tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58285817747935380032025-05-11T11:04:34.720-04:00We all deserve to eat pure foods.Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-90859119306483647012018-01-20T15:43:00.003-05:002018-01-20T15:43:48.940-05:00

Roasting is a ridiculously easy cooking technique.  It takes little supervision or fuss.  That makes it perfect at this busy time of year.  And you can cook several items at once. A roasted entrée with sides of roasted vegetables is a great combination.  You can even finish the meal with roasted fruit served with ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Fruit

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-90524193778326306792017-12-03T19:36:00.001-05:002017-12-03T19:36:28.828-05:00

A reprise of a favorite post that shows you how to make your own baking powder just in time for cookie season. Holiday baking season is here.  Your heirloom recipes don't deserve stale baking powder.  Happily, it's easy to make your own with pure ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Baking powder that's been on the shelf too long may not

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-31210663130363655772017-03-26T18:24:00.000-04:002017-03-26T18:24:03.528-04:00

Before: After: You can do this with easily obtained ingredients.  Improvise if you don't have everything but you will need a fresh orange and Mirin, the slightly sweet cooking wine that replaces the sugar found in most home recipes and keeps this dish from being to sweet.  Marinating the beef takes only 15 minutes and the

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-25231061251177449462017-01-02T10:35:00.000-05:002017-01-02T10:35:57.918-05:00

Seared sea scallops with an easy and pure orange beurre blanc sauce brighten up January.  The sauce sets up in the time it takes to sear your scallops.   Steamed shrimp, mild white fish and even chicken breasts also like this sauce.  For chicken, try a variation with sliced green olives. Scallops in Orange Beurre Blanc Serves 2, recipe can be doubled For scallops: 10-12  

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-38536348462824643422016-12-29T12:42:00.000-05:002016-12-29T12:42:53.860-05:00

These are simple vegetable appetizers you can do ahead in the oven by combining various bite-sized edibles with herbs, spices, citrus peel and flavored oils.  They are nice warm or room temperature though they taste best if allowed to sit overnight to soak up all the flavorings. Our olives get flavor from olive oil, orange peel, fresh thyme and red pepper flakes. Use two cans for a crowd

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-90735282903690249582016-11-25T12:30:00.000-05:002016-11-25T12:30:10.027-05:00

Holiday baking season is here.  Your heirloom recipes don't deserve stale baking powder.  Happily, t's easy to make your own with pure ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Baking powder that's been on the shelf too long may not provide the expected leavening and I find it can impart a bitter taste to baked goods, as if the cream of tartar in the mixture can no

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-75672260101864322282016-10-09T14:29:00.000-04:002016-10-09T14:29:23.907-04:00

Beef tenderloin is a cut of beef that is reserved for special occasions and at certain times of year it goes on sale.  If you see one, calculate your cost per serving and see if its worth picking up.  This week I paid under thirty dollars for a 5 pound beef tenderloin.  After butchering into tournedo steaks and chateaubriand roasts I netted out with at least 12 servings at $2.50

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-87883017577997375922016-07-22T13:23:00.000-04:002016-07-22T13:23:02.002-04:00

Pure Foods Project blog is taking a summer vacation over on Instagram.  Find posts and follow me at PureFrances... Yogurt Container Cucumber Soup Lentil Salad with Yellow Beets and Goat Cheese Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche & Dill Cucumber Cups 

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-64564142193187188002016-07-01T07:01:00.000-04:002016-07-01T07:01:03.949-04:00

Just a thought....

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-22095873980497141172016-06-26T10:50:00.001-04:002016-06-26T10:50:25.366-04:00

Serve Cherry Fontina Grilled Cheese on french bread for an open face summer bite alongside cocktails.  You know Fontina is a great melting cheese in pasta dishes and grilled cheese sandwiches.  Did you know Fontina cheese has an affinity for cherries?  The cherries are flavored with lemon juice, lemon peel, black pepper and a little ground cinnamon.  This is a fun grilled

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-35535587768182944242016-06-17T18:28:00.003-04:002016-06-17T18:28:28.066-04:00

Red Onion & Cucumber Salad not only stands on its own as a hot weather side but can also top a regular green salad.  The sour cream & apple cider vinegar dressing is a great match for tomatoes, avocado and greens. It is important to let this salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.  The vinegar will break down the cucumbers and onion so that they

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-7167049577334439602016-06-12T14:09:00.001-04:002016-06-12T14:09:13.952-04:00

These little beef & pork patties give you the comfort of meatloaf in a slider that takes one third the cooking time and gets a mozzarella and parmesan topping. Meatloaf Parmesan Sliders  Yield: 6 sliders, 3 main course servings Ingredients 1/2 pound ground beef 1/2 pound ground pork 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-62837072975344287782016-06-03T13:00:00.000-04:002016-06-03T13:00:13.682-04:00

These are low sodium black beans, heated with a little soy sauce and cumin.  Add beans to a summer buffets served in oven- and microwave-safe ramekins. Fill each with 1/3 -1/2 cup hot beans.  Give them a reheat in the microwave just before setting out on a tray. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro and a little hot sauce or set up a "bean bar" to let people add their own toppings.

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-58900904306971488472016-05-28T19:20:00.000-04:002016-05-28T19:20:27.675-04:00

Grilled chicken is one of my favorite Memorial Day Weekend foods. We grill it year-round-- rain, snow or shine.  If you are starting up the grill after a winter hibernation, here are a few reminders to get that perfect grilled chicken the first weekend of the summer instead of the last. Chicken Grilling Basics Pick the best chicken you can afford.  Keep it cold until it is ready to

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-61766293236369024202016-05-27T11:58:00.001-04:002016-06-24T16:27:03.622-04:00

It's a short season in this area for okra-- so short that many have not quite gotten the hang of this 'seed pod' vegetable.   Too bad because okra is an excellent source of soluble fiber and quite tasty as a side to any grilled entree. Trouble is, the characteristic sticky inner chambers can be challenging. The best advise about okra, is to go with the vegetable's strength. The slick

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-72940705335560658102016-05-15T09:43:00.000-04:002016-05-15T09:43:01.078-04:00

I love the sculptural quality of morel mushrooms.  They remind me of the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, especially his unfinished Sagrada Família basilica  in Barcelona. Fresh morels are in markets in the northeast now.  If you get your hands on some via a reliable forager or a market prepare them simply to bring out their best. Pictured here is a

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-83693580968184853012016-05-08T16:21:00.000-04:002016-05-08T16:21:11.886-04:00

Walking through Zabar's food market in New York City recently, I noticed the the smoked fish counter was being swarmed by customers picking up freshly smoked mussels from Maine.  I joined the fray for this seasonal treat. Smoked mussels come preserved in cans but these need to be refrigerated and eaten soon.  They are great on a plain cracker or chopped and mixed with cream cheese

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-77843290367120606712016-04-30T10:20:00.000-04:002016-04-30T10:20:12.035-04:00

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are not just a great hot appetizer that can be made ahead.  The cream cheese in the stuffing creates a creamy light sauce when tossed with hot pasta, rice or other hot grain so you can toss leftovers, whole or halved, into your next meal. Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms Makes 14-18  Ingredients 10 ounces portobello mushrooms, capped removed 1-2 teaspoons olive

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-18753847830746995452016-04-28T10:07:00.000-04:002016-04-28T10:07:05.793-04:00

Here is a simple do-it-yourself appetizer or buffet item for Spring parties like graduations, engagements, weddings and bon voyage parties. Shrimp & Pesto Romaine Boats can even be made from fresh and pure store bought ingredients. Shrimp & Pesto Romaine Boats Serves 8 Ingredients 1 pound shrimp 1 8 oz container pesto (any variety) 2 heads romaine, large out leaves removed Method:

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-83810287211705180642016-04-24T13:52:00.004-04:002016-04-24T13:52:59.047-04:00

Simple spring dinners combine with beans, spring vegetables and greens for pure and simple one-skillet entrees.  Top these bean stews with poached eggs for a little extra protein. In this recipe, canned beans are used.  You can substitute freshly made if you'd like.  1/2 cup dried beans will yield about one 15-ounce can of beans. Lemon & Paprika Garbanzo Bean and Spinach

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-25139958306507410982016-04-12T13:21:00.001-04:002016-04-12T13:21:42.073-04:00

If you've never cooked your own artichokes, this is the time of year to start experimenting.  They are easier to tackle than they look and are the world's best finger food.  I am compelled to write this week's post by the most recent 'artichokes made easy' article I read in which the author recommended starting small, as in prepping baby artichokes.  This is an arduous

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-18062661455858259132016-03-31T11:30:00.000-04:002016-03-31T11:30:12.111-04:00

Chicken and watercress sandwiches on brown bread are a specialty of downtown Scranton, PA's PJ Scanlon's Restaurant.  They've moved around the city's square but still attract the courthouse and professional crowd alongside tony shoppers.  For years we did our best to imitate the original whenever watercress was in season. Thinly sliced poached chicken breast on a light whole wheat

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-29635143546295546282016-03-27T13:15:00.000-04:002016-03-27T13:15:40.656-04:00

These special occasion waffles are light as air thanks to separating the egg yolks and egg whites for a little extra whip. The stiffly beaten egg whites are folded back into the waffle batter just before cooking.  We reserve these elegant waffles for special occasions and Easter, the egg king of holidays, is one of them.  They freeze well so if your next special occasion is a little

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-1737595563097629112016-03-18T12:00:00.000-04:002016-03-18T12:00:05.041-04:00

Lazy days poolside or hectic days deskside both benefit from a pure snack that's easy to whip up.  Our much loved cousin Phyllis shared her recipe for Almond Butter & Yogurt Protein Dip that will carry you through the afternoon. Be sure to use plain yogurt, not flavored or even vanilla, to keep this dip really pure.  If you want to add a drop of vanilla extract, that's fine with

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5828581774793538003.post-84325490386556118262016-03-12T14:19:00.001-05:002016-03-12T14:19:48.737-05:00

  It's hard to get more pure than a three ingredient breakfast like this.  A perfect fried or poached egg on whole grain toast with mashed avocado. Salt & pepper optional. Spring forward! Egg Avocado Toast Serves 2, easily halved or doubled Ingredients 2 slices whole grain toast 1 avocado, mashed 2 fried or poached eggs Method While bread toasts and eggs cook, mash a ripe

Franceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01383871437486067932noreply@blogger.com0