Saturday, January 23, 2016

Roasting Vegetables 101

A reference guide with temperatures and times.

Potatoes 325 - 400 / 45 - 90 min 

(about 5 ounces or 150 grams each)
Roll in Olive Oil / Salt for a soft skin
Roll in Salt for a crisp skin 

45 minutes at 400 degrees F.
60 minutes at 350 degrees F.
90 minutes at 325 degrees F.

Place the potato directly on the oven rack in a preheated oven. Place a baking sheet (I put a piece of aluminum foil)on the lower rack (below the potatoes) to catch any drippings.


Squash  Acorn/ Butternut   400 / 30 min + 30-45 min
400 degree oven 1 hour - 1.25 Hour
Halve the squash and score diagonally on a baking sheet

Season with Butter / Sage / Thyme / chopped Shallots / smashed Garlic  / S&P

or OO & Essence 
or Brown Sugar / Maple Syrup / S&P


  • Pour 2 cups water in the bottom of the baking pan.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 30-45 minutes, or until squash is golden brown. 
  • In the last 5 minutes of baking, turn on the broiler and allow tops to get a little more brown and the butter/sugar mixture to bubble.       
  • (thanks Pioneer Woman)
Cauliflower   425 / 35 Minutes + 10 minutes
Cut into Florettes  &  Toss once during cooking 
Season with Olive Oil / Essence 

Olive Oil / Smashed Garlic / Onions / Bouquet Garni / Basalmic Vinegar / S&P
Olive Oil / crushed Garlic  / Onions / Thyme / S&P
grated cheese for last ten minutes
Olive Oil / Dijon Mustard / Bouquet Garni / S&P

grated cheese for last ten minutes

Carrots   400 / ~25 min
1.5 inch pieces / halved if thick $ Toss once during cooking 
Layer on a baking sheet lined with foil
Season with Olive Oil / Essence 
Olive Oil / Smashed Garlic / Onions / Bouquet Garni / Basalmic Vinegar / S&P


add grated cheese when done?


Mushrooms  450 / 20 min  or 375 / 35 min
Halve or Quarter layer on foil lined baking sheet Toss once during cooking 
Bacon Grease / Diced Bacon / Onions / Basalmic Vinegar / S&P
Olive Oil / crushed Garlic /  Thyme or Rosemary / Worcestershire / Dry Sherry / S&P 

grated cheese when done
Butter / White Wine / Thyme
Brussel Sprouts  400 / 15 - 20 minutes
Halve and layer on foil lined baking sheet Toss once during cooking 
Bacon Grease / Diced Bacon / Basalmic Vinegar / S&P
Bacon Grease / Diced Bacon / S&P  add grated cheese when done?

What is Bouquet Garni? 
Hand-mixed from: savory, rosemary, thyme, Turkish oregano, basil, dill weed, marjoram, sage and tarragon.  
https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/bouquet-garni/c-24/p-31/pd-s

What is Essence?  Emeril Lagrasse's Basic Cajun Spice make at home!

(3 TBS) tablespoons paprika Szeged (calls for 2.5 tablespoons salt  (calls for 2)
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (sub Szeged Hot Paprika)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-essence-recipe.html

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Swedish Meatballs by Grandma Johnson

Swedish Meatballs by Grandma Johnson  (Kottbullar)

Mix well 2 eggs, 
3 lbs. ground beef, 
1 lb. ground pork, 
1 medium onion (fly 1/2 of onion), 
salt, pepper to taste, 
1/8 tsp. allspice.  

1/2 C Roll in flour first, 
1/4 C fry in butter.  

Bake @ 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes.