APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP and LARD BISCUITS

Duck fat and pork fat - I was definitely interested. I wouldn't ordinarily, in fact have never, cooked with either. But, I discovered a package of duck fat at the store, and was intrigued. After conducting a quick search on my phone in the middle of the dairy isle, where the duck fat happened to be located, I deduced there were recipes I would be able to make, so I purchased the container. Then, my husband was shocked, when on another recent outing to the store, I tossed lard into the cart. I explained to him a friend had told me the very best biscuits included a little pork fat, and as he knows I am willing to go to great lengths for good food and new tastes, he indulged me. The duck fat had a distinctive flavor - my daughter and I both noticed a lovely hint of fowl in the velvety, delicious Apple Butternut Squash Soup. However, I will have to ask my friend for her biscuit recipe, as these Lard Biscuits were a little dry and tough.

APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

2 teaspoons duck fat
1 onion
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 butternut squash (roasted whole at 400F for 40 to 45 minutes)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 ounce duck fat
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper
snipped fresh chives

Heat the 2 teaspoons of duck fat in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ginger and saute until they turn golden. Add the butternut squash, applesauce, water, the 1 ounce of duck fat, and the peppers and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cool then blend with an immersion blender.
Add extra water to desired thickness. Heat until warmed through, ladle into bowls, garnish with chives and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from More Than Gourmet
www.morethangourmet.com › ... › Easy Gluten Free Recipes‎

LARD BISCUITS



2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons lard
3/4 cup milk

Heat oven to 450F. Grease a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in lard with a fork until mixture is crumbly. Add milk all at once and mix until flour is completely wet. Knead dough in bowl with one hand for 15 seconds. Turn dough out onto lightly floured and roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut biscuits with 2 inch biscuit or cookie cutter. Place biscuits on greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes or until done.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bread Baking
http://breadbaking.about.com/od/rollsbiscuitsandscones/r/lardbisk.htm

GIMLET and BLUEBERRY TARRAGON SPARKLERS and THE LUSTY LADY and OLD PAL and LYCHEE MARTINI

My husband enjoys a Gin and Tonic in the summer and a Bourbon and water in the winter, so on the nights we sip and savor a beverage at home, I experiment and mix up an interesting cocktail for myself. I'm accomplished at adapting a recipe to yield one - and on occasion I will mix two and deliver one to my neighbor.

GIMLET

1/4 cup gin
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1/2 teaspoon Roses lime juice

Pour into a shaker filled with ice cubes. Cover, shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty.
Strain into a coupe glass, add 1 large ice cube.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, September 2012
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

BLUEBERRY TARRAGON SPARKLERS

1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
ice
2 bottles of sparkling white wine

In a medium saucepan, bring blueberries, honey, 1/4 cup water and tarragon to a boil over medium heat. Stir until honey dissolves, about 3 minutes. Off the heat, muddle the blueberries and let stand for 20 minutes, strain and let cool. Spoon 1 tablespoon blueberry syrup each into 8 glasses. Add ice, then the sparkling wine.
Enjoy! Please let your friends know about reciepedoodle!

Recipe adapted from RachaelRay Magazine, July/August 2013
www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/‎

THE LUSTY LADY

2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce agave nectar
3/4 ounce cranberry juice
3 to 4 dashes of lavender bitters

Fill a shaker with ice. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker. Shake until frothy.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Scrappys Bitters
scrappysbitters.com/lavender/‎
I would love for you to share recipedoodle with your friends!

OLD PAL

3 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons campari
2 tablespoons dry vermouth
1 lime twist

Combine bourbon, campari and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and stir until shaker becomes frosty. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime twist if desired.
Enjoy! I would love for you to share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, February 2012
www.bonappetit.com/‎

LYCHEE MARTINI

ice cubes
3 ounces vodka
2 ounces lychee juice
splash of vermouth
2 lychees for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, lychee juice and vermouth. Shake until chilled. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with lychees.
Enjoy! and please share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from Danny Boome and The Food Network, 2008
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rescue-chef/lychee-martini-recipe/index.html

PUMPKIN AND MOLASSES MUFFINS and PUMPKIN PIE MUFFINS

A pair of perfectly pleasant pumpkin muffin recipes.

PUMPKIN AND MOLASSES MUFFINS

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
45 grams butter
3 tablespoons molasses
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
pumpkin seeds

Heat oven to 375F.
Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon in a large bowl. Place butter, molasses, sugar and buttermilk in a pan and warm to melt butter. Whisk into pumpkin and pour into dry ingredients. Mix quickly until just combined, and spoon into greased or lined muffin tins. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and bake 18 to 20 minutes until just firm on top. Turn on to rack to cool.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from New Zealand House and Garden
www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz/

PUMPKIN PIE MUFFINS

cooking spray
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk

Heat oven to 400F. Coat a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, molasses, oil, and one of the eggs until combined. Add the other egg and whisk well.
Whisk in the pumpkin and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the buttermilk, just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each one about 2/3rds full.
Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center of one of the muffins comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, November 2012
www.usaweekend.com/section/FOOD04/Recipe-Archive‎

CRANBERRY AND ORANGE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL and GRAPEFRUIT WITH ALMOND HONEY YOGURT and PEAR, PROSCIUTTO AND WALNUT SALAD and BACON EGG AND TOMATO TART

The scheduled time for the ladies from Local Flavor NWA to visit, interview and photograph was such an incredibly fun afternoon!! I decided to make a full brunch, starting with a lively cocktail, and ending with a sample of Patron Cafe XOXO.
Both Rhonda and Maliah have incredible talent, which is evident in the cookbook they produced, and in all they do.
I hope you enjoy the stories and pictures as much as I enjoyed my time among such brilliance.
To order your copy, go to Local Flavor NWA http://localflavornwa.com

CRANBERRY AND ORANGE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

1 cup cranberry juice
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1 bottle of champagne
15 ounces of ginger ale

Combine cranberry juice and Grand Marnier. Divide equally among glasses, fill 2/3 full with champagne and top off with ginger ale.
Enjoy!

GRAPEFRUIT WITH ALMOND HONEY YOGURT

1 grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
1/2 teaspoon finely grated grapefruit rind
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Mix grapefruit with honey, spoon into serving dishes. Blend together the yogurt, almond extract, and grapefruit rind. Garnish with sliced almonds.
Enjoy!

PEAR PROSCIUTTO AND WALNUT SALAD

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 shallot, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 ounces of prosciutto, finely chopped
1/2  head of butter lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, shallot and coriander. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and sauté until crisp, about 5 minutes, let cool. Place lettuce on plates, or in serving bowl, top with pear slices, walnuts and prosciutto.
Enjoy!

BACON EGG AND TOMATO TART

2 sheets of puff pastry
1 potato, peeled, and cut into cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
8 bacon slices, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
6 eggs
1 cup of cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tomatoes, sliced
fresh basil leaves, shredded

Fit pastry sheets into 10 inch tart pan. Chill in refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cook potatoes until just tender, drain and refresh under cold water.
Heat oil in skillet and sauté onion, bacon and garlic until just beginning to lightly brown.
Heat oven to 350F.
Whisk together eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the potato mixture and pour into prepared crust. Arrange tomato slices on top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Reduce heat to 320F, and cook a further 20 to 25 minutes, or until set.
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from tart pan. Cut into wedges and serve with the basil leaves.
Enjoy!

SALTED CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BARS and ROSEMARY PISTACHIO COOKIES

My husband and I, along with many fabulous locals are featured in the beautiful, Local Flavor of Northwest Arkansas Cookbook.
I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition and am so proud of Rhonda and Maliah and the hard work these two incredible ladies did to make this cookbook happen. From an idea that was created when two friends came together to cook, to an actual tangible printed copy - hours and months of diligence that will benefit Feed Fayetteville and Life Source.
We recently attended the launch party, where we previewed the cookbook, tasted some of the delicious dishes featured in the cookbook, and I shared these Salted Chocolate Caramel Bars and Rosemary Pistachio Cookies.
The narrative, photographs and recipes are gorgeous and only 1000 copies are being printed - but you can pre-order your copy at http://localflavornwa.com

SALTED CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BARS

FOR THE CRUST
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon table salt
FOR THE CHOCOLATE CARAMEL
2 cups milk chocolate chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sea salt

Heat oven to 350F.
Make the crust: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on all sides, butter parchment, excluding overhang. Beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour and table salt, and beat until just combined.
Press dough evenly into pan, and bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
Make the chocolate caramel: Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, washing sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming, until amber, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter, cream, and table salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until smooth. Pour over chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes. Stir to combine and let stand until cool, about 10 minutes.
Pour mixture over crust. Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight. Run a knife around edges, lift parchment to remove whole bar from pan. Trim the edges and cut into bars.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from marthastewart.com
www.marthastewart.com/949584/chocolate-caramel-cookie-bars

ROSEMARY PISTACHIO COOKIES

1 cup ghee (at room temperature)
(you could also use unsalted butter, but it is my belief that the ghee provided an incredible and unique flavor to these cookies)
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup pistachios, shelled
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced

Heat oven to 375F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ghee and brown sugar on high speed until smooth, lighter in color and a little fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Add the flour, pistachios, white chocolate chips and the rosemary, and mix on medium speed until thorougly incorporated.
Drop tablespoon sized balls of dough on the baking sheets.
Bake until lightly browned at the edges and spread flat, about 12 minutes. Let cool on the pans.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The 4-Hour Chef, Timothy Ferriss, 2012

SOUTHWESTERN TURKEY SOUP and BLACK BEAN HOMINY CHILI

I love soup any time of the year, but there is something especially gratifying about a steaming bowl on a cool day, and something especially delightful about making a complete meal in one pot.

SOUTHWESTERN TURKEY SOUP

4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
4 to 5 cups of home made turkey stock
1 (14 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 (14 ounce) can black beans
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
juice from 1 lime
cilantro to serve

In a large pot over medium heat, combine turkey, stock, canned tomatoes, chiles, black beans, plum tomatoes, onion and garlic.
Season with cayenne, cumin, salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes.
Stir in lime juice. Spoon into serving bowls, top with cilantro.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes
allrecipes.com/recipe/southwestern-turkey-soup/

BLACK BEAN HOMINY CHILI

1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
3 to 5 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) drained black beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) drained hominy - I used one white and one yellow
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 quart vegetable broth
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers, saute until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin and oregano, saute until fragrant, a minute or so, then add garlic. Add beans, hominy and tomatoes. Stir, then pour in broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, until vegetables are tender and flavors have blended, about 20 minutes. Stir in chocolate and cilantro, and simmer a couple of minutes to blend flavors. Turn off heat and let stand a few minutes. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from USA Weekend, December/January 2012
www.usaweekend.com/‎

COUNTRY CAKE

I made this on an extremely busy day - one of those crazy, even busier days than usual - when I knew household chores and errands wouldn't leave me any time for any kind of elaborate recipe - when I was rushing from one activity to another and I barely found the time to pop a cake in the oven - when even the lady giving me my pedicure (because I just HAD to squeeze it in) scolded me and told me I needed to relax!

COUNTRY CAKE

2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease a 9 by 13 inch glass baking dish.
Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix well by hand. Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, until cake top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and immediately prepare the icing.

COUNTRY CAKE ICING

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 (5 ounce) can of evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir sugar, flour and milk together in a saucepan, add butter and bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring to avoid sticking. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Poke holes all over the top of the cake with a fork and pour warm icing over the surface of the cake.

Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 2013
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

CARAMEL APPLE CRISP and GOOEY APPLE CAKE and APPLE PEAR PIE

The First Day of Fall was yesterday, with the season officially changing from Summer at 4:44pm.
With the slight drop in temperature, different produce available at the markets and clear, bright blue skies, this time of year is inspiring and exciting.
I commence drawing my curtains early against the night, as opposed to leaving them open as I do in the summer months, enclosing my family in a safe, cozy space. I change the covers on our bed, and cook heartier, warmer, richer foods.

CARAMEL APPLE CRISP

1/2 cup caramel topping
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 to 6 baking apples, peeled, cored and diced
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup quick cooking oats

Heat oven to 375F.
In a large bowl, stir together caramel topping and the cinnamon until blended. Add apples, toss until evenly coated. Spread in 8-inch baking dish.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. If desired serve with whipped cream and extra caramel topping.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker, Crisps and Cobblers

GOOEY APPLE CAKE

8 tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large apples, cored and chopped
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350F.
Grease a 9 inch pan.
Cream butter and one cup of sugar. Add egg and beat well. Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, apples and walnuts. Batter will be stiff. Spoon into pan, bake for 35 minutes.
Combine 3 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
Pour over hot cake. Serve warm.
Enjoy!

APPLE PEAR PIE

1 1/2 pounds of apples, peeled, cored and sliced
3/4 pound pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1 lemon, zested, then juiced
1/4 cup rum
2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon flour
2 frozen pie crusts, thawed slightly

Heat oven to 350F.
Toss apples, pears, zest, juice, rum, ginger, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour and toss again. Scoop fruit mixture into one crust, top with the other crust.
Cut slits and crimp edges together. Bake until golden, 45 to 50 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Self, November 2009
www.self.com/

BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATO, AVOCADO, BASIL AND MINT

A friend of mine saw a movie "girl rising" while she was traveling, and worked very hard to bring it to our town. My heart swelled and I was so proud of her when the numbers in the theater grew so large, they had to move the showing to a much bigger room.
It is a movie that "showcases the human spirit and the power of education to change a girl and the world" (from the Girl Rising website girlrising.com/‎) It was a very thought provoking and emotional film, telling the stories of nine girls from different countries.
I was meeting friends before and going out for a cocktail after, so I made an appetizer for my husband and I to share when he got home from work. We came together briefly to catch up on the day, and enjoy a bite to eat and each others company, before heading in different directions for the evening.

BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATO, AVOCADO, BASIL AND MINT



1 baguette, cut crosswise into rounds
olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño
1 pound assorted tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices drained
2 large avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, cut into small cubes

Heat oven to 425F.
Arrange bread rounds on large rimmed baking sheet. Brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp, about 12 minutes. Cool.
Press garlic into medium bowl. Add onion, basil, mint, lemon juice, and chiles. Mix in tomatoes, then avocados, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve with the toasts.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Bon Appetit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook, 2008
www.bonappetit.com/.../the_bon_appetit_fast_easy_fresh_cookbook

TOOTIE BREAD

This weekend is the 14th annual Bikes Blues and Bar-B-Que festival in Fayetteville. We live down town, so are very close to the heart of the action - although it has grown so large, no corner of our State goes untouched.
It's not an event I personally care for, but I thoroughly enjoy the festive atmosphere, and have come to appreciate what it brings to our town. It is wonderful to see the pride the people have in their bikes, and I am proud of our town and love that so many are able to enjoy it during this very beautiful time of year.
However, my biggest annoyance during the entire five days, is the refusal or inability of the drivers/bikers to stop at cross walks. I first noticed it years ago while I was standing waiting to cross the road with a baby buggy pushed in front of me, and again the other night while I was standing at the curb, wanting to navigate safely to the other side holding the hand of my 7 year old.

TOOTIE BREAD

1 loaf french bread
8 slices of swiss cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
4 slices of bacon or Canadian bacon, cooked and crumbled or chopped

Cut the bread into 16 slices, to but not through the bottom. Cut the cheese slices diagonally into halves. Place the cheese between the slices of bread. Place the bread loaf on a sheet of foil.
Mix the butter, onion, mustard and poppy seeds in a bowl. Spread over the top and side of the loaf. Sprinkle with the bacon. Wrap in the foil. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 400F for 20 minutes. Serve hot.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Accent, A Second Helping, 2003
jlpb.net/cookbook.htm

ASIAN BAHN MI BURGERS and CUBAN SANDWICHES WITH ZUCCHINI PICKLES

Celebrate your favorite team with fabulous international flavors. Both of these pork sandwiches are casual and can be made for a crowd, or a smaller more intimate group.
Whether those you are supporting win or lose, you will feel successful and satisfied with either the Bahn Mi or Cuban.

ASIAN BAHN MI BURGERS

1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 pound of ground pork
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon siracha, or to taste
French baguette, split, toasted and cut into size of your choice
butter lettuce
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
3/4 cup shredded carrots

Mix fish sauce, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, lime zest and juice, and green onions until combined. Add pork and chopped cilantro and gently mix to combine.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (or however many you need) and loosely form them into 1 inch patties. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until oil begins to shimmer.
Cook burgers 12 to 14 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
Mix the mayonnaise and siracha sauce, and spread the spicy mayonnaise on the cut sides of the buns. Top the buns with lettuce, a burger, cucumber and carrots.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Redbook Magazine
www.redbookmag.com/recipefinder/‎

CUBAN SANDWICHES WITH ZUCCHINI PICKLES

PORK
3 quarts water
1 1/2 cups apple juice
3/4 cup coarse kosher salt
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup sugar
4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 heads of garlic, halved horizontally
2 bay leaves
2 whole star anise
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1 teaspoon whole allspice
2 large oranges, halved
1 2-1/4 pound boneless pork loin
AIOLI
2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
SANDWICHES
10 ciabatta rolls, halved horizontally
2 pounds thinly sliced ham
zucchini pickles (recipe follows)
1 pound Emmenthal cheese, cut into slices

PORK
Place first 12 ingredients in a heavy, large pot. Squeeze juice from orange halves into pot, then add orange halves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Reduce heat to medium and simmer brine 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Cool, then cover and refrigerate brine overnight.
Add the pork to the brine, marinate in refrigerator two days, occasionally turning pork.
AOLI
Whisk mayonnaise and oil in a medium bowl to blend. Whisk in all remaining ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
SANDWICHES
Heat oven to 350F.
Place rack in roasting pan. Remove pork from brine, place in prepared pan. Roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 145F, about 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Slice thinly.

Heat broiler. Spread 1 rounded tablespoonful of aioli on cut side of each ciabatta roll half. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the ham just until heated through and beginning to brown, turning occasionally, about 1 minute.
Place roll bottoms on large rimmed baking sheet. Divide ham among roll bottoms. Working in batches, fry sliced pork until heated through and just beginning to brown. Divide among sandwiches. Arrange 1/4 cup zucchini pickles over pork on each sandwich. Top each sandwich with cheese, dividing equally. Broil sandwiches until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Cover each with roll top and serve.

ZUCCHINI PICKLES
2 1/2 pounds zucchini, trimmed, cut crosswise into thin slices
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons coarse salt
2 cups champagne vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 2 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds

Toss the zucchini, onion and salt in a large colander. Place in sink and let drain 2 hours. Rinse vegetables, drain. Transfer to kitchen towels. Gently squeeze vegetables to dry. Place in an 8-cup glass bowl.
Bring vinegar and all remaining ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes. Pour vinegar mixture over zucchini mixture, pressing on vegetables to submerge. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill overnight.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, July 2009
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

PASTA WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND BREAD CRUMBS

I have traveled out of town quite a bit recently - by myself and with various combinations of family members.
This past weekend, with my husband, the return flight was delayed. Although an annoyance, and frustrating, it was by no means a tragedy. Thankfully our sitter was able to stay another night, and deliver the kids to school the next morning, while we went through the long security line and boarded yet another plane.
We made the most of our unexpectedly extended vacation, but it was SO great to be back! I love and appreciate being away and I love and appreciate being home and cooking for my family. I made this gorgeous pasta dish to commemorate the occasion.

PASTA WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND BREAD CRUMBS

2 heads of cauliflower
olive oil, divided use
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 ounces of dried penne
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
1/2 to 1 teaspoons anchovy paste
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2/3 cup freshly grated asiago cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Heat oven to 500F.
Divide cauliflower into florets, slice in half if they are large. Place cut side down on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, then turn the cauliflower and roast 10 minutes more, or until tender and browned.
Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and anchovy paste, and saute until golden. Add to the pasta, along with the cauliflower, and toss well.
Return the skillet to the pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter inside, add panko and cook for 3 minutes, or until toasted and brown.
Add the mint and asiago to the pasta mixture, spoon into serving bowls and sprinkle with the toasted bread crumbs.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends and family!

Recipe adapted from Relish
relish.com/recipes/‎

BABY GREENS AND PEACH SALAD WITH CREAMY CHIVE VINAIGRETTE and ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD WITH WARM CIDER VINAIGRETTE and SHAVED FENNEL AND ARUGULA SALAD and FIG SALAD WITH GOATS MILK YOGURT DRESSING AND ARUGULA and SALAD WITH YOGURT TAHINI DRESSING and STRAWBERRY MANDARIN ORANGE CHOPPED SALAD and TOMATO AND CORN SALAD and GRILLED ROMAINE SALAD WITH TOMATO AND CORN TUMBLE

There is almost nothing I enjoy more, than a small interesting salad, paired with a glass of wine. Whether I'm at home or eating out, I love this light, fresh combination.

BABY GREENS AND PEACH SALAD WITH CREAMY CHIVE VINAIGRETTE

2 peaches
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh chives
4 to 6 ounces baby greens

Wash peaches. Cut in half, remove pits. Thinly slice peaches. Place peach slices in large bowl. Add 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, toss.
Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice and olive oil in small bowl. Whisk in cream, then chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add baby greens to bowl with peaches. Add dressing and toss. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired, and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, August 2007
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD WITH WARM CIDER VINAIGRETTE

1 1/2 pounds buternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
3 tablespoons dried cranberries
3/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
salad greens
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 400F.
In a large bowl, combine squash, 2 tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss well, then spread the squash evenly over a baking sheet. Roast the squash until tender, turning once, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add the cranberries to the pan for the last 5 minutes.
While the squash is roasting, in a small saucepan combine the apple cider, vinegar and shallots. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the mustard, the remaining 1/2 cup of the olive oil and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Place salad greens in a large serving bowl. Add the roasted squash mixture, the walnuts and the parmesan. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten, then toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapated from The Morning News, January 2009

SHAVED FENNEL AND ARUGULA SALAD

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 ounce package of arugula and spinach mix
1 fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, halved, thinly sliced
1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 cups parmesan cheese shavings

Whisk the lemon juice, red wine vinegar and anchovy paste in a small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in the oil. Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Toss greens, fennel and olives in large bowl with dressing. Sprinkle cheese over.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, July 2009
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

FIG SALAD WITH GOATS MILK YOGURT DRESSING AND ARUGULA

1/2 cup goats milk yogurt
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 bunches of arugula, stems trimmed
12 to 15 ripe black Mission figs, halved lengthwise
1/2 to 1 cup mint leaves, torn
salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together yogurt, goat cheese, honey, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Place arugula on plates, top with figs and mint. Drizzle with dressing and season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, September 2009
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

SALAD WITH YOGURT TAHINI DRESSING

2 tablespoons tahini
1/4 cup boiling water
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used Greek style)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
romaine lettuce
arugula
a handful of radishes, cut in half and sliced
a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

Whisk the tahini and water together until completely smooth. Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
Place the lettuces in a large bowl and stir to combine with 1/4 cup of the dressing so its just lightly coated. Divide the lettuce among 4 plates or place it on a large platter. Over the lettuce, evenly scatter the radishes, tomatoes and cucumber. Drizzle each portion with with another tablespoon or two of the dressing and serve immediately.
Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY MANDARIN ORANGE CHOPPED SALAD

FOR THE DRESSING
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
ground black pepper to taste
FOR THE SALAD
1 cup baby spinach
1 cup baby arugula
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients and toss to mix.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

TOMATO AND CORN SALAD

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 1/2 pounds of heirloom tomatoes, cut into cubes
2 ears of corn, cooked and sliced off the ear
3 cups of arugula

In a bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in basil. Add tomatoes, corn, and arugula. Toss to coat.

Enjoy! and I would love for you to share this with your friends!

WALDORF SPINACH SALAD

1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 garlic clove, pressed
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (9 ounce) package baby spinach
2 gala apples, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced celery
4 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, shaved
1 cup cashew nuts

Mix together the honey, oil, vinegar, mustard, cinnamon and garlic.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, apples, and celery. Drizzle with the dressing and top with cheese and nuts.
Enjoy!

GRILLED ROMAINE SALAD WITH TOMATO AND CORN TUMBLE

2 to 3 ears of fresh sweet corn
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon snipped chives
2 hearts of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup feta cheese

For chive vinaigrette, combine 2 to 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the sherry vinegar, mustard and chives. Mix well.
Place the corn on the rack of a covered grill, directly over medium heat. Grill for 25 to 30 minutes or until kernels are tender.
Grill romaine, cut sides down, directly over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly charred and wilted.
Place a romaine heart half on each of 4 salad plates. Remove corn husks and silks from ears. Cut kernels from cobs. In a medium bowl combine corn kernels and tomatoes. Drizzle with some of the vinaigrette, toss to coat. Drizzle romaine with the remaining vinaigrette. Spoon the corn and tomato mixture over romaine halves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Top with feta.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, June 2013

EGGPLANT HUMMUS

I hosted book club this month which happens to be one of my very favorite evenings. I'm passionate about reading, friends, great conversation and good food and drink, and I especially love it when they all come together at one time.

EGGPLANT HUMMUS

1 eggplant
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup drained canned garbanzo beans
juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons tahini
1 garlic clove
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat oven to 350F.
Cut eggplant in half lengthwise, then score flesh in crisscross pattern at 1-inch intervals, 1/2 inch deep. Drizzle olive oil over cut sides, sprinkle with salt.
Place eggplant on rimmed baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Cool slightly, then scoop flesh into processor (discard skins). Add garbanzo beans, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, tahini and garlic. Puree until mixture is almost smooth. Transfer to a bowl, stir in parsley. Season hummus to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, August 2007
www.bonappetit.com/recipes‎

BACON AND TOMATO GUACAMOLE and CHUNKY GUACAMOLE and CHEESE TOPPED GUACAMOLE and ROQUAMOLE and GUILT FREE GUACAMOLE

Happy National Guacamole Day!
I have happily and enthusiastically made a lot of guacamole over the summer - from happy hours with friends to drinks on the deck at the lake house with family. It is a quick, delicious, uncomplicated appetizer, even with anything you might want to add in, such as bacon, blue cheese, goat cheese or asparagus.
It reminds me of certain friends of ours - it is their signature dish, and they make it with such ease and grace - the epitome of relaxed entertainment.
It is a dish best enjoyed freshly made, so I feel like I am watching a live cooking show when our friends invite us over.

BACON AND TOMATO GUACAMOLE

1/2 onion, finely chopped
5 strips bacon
3 avocados
juice of 1 to 2 limes
1 to 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, finely chopped
1 tomato, cored and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place onion in a bowl of cold water, set aside.
In a large skillet, cook bacon in a single layer over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until crispy and browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble, set aside.
Cut around each avocado, from stem to blossom end and back again, then twist the two halves apart. Dislodge the pit. Scoop the flesh from the skin into a large bowl. Mash the avocados with the lime juice into a coarse puree.
Drain the onion and shake off the excess water and transfer to the bowl along with the chipotle chiles, tomatoes, cilantro and about 2/3 of the bacon. Gently stir it to combine all of the ingredients. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Scoop into a serving dish, sprinkle with the remaining bacon and cilantro.
Enjoy! I would love if you would share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette May 2012
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

CHUNKY GUACAMOLE

6 avocados, diced
3 to 4 tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Self Magazine, February 2012
www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes‎

CHEESE TOPPED GUACAMOLE

2 avocados, diced
1 tomato, diced
3 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
4 slices of pickled jalapeno, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime
salt and freshly ground pepper
queso oaxaca or goat cheese, crumbled
tortilla chips for serving

Mix the avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, mint, jalapeno and lime juice, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine, May 2009
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes

ROQUAMOLE

3.5 ounces of Roquefort
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 ripe avocados
1 teaspoon sliced pickled jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime

Crumble or mash the cheese. Stir in sour cream. Add avocados, mash with a fork.
Stir in jalapenos, green onions and lime juice.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Relish Magazine
relish.com/recipes/‎

GUILT FREE GUACAMOLE

1/2 pound of asparagus, trimmed
1 avocado
1 tomato, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup minced cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1 serrano pepper, minced

Steam the asparagus, when cool, cut them into 1/2 inch pieces and toss them in a blender with the other ingredients. Pulse until the guacamole is the textue you like. Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Self, May 2013
www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes‎

GLAZED MEATLOAF and LUSCIOUS POTATO CASSEROLE and PEAS WITH SPRING ONIONS AND MINT

A friend recently had surgery, and I offered to bring her and her family dinner. She requested meatloaf, and I baked brownies to finish off the meal.

GLAZED MEATLOAF

750 grams of ground beef
1 1/2 cups of fresh breadcrumbs (I didn't add these the second time I made this dish, and I liked it better without)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
GLAZE
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

Heat oven to 375F.
Grease a loaf pan.
Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl, mix well.
Press herbed ground beef mixture evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until firm.
Drain away any fat, stand meatloaf in pan for 10 minutes, turn onto an oven tray. Combine all glaze ingredients in a bowl, mix well. Brush glaze over meatloaf, bake for about 10 minutes, or until well browned.
Allow meatloaf to stand 5 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Australian Womens Weekly, October 1991
aww.ninemsn.com/recipe-search/‎

LUSCIOUS POTATO CASSEROLE

1/4 cup butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
pepper to taste
1/2 to 1 package of frozen hash browns
2 cups shredded cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat, stir until melted.
Remove from the heat, stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, green onion, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Add hash browns and shredded cheese, mixing gently. Pour into a buttered 2 quart casserole dish, dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Bake at 350F for 50 minutes.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your family and friends!

Recipe adapted from The Morning News, June 2006

PEAS WITH SPRING ONIONS AND MINT

4 cups of frozen peas
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 spring onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick
salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
freshly ground black pepper

In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the peas until they are just tender, about 3 minutes. Drain.
In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the peas, cover and cook until heated through, 1 minute. Stir in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove from the heat. Stir in the mint, season with salt and pepper and serve.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your family and friends!

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine, April 2012
www.foodandwine.com/‎

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

I wanted to celebrate the end of the first week of school, with a Happy Hour - to allow the kids to play and the parents to chat and relax.
I had a full and busy week, and a full and busy day, so kept it very simple - beyond cleaning my house, buying a fruit tray, and baking refrigerated cookie dough, I didn't do much at all.
However, I had been craving this Buffalo Chicken Dip, and wanted to make it for a crowd, as it is extremely difficult for me to stop eating it once I start, so the more people I can share it with, the better!

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

2 (10 ounce) cans of chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch celery, cleaned and chopped into pieces
crackers

Heat chicken, cream cheese and ranch dressing in a skillet, until warmed through. Add the pepper sauce and the cheddar cheese. Cook, stirring until blended and heated through.
Transfer mixture to a slow cooker, cover and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly.
Serve with celery sticks and crackers.
Enjoy! and please share recipedoodle with your friends!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/buffalo-chicken-dip/

PRICKLY PEAR MARGARITA and SIESTA MARGARITA and GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA and MANGO MARGARITA

I recently read a wonderful, well written book called "Are You Really Going To Eat That?"
I loved the food based stories inside, and the Authors adventures and perspectives.
One story was about Prickly Pears, followed by a recipe for a Prickly Pear Margarita, which sounded so good, I absolutely had to make it.
I learned that Cactus Pears are called Indian Figs in Italy and Tunas in Mexico, which came in very useful when I ventured to our local Mexican market in search of the fruit. I asked for Prickly Pears, but was met with confusion until I pulled up a picture on my phone, and the lovely man helping me said "aahhhh, Tunas!", and walked me to the produce section to point them out, but if I didn't know better I would have argued I was looking for a fruit not a fish.
After infusing the Prickly Pears/Tunas in tequila, I invited a couple of friends over to share the bounty. I have also included a few other Margarita recipes I have made for friends over the summer.

PRICKLY PEAR MARGARITA



10 purple prickly pear fruits
1 bottle (750 ml) white tequila
crushed ice
Limes
Triple Sec

Peel each prickly pear fruit and discard the skin. Put the peeled fruit in a large glass jar and then pour in the tequila so that the fruits are completely submerged. Seal tightly and allow to sit for 3 to 4 days. For each margarita, remove one tuna. Cut in half and remove the seeds. Put the fruit in a blender.
For each drink, add 1/2 cup crushed ice, 2 jiggers (3 ounces) of the cactus flavored tequila, 1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) of triple sec and the juice of 1 lime.
Blend and serve.
Enjoy! please share recipe doodle with your friends and family!

Recipe adapted from Are You Really Going to Eat That?, Robb Walsh, 2003
robbwalsh.com/books/book4/‎

SIESTA MARGARITA

1 1/2 ounces of tequila
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 ounce campari

Shake liquid ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends and family!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, April 2012
online.wsj.com/public/page/magazine-food.html‎

GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA

2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice
2/3 cup Blanco tequila
1/4 cup lime juice
1 to 1 1/2 cups of ginger ale
2 cups ice

Stir together grapefruit juice, tequila and lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir in ginger ale and ice.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends and family!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living
www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/‎

MANGO MARGARITA

1 small mango, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped
3 ounces of grapefruit soda
1 1/2 ounces of fresh lime juice
2 ounces orange liqueur
1 1/2 ounces agave nectar
3 ounces silver tequila
1 cup ice

In a blender, puree the mango. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and serve.
Enjoy! Please share recipedoodle with your friends and family!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, August 2010
www.foodandwine.com/‎