Header

"A passion for cooking is what I have...Sharing that passion is what I love to do." -Sarah Vasques, The Home Chef

Blog

Asparagus Salad

Published by: Sarah

0
comments:
  • Jun
  • 26

This flavorful salad will brighten up any summertime meal. 2 bunches Asparagus, blanched 1-2 minutes ½ tsp Garlic Powder ½ tsp Tarragon Salt & Pepper ½ c. Italian Vinnaigrette (see Italian Vinnaigrette on this site) ¼ c. Tarragon Vinegar Mixed Lettuces 1 c. Mayonnaise Marinate from Asparagus Parsley sprigs for garnish Place blanched asparagus in a […]

Share

This flavorful salad will brighten up any summertime meal.

2 bunches Asparagus, blanched 1-2 minutes
½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Tarragon
Salt & Pepper
½ c. Italian Vinnaigrette (see Italian Vinnaigrette on this site)
¼ c. Tarragon Vinegar
Mixed Lettuces
1 c. Mayonnaise
Marinate from Asparagus
Parsley sprigs for garnish

Place blanched asparagus in a glass dish.
In a bowl or measuring cup, combine garlic powder, tarragon, salt & pepper, vinnaigrette & tarragon vinegar.
Pour over asparagus..
Cover & chill 1 hour.
Place lettuces on an oblong serving platter.
Arrange asparagus tip sides out on both ends of the platter.
Whisk together mayonnaise & some of the marinate (enough to make a sauce).
Spoon sauce in the center of the platter between the 2 bunches of asparagus.
Garnish with parsley sprigs.
Serve immediately.

Share

Tomato Bearnaise

Published by: Sarah

0
comments:
  • Mar
  • 17

I’ve had this one in my database forever. Forget where I acquired it from, but know it great on seafood & poultry. Above you see it served with scallops. Is it time to eat yet? 1 Lg Shallot ½ c. Tarragon Vinegar 3 Yellow Tomatoes, pureed 2 T Butter ¼  c. Fresh Tarragon, chopped Sauté shallot […]

Share

I’ve had this one in my database forever. Forget where I acquired it from, but know it great on seafood & poultry. Above you see it served with scallops. Is it time to eat yet?

1 Lg Shallot
½ c. Tarragon Vinegar
3 Yellow Tomatoes, pureed
2 T Butter
¼  c. Fresh Tarragon, chopped

Sauté shallot in tarragon vinegar. 
Reduce to almost dry. 
Add tomato puree and bring to a boil. 
Add butter. 
Finish with fresh tarragon.

Share

Tarragon Butter

Published by: Sarah

0
comments:
  • Nov
  • 10

This flavorful butter is delicious. It gives simply baked, broiled or grilled meats just enough “oomph” for great subtle flavor. It’s also great on fresh corn! 1# Butter, softened 2 T Fresh Tarragon Leaves, chopped 1 T Fresh Parsley, chopped 2 T Scallion, chopped 3 Clove Garlic, chopped 1 C Sour Cream Zest from 1 Lemon 2 […]

Share

This flavorful butter is delicious. It gives simply baked, broiled or grilled meats just enough “oomph” for great subtle flavor. It’s also great on fresh corn!

1# Butter, softened
2 T Fresh Tarragon Leaves, chopped
1 T Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 T Scallion, chopped
3 Clove Garlic, chopped
1 C Sour Cream
Zest from 1 Lemon
2 T Lemon Juice
1 T Dijon Mustard

Combine all ingredients.
Mix well with a for or whip until blended.
Store in the fridge in a tightly sealed comtainer or tightly rolled like a log in plastic wrap for up to 2 weeks..

Share

Make Your Own Flavored Oils

Published by: Sarah

0
comments:
  • Jun
  • 4

Don’t go spending massive amounts of dollars on flavored oils! Making your own is as easy as boiling water.  The trick is in the tecnique – Heat Infusion! Here are a few easy recipes to make your own.  NOTE: Because you are infusing the oil, you don’t need to buy the expensive stuff. Rosemary Garlic Oil Combine 1 medium sprig […]

Share

Don’t go spending massive amounts of dollars on flavored oils! Making your own is as easy as boiling water.  The trick is in the tecnique – Heat Infusion! Here are a few easy recipes to make your own.  NOTE: Because you are infusing the oil, you don’t need to buy the expensive stuff.

Rosemary Garlic Oil
Combine 1 medium sprig of rosemary, 3 cloves “smashed” garlic, 1 tsp peppercorns a pinch of salt & 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer until the garlic is golden.
Remove the garlic & let the oil cool.
Bottle with the rosemary sprig & peppercorns & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Basil Oil
Combine 1 c. of fresh chopped basil & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of  extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Cool completely.
Bottle with the basil & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Sun Dried Tomato Oil
Combine 1/2 c. of  fresh (not bottled) sun dried tomatoes chopped & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Cool completely.
Bottle with the tomatoes & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Sage Oil
Combine 1/2 c. of fresh whole sage leaves (bruised) & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Strain & cool completely.
Bottle with 2 sage leaves (NOT bruised) & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
NOTE: To bruise the leaves, gently hit them with the back of a knife.

As you can see, it really is very simple to make your own. Now get creative. Try using chives, oregano, tarragon or lemon verbena & send me your recipes using the oils!

Share