Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

I loved this delicious salad!  It has fresh, yummy flavors, is simple to put together, is very versatile (leave out cheese for vegan), stores great and can be used as a side dish or main dish.  You can add chunks of grilled or roasted chicken to boost the protein and make it perfect for a main dish.  This is a keeper!

Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

serves 6-8

from Eating Bird Food

• Salad:
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 2 cups water (or veggie broth)
• ½ pound broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 sweet potato, chopped into ¼ – ½ inch chunks
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
• 1 bunch laccinto kale, roughly chopped
• olive oil, as needed
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley
• 3 Tablespoons feta cheese
• Dressing: (can 1 1/2 x or double recipe to add later if dry)
• juice from one lemon
• 1/2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• salt and ground pepper, to taste
• crushed red pepper, to taste (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF.
2. Rinse and drain quinoa if needed. Place quinoa and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer, cover and let it cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat after 15 minutes and place quinoa in a large bowl to cool.
3. Drain and rinse your canned chickpeas. Place the chickpeas on a paper towel or hand towel to dry.
4. Toss broccoli and sweet potato chunks with enough olive oil to coat and season liberally with salt and pepper. Roast veggies at 425ºF for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, add your kale and chickpeas to the roasting pan. Add a bit more oil, salt and pepper, if needed and toss. Roast for another 15 minutes. Stirring the veggies around at least once during the roasting process.
5. Once your veggies are nice and roasted, remove from the oven and combine them with the quinoa.
6. Chop parsley, crumble feta and add to the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar and maple syrup. Gently stir in oil, and add salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Toss dressing over quinoa/vegetable mixture. Taste and season with more salt and pepper before serving, if needed.
8. Store any leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days. As the salad sits it tends to soak up the dressing and become dry. If needed, add an extra splash of lemon to brighten it back up before serving.

Cajun Salmon with Salted Lime Butter

Cajun Salmon with Salted Lime Butter

serves 4

very slightly adapted from How Sweet Eats

• 1 (2 pound) salmon filet
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Salted lime butter

• 4  tablespoons  unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 lime, zest freshly grated
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt

• Preheat the broiler in your oven to high and set the oven rack about 6 inches below it.
• Place the salmon on a baking sheet and brush it with the olive oil. If desired, you can rub it with 1 tablespoon of the lime butter instead (or in addition to, for flavor). In a bowl, stir together the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, pepper flakes and cayenne. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the salmon filet and press gently to adhere.
• Broil the salmon for 6 to 8 minutes, or until just opaque and flakey with a fork. Remove from the oven and cover with a few teaspoons of the lime butter. Serve with rice and lime wedges for spritzing.

SALTED LIME BUTTER

• Stir together the butter, lime zest and salt until combined.
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Aunt Marian's Biscuits

Aunt Marian's Biscuits
yields 8

2 c flour

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

2 Tbsp sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 scant tsp salt

1/2 c shortening

2/3-3/4 c milk

Sift together all dry ingredients.  Cut in shortening until crumbs are the size of peas.  Add milk and mix until dough cleaves from the sides of the bowl.  Turn onto slightly floured counter.  Knead 20 times.  Pat 1/2-3/4 inch thick.  Cut into circles.  Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 min on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and "Rice" Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and "Rice" Casserole

from Lillie Eats and Tells

serves 6-8 (serving size: 303 g)

1 c onion, diced (100 g)

7 c riced cauliflower, fresh or forzen (680 g)

2 t kosher salt

1/4 t pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 T flour

1 c non fat milk 

1 t garlic powder

1 t dried parsley

1/2 t curry powder

juice of half a lemon

5 T whipped Greek cream cheese (66 g; substitute reduced fat cream cheese for a tiny bit of extra fat)

3/4 c non fat Greek yogurt (170 g)

4 c steamed broccoli (360 g)

4 c grilled chicken, chopped (512 g)

3/4 c sharp cheddar cheese, grated (3 oz or 84 g)

Heat a large skillet over high heat.  Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.  Add the cauliflower rice, salt and pepper, and saute for about 10 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and most of the water has cooked out.  Cauliflower should be soft.  Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.  Stir flour into the cauliflower and mix well.  Turn down to medium heat, add milk and mix well.  Add the garlic powder, parsley, curry powder, lemon juice, cream cheese and Greek yogurt, combining well.  Turn the heat down to low and add steamed broccoli and chicken.  Combine well and spread into a 9x13 baking dish.  Top with cheese and cover with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until melty.  (291 cal/16.5 C/ 8.5 F/ 37.6 P/ 4.4 fiber)

Salted Caramel Sauce

Salted Caramel Sauce

from Sally's Baking Addiction, yields 1 cup

1 c granulated sugar 

6 T salted butter, room temperature, cut into 6 pieces

1/2 c heavy cream

1 t kosher salt

Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a high heat resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon.  Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick, brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir.  Be careful not to burn.

Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter.  Be careful in this step becaue the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.

Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes.  If you notice the butter separating or if the sugar clumped up, remove from the heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again.  Keep whisking until it comes back together, even if it takes 3-4 minutes, it will come together eventually.  Return to heat when combined again.

Very slowly, drizzle in 1/2 c of heavy cream while stirring.  Since the heavy cream is colder than the caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble when added.  Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minutes.  It will rise in the pan as it boils.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.  Allow to slightly cool down before using.  Caramel will thicken as it cools.

Cover tightly and store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.  Caramel solidifies in the refrigerator.  Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency.  

1. 
   

**Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: You can make this caramel in advance. Make sure it is covered tightly and store it for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Warm the caramel up for a few seconds before using in a recipe. This caramel is OK at room temperature for a day if you’re traveling or gifting it. You can freeze the salted caramel, too. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm up before using.
**Salt: Use regular table salt or kosher salt. If using larger flaky salt, add 1 teaspoon, taste, then add more if desired. This recipe works with 1 teaspoon of any variety of salt. You can always add 3/4 teaspoon, taste, then add more if desired.

**Regular Caramel: If you want to make regular caramel, reduce salt to 1/2 teaspoon. Do not leave it out completely.
**Larger Batches: Avoid doubling or tripling this recipe. The added volume could prevent the sugar from melting evenly and properly. Make a couple batches instead.

French Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

French Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle
slightly adapted from Once Upon a Chef 
serves 8

1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling over cake

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons butter vanilla emulsion

• 2-3 baking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (3-1/2 - 4 cups chopped) (I like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Granny Smith) 

• Confectioners' sugar (optional), for decorating cake
• Salted caramel sauce (recipe below)
  
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1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and grease again.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

1. Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Don't worry if the batter looks grainy at this point; that's okay. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples.

1. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and even the top. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a rack. Run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake. If using a springform pan, remove the sides. If using a regular cake pan, carefully invert the cake onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, then gently flip the cake over and place right-side-up on a platter. Using a fine sieve, dust with confectioners' sugar (if using). Cake can be served warm or room temperature, plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  Drizzle the top generously with salted caramel (recipe below).

1. Freezer Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

Salted Caramel Sauce

from Sally's Baking Addiction

yields 1 cup

1 c granulated sugar 

6 T salted butter, room temperature, cut into 6 pieces

1/2 c heavy cream

1 t kosher salt

Heat granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a high heat resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon.  Sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick, brown, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir.  Be careful not to burn.

Once sugar is completely melted, immediately add the butter.  Be careful in this step becaue the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.

Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2 minutes.  If you notice the butter separating or if the sugar clumped up, remove from the heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again.  Keep whisking until it comes back together, even if it takes 3-4 minutes, it will come together eventually.  Return to heat when combined again.

Very slowly, drizzle in 1/2 c of heavy cream while stirring.  Since the heavy cream is colder than the caramel, the mixture will rapidly bubble when added.  Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minutes.  It will rise in the pan as it boils.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.  Allow to slightly cool down before using.  Caramel will thicken as it cools.

Cover tightly and store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.  Caramel solidifies in the refrigerator.  Reheat in the microwave or on the stove to desired consistency.  

1. 
   

**Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: You can make this caramel in advance. Make sure it is covered tightly and store it for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Warm the caramel up for a few seconds before using in a recipe. This caramel is OK at room temperature for a day if you’re traveling or gifting it. You can freeze the salted caramel, too. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm up before using.
**Salt: Use regular table salt or kosher salt. If using larger flaky salt, add 1 teaspoon, taste, then add more if desired. This recipe works with 1 teaspoon of any variety of salt. You can always add 3/4 teaspoon, taste, then add more if desired.

**Regular Caramel: If you want to make regular caramel, reduce salt to 1/2 teaspoon. Do not leave it out completely.
**Larger Batches: Avoid doubling or tripling this recipe. The added volume could prevent the sugar from melting evenly and properly. Make a couple batches instead.

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Torte

Chocolate Macadamia Nut Torte
from The Romney Family Table

1 c flour
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c sour cream
1/2 c butter, softened
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 t instant coffee (optional)
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t vanilla extact
1/4 t salt
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line bottom with parchment paper.  In a large bowl, beat all ingredients until well blended.  Pour into prepared pan and bake 30 minutes or until cake tests done.  Cool.  Invert onto serving plate and top with Fudge Topping (below).

Fudge topping:

1 c heavy cream

1/2 c sugar

2 T butter

4 oz semisweet chocolate

1 t vanilla extract

1 (7 oz) jar macadamia nuts

In a 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cream, sugar, butter, and chocolate and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes more, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Put water and ice in a large mixing bowl.  Place pan in bowl and stir until mixture is of spreadable consistency.  Stir in nuts.  Pour topping evenly over cake, allowing some to run down the sides.  The trick is to make sure it is not too runny; let cool to desired consistency before spreading on cake.