Stuffed Dates
- A Recipe from Christine Ha
Yields: 8 dates
INGREDIENTS:
8 tsp goat cheese
8 Medjool dates, pitted
8 basil leaves
2 slices prosciutto, each cut into 4 thin strips lengthwise
Garnish:
Honey
METHOD:
PREP TOOTHPICKS. Soak 8 toothpicks in water for 10m.
COOK DATES. Preheat broiler. Spoon 1 tsp cheese into each date. Wrap with basil leaf and prosciutto strip. Secure with toothpick and arrange on parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat until all dates are done. Broil for 3m or until cheese bubbles.
Drizzle with honey before serving.
Penne alla Vodka
- A Recipe from Christine Ha
Yields: 2 to 3 servings
INGREDIENTS:
2 strips pancetta, coarsely chopped
3 ozs Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tbsp red chile flakes
1 oz vodka
1 (14 ozs) canned tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1/8 c heavy cream
Accompaniment:
8 ozs penne pasta, cooked al dente
Garnishes:
1 tbsp chopped basil
Grated parmigiano
METHOD:
COOK SAUCE. Brown in a saucepan over medium heat:
2 strips coarsely chopped pancetta
3 ozs Italian sausage
Add:
1/2 diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 tbsp red chile flakes
1 oz vodka
Cook until tender, stirring frequently, approx 5m.
Add and bring to low boil:
14 ozs coarsely chopped canned tomatoes
1/2 tbsp tomato paste
salt to taste
Lower heat and simmer for 15m. Add 1/8 c cream and return to low boil, stirring occasionally.
Toss with pasta and divide into bowls. Garnish with chopped basil. Serve with parmigiano.
Strawberries & Chocolate
-A Recipe from Christine Ha
Yields: 2 to 3 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Chocolate sauce:
1/2 c water
1/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 c agave nectar or corn syrup
6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (e.g. Dutch)
1 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (1/4 baking bar)
1/2 pint strawberries, washed & hulled
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
METHOD:
MAKE SAUCE. Bring to low boil in a saucepan:
1/2 c water
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c agave nectar
6 tbsp cocoa powder
Remove from heat and stir in 1 oz chopped chocolate until melted.
Let rest until thickened, approx 1h.
To serve, divide strawberries into bowls or stemmed glasses. If serving ice cream, add a scoop of vanilla. Reheat chocolate sauce if needed and drizzle over top.
