut lengthwise into 3 slices 4 green or yellow zucchini, trimmed, cut lengthwise Olive Oil For the Dish 6 […]

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  • Walla Walla Salad

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    Ingredients 1 head Boston lettuce torn into small pieces 2-3 Roma tomatoes cut into small pieces 3 Walla Walla SWEET onions, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons raisins 1 orange, peeled and cut into small pieces 2 ounces macadamia nuts finely chopped 4 ounces Swiss cheese, cubed Dressing, your choice Instructions Just mix and toss.

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  • Vietnamese Garlic Beef over Lettuce

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    Ingredients 1 pound lean beef like top round or flank steak trimmed and thinly sliced across the grain 1 tablespoon fish sauce 5 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper ¼ teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon red chile flakes 1 small sweet onion thinly sliced (soak in water if too strong) 5 large garlic cloves coarsely chopped […]

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  • Vietnamese Chicken Salad

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    Ingredients 8 boneless chicken thighs 1 pound Chinese Noodles Peanut oil ½ large Napa cabbage, sliced ¼ small red cabbage, thinly sliced 1 bunch cilantro, chopped Peanut Dressing ½ cup rice vinegar ½ cup peanut butter 2 tablespoons chopped ginger root 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 2 tablespoons sugar ½ cup […]

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  • Sarabeth’s Kitchen’s Scones

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    Ingredients 3 cups unbleached flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3 tablespoons sugar ½ tablespoon salt ½ cup unsalted butter, cold 1 cup dried currants 3 eggs 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk Instructions Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in food processor and plus until mixed. Cut butter in […]

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  • Salmon, Goat Cheese and Leek Tart

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    Ingredients 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed or I made my own 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 small leeks (white and pale green parts only), halved, thinly sliced crosswise 1 cup whipping cream 1 5.2-ounce package soft herb cheese (such as Boursin), room temperature 1 3.5-ounce package soft fresh goat cheese, […]

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  • Salmon and Rice Wrapped in Pastry with Dill Sauce

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    Start this romantic supper with Russian caviar and ice-cold lemon vodka. The main course is a simplified but impressive interpretation of the Russian fish pie known as kulebiaka, which the French call coulibiac. Offer Champagne with the entrée, and finish the meal with babas au rhum from a French bakery to complete the cross-European elegance. […]

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