Ribollita | Rustic Italian Vegetable & Bread Soup | Recipes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNY6W1LmjU1B7clWN83iwCK046M90EEevNrW0x0Mq-ai229tlj-RQYA7jw2tAaTPMwcmn4bSnG0oJkUEBTICtK-mv4HZzyow1mA4cv6-dqb7D5RR9Zl1tjY8otEQNuiEhShqbA_-_2jA/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNY6W1LmjU1B7clWN83iwCK046M90EEevNrW0x0Mq-ai229tlj-RQYA7jw2tAaTPMwcmn4bSnG0oJkUEBTICtK-mv4HZzyow1mA4cv6-dqb7D5RR9Zl1tjY8otEQNuiEhShqbA_-_2jA/s640/IMG_8945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Does anything sound better than a warm, rustic bread soup on a cold winter night?  This vegetable soup recipe becomes a little heartier with the addition of bread cubes near the end of cooking.  The bread thickens the soup and soaks up all of that beautiful tomato, vegetable filled broth.  It will warm your bones... finally a comfort food that is actually healthy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Ribollita</span> <br /><i>Rustic Italian Vegetable & Bread Soup</i><br /><br />1/4 pound of bacon, cubed<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />1/2 cup of onions, 1/2 inch dice<br />2 cups of carrots, 1/2 inch dice<br />2 cups of celery, 1/2 inch dice<br />6 cloves of garlic, minced  <br />6 cups of chicken stock<br />1 - 28 ounce can of whole tomatoes<br />4 cups of cabbage, shredded<br />3 cups of spinach<br />4 cups of bread cubes<br />salt & pepper<br />1/2 cup of fresh basil, torn (plus more for garnish)<br />parmesan cheese<br /><br />In a large stock pot, cook bacon in olive oil, then add onion, carrots and celery.  Cook for about 4 minutes until they are tender.  Add minced garlic and cook for one minute.  Add chicken stock (may need more or less depending on desired consistency).  Add tomatoes one at a time, but crushing them (squeezing) into the pot.  Bring to a simmer.  Add the cabbage, spinach and salt & pepper.  Cook for 10-15 minutes.  Add bread cubes.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Served garnished with basil & parmesan.

Ribollita | Rustic Italian Vegetable & Bread Soup | Recipes

Does anything sound better than a warm, rustic bread soup on a cold winter night?  This vegetable soup recipe becomes a little heartier with...

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Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits | Recipe | Barefoot Contessa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwretlrOp-rY1GQ90gD1pwQ_6LwDm5M7GauYcrWpFkmkOs_V0v90S2BQXKx8G5sHFi2S6bJyCn1Z9fbeq4LYaNmaPFGIJ2pju5hNoXfafIDOZSxD9mNYRgOttpQIXoo5tf9avFg8-5X14d/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwretlrOp-rY1GQ90gD1pwQ_6LwDm5M7GauYcrWpFkmkOs_V0v90S2BQXKx8G5sHFi2S6bJyCn1Z9fbeq4LYaNmaPFGIJ2pju5hNoXfafIDOZSxD9mNYRgOttpQIXoo5tf9avFg8-5X14d/s640/IMG_0843.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RkoLCNdx8Q0eQVUu6-hTjgsNHfD5UV_ZbaHL-2Ow7OM4GwRg6gijDELMSRshzGqk0JJCdKeaqJCNA2Y1eQSIx1-mkZy_N-lT7EU-Rn0_LTrnCsGMvWf9NnDckI5O0czhTesNApVgZ592/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OCv1r3poGi8FkpFh7vAk9kM5hlRYJEGzPXvpR8hOY0y8mTglKIN1hOPtnPgMu2ZE2Uxhs5CQhTr0nidluD0ASlT0vpus3_xBNruYF4wA9u3aMwTLmNB0-TVOIPJCECYBgwv5liQPQnUF/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OCv1r3poGi8FkpFh7vAk9kM5hlRYJEGzPXvpR8hOY0y8mTglKIN1hOPtnPgMu2ZE2Uxhs5CQhTr0nidluD0ASlT0vpus3_xBNruYF4wA9u3aMwTLmNB0-TVOIPJCECYBgwv5liQPQnUF/s400/IMG_0837.JPG" width="400" /></a> It is no secret, I'm a Barefoot Contessa fan.  I think her book "Parties" was the reason I started Occasions 6 years ago.  When I'm looking for some inspiration, I always start by flipping through my Barefoot cookbooks.  This time was no exception!<br /><br />I was looking for my one indulgent component for the menu I was working on for my parents visit to our house.  I hate having too many over the top and heavy recipes as part of a menu - it makes everyone too full and uncomfortable.<br /><br />I try to concentrate on having just one indulgent treat per menu.  I had thought about macaroni and cheese, cheesy potatoes, blue cheese souffle, etc. to accompany the filet mignon, fresh confetti corn, and bibb lettuce with heirloom tomatoes.  As I was flipping through my books, I spotted this recipe... Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits.  Perfect.<br /><br />Biscuits are one of those things that when done well, can be amazing.  However, they can be challenging - too dense, too flat, too dry.  I knew that The Barefoot's recipe would work perfectly - they always do.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoKZ0ZuaAztTX0ifV84f3aqA4zDcqDc2fFskMyVOz7lipg0MusPl3wZn1HSYCA7joFXCn8nh6_Bf759PBJ0reCNdQJEfEXBbt_x2bKEZ34jy6ZoDEwytJW1M7OaH6WWd6kXZwh_s1TYci/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoKZ0ZuaAztTX0ifV84f3aqA4zDcqDc2fFskMyVOz7lipg0MusPl3wZn1HSYCA7joFXCn8nh6_Bf759PBJ0reCNdQJEfEXBbt_x2bKEZ34jy6ZoDEwytJW1M7OaH6WWd6kXZwh_s1TYci/s640/IMG_0838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Make sure the butter is really cold - just out of the refrigerator. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_K0JcglyQBTE1pI8yKjeysQEpUhrs_pdTLY7_Tbr19jvuu_yzhHOaTKonbXHwtpyShj6EKQaKUoxXI4AwvRfmGFo77j2RML7ZZ-YknoBLjaOOo9VDsi7w_1L_f732kGzb6m0xG0c1UBH/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_K0JcglyQBTE1pI8yKjeysQEpUhrs_pdTLY7_Tbr19jvuu_yzhHOaTKonbXHwtpyShj6EKQaKUoxXI4AwvRfmGFo77j2RML7ZZ-YknoBLjaOOo9VDsi7w_1L_f732kGzb6m0xG0c1UBH/s640/IMG_0839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I pulsed the dry ingredients together with the pieces of butter in a food processor until it looked like sand.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfCN1T64tiShPeBh23s8R00gHWPAQwn_qI4kIwu4B-10k_B5OfM_GwxFqN0GZrtYcRFP5WNRnFNzYUHHoLnouUmAetQsjNIY0ZhO2azGVNuqCBimToVzn2P8g94ShLMdh_1OzlAVXtMnN/s1600/IMG_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfCN1T64tiShPeBh23s8R00gHWPAQwn_qI4kIwu4B-10k_B5OfM_GwxFqN0GZrtYcRFP5WNRnFNzYUHHoLnouUmAetQsjNIY0ZhO2azGVNuqCBimToVzn2P8g94ShLMdh_1OzlAVXtMnN/s640/IMG_0840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I whisked together the egg and buttermilk with a fork. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt9IcZVqVLFepvj4qLFrYrLs_9u1w0AsALf34dqoBU3tSSilisH6FzbnTn_Qr20u1XSJl9-HGRV3lJMjSnrG1vXCBdp10DjTgyOz7-4e7qOQxAuQmavl8G0muHnuMDdHFsK-FIXDGbSD9/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt9IcZVqVLFepvj4qLFrYrLs_9u1w0AsALf34dqoBU3tSSilisH6FzbnTn_Qr20u1XSJl9-HGRV3lJMjSnrG1vXCBdp10DjTgyOz7-4e7qOQxAuQmavl8G0muHnuMDdHFsK-FIXDGbSD9/s640/IMG_0848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I added the milk and eggs to the dry ingredients, then mixed in the cheese.  Be careful not too over-mix. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L8YT5gKXsRVT9qL9Lb_R5YsT-AbEQo7HQDYwr7xJt_UANpOmoDh4aGsok2KEUibON_h7PK6VwI6eF6yNPHerGRz6fCJALlNOBmj2yDDti4Nk_vR7OOv3w5e-iWstM9QtRGTXRkfM8L7a/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-L8YT5gKXsRVT9qL9Lb_R5YsT-AbEQo7HQDYwr7xJt_UANpOmoDh4aGsok2KEUibON_h7PK6VwI6eF6yNPHerGRz6fCJALlNOBmj2yDDti4Nk_vR7OOv3w5e-iWstM9QtRGTXRkfM8L7a/s640/IMG_0849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cut the biscuits on a floured board with a round cutter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FRWemhkw0lbL9YQefrgs2ZLTnSTNZNp60LJN9eoEjvoHIoOoITtkj-VOGUtSBw-WvHPeetPIdZG48yrphSNRVy-2qqmWZ66w5OuCiPCsir4Adyng0IK2JF-acxb4j8ObNilGUEDTLVHh/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FRWemhkw0lbL9YQefrgs2ZLTnSTNZNp60LJN9eoEjvoHIoOoITtkj-VOGUtSBw-WvHPeetPIdZG48yrphSNRVy-2qqmWZ66w5OuCiPCsir4Adyng0IK2JF-acxb4j8ObNilGUEDTLVHh/s640/IMG_0851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m0t3XUqrfL6kEyrL5pKu1pGj_EXWqzVAq8q_aFVtF5NteahNpEB8sg8H0TlVEMG1rFF_sUmqPdJnwoQZQX5nydfvax5fggMbpnu1NFIMEZ20-XpNsyP1gEnnVN-m11K0JqLkjLKyQMjI/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m0t3XUqrfL6kEyrL5pKu1pGj_EXWqzVAq8q_aFVtF5NteahNpEB8sg8H0TlVEMG1rFF_sUmqPdJnwoQZQX5nydfvax5fggMbpnu1NFIMEZ20-XpNsyP1gEnnVN-m11K0JqLkjLKyQMjI/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" width="320" /></a> 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed<br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt<br />12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced<br />1/2 cup cold buttermilk, shaken<br />1 cold extra-large egg<br />1 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar<br />1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk<br />sea salt & black pepper<br /><br /><br /><div class="instruction">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.</div><br />Place 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, add the butter and mix until the butter is the size of peas.<br /><br />Combine the buttermilk and egg in a small measuring cup and beat lightly with a fork. With the mixer still on low, quickly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix only until moistened. In a small bowl, mix the Cheddar with small handful of flour and, with the mixer still on low, add the cheese to the dough. Mix only until roughly combined.<br /><br />Dump out onto a well-floured board and knead lightly about 6 times. Roll the dough out to a rectangle 10 by 5 inches. With a sharp, floured knife, cut the dough lengthwise in half and then across in quarters, making 8 rough rectangles. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg wash, sprinkle with salt, if using, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the biscuits are cooked through. Serve hot or warm.<br /><br />This recipe is from <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/books/bcbtb_inside.shtml">the Barefoot Contessa's Back to Basics cookbook. </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Yw2iP-ZyRVHGdaSM4CVYNrAhedcZ5XJlB_c3ZGdcpE_pF7uvCt7E53keqmzCJRo9s7wlV9c2giE1hOVVuCJqtOmAR7nH5Q-lXsdM0RUw-8kq6k5wkZIyEO8PS30UciEbTq5p2U1fHVz/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Yw2iP-ZyRVHGdaSM4CVYNrAhedcZ5XJlB_c3ZGdcpE_pF7uvCt7E53keqmzCJRo9s7wlV9c2giE1hOVVuCJqtOmAR7nH5Q-lXsdM0RUw-8kq6k5wkZIyEO8PS30UciEbTq5p2U1fHVz/s640/IMG_0858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m0t3XUqrfL6kEyrL5pKu1pGj_EXWqzVAq8q_aFVtF5NteahNpEB8sg8H0TlVEMG1rFF_sUmqPdJnwoQZQX5nydfvax5fggMbpnu1NFIMEZ20-XpNsyP1gEnnVN-m11K0JqLkjLKyQMjI/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>

Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits | Recipe | Barefoot Contessa

It is no secret, I'm a Barefoot Contessa fan.  I think her book "Parties" was the reason I started Occasions 6 years ago.  Wh...

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Recipe | Grilled Cheese Sandwich | The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKDAC19yhhgBzxcdlxI6CzpIP0pAyfPa5wRXTbJCz8u2_EyTAXtBO4vW5sAltS-29EZmUMS6zgyoCo5vrSk2lYpgPk4hUkZmJg_sDXZxBW93Po8p9zLSqIcbHEKqPeZpCHf6Wg6p7DEI/s1600/Valentines-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9PDT_GuwAQJYDQ6AsUn0HeTce5ms6QqxcauuvGq_8TW0-6HI0XkJW8oUtQ25t3pjgxFBLMFk0Yxw4Z3iXUbzgntjEWddqqCr0cBHGieiPiiCjBh5-nILSQGl1-zLMVYo_xqaNG3ge7bU/s1600/IMG_4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9PDT_GuwAQJYDQ6AsUn0HeTce5ms6QqxcauuvGq_8TW0-6HI0XkJW8oUtQ25t3pjgxFBLMFk0Yxw4Z3iXUbzgntjEWddqqCr0cBHGieiPiiCjBh5-nILSQGl1-zLMVYo_xqaNG3ge7bU/s640/IMG_4066.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Optima;">Grilled Cheese... So simple, but so yummy.  This "The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich" recipe is my favorite combination of cheeses.  Make sure you start by hand shredding the cheese - it really makes a difference if you do it by hand.  The cheese melts easier... more ewwy and gooey.   This goes great with my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/recipes-tomato-basil-soup-best-grilled.html">Tomato Basil Soup recipe!</a></div><div style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Optima;">The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich </div><div style="font-family: Optima;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">4 sandwiches</span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">Sign-up </span><a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">here</a><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> for an emailed version of my </span><a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">Printable Recipes</a><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">.</span></div><div style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Optima;">8 slices of Italian Bread</div><div style="font-family: Optima;">1 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded</div><div style="font-family: Optima;">2/3 cup of provolone cheese, shredded</div><div style="font-family: Optima;">2/3 cup of swiss cheese, shredded</div><div style="font-family: Optima;">2 tablespoon of butter</div><div style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Optima;">Divide the bread into 4 stacks of 2 pieces.  butter the tops and bottoms of the sandwiches.  In between the slices, divide up the shredded cheeses.  In a hot skillet - or cast iron pan/griddle works best - grill the sandwiches on medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side until they are brown and the cheese has melted.  </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get the recipe for the simple and healthy <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/recipes-tomato-basil-soup-best-grilled.html">Tomato Basil Soup</a> here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To find more of my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/">Entertaining Essentials</a>, stop by <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/">my store</a> of specially selected favorites. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div id="lijit_region_143512"></div>Some More Favorite Posts :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vKn8TptLu2KQ1jJR0ne2oRu2JQBCEdSIQjDTOtl0vwy_GViqov6xAfkTRNrvIt_XlYN9MXEx2yJ0iN2k1BWg8RfZQTpeVb0tInqti1KSyCEvsWepl4DTECTDdzFyrsuacEOR2AOtnsYT/s1600/IMG_8502_3.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vKn8TptLu2KQ1jJR0ne2oRu2JQBCEdSIQjDTOtl0vwy_GViqov6xAfkTRNrvIt_XlYN9MXEx2yJ0iN2k1BWg8RfZQTpeVb0tInqti1KSyCEvsWepl4DTECTDdzFyrsuacEOR2AOtnsYT/s640/IMG_8502_3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/04/lobster-mac-and-cheese-recipe-best.html">Lobster Mac N'Cheese</a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8MUU9Y2ca_iqv6Bm-Zg3tmvmNIqAJxNBJd63dBrMLxS1D6en1PUp-J6tfXVjlQEgmQVBFyYF_bHACzGgfti5LJPI9WgfuGfSoN6Oda5-vLJF5W2vmBhNu9DkegDBK4EkOUI6NWazjbTr/s1600/DSC_2359_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8MUU9Y2ca_iqv6Bm-Zg3tmvmNIqAJxNBJd63dBrMLxS1D6en1PUp-J6tfXVjlQEgmQVBFyYF_bHACzGgfti5LJPI9WgfuGfSoN6Oda5-vLJF5W2vmBhNu9DkegDBK4EkOUI6NWazjbTr/s640/DSC_2359_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-homemade-pasta-rustic-pasta.html">Homemade Pappardelle with Beef Ragu... tomatoes, wine & braised beef...</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDDuYRapcZAO29YLKPwhg4xCozwlFZQ1X9Tgf1FaBBbiEywZXzK1JJOM4nmhShdohbAQ4VKWqfMzNQTFiWyp-46AsfwkAwgQdOd84dAMb2F0xJnDNckDLn_IW7O60CL8VKNE6qws-2UBf/s1600/IMG_7145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDDuYRapcZAO29YLKPwhg4xCozwlFZQ1X9Tgf1FaBBbiEywZXzK1JJOM4nmhShdohbAQ4VKWqfMzNQTFiWyp-46AsfwkAwgQdOd84dAMb2F0xJnDNckDLn_IW7O60CL8VKNE6qws-2UBf/s640/IMG_7145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/east-hampton-weekend-barefoot-contessa.html">Our Weekend in the Hamptons </a>- Our Barefoot Contessa Sighting (she sat at the table next to us at dinner!) and Martha Stewart's House</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKQH-j4TY3sOP-_uVD8Zhz2E2QVdBKmTRsv4g6f8tZ4euH2Qj3hP_Rg9N1aJow16NNrNI72T6uLIfwW21YsCcc2TVBeBWmxyqNyal45cyTmpUvC-iM2KjqWpnYWD0Bm47j1UM6XPF2Kq/s1600/JMH_0339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-honeymoon-in-italy-rome.html">Our Italian Honeymoon</a></div><div style="font-family: Optima; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKDAC19yhhgBzxcdlxI6CzpIP0pAyfPa5wRXTbJCz8u2_EyTAXtBO4vW5sAltS-29EZmUMS6zgyoCo5vrSk2lYpgPk4hUkZmJg_sDXZxBW93Po8p9zLSqIcbHEKqPeZpCHf6Wg6p7DEI/s1600/Valentines-2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKDAC19yhhgBzxcdlxI6CzpIP0pAyfPa5wRXTbJCz8u2_EyTAXtBO4vW5sAltS-29EZmUMS6zgyoCo5vrSk2lYpgPk4hUkZmJg_sDXZxBW93Po8p9zLSqIcbHEKqPeZpCHf6Wg6p7DEI/s640/Valentines-2012.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/search/label/Valentine%27s%20Day" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Posts! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK183f9P-ZKZ-tcsRBVqeZBHZ0Y92niLDwnkpT6aLYHNqMVkN6IxErtpsbQ-3ItPxx2l4Vmx1zdFPUOjtSpghFdJlBBSUJbFUM5mqu1B_Ug-g43C8jDwaNHWOK9MKCWfAOnk9p1phLPVMF/s1600/Recipe-Index-Blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK183f9P-ZKZ-tcsRBVqeZBHZ0Y92niLDwnkpT6aLYHNqMVkN6IxErtpsbQ-3ItPxx2l4Vmx1zdFPUOjtSpghFdJlBBSUJbFUM5mqu1B_Ug-g43C8jDwaNHWOK9MKCWfAOnk9p1phLPVMF/s640/Recipe-Index-Blog.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Optima; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Optima; text-align: center;"></div>Want to see all of my recipes in one place?  Visit my <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/recipeindex.html">NEW Recipe Index</a>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Recipe | Grilled Cheese Sandwich | The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Grilled Cheese... So simple, but so yummy.  This "The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich" recipe is my favorite combination of cheeses. ...

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Recipes | Roasted Chicken, Smashed Potatoes & Green Beans

<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2KEfNavC4jh_YrXgQcYReN0ZXf6qu0OSyQ0E8J7EMEvuaogkp4Urhi3K-gdeMcJE1VMSFvV6dLaKuWAB0_bCOSP7fw9Er0rSv-sTXi_IbeaynGOXOHSfl5YF_OI9SB3Pn5bg5sawBh0/s1600-h/Roasted+Chicken.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370930783849107442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2KEfNavC4jh_YrXgQcYReN0ZXf6qu0OSyQ0E8J7EMEvuaogkp4Urhi3K-gdeMcJE1VMSFvV6dLaKuWAB0_bCOSP7fw9Er0rSv-sTXi_IbeaynGOXOHSfl5YF_OI9SB3Pn5bg5sawBh0/s400/Roasted+Chicken.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday it was dreary and rainy in Kansas City, so, I turned to my 'comfort food' recipes - Roasted Chicken (ala Barefoot Contessa : stuffed with lemon and garlic), smashed red potatoes, and steamed green beans.  Roasting a chicken may seem daunting, but it is THE easiest dinner you can make.  The entire dinner can be made for under $10 and it is super healthy, too.  I know, you don't often associate mashed potatoes with gravy as healthy, but it surprisingly is.  The gravy is made with only 2 tablespoons of 'drippings' and 2 tablespoons of butter - and that feeds 4+ people.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Shopping List :</div><div><br /></div><div>Whole Chicken - $.99/lb x 3.5lbs = $3.50</div><div>Red Onions - $1.00</div><div>Red Potatoes - $1.50</div><div>Green Beans - $1.50</div><div>Chicken Stock - $1.00</div><div>Lemon - $.30</div><div>Garlic - $.30</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Total = $9.10</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Roasted Chicken :</div><div><br /></div><div>Whole Chicken</div><div>Lemon, cut in half</div><div>Head of Garlic, cut in half</div><div>2 Tablespoons of Butter, softened</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div>1 Red Onion</div><div><br /></div><div>Generously salt & pepper the inside of the chicken.  Stuff the lemon and garlic halves in the cavity of the chicken.  Pat the outside of the chicken dry with paper towels.  Spread the outside with butter, then sprinkle with salt & pepper.  Tie together the legs of the chicken with twine.  Cut up red onions into large pieces, then scatter around the chicken.  Roast for 50 minutes (longer for a larger chicken) at 425 degrees.  </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2DsEHMZPcaROmVyMsdfFErbPhNjy55uCPyzcGQPvpoPsmmT14JPB0LMtpgRjNJbWbKeTyhYyS0KdQ8WQVmtxXcEP3urVdH0L2LkM5tw7rFHWv4lWodjtQvJwH75s0IDhrX61oFZQgbM/s1600-h/Roasted+Chicken+and+Mashed+Potatoes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370930794406421410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2DsEHMZPcaROmVyMsdfFErbPhNjy55uCPyzcGQPvpoPsmmT14JPB0LMtpgRjNJbWbKeTyhYyS0KdQ8WQVmtxXcEP3urVdH0L2LkM5tw7rFHWv4lWodjtQvJwH75s0IDhrX61oFZQgbM/s400/Roasted+Chicken+and+Mashed+Potatoes.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Smashed Potatoes :</div><div><br /></div><div>1 pound of red potatoes, cut in half</div><div>2 tablespoons of butter</div><div>1/4 cup of milk</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>Place the potatoes in a saucepan and fill with water.  Bring to a boil and cook until tender.  Put potatoes in mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.  Add butter milk and salt & pepper.  Mix on low until the potatoes start to 'smash'.  Continue until you reach the constancy you like - chunky for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Green Beans : </div><div><br /></div><div>1 pound of Green Beans</div><div>1 tablespoon of Butter</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>In salted simmering water, place green beans that you've trimmed the ends and cut in half.  Cook for 5 minutes.  Drain.  Place butter in in the hot pan, then toss the green beans in the butter for 2 minutes.  Salt & pepper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gravy :</div><div><br /></div><div>2 tablespoons of Drippings from the roasting pan</div><div>2 tablespoons of Flour</div><div>1 cup of Chicken Stock</div><div>2 tablespoons of Butter</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>In a sauce pan, combine drippings and flour - stirring for 2 minutes until the flour has cooked.  Whisk in chicken stock.  Add butter and salt and pepper.  Cook on low until thick.   </div></div><br /><div>Approximate calories per person : 450 calories</div><div><br /></div>

Recipes | Roasted Chicken, Smashed Potatoes & Green Beans

Yesterday it was dreary and rainy in Kansas City, so, I turned to my 'comfort food' recipes - Roasted Chicken (ala Barefoot Contessa...

Read more »