Recipes — Easy RSS

I wanted to do a side that was a little different for Thanksgiving, after all we always have mashed potatoes. Polenta is a great alternative and takes much less time and effort. You can make polenta take on any flavor you want, for this version I wanted something rich, creamy and cheesy. I combined polenta with cheddar cheese, and my Balsamic Onion spread, and topped it all off with bacon. YUM. Cheesy Polenta with Balsamic Onion and Bacon 2 cups Polenta 1 cup half and half 5 cups milk 2 tbsp butter 3 cups shredded white cheddar 3 slices of  cooked bacon 1 cup Just Jan's Balsamic Onion Combine the milk, half and half, and salt in a medium sized...

Thanksgiving is the most important Holiday meal of the year, and we all want it to be perfect. This meal can also be a very heavy meal, with lots of starches and rich foods and sauces. With that in mind I thought it would be fun to do a salad for Thanksgiving, something light and flavorful.  This Kale and Apple salad is the perfect way to start a Thanksgiving meal, it is bright and crisp with the flavors of fall and makes a nice change of pace from the typical Thanksgiving fare.  Kale & Apple Salad with Fig Vinaigrette For the Dressing: 1/4 Cup Olive Oil 3 Tbsp Champagne Vinegar 3 Tbsp Kadota Fig Spread Fresh ground pepper Kosher salt...

After scouring the local farmer's market to get some inspiration for this week's recipes, I came across a vendor selling what looked like very pale lemons.  It turns out they were sweet limes also known as sweet lemon or sweet limetta!  I had never tried one before so I decided to buy a few and experiment.  WOW.  These little gems are slightly sweet & mild, not like it's relatives the lime or lemon.  Native to South East Asia grown in Egypt, Palestine and the Mediterranean I feel lucky to have found them here in Southern California! You can actually peel it and eat it as is.  It's fragrant and super juicy so let the fun begin. Sweet Lemon Gin Splash 3...

As the seasons change so do our cocktails of choice.  While Summer is a time for lighter fruit based cocktails, Fall is perfect for some bolder, deeper flavors.  Bourbon is a spirit that can be a bit of an acquired taste, it can take some time to appreciate its complexities.  With that in mind I wanted to kind of demystify bourbon, its not just a drink for cigar rooms, and speakeasies, it has a playful side too. I love my Kadota Fig Spread and am always looking for excuses to experiment with it. Bourbon and fig is a match made in heaven.  Figs have a unique sweetness that perfectly compliments the smokiness of the bourbon. Even with the fig to...

Pumpkin Pancakes 1 cup flour 1 tbsp sugar 2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 & 1/4 cup milk 1/2 cup Just Jan's Homestyle Pumpkin Butter 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 egg, separated   Combine flour, salt, sugar, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl Add milk and egg yolk (reserve egg white) Mix thoroughly to combine Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin butter and mix together. Then add nutmeg and cinnamon and mix again.  Set aside.  Using a electric mixer, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Fold whipped egg whites into pancake batter, its ok if its lumpy.  To cook the pancakes use a non stick pan over medium heat.  When you see bubbles form around...