I worked in the food industry for five years. It was a love and hate relationship, but one that was core to who I am today. I’ll never forget many of the friendships and moments I had working my way through dishwasher jobs, manager roles, and the in-between. Similarly, grueling twelve hour days, failed dishes, and disappointed bosses shaped my passion for a tough work ethic and my drive to succeed. My love for cooking persists, and although I’m not a professional chef, I enjoy adding my own twists and flair to the daily recipes I cook.
Below are a few recipes. Most are combinations of recipes I’ve cooked from online blogs, books, and friends; along with some modification on my end. They won’t change the culinary world or anything, but they are some of my favorites. This isn’t a cookbook, so I won’t give perfect amounts or cook times. The goal is to inspire creativity, which I think is crucial to developing your own tastes.
Bruschetta
Warm Mix:
- caramelize a small white onion, near the end of cooking, add a few cloves minced garlic and a small minced shallot, salt and pepper as required
Cold Mix:
- quarter yellow and red cherry tomatoes, mix with some minced sundried tomatoes, cut up basil leaves, and a touch of olive oil
- combine warm and cold mixes to form a final product
Glaze:
- combine a cup or so of balsamic vinegar, four tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of brown sugar
- let the mix come to a bubble, and then simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced to a glaze
Assembly:
- serve on a piece of thick toasted bread, a good choice is rosemary ciabatta or a classic baguette
- lay down a thin layer of mozzarella, a generous spoon of the mix, and a slight drizzle of the balsamic glaze
Roasted Beet Salad
Assembly:
- Slice beets into small chunks, rub with olive oil and salt, bake on 350 for 20(ish) minutes. Broil them if you want them more crispy.
- Start with a base of arugula, add crumbled goat cheese, halved grape tomatoes, toasted almonds, and the roasted beets
- Add vinaigrette or dressing of choice immediately before serving
Vinaigrette:
- Diced shallot and a little garlic sauteed in olive oil
- Honey, fresh stone ground mustard or a little Dijon mustard
- Red wine vinegar, salt, pepper
- Whisk in olive oil until happy with taste and consistency
Pastrami Sandwich
Cooking:
- Caramelize a red onion, touch of sugar in the pan, salt of course
- Pastrami in a hot cast iron, hit it with some paprika and pepper
- Toss in a few slices of colby jack into the pastrami mix, 4-5 banana peppers
Assembly:
- Soft bulkie roll, lightly toasted with butter.
- Chipotle mayonnaise on the bottom bun, I like the Boar’s head brand
- A little bed of caramelized onions
- Pile the pastrami mixture high
- Serve with love, reminiscent of the Cotuit Fresh Market