From the Chef’s Kitchen
A blog by Cathy Vogt including recipes, tips, and healthy inspiration.
Soup & Stock Making Tips
Use the best quality ingredients, organic/local produce; pasture raised/organic animal products. Vegetable scraps are great as long as they are fresh and not rotting. Cook stocks, broths and soups at a gentle simmer, just long enough to develop a good consistency and...
Fennel a la Greque
Ingredients 2 ea. Medium fennel bulbs ¾ cup- Extra dry white wine or stock could be substituted 2 Tbsp.- Extra virgin Olive Oil 1 ea.- Large shallot or small onion, minced 1 tsp. Coriander seeds Salt and Freshly ground black pepper Method Trim Fennel bulbs with a...
Red Quinoa and Asparagus Salad with Lemon-Caper Dressing
Serves: 6-8 Ingredients 1-1/2 cups- Quinoa, red or ivory, washed well and drained 3 cups- water Pinch sea salt 1 #- Asparagus, roasted or steamed and cut into small dice ½ cup- red onion, minced ½ cup- celery, minced ½ cup- Parsley leaves, fresh, chopped Dressing ¼...
Storage Tips for Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are very perishable and should be bought in small amounts. Store fresh herbs in a cool but not drafty part of the refrigerator (away from the fans). Too much moisture will promote decaying and molding of fresh herbs, but some moisture is good. Delicate...
Pantry Makeover
Out with the old. A significant step in eating a healthier diet is making sure you have a good supply of the foods you need on hand, in your pantry! Spring is a great time of year to clear out and declutter, get rid of the things that are keeping you on that...
Enhancing Our Eating Pleasure & Health in the Herb Garden
There is nothing that I can think of that adds more flavor, diversity and healthful benefits to meals than the use of herbs and spices. Fresh herbs in particular add a clean and bright flavor to foods, especially appropriate during the hot months of summer when we...
Craving Green
During the weeks leading up to the time when spring is in full bloom, all of my senses seem to be craving green. My eyes look for the subtle shades of green tucked beneath last years dried leaves in my garden beds, the beginning buds on the forsythia trees and the...
These are a few of my favorite things!
Some of the best holiday celebrations are the spontaneous gatherings that often happen during this busy time of year. Your friend drops the kids off after an afternoon of skating, your neighbor knocks on the door, unexpected friends that used to live in the...
Stewed Orange-Ginger Butternut Squash
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4-6 This is a lovely warming cool weather dish savored on its own or served as an accompaniment to a baked fish or roasted chicken or Turkey dinner. Ingredients 2 butternut squash (about 3 lbs. each) peeled,...
Soba Noodles with Grilled Bok Choy
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4 These noodles are yummy as is or you can add other vegetables such as sprouts, red pepper strips, leftover pieces of cooked salmon or beef cut into small strips. Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Sugar Free and Dairy...