Posts Tagged Cooking Classes
SPINACH CHICKEN SALAD
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking, Uncategorized on February 7, 2012
This is a fabulous chicken salad . . . and pretty too. We made this in my December cooking class and the spinach makes it light enough to go well any time of year. On the other hand, the chicken is heavy enough that it can hold it’s own in the Winter or Fall. it’s appearance is festive regardless of the time of year or event. ENJOY!
PREP: 30 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 5-10 MINUTES
RESTING TIME: 30 MINUTES
SERVES – 6
Ingredients:
4 BONE-IN SKIN-ON CHICKEN BREASTS, POACHED WITH HERBS AND AROMATICS
1-2 SPRIGS OF FRESH THYME
1 TEASPOON PEPPERCORNS
¼ CUP CELERY TOPS AND END PIECES
3-4 TABLESPOONS CRANBERRY HORSERADISH SAUCE (OR 3 TABLESPOONS WHOLE CRANBERRY SAUCE* AND 1 TABLESPOON HORSERADISH SAUCE)
½ CUP SLIVERED ALMONDS (TOASTED)
½ CUP CHOPPED CELERY
SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER TO TASTe
¾ CUP MAYONNAISE
Directions:
- 1. After poaching chicken, discard the skin and bones and cut into bite-size pieces**
- 2. Combine cooked chicken with the cranberries, cranberry horseradish sauce, almonds, celery, salt and pepper. Add the mayonnaise and mix well.
- 3. Chill until serving time.
* recipe to follow for Whole Cranberry Sauce
** To poach chicken: place chicken breast (with bone and skin) in cold water to cover with fresh thyme, peppercorns and celery. AS SOON AS IT STARTS TO BUBBLE/BOIL TURN OFF THE HEAT!!! Cover and it will continue to cook for ½ hour.
If you would like to learn more about the Lark Inn Cooking Classes or crafting a custom cooking class for you or your organization, please visit my website.
Thanks for reading!
Kris Larkin
GARLIC BREADSTICKS
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking on February 6, 2012
This is recipe we prepared in my January “Start your New Year Healthy!” cooking class at our guest house in The Flint Hills of Kansas; The Lark Inn
PREP: 15 MINUTES
BAKING TIME: 18 MINUTES
OVEN TEMP: 350 DEGREES
SERVES – 6
POINTSPLUS VALUE: 5
Ingredients:
2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL
1 TABLESPOON UNSALTED BUTTER
3 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
½ TEASPOON SALT
1 12-OZ LOAF WHOLE-GRAIN ITALIAN BREAD
¼ CUP FINELY CHOPPED FRESH PARSLEY LEAVES
Directions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine oil, butter, garlic, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until butter is melted; remove from heat.
- 2. Cut the bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 3 pieces. Then cut each piece into four ½ inch sticks. Brush the breadsticks with the garlic-infused mixture. Sprinkle with parsley, and place on a baking sheet. Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 18-20 minutes.
Nutrition per serving: 200 calories, 9g fat, 26g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g protein.
For more information about our recipes and gourmet cooking classes, visit my website.
Thank you for reading!
Kris Larkin
BANANA PUDDING
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking on January 24, 2012
PREP: 35 MINUTES
CHILLING TIME: 4 -24 HOURS
SERVES – 4
PLUSPOINTS VALUE: 7
Ingredients:
1 CUP 2% MILK
1 CUP PLAIN UNSWEETENED ALMOND MILK
3 TABLESPOONS CORNSTARCH
PINCH OF KOSHER SALT
2/3 CUP SUGAR
1 LARGE EGG
1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
2 LARGE BANANAS
6 LOW-FAT GRAHAM CRACKERS, BROKEN INTO 1-INCH PIECES
1 TABLESPOON COCOA POWDER (SWEETENED OR UNSWEETENED)
¼ CUP SLICED ALMONDS, TOASTED
Directions:
- 1. Heat the milk and almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat until almost simmering; remove from the heat. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch, salt, sugar and egg in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour about half the hot milk mixture into the bowl and whisk vigorously until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking vigorously, until thick and starting to bubble-1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool, stirring occasionally. Cut the bananas into thin slices.
- 2. Layer a few banana slices, a few pieces of graham cracker and 2 tablespoons of the prepared pudding in each of 4 glasses; sprinkle with cocoa powder and almonds, then repeat to make 2 more layers. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 4 hours or overnight.
Nutritional – Per serving: Calories 253, Fat 7g, Carbohydrate 45g, Fiber 3g, Protein 6g, Sodium 173mg
Thank you for reading!
Kris
To learn more about Kris Larkin and her gourmet cooking classes at The Lark Inn in The Flint Hills of Kansas visit her website.
OVEN-ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS With Chipotle-Lemon Aioli
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking on January 20, 2012
Brussels Sprouts are probably one of the most misunderstood vegetables out there. Start with the spelling: B-R-U-S-S-E-L-S SP-R-O-U-T-S . . . Brussels . . . really? There is really an “S” at the end of “Brussel! Anyway, now that you’ve have your daily dose of spelling instruction let’s get on to it: Roasting vegetables is great way to unlock a great flavor of vegetables that most other ways of preparation won’t. I have run into very few people who tell me they like Brussels sprouts at the beginning of one of my cooking classes. I have also run into very few people after my cooking classes who don’t like roasted Brussels sprouts. Even the most simple roasting with olive oil and, seasoned salt and pepper is fantastic!
OK, lets get on to our daily recipe:
PREP: 30 MINUTES
ROASTING TIME: 20 MINUTES
OVEN TEMP: 400 DEGREES
SERVES – 4
POINTSPLUS VALUE: 5
Ingredients:
1 POUND BRUSSELS SPROUTS (ABOUT 50 SMALL SPROUTS)#
2 TABLESPOONS FRESH LEMON JUICE, DIVIDED
1 TABLESPOON EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
1 SLICE WHOLE-WHEAT OR WHOLE-GRAIN BREAD (ABOUT 1 OZ.) TORN INTO PIECES
2 TEASPOONS LEMON ZEST
1 TABLESPOON MINCED GARLIC
¼ CUP LOW–FAT OLIVE OIL MAYONNAISE
1 CHIPOTLE CHILE IN ADOBO SAUCE, MINCED, 1/8 TEASPOON ADOBO SAUCE RESERVED
Directions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut Brussels sprouts in half. Transfer sprouts to a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and oil; set aside.
- 2. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse bread into fine crumbs Sprinkle bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and garlic over top of sprouts and toss until lightly coated
- 3. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread sprouts-crumb mixture in an even layer. Transfer to oven and roast for 10 minutes; remove from oven and use tongs to quickly turn sprouts over. Return to oven and bake until tender, 7 to 10 minutes.
- 4. Meanwhile, prepare aioli: in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest, chipotle chile and reserved adobo sauce; mix well. Remove sprouts from oven and place on a large serving platter. To sprouts with any remaining bread crumbs from baking sheet and serve aioli on the side for dipping.
Nutrients Per serving: Calories 160, Fat 9g, Carbs. 15g, Fiber 5g,
Protein 5g
#Nutritional Bonus: Glucosinolates are found largely in Brussels sprouts, as they are in all cruciferous vegetables like greens, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. However, Brussels sprouts contain a special combination of glucosinolates that are believed to be extra beneficial to the development of cancer risk reducing compounds in the body.
Thank you for reading!
Kris
For more information about Kris Larkin or her gourmet cooking classes in the picturesque Flint Hills of Kansas visit her website.
STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH BALSAMIC-CARDAMOM DRESSING
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking on January 19, 2012
This is one of my favorite fruit salads because it is easy and quick to prepare and . . . is perfect anytime. Because of the berry fruit, it is very light but the balsamic dressing adds just enough body for it to hold it;s own in cold weather as well.
PREP: 15 MINUTES
SERVES–4
POINTSPLUS: 2
Ingredients:
3 TABLESPOONS BALSAMIC VINEGAR
2 TABLESPOONS AGAVE NECTAR OR HONEY
MINISCULE PINCH OF GROUND CARDAMOM (IT’S STONG STUFF!)
KOSHER SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER
1 POUND STRAWBERRIES, HULLED AND QUARTERED
1 PINT BLACKBERRIES
1 LARGE SPRIG MINT, LEAVES ROUGHLY TORN
Directions:
- 1. Whisk the balsamic vinegar, agave nectar, cardamom, a pinch of salt and a few generous grinds of pepper in a medium bowl.
- 2. Tumble in the strawberries and blackberries, sprinkle the mint over them and gently toss, being careful not to bruise the berries. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your palate.
WINTER RATATOUILLE DIP WITH TOASTED WHOLE WHEAT PITA CHIPS
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking, Uncategorized on January 18, 2012
WINTER RATATOUILLE DIP
This is a really simple recipe and it is great for an appetizer to have ready when your guests arrive. It saves great. when the party is over, put it in the fridge to use later. One thing my husband, Pat and I like to do is use the Ratatouille in an omelet for breakfast . . . FANTASTIC!!
PREP: 5 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 10 MINUTES
SERVES – 9 SERVINGS OF 1/3 CUP EACH
POINTS PLUS VALUE: 1
Ingredients:
2 TEASPOONS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
1 CUP (1/2”) CUBED EGGPLANT
1 CUP (1/2”) CUBED BUTTERNUT SQUASH#
½ CUP (1/2”) CUBED PARSNIPS
½ CUP DICED ONION
1 (14.5 OZ.) CAN DICED TOMATOES WITH BASIL, GARLIC AND OREGANO, UNDRAINED#
¼ TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
¼ CUP CHOPPED FRESH BASIL
Directions:
- 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and next 3 ingredients; sauté 6 minutes or until vegetables are browned.
- 2. Stir in tomatoes and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates. Stir in basil.
Calories 54: fat 1.1 g, Protein 1.5g,Carb 10.6 g, Fiber 1.7 g. sodium 190mg., Calcium 24 mg
#NUTRITIONAL BONUS: A rich source of antioxidant carotenoids, winter squash helps fight the inflammation associated with assorted metabolic disorders it also has a whopping amount of Vitamin A which supports eye health and helps fend off infections.
Processed tomatoes products not only retain most of their nutrients, but they also actually contain more bio-available lycopene than their raw, fresh counterparts. Lycopene has been linked to the reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
TOASTED WHOLE WHEAT PITA CHIPS
PREP: 4 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 6 MINUTES
OVEN TEMP: 450 DEGREES
SERVES – 4 (6 CHIPS)
POINTSPLUS: 2
Ingredients:
2 (6 INCH) WHOLE WHEAT PITAS
COOKING SPRAY (I USE OLIVE OIL)
½ TEASPOON CUMIN
¼ TEASPOON SALT
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450. Separate each pita into 2 rounds- cut each round into 6 pieces. Arrange pita wedges single layer on a baking sheet. Coat wedges with cooking spray and sprinkle with cumin and salt.
Bake for 6 Minutes or until brown.
Calories per serving: 86, Fat .9, Protein 3.2, carb 17.7, Fiber 2.5, Sodium 318mg, Calcium 7 mg
That was simple wasn’t it? If you would like to learn more about our cooking classes check out our website.
HEARTY LENTIL AND INTALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking, Uncategorized on January 16, 2012
This past weekend we had two cooking classes at The Lark Inn. Both classes cooked the same menu and I am always amazed ad how different God makes us all. Both classes we delightful and just because of the different personalities in each class and how they interacted with one another each class had it’s own distinct dynamic and personality. I guess that’s just one of the many reasons I love teaching these cooking classes.
Back to business. One of the recipes we fixed was HEARTY LENTIL AND SAUSAGE SOUP. I have always loved Lentil soup but . . . when you add the Italian sausage to it WOW! The flavor just goes into a whole new dimention. In addition to beinga great tasting soup , lentil soup is super (souper) healthy, packed full of fiber, very filling and only 6 points on the Weight Watchers Points Plus 2012 program. Did I mention hearty?
Now that I have completed my sales work . . . here it is . . . you be the judge!
PREP: 10 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES
SERVES – 6
POINTSPLUS VALUE: 8
Ingredients:
2 TEASPOONS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
½ CUP CHOPPED CARROTS
½ CUP CHOPPED CELERY
½ CUP CHOPPED YELLOW ONION
2 TABLESPOONS FINELY CHOPPED GARLIC
½ POUND SWEET OR HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE, CASINGS REMOVED
1/2 POUND MUSHROOMS (SUCH AS WHITE, CRIMINI, SHITAKE, PORTOBELLO AND OYSTER) CHOPPED
1 CUP (ABOUT 7 OUNCES) DRIED FRENCH OR BROWN LENTILS, PICKED THROUGH AND RINSED
2 ½ CUPS BEEF BROTH
2 ½ CUPS MUSHROOM OR LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH
1 CUP CHOPPED TOMATOES, WITH THEIR JUICE
1 CUP DRY RED WINE
PINCH RED PEPPER FLAKES
1/4 POUND BABY SPINACH, THINLY SLICED
½ TEASPOON SALT
GROUND BLACK PEPPER
1 TABLESPOON CHOPPED THYME
6 TEASPOONS GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE FOR GARNISH
Directions:
1) Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent. Add sausage and cook, breaking into small chunks, until it begins to brown. Add mushrooms and continue to cook until mushrooms have released most of their liquid. Add lentils, beef broth, mushroom or chicken broth, tomatoes and their juice, wine and pepper flakes; cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
2) Add spinach and salt and pepper, stir well and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes more; stir in thyme. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan.
NUTRITION PER SERVING: 380 calories, 18g fat, 32g carbs, 10g fiber, 18g protein
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Also visit my web site for the latest schedule for our gourmet cooking classes in The Flint Hills of Kansas! www.TheLarkInn.com
POTATO GALETTE WITH CARAWAY AND SWEET ONIONS
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Cooking and Baking on January 13, 2012
This Potato Galette with Caroway and Sweet Onions is a fantastic and simple potato dish we prepared at one of The Lark Inn Cooking Classes. This is a great compliment to any meal . . . I mean any meal whether it be breakfast lunch or dinner!
PREP: 20 MINUTES
BAKING TIME: 45 MINUTES
CRISPING TIME: 5 – 10 MINUTES MORE
OVEN TEMP: 425 DEGREES
SERVES – 6
Ingredients:
4 TABLESPOONS (1/2) STICK) OF BUTTER, MELTED, DIVIDED
½ TEASPOON CARAWAY SEEDS
2 TABLESPOONS BACON FAT, MELTED
1 TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
2 POUNDS YUKON GOLD POTATOES, UNPEELED, BUT INTO 1/8 INCH SLICES
1 SMALL SWEET ONION, VERY THINLY SLICED
*SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: OUTER RING OF A 9-INCH SPRINGFORM PAN
Direction
1. Arrange a rack in middle of the oven preheat to 425 Degrees.
2. Brush a foil or parchment lined baking sheet with butter; set springform ring on top.
3. Toast caraway in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minutes. Let cool. Place in a resealable plastic bag; crush with a rolling pin or bottom of a skillet. 
4. Place caraway in a large bowl, add bacon fat, 2 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add potatoes; toss to coat.
5. Arrange ¼ of potatoes in an even layer inside ring on baking sheet, overlapping as needed.
6. Toss onion in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
7. Arrange 1/3 of onions over potatoes.
8. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with layer of potatoes. Carefully remove the ring.
9. Bake until potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes. Brush with 1 tablespoon butter. Bake until edges of potatoes are deep golden and top is crisp, 5-10 Minutes longer.
10. Run a thin spatula under galette to loosen from foil. Slide onto a platter. Season with salt, if desired.
Now all that’s left to do is to enjoy with some close friends or family!!
If you are interested in learning more about our cooking classes at The Lark Inn check out our website: The Lark Inn Cooking Classes
WINTER FRUIT SALAD
Posted by patandkrislarkin in Uncategorized on January 10, 2012
I introduced this Winter Fruit Salad at my “Fall Harvest” cooking class. the combination of fruits and spices is perfect for anytime . . . but especially cold weather. Though it is served cool, at room temperature, it’s savory blend of flavors will warm you up on any winter day.
This is very light, simple to prepare and is perfect to serve with a heavier meals. Another option is desert. I love this so much that I serve it as a appetiser or as a stand-alone dessert.
Enjoy!!
WINTER FRUIT SALAD
PREP: 15 MINUTES
SERVES – 8 MINUTES
Ingredients:
3 TABLESPOONS PACKED BROWN SUGAR
1 TABLESPOON GRATED LEMON ZEST
2 TABLESPOONS LEMON JUICE
1 TEASPOON GROUND ALLSPICE
3 BRAEBURN APPLES, LARGE DICE
2 CUPS FRESH CUBED PINEAPPLE
2 BOSC PEARS, LARGE DICE
½ CUP CURRANTS
¼ CUP SLICED ALMONDS
Directions:
Combine the brown sugar, lemon zest and juice, and allspice in a large bowl. Add the apples, pineapple, pears, and currants; toss to coat. Sprinkle with almonds.
Note: Cover and refrigerate the salad up to 2 hours in advance, but don’t sprinkle it with the almonds until just before serving.
This is very light and is perfect to serve with a heavier meals. Another option is desert. I love this so much that I serve it as a appetiser or as a stand-alone dessert.
Enjoy!!
For more information about my cooking classes visit my website: The Lark Inn Cooking Classes
Kris Larkin 