Greek Saucy!

Man Mountain hates cucumbers.

Apparently, he is genetically predisposed to loathing them.

Granted, he did go to medical school so he should know something scientific about genetics.

His parents hate cucumbers.

And...

...our children hate cucumbers...so there may actually be something to it. (Wait - does that mean my genetics are weak.....?)

Because I love me some cucumbers, ESPECIALLY in pickle form! And I love the delicious Greek condiment Tzatziki - (which is yogurt with cucumbers, garlic and herbs).

Fresh herbs!

So, I decided to make roasted lamb shanks and potatoes for dinner. Bare-bones recipe:

Free hand the following:

Layer olive oil, fresh rosemary sprigs, whole garlic cloves, lamb shanks, and cut russet potatoes in a wide-mouthed dutch oven.

Add 1 heaping Tbl. tomato paste and enough beef stock to halfway cover the lamb and potatoes.

Liberally, salt and pepper.

Cook in a 350 degree oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

When lamb is done (should be falling off the bone),  mix fresh dill and mint into the hot gravy and let sit, out of the oven, for 10 minutes.

Dust with lemon zest, sea salt and toasted pine nuts, if desired. (I desire!)

Serve over couscous...with a dollop of this.

PS - You can also add cucumber to this. And then invite me over to share.

Apple Puffs

My Apple Puff!

I love apple picking season. I love watching my girls scamper through the orchard, picking up apples from the lowest branches, taking one bite, handing mauled apple to Man Mountain to finish, and then prancing towards the next tree to try yet another type.

Golden Delicious is the big winner in my house (although Man Mountain prefers MacIntosh, slathered in Jif peanut butter). This year's jaunt was short, but profitable, as the orchard was packed with trees heavily laden with fruit. The hot, long, wet summer made for an early harvest, and we picked ourselves a bounty!

I love making apple pie. I am a Pillsbury Ready-Made Crust devotee, but I saw a recipe for apples with a puff pastry crust and I had to give my own version a whirl.

These blissful apple puffs are delicious and so easy to make!

Thaw puff pastry according to box instructions. I swoon for Trader Joe's.

While pastry is thawing, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Peel, core and slice 4 Golden Delicious apples into 1/4 inch slices.

In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1/4 cinnamon.

Let apple mixture stand for at least 1/2 hour. This softens the apples, lets the liquid run to the bottom of the bowl (which avoids an overly soggy crust), and cuts baking time!

Inhale the scent for a little impromptu aromatherapy.

Place pastry on baking sheet and apply apples in a circular patten.

Make an egg wash with 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream.

Apply egg wash to puff pastry edges NOT covered in apple slices.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes, depending on puff pastry box instructions.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or eat ravenously as is!