Tag: cast iron

Peach Blueberry Skillet Crisp

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, Uncategorized2 Comments

There’s something to be said about using the freshest in-season ingredients when you’re cooking – what good chef or home cook doesn’t?  We’re lucky enough to have a fantastic farm share that we subscribe to weekly and get deliveries of the best produce in the area.  Last week we managed both blueberries and peaches and I just had to mix up this quick delicious dessert.

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PEACH BLUEBERRY SKILLET CRISP

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 5-6 Medium Peaches
  • 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
  • 1/4 Cup Flour
  • 1/3 Cup Sugar (a little less if your fruit is ripe and sweet)
  • 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Dash Salt

Topping:

  • 1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Cold Butter
  • 1/2 Cup Flour
  • 1/2 Packed Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 Cup Rolled Oats
  • 1 Tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Peel & slice peaches and place in a medium bowl.  Wash blueberries, pat dry and add to peaches.
  • Add remaining filling ingredients, mix lightly and set aside.
  • In a large bowl mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and oats.
  • Cut butter into small pieces and put in the topping mixture bowl.  Using a pastry blender or fork, mix together topping until mixture is crumbly and butter is in pea-size chunks.
  • Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or 9×9 baking dish with butter.
  • Pour in filling and spread evenly – does not need to be perfectly level!
  • Spoon the topping mixture over your fruit and cover completely.  DO NOT press down, the topping will brown and crisp better without it being perfectly flat.
  • Place pan in oven and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until top is lightly browned and fruit is bubbling on edges.
  • Serve warm from the oven or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

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There you are, an easy one that you can substitute with almost any fruit!  If you think this one looks good, try it with apples or cherries.  Dig in!

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Sweet & Savory Party Nuts

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The holiday season is fast approaching and that means plenty of entertaining.  It’s always good to keep some homemade snacks on hand for company or to take along as a hostess gift when visiting family and friends.  This recipe is a simple way to dress up mixed nuts for a salty, sweet and savory snack you can make over and over again.  A surprising hint of rosemary provides a contrasting flavor and slightly piney aroma that’s reminiscent of the holidays.

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SWEET & SAVORY PARTY NUTS

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups Salted Mixed Nuts
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 3 Tbs. Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tsp. Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped
  • 1 Tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp. Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 Tsp. Fresh Grated Nutmeg
  • 1/4 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Egg White
  • 2 Tsp. Water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  • In a medium bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, rosemary, onion powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg and pepper.  Mix well with a spoon.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together egg white and water until frothy.
  • Add nuts to the egg white mixture and toss well to evenly coat.
  • Pour nuts into spice mixture and mix well to evenly coat nuts with sugar and spices.
  • Spray a 12-inch cast iron pan with cooking spray and pour nut mixture into it.
  • Bake at 275 for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • Remove nuts from oven and pour out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Allow to cool fully.
  • Break up nuts and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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These nuts were a huge hit at trivia night recently.  I know we’ll make them often over the next few months with all we have going on.  Don’t have a cast iron pan?  Shame on you!  But you can definitely make these on a heavy non-stick baking sheet.  Also think about varying the herbs and/or nuts to your liking.  I’ve seen similar receipts with just pecans or cashews.  The addition of a little citrus zest would also bring another great flavor element.  Give them a try and tell me what you think.  Dig in!

Mixed Potato Home Fries

On By greg@kandflivingIn Photo Gallery, Recipes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I’m breaking in my new cast iron skillet lately.  I thought there was a good chance to test out the crisping capability with a batch of home fries for breakfast.  While the recipe is simple there are a few keys.  Definitely use a cast iron skillet for perfect heat and crispy edges.  Using a combo of canola oil and butter will also help to brown and flavor these.  Finally, mix it up a little bit by using both sweet and russet potatoes.

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MIXED POTATO HOME FRIES

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Russet Potato
  • 1 Large Sweet Potato
  • 1/2 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
  • 2 Tbs. Butter
  • 2 Tbs. Canola Oil
  • 1 Tsp. Sweet Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp. Pepper

Instructions

  • Peel potatoes and dice each into 1/2 inch cubes.
  • Put oil and butter in skillet and warm over medium heat.
  • Mix up potatoes and diced onion and then place into warm skillet.
  • Sprinkle salt, pepper and paprika over ingredients.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes.  Potatoes will be soft and everything will have brown crispy edges.
  • Serve immediately.

Breakfast, brunch or dinner, these home fries will be a hit with you and your guests.  The recipe above serves 4, but you can easily double it for a larger serving.  If you like, the addition of a half red or green pepper diced in this recipe is excellent as well.  Maybe you’ll try it and use it as a base for a hash?  Try diced ham and a few fried eggs over the top.  Any way you fix it, it’ll be delicious.  Dig in!