Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Bobby Flay's Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Crunch and Bourbon-Maple Whipped Cream


Ingredients
Cinnamon Crunch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup light muscovado sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, cold

Ingredients
Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
3/4 cup dark muscovado sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
11/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
11/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more for the top
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out and reserved, or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Bourbon-Maple Whipped Cream (recipe follows), for serving

Directions
To make the cinnamon crunch, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the flour, oats, muscovado sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor, and process a few times to combine. Add the butter and pulse until combined. Pat the mixture evenly into a 4-inch square on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove and let cool. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into small pieces. Keep the oven on.

To make the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix until combined. Press evenly onto the bottom and sides of a 10-inch pie plate. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake until light golden brown and firm, about 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

To make the filling, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, both sugars, and the molasses together in a medium bowl. Mix in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk in the heavy cream, milk, and vanilla seeds or extract. Strain the mixture through a coarse strainer into a bowl. Whisk in the butter.

Place the pie plate on a baking sheet, pour the pumpkin mixture into the shell, and sprinkle additional cinnamon over the top. Bake until the filling is set around edges but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken, 45 to 60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.

Cut the pie into slices and top each with a large dollop of whipped cream and some of the cinnamon crunch.

Bourbon-Maple Whipped Cream
1 1/4 cups heavy cream, very cold
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out and reserved
2 tablespoons Grade B maple syrup
1 to 2 tablespoons bourbon

Combine the cream, vanilla seeds, maple syrup, and bourbon, to taste, in a large chilled bowl, and whip until soft peaks form.

SOURCE

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Breast with Grilled Tomato Jam and Herbed Yogurt Sauce


Ingredients
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons ground ginger
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground cayenne
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 (8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pita breads, warmed on the grill
Tomato Jam, recipe follows
Herbed Yogurt, recipe follows

Directions
Heat grill to medium-high. Combine all spices and the oil in a medium bowl to make a paste. Rub a thin layer of the spice paste onto 1 side of each chicken breast. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until slightly charred and just cooked through. Remove from the grill, let rest 5 minutes, and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve openface on pitas: the chicken slices, a few dollops of Tomato Jam, and a drizzle of Herbed Yogurt.

Grilled Tomato Jam:
5 plum tomatoes
1 serrano chile
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grilling
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small Spanish onion, chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Pinch saffron

Heat grill to high. Brush tomatoes and serrano with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill tomatoes and serrano on all sides until charred. Remove from the grill and coarsely chop.

Heat oil in a medium saucepan on the grates of the grill or on the side burners. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the tomatoes, serrano, balsamic vinegar, and saffron and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature before serving.

Herbed Yogurt:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Open-Faced Pitas with Rotisserie Lamb with Pomegranate and Mint, Grilled Tomatoes, and Greek Slaw


Ingredients

Rotisserie Lamb with Pomegranate and Mint:

  • One boneless half leg of lamb (about 4 pounds), butterflied
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary1 Spanish onion, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 2 lemons

Greek Slaw:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped to a paste
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 6 ounces crumbled Greek feta
  • Cherry tomatoes, on soaked skewers, for serving
  • Canola oil, for brushing
  • 8 warmed pita breads, with or without pockets, for serving
  • 2 lemons, for serving

Directions

For the rotisserie lamb with pomegranate and mint: Sprinkle both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper. Roll the lamb and tie with twine. Cut small slits over the entire lamb, using a paring knife. Fill each slit with a slice of the garlic. Put the lamb into a large plastic resealable bag.
Whisk the pomegranate juice, wine, olive oil, oregano, rosemary, onions, bay leaves and lemon juice in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the lamb, in the bag. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Place the bag into a large bowl. Refrigerate the lamb for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, turning the bag a few times during that time.
Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the grill to medium-hot heat.
Whisk the pomegranate molasses, mint, mustard and lemon juice in a medium bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Skewer the lamb onto the rotisserie and grill until a meat thermometer registers 135 degrees F for medium doneness, 1 1/2 hours to 1 3/4 hours. Begin brushing the lamb with the pomegranate molasses mixture after about 45 minutes of grilling.
Meanwhile for the Greek slaw: Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dill, honey and garlic in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the red and green cabbage, carrot and feta. Toss to combine. Cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Wait 15 minutes before slicing.
While the lamb is resting, brush the tomatoes with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the tomatoes until they are charred on both sides and just soft, about 4 minutes.
Slice the lamb. Lay the warm pita breads on a large platter. Top with sliced lamb, grilled tomatoes and the Greek slaw. Squeeze the lemons over the top and serve.

Grilled Sardines with Garlic Walnut Sauce


Ingredients

Grilled Sardines:

  • 2 pounds sardines (about 15), heads removed and gutted
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Garlic-Walnut Sauce:

  • 1 cup whole walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
  • Grated lemon zest, for garnish

Directions

For the grilled sardines: Add the sardines, salt and lemon juice in a bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, for the garlic-walnut sauce: Add the walnuts, parsley, dill and garlic in a food processor. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Blend until finely ground. With the food processor running, add the olive oil and blend until smooth. The mixture should resemble pesto.
Heat the grill (preferably charcoal) to high for direct grilling. Remove the sardines from the bowl and pat dry. Brush the sardines with canola oil and sprinkle with pepper. Grill the sardines until golden brown and slightly charred, about 3 minutes. Flip the sardines over and continue grilling for 1 minute. Transfer the sardines to a platter and drizzle with the garlic-walnut sauce and garnish with the parsley and lemon zest.

Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Queso Fresco


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 2 heaping tablespoons ancho chile powder
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 or 2 chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
  • 1 boneless pork shoulder (about 5 pounds)
  • Warm corn tortillas
  • Napa Cabbage Slaw, recipe follows
  • Hot sauce
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco

Directions

Special equipment: 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple), soaked in water 30 minutes
Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the thyme, garlic, onions, ancho chile powder, brown sugar, cumin, coriander, orange juice, lime juice, 1/2 water and chipotle, and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. Put the pork in a large pan and pour over the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
Preheat a charcoal grill for indirect heat and place the soaked wood chips on top of the coals.
Place the pork on the grill, cover and let smoke until the temperature inside the grill is 220 degrees F. Add chips as necessary to continue smoking until the internal temperature of the pork reaches140 degrees F. Then just let the pork finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches about 190 degrees F. This can take about 5 hours. Let the pork rest 30 minutes.
Shred the pork and serve in the warm tortillas topped with some Napa Cabbage Slaw, hot sauce, fresh cilantro leaves and queso fresco.

Napa Slaw:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 green onions, coarsely chopped
  • 2 serrano chiles
  • 1 head Napa cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, oil and celery seeds until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the green onions and serrano chiles. Place the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Add the dressing and the queso fresco, and toss to combine.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Grilled Eggplant Caponata Bruschetta with Ricotta Salata




Ingredients

  • 4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 2 medium globe eggplants, cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 large stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup Sicilian green olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Pinch red chile flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 loaf Italian bread, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  • 8 ounces ricotta salata, crumbled

Directions

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the tomatoes and eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the eggplant until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes each side. Grill the tomatoes until charred all over, about 8 minutes. Remove the eggplant and tomatoes from the heat and cut into dice.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a large saute pan. Add the celery and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the eggplant and tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the olives, vinegar, raisins, capers, sugar, chile flakes, a big splash olive oil, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil and parsley and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer the caponata to a bowl and keep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. The caponata can be made 1 day in advance, covered and refrigerated. Bring the caponata to room temperature before serving.
Meanwhile, grill the bread on both sides until slightly charred, about 30 seconds each side. Remove the bread from the grill and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each slice of bread with some of the caponata and sprinkle with the ricotta salata. Drizzle the top of each slice of bread with more olive oil and scatter basil on top.

Grilled Rack of Pork with Sherry Vinegar BBQ Sauce



Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plus 4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds
  • 1/4 cup whole black peppercorns
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 Spanish onion, peeled and quartered
  • One 4-pound center cut rack of pork, chine and feather bones removed
  • 4 tablespoons Spanish paprika
  • 4 teaspoons cumin seeds, ground
  • 4 teaspoons fennel seeds, ground
  • 4 teaspoons black mustard seeds, ground
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • Canola oil
  • Sherry Vinegar BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Combine 10 cups water, 1/2 cup kosher salt, brown sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, thyme and onions in a large glass bowl or a plastic container. Add the pork, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours. Thirty minutes before grilling, remove the pork from the brine, rinse with cold water, pat dry and let sit out at room temperature.
Prepare a charcoal grill for direct and indirect cooking.
Combine the paprika, cumin, mustard, fennel, the remaining 4 teaspoons salt and ground pepper in a bowl. Rub the pork with the spices and drizzle with canola oil. Sear the pork over direct heat on both sides until lightly golden brown and a crust has formed, about 5 minutes per side. Move the pork over indirect heat (inside of grill should be at about 375 degrees F) and cook, brushing with the Sherry Vinegar BBQ Sauce every 5 minutes or so, until a thermometer inserted in the center registers 145 degrees F, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Brush with the sauce every 10 minutes or so after the first 45 minutes.
Remove from the grill, loosely tent with foil and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. You can either slice into individual chops, or slice the loin off the bones and thinly slice.

Sherry Vinegar BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup aged sherry vinegar
  • 1/2 cup homemade chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Honey
Combine the ketchup, vinegar, chicken stock, brown sugar, mustard, paprika and thyme in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced by half. Season with salt, pepper and honey. Let cool to room temperature.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Lemon-Blueberry-Ricotta-Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry-Cassis Relish and Blueberry Maple Syrup


Ingredients
Maple Blueberry Syrup
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup maple syrup (grade B)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 stick cinnamon
1 strip lemon zest


Directions
Blueberry Cassis Compote


1 pint blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean, split
Cassis
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves


Pancakes:
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cane sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch cream of tartar
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh ricotta
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 stick butter, (8 tablespoons) cut into pats


For the syrup:
In a medium saucepan add blueberries, maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer over low heat, and cook for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and chill overnight. Strain; serve warm or at room temperature.


For the compote:
Combine blueberries, sugar, butter, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and stir in the cassis. Discard the vanilla bean and cinnamon stick. Serve at room temperature, folding in the chopped mint just before serving.


For the pancakes:
Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, oil, buttermilk, lemon zest and vanilla extract.


Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid mixture. Mix together until flour is just incorporated.


In a small bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter just until incorporated. Let sit for 15 minutes, then gently fold in the blueberries.


In a small bowl mix the ricotta and milk. Reserve for garnish.


Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.


Heat a nonstick pan or cast iron griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and heat until the butter just begins to sizzle. Scoop a scant 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan or onto the griddle and cook until bubbles appear on the top surface and the bottom is golden brown, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Flip over and cook until the bottom is lightly golden brown, about 45 seconds. Remove to a baking sheet and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with syrup and compote and garnish with a dollop of ricotta.


SOURCE

Monday, February 27, 2012

Grilled Chicken Paillard with Lemon and Black Pepper and Arugula-Tomato Salad


Ingredients
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small shallot, chopped
1/4 cup pure olive oil
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground fresh black pepper
4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, pounded thinly
Salt
1/2 pound arugula
2 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
Lemon halves, for garnish


Directions
Whisk together lemon juice, shallot, olive oil and black pepper in a large baking dish. Add the chicken, turn to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.


Preheat grill to high. Remove chicken from marinade, season with salt on both sides and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and just cooked through.


Combine arugula, tomatoes and onions in a large bowl, toss with the vinegar and oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place each paillard on a large plate, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and top with some of the arugula-tomato salad. Garnish with lemon halves.


SOURCE

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Argentinean Skewers with Sherry Vinegar Steak Sauce and Grilled Scallions


Ingredients
1 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 heads garlic, unpeeled, halved horizontally
2 jalapeno peppers, tops trimmed
1/2 cup canola oil
18 ounces sirloin, cut into 1-inch dice
6-inch wooden skewers, soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 green onions, trimmed
Canola oil
Sherry Vinegar Steak Sauce, recipe follows


Directions
Combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, peppers and oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, add the beef and toss to coat in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.


Heat the grill to high. Skewer 2 pieces of the beef onto 2 skewers so that the meat lays flat on the grill. Season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper and grill until golden brown, slightly charred on both sides and cooked to medium-rare doneness, about 3 minutes per side.


Brush the green onions with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until slightly charred and just cooked through.


Serve skewers with grilled scallions and Sherry Vinegar Steak Sauce.


Sherry Vinegar Steak Sauce:
4 piquillo peppers, drained and chopped or 2 roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup aged sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, drained
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Place the peppers, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, honey, molasses, Worcestershire, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated.


SOURCE

Throwdown Cuban Sandwich with Homemade Pickles

Ingredients
Pork:
1 (4 to 5 pound) bone-in pork shoulder, excess fat trimmed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Canola oil
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons aged sherry vinegar
1 head garlic, cloves removed and peeled
2 medium Spanish onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 bay leaves
Handfull fresh oregano, stems with leaves
Clover Honey


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Season the pork with salt, pepper and cumin. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven until it begins to shimmer. Add the pork and cook until golden brown on all sides.


Add the stock, juices, vinegar, garlic, onions, bay leaves and oregano, bring to a simmer, cover and transfer to the oven. Braise until fork tender (between 180 and 190 degrees F), about 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours. Remove from the oven, transfer pork to a platter and let rest 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.


Strain the braising liquid into a medium pan, bring to a boil and let reduced slightly, adding honey and salt and pepper if needed. Toss some of the braising liquid with the shredded pork to moisten.


Homemade Pickles:
3 Kirby cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick slices
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
3/4 cup packed coarsely chopped fresh dill
2-3 tablespoons sugar
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon dill seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
Put the sliced cucumber in a medium bowl (which has a fitted lid).


Combine 1 cup of water, the vinegar, dill, sugar, garlic, salt, dill, mustard and coriander seeds in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar and salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat and taste for tartness, add more sugar if too sour and let cool to room temperature.


Pour the cooled liquid over the cucumbers, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours, stirring the mixture at least once.


Roasted Garlic-Dijon Aioli:
1 cup prepared mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
5 cloves roasted garlic, pureed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.


For Sandwiches:
8 to 10 Cuban breads, sliced 3/4 of way through
Roasted Garlic-Dijon Aioli
Shredded pork
Homemade Pickles
1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
1 pound thinly sliced good-quality ham
Spread both cut sides of the bread with a tablespoon or so of aioli. Add the pork, a few slices ham, and a generous layer of pickles. Top with a few slices cheese.


Press the sandwiches in a hot panini grill until outside is toasty and cheese is melted.


SOURCE