Mexican Succotash

The original succotash was introduced by American Indians in the 1600’s. The name was derived from the Narragansett Indian word msickqqustash, meaning boiled corn. I’m not quite certain what they call it in Cabo, but corn is an obvious staple of Mexico; so, here we go! Last month at Diamante, the posse and I enjoyed poolside time, strict studying and taking notes while “reading” Audible books, the occasional margarita, wild golf cart rides around the property, and then back to the villa for cooking dinner. This is one sweet and spicey version of succotash that we concocted. It may be served warm, room temp, or even chilled…your choice! Take a look! PS. We served it with a grilled shrimp, and lime and honey fruit. That’s coming to you tomorrow right here! Stay tuned.

1 Tbs olive oil
1 1/2 t butter
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
3/4 t salt
3/4 cup diced red pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
1 Tbs minced garlic
1/2 cup diced fresh tomato
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t cracked black pepper
Pinch cayenne
1 cup green beans, cut on bias in 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup water
2 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup cooked fresh or frozen baby lima beans (thawed)

Heat oil and butter in skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and salt.
Cook stirring until onion is golden and soft, about 6 minutes.
Add pepper, Jalapeño, and garlic.
Cook until peppers are soft, about 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne.
Cook and stir until heated through, about 1 minute.
Add green beans, water and 1/4 t salt.
Cook 4 minutes.
Add corn and lima beans. Cook, stirring for 3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

2/3 cup serving is 140 calories.


Caesar Salad Turkey Burger

Happy Almost Labor Day Weekend! Most people grill out at some point during this official “last” weekend of the summer. Of course, the don and I don’t own a grill…yes all of our friends joke about it! But we really enjoy cooking inside in a wonderful cast iron skillet. No matter how you cook, just cook; and try these burgers with a Caesar twist. After all, with everything going on in the world, let’s remember that food brings us together. Cook Better. Eat Better. Live Better. Booyah!

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey*
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 small sweet onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 egg, whisked
1/4 cup Panko
Salt and pepper
1 romaine lettuce heart, chopped
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
Caesar dressing to taste**
6 burger buns, toasted

Sauté onion and green pepper in 1 Tbs olive oil until almost tender, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté another minute.
Mix together turkey, Worcestershire, mustard, egg, Panko, and onion, pepper, garlic mixture.
Form into 6 patties.
Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes until firmer.
Grill or sauté in skillet about 4 minutes per side.
Toss together the romaine, shaved Parmesan and dressing.
Place burger on bun.
Top with Caesar salad.
Makes 6 burgers.

*The Don and I prefer GreenWise All Natural Ground Turkey Breast.
**As far as a store bought Caesar dressing, I prefer Marzetti Simply Dressed Caesar.


Rosemary Cashews, revisited

©PEGhardee

Monday is here; so let’s think about this! I try to begin each week and each day with a bucket full of patience and energy. But by 4 pm my bucket is running a bit low! To back up a moment, actually 7 years…TheDon and I found ourselves at the Ritz, Amelia Island; and each night the bartenders rotated the one in charge of taking care of the nuts…I know, I know…you’re thinking the human nuts, but this time it was literally nuts. These were a fav and we snagged the recipe. Like they say, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right”! Bucket empty? Grab a glass of cold iced tea and a palmful of nuts to refill. Try It; You May Just Like It! Have a Happy, Nutty Week!

1 lb unsalted roasted cashews
2 Tbs minced fresh rosemary
1/2 t cayenne pepper
2 t light brown sugar
1 Tbs salted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350º.
Spread cashews on baking pan.
Toast 5 minutes, until warm.
In large bowl, combine all other ingredients.
Stir in cashews and toss to coat.
Return nuts to pan and heat 5 minutes.
Transfer to wax paper to cool until the rosemary mixture dries on the cashews.

Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Butter

Zinging into spring with a simple little midweek veggie; heck I’d serve this at a dinner party…oh that’s right, we don’t have those anymore, but SOON!! Nothing unusual about this little asparagus side dish, except its deliciousness. It’s perfect vintage southern and an ideal pairing with any protein. Try it, even if you’ve tried it before. Totally worth every little dancing taste bud that it hits sliding down the throat. Yum! Captured the below pics with the afternoon sun streaming in my westward facing kitchen windows. Perhaps it’s a bright and encouraging sign that we are turning the corner on Covid.

2 lbs thick asparagus, trimmed
1 Tbs olive oil
2 t fresh thyme leaves
3/4 t  Kosher salt, divided
4 Tbs room temperature unsalted butter, divided
1/4 t ground black pepper
4 minced garlic cloves

Place oven rack 6 inches from broiler.
Preheat oven to medium broil.
Place asparagus on rimmed baking sheet.
Pour oil, thyme, 1/2  t salt over asparagus.
Toss gently to combine.
Broil asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove and toss asparagus to turn over.
Broil another 3 minutes, until lightly browned.
Transfer asparagus to serving platter.
Place 1 Tbs butter and garlic into skillet over medium high.
Cook until lightly golden.
Place remaining 3 Tbs butter, pepper, and remaining salt in small bowl.
Pour garlic melted butter into bowl.
Stir until combined; will make creamy sauce.
Pour sauce over asparagus and serve.
Serves 4 to 6.