Ruth Reichl's Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves

Today marks the beginning of a six-month cooking adventure with Ruth Reichl. I ordered Ruth's The Gourmet Cookbook, which is the largest cookbook I own, at over 1000 pages and over 1000 recipes. The cookbook is so big it's funny. My 11-year-old son says, "Wow, mom. You're like the biggest food nerd ever." Every time he sees me with it he tells me, "If you read that whole book then I'm gonna expect you to know everything there is to know about food."


 I've spent hours pouring through the book and I still haven't been able to look through it completely, which is saying something. It is simply enormous and full of great recipes and quite simply, I adore it. I highly recommend it to all avid home cooks.

I'm in a fit of laughter today because out of this ginormous cookbook full of recipes I've chosen to share Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves first. How does that happen?

Let me explain. I started a list of all the Ruth recipes I wanted to make and as usual, it became quite long. I was thinking about starting my adventure with a pasta dish like Macaroni and Cheese or Four-Cheese Pasta, but then I started to think about how I was going to make a pasta dish next week. Then I thought about making a dip, but then I remembered I was making one the week after. So, in an effort to make something completely different and unlike my next few posts, I opted for this Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves and I'm so glad I did!

The nuttiness of Parmesan is wonderfully paired alongside walnuts. Then the Parmesan and the walnuts are coated with a light touch of mayo, lemon juice, and olive oil, as well as finely diced celery and parsley. You've got a bit of everything as far as texture and flavor go. It's chewy and crunchy and bright and flavorful. The slight bitterness of the endive leaves makes it the perfect vehicle for the nutty sweetness of the Parmesan and walnuts.

This is really one amazing appetizer! More importantly, I think this is an appetizer than almost anyone would love. It's healthy, vegetarian, and light yet delicious. I think that goes a long way at parties these days. I can see the plate being wiped clean every time. Thanks to Ruth for an amazing recipe that will be a new go to!

Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves

Adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook

by Ruth Reichl

Makes about 25 Hors D'oeuvres

1 small garlic clove

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon mayonnaise*

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice*

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (6-ounce) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano, sliced 1/8" thick and cut into 1/8" dice

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and finely chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

4 Belgian endives, trimmed and leaves separated

*Note: It's worth sourcing a very good Parmigiano for this recipe. Also, make sure your walnuts are fresh as they can go rancid if they languish in your pantry (I store mine in the refrigerator). When I typed up this recipe I realized that I omitted the olive oil by accident. This makes sense because my salad became dry when it sat and I had to add in a touch more mayo and lemon juice. I bet the olive oil would've loosened things up a touch more. If not, feel free to add a little more olive oil, lemon juice, and/or mayo before serving. Also, I found the leaves were great served with a wedge of lemon for drizzling right before eating. Word to the wise, I did season the dish with a touch of salt and pepper. I love salt and use it liberally. I held back on the salt in this recipe and was happy I did. I think it can quickly become too salty.

Using a large knife, mince and mash garlic to a paste with salt. Whisk together garlic paste, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and oil in a medium bowl. Stir in cheese and celery, then stir in walnuts, parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate, covered for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to develop. Mound 1 tablespoon salad onto wide end of each endive leaf. Arrange on a platter and serve.

Every Sunday @ Kahakai Kitchen

Endive, Orange, and Radicchio *Recipe #33 - Page 245*

This salad is a thing of beauty! It 's too pretty to eat! Lots of flavor with this one: tangy, bitter, sweet and sour. It is topped with a rich and creamy dressing and it is really worth making. At first taste, you are a little perplexed, but then it all starts to come together. I was starving when I started making this salad. After eating the salad I was pleasantly full. The best part is, there is little to no fat or calories in this salad. Great news for those of us who are getting into a bathing suit in less than 3 short weeks!

Note: I did substitute plain yogurt for the creme fraiche. I couldn't locate any creme fraiche and didn't really like it much to begin with. The plain yogurt was a replacement that I found online and is a much healthier option.

Dressing:
1 cup creme fraiche *or like me use 1 cup plain yogurt*
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 lemon, juice only
1 tablespoon sugar
1 shallot, minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad:
2 heads of endive, leaves separated
2 heads baby radicchio, leaves torn into large pieces
1 orange, peeled and cut into slices through the equator
1 blood orange, peeled and cut into slices through the equator

Another NOTE: I halved this recipe and had only one head of endive and radicchio. I would maybe double the endive and buy 2 endive for every radicchio to create more of a balance between the two. My mom and I both found we really liked the endive and wished there was more of it.

For the dressing, in a small bowl combine creme fraiche/yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, and sugar. Fold in shallot and season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside in fridge to let the flavors come together. (I was starving and my flavors only came together for a short 10 minutes).

For the salad, toss together the endive, radicchio, and both types of orange slices in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately. Eat everyday, three times a day, for three weeks straight and pray to lose 5-10 pounds.

On another note, I may not be posting too many recipes in April. I am trying to stay away from the fridge, the kitchen, the cooking shows, and all other ideas of food in order to get ready for the cruise. We all know what happens on a cruise........eating, and more eating, and I think you get the idea. I gotta shave off the weight I'm gonna gain on that cruise. On the other hand, I could decide this is my April Fool's hoax and start making all kinds of unhealthy food again. I really haven't decided.......................

My Top Five Ruth Reichl Recipes!

We are wrapping up our time with Ruth Reichl at I Heart Cooking Clubs. I've made some really fun and different recipes with Ruth and I've definitely really enjoyed my time in the kitchen with her. These are my top five Ruth Reichl favorites, in order.

(Click on the recipe title for the recipe and original post)

Ruth's Cheddar and Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes

Number Five: Ruth's Cheddar and Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes. I've made a lot of twice-baked potatoes in my time and these are among my favorites. We love the hint of garlic and all the proportions are just right. These are a perfect side dish for a special meal.

Ruth's Food Cart Curry Chicken

Number Four: Ruth's Food Cart Curry Chicken. A New York City food cart specialty and a busy cook's best friend. This is a delicious weeknight chicken dish that is perfect family food. The chicken is tender and flavorful, but mild enough to be kid-friendly. I highly recommend this one!

Ruth's Parmesan Walnut Salad In Endive Leaves

Number Three: Ruth's Parmesan Walnut Salad In Endive Leaves. This was the very first Ruth Reichl recipe I made and it stuck with me ever since. This is a beautiful appetizer, or spread, for any party or gathering. The colors are gorgeous and the flavors are fresh and bright. I love the crunch from the walnuts against the chewiness of the cheese and the crispness of the endive leaf. It's a little creamy, but light. It's healthy and a little indulgent. It's just perfectly balanced. This would be a great dish to take to any potluck!

Ruth's Shirred Eggs Over Potato Puree

Number Two: Ruth's Shirred Eggs Over Potato Puree. Um, creamy mashed potatoes with an ooey gooey egg on top? Yes, oh my word, yes. Pure bliss. Total comfort food. Please make this!

Ruth's Baked Cheddar Olives

Number One: Ruth's Baked Cheddar Olives. A retro recipe if there ever was one. Here is a dish that was present at many women's bridge parties in the 1950s. I wasn't sure what to expect with this recipe, but it was so different and I just knew I had to give it a try. I was mind blown by how delicious these were! The dough bakes up around the olive like a cheese cracker and these are the most addictive little devils. I absolutely LOVE this recipe and I think you should make them for every single party until the end of time! Baked Cheddar Olives for everyone, for ever and ever.

My Top Ten Favorite Recipes of 2018!

This year was by far the busiest year I've ever had. Maybe it's because I went back to work after taking time off, maybe it's because my daughter is a senior, or maybe it's because both kids are in several different activities. Either way, this year flew by!

I had a few #FOODGOALS that I made back in January. The first was to blog about my mom's recipes. I cooked them, but I never got around to sharing them because I could never find the words. I don't think I realized how hard it would be. Hopefully, I'll find the words in 2019. The second goal was to teach my daughter how to cook some new recipes. That was a much easier goal and I definitely succeeded in that. The third goal was to share ALL of my dishes on Instagram and while I certainly didn't share them ALL, I did manage to share most of the dishes I shared here on Stirring The Pot.

Now let's talk about my food trends of 2018. I started the year addicted to food on toast. I think I lived off random things on toast for the first four months of the year. Also big in 2018 was shrimp, a big staple in the Stirring the Pot kitchen, year after year. However, the biggest food trend for me this year was hands-down potatoes! Holy cow... I made A LOT of potato dishes this year, and to prove it, there are FOUR potato dishes in this roundup.

By far, one of my favorite things to do this year was going to The Farmer's Market at The Castle. I enjoyed the peaceful ride down the winding country roads and all the wonderful goodies in my weekly farmer's box. It was such a delight! I love winter and spring, but I will definitely be counting down the days until I can do it again next year.

And, lastly, I'm ending my roundup with two of my favorite desserts. It's always good to end on a sweet note!

Happy New Year to all! I wish you all the best in the coming year.

Giada's Burrata and Kale Pesto Bruschetta

Giada's Spicy Calabrian Shrimp

Farmer's Maret Special: Eric Ripert's Pesto with Fettuccine, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Marinated Mozzarella, and Purple Basil

Ruth's Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves

Ruth's Shirred Eggs Over Potato Puree

Pepin's Potatoes Fondantes

Ripert's Potato Goat Cheese Royale

Ripert's Raspberry Clafoutis

Ripert's Grilled Figs with Honey-Mascarpone Cream

White Bean Dip with Pita Chips

Giada's White Bean Dip with Pita Chips has been on my "to-make" list for about 10 years. So it's about time that I finally got in the kitchen to make it.  Now, I've made my fair share of bean dips and I've loved them all, but I think the thing that draws people to this recipe is the puffy golden baked pita chips. I mean they look perfectly dunkable, don't they? Crunchy and herby and crisp and golden...they are addictive!

Then you have the bean dip...simple and satisfying. It's really no wonder this recipe has 378 five-star reviews on the Food Network.  I think pretty much anyone would enjoy it at a party or potluck. It's got that whole texture satisfaction thing going on, a little creamy and a little crunchy.  Not to mention it's all fairly healthy, as far as appetizers go.

If you wanted to make this more veggie-forward that would be easy to do.  Carrot sticks, celery sticks, radishes, snow peas, endive leaves, any dippable veggie would be great on the side.

If you're looking for a winning appetizer recipe, look no further! This is a winner!

White Bean Dip with Pita Chips

Adapted from Food Network

by Giada De Laurentiis

Serves 6-8 

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup olive oil, plus 4 tablespoons

1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh Italian parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

6 pitas

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Preheat oven to 400F. Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, and parsley in the work bowl of a food processor (I used my high-speed blender and it worked just fine).  Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the bean puree to a small bowl.

Cut each pita in half and then into 8 wedges.  Arrange the pita wedges on a large baking sheet.  Pour the remaining oil over the pitas.  Toss and spread out the wedges evenly.  Sprinkle with the oregano, salt, and pepper.  Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until toasted and golden in color.

Serve the pita toasts warm or at room temperature alongside the bean puree.

Ruth Reichl's Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Walnut Lasagne

When I first got my hands on Ruth Reichl's The Gourmet Cookbook, there were two recipes that jumped out at me, begging me to make them. The first was her Parmesan Walnut Salad in Endive Leaves, which I made straight away, and the next was her Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Lasagne, which I'm just now getting to because...well, it requires a lot of time and effort.

So, I've adapted this recipe for two reasons: one, I don't care for hazelnuts BUT I do love walnuts, and second, I wanted to add a little bit of sausage for flavor. Hence, Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Walnut Lasagne. I also read the reviews and decided to amp up the onion and garlic, add red pepper flakes, and add some more cheese, in the form of Gruyere. Mozzarella and Parmesan are good and all, but Gruyere belongs in this lasagne since it's nutty flavor pairs beautifully with both the walnuts and the butternut. Feel free to play with the flavors and adapt the dish how you like!

Just so you know, we're talking about layers of fresh pasta sheets covered in chunks of tender butternut squash seasoned with spicy sausage, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, walnuts, sage, and parsley; creamy bechamel sauce; and three kinds of cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Fresh Mozzarella, and Gruyere.

I mean I don't wanna get in the habit of writing love letters to chefs, but I could definitely write Ruth a love letter about this lasagne. The flavors and textures are simply incredible, friends! This is an amazing dish and one that you could definitely entertain over the autumn months.

Now, I knew that I would really like this dish, but I wasn't expecting to be bowled over with flavors and textures. While there is plenty of butternut squash in this dish it is not overwhelming in any way. You get the flavor of the butternut, along with the spicy sausage, the creamy bechamel sauce, and all the cheeses, and you wanna know what's really nice in this dish? The crunch from the walnuts. It goes a long way in creating such wonderful texture in this dish. You have both creamy and crunchy, plus little nuggets of butternut along with way. Drop the mic, folks. This is a total winner!



Thanks, Ruth, for another absolutely amazing dish!

Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Walnut Lasagne

Adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook

by Ruth Reichl

Serves 6-8

For Filling:

3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 pound ground sausage, spicy or another flavor

3 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2" pieces

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

pepper, to taste

red pepper flakes, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

4 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

1 cup walnuts, toasted, and coarsely chopped 

any broth, optional

For Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon or more, to taste, minced garlic

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 cups whole milk

1 Turkish bay leaf 

1 teaspoon salt

pepper, to taste

For Assembling:

2 cups coarsely grated fresh mozzarella (about 8 ounces)

1 cup finely grated Parmesan-Reggiano (about 2 ounces)

1 cup grated Gruyere (optional)

12 oven-ready (no-boil) lasagne noodles or 3 or 4 fresh pasta sheets

Notes: Feel free to change up this lasagne however you see fit. I loved this with the spicy sausage, but you can definitely make this vegetarian, spicing it up with red pepper flakes, or without! 

Make the filling: Melt butter in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat. Add onion and sausage (if using) cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add squash, garlic, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is just tender about 15-25 minutes. (I used a little broth here and there while I was cooking the squash so that the ingredients wouldn't stick to the pan). Remove from heat and stir in parsley, sage, and nuts. Taste the mixture and make sure the flavors are where you want them. Let cool. 

Make the sauce: Preheat oven to 425F. Butter a 13x9 baking dish. Set aside. Melt butter in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, for 3 minutes to make a roux. Add milk in a slow stream, whisking constantly.  Add bay leaf and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, for 10 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper and remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. (Cover the surface of sauce with wax paper if not using immediately). 

To assemble the lasagne: Toss cheeses together in a large bowl. Spread 1/2 cup sauce in a buttered baking dish and cover with 3 lasagne noodles (or a fresh sheet of pasta), leaving space if using separate noodles (pasta will expand). Spread with 2/3 cup sauce and 1/3 of the filling, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese.  Top with more noodles, 2/3 cup sauce, 1/3 filling, 1/3 cheese. Repeat layering one more time, using the remaining ingredients. Don't fret.  None of this needs to be exact!

To bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with buttered foil and bake lasagne for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden and bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes more.  Let lasagne stand for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with sage and/or parsley, if desired and enjoy!