Tag: pecans

Quinoa, Cranberry and Pecan Pilaf

Here is a quick and healthy side dish that complements so many entrees.

1 tsp. garlic-infused olive oil
1 cup quinoa
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground coriander
2 cups cold water
1 tsp. sea salt flakes
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecan pieces
2 tbs. chopped fresh herbs

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan that has a lid. Tip in the quinoa and stir for 30 seconds, then add the ginger, coriander, water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, clamp on the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes.

By this time most of the water should have evaporated. Turn off the heat and leave, covered, for 5 more minutes to steam. Fork in the cranberries, pecans and herbs.

Serves 4 as a side and 2 as a main

Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

These lovely little cookies will delight all ages. The cranberries and white chocolate look like jewels!

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup rolled oats
9 tbs. softened butter
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup plus 1 tbs. caster sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Heat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and oats. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Tip in the flour mixture and stir to combine, then fold in the cranberries, pecans and white chocolate. Using a 1″ ice cream scoop, drop the dough onto the baking sheets and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden around the edges.

Let rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

The taste of autumn in a lovely side dish.

4 1/2 lbs. butternut squash
3 tbs. olive oil
6 stalks fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried
1 cup pecans
1 cup crumbled Roquefort or other blue cheese

Heat the oven to  425°F. Halve the squash, leaving the skin on, and scoop out the seeds. Cut into roughly 1″ cubes. Transfer to a roasting tin and toss with the oil and a bit of seasoning. Strip 4 of the thyme leaves over (or sprinkle with all of the dried thyme). Roast for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.

Remove to a serving bowl and scatter over the pecans and cheese. Toss everything together and add the last 2 stalks of fresh thyme, torn into small sprigs, to decorate.

Serves 6-8

New Orleans Cole Slaw

This is the accompaniment of choice for Buttermilk Roasted Chicken.

1 head white or savoy cabbage, about 2 lbs. before trimmed
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 cup good quality mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tbs. maple syrup
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2/3 cup toasted and chopped pecans

Trim and shred the baggage. Place in a large bowl and add the carrots, scallions and celery. Whisk together the mayonnaise, maple syrup and vinegar. Toss with the cabbage mixture and season. Toss in the pecans to serve.

Serves 6