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Wild Mushroom and Mascarpone Risotto Recipe

September 22, 2017 by Brandon Matzek 1 Comment

All-Clad recently sent me one of their new Prep&Cook appliances, and so far, I’ve been loving it.

The Prep&Cook is a food processor and cooker all-in-one. It cuts, prepares and cooks ingredients with the use of various different attachments, automatic programs or manual settings. We’ll get into more details and photos on the Prep&Cook below! So far, I’ve made a batch of Bacon & Avocado Deviled Eggs, using the Prep&Cook’s steamer to “hard-boil” the eggs to perfection. I’ve also whipped up my Broccoli and Potato Soup with the automatic soup program–it both simmers and blends the soup! Finally, this Wild Mushroom & Mascarpone Risotto was prepared using the Prep&Cook. Infused with dried porcini, garlic, thyme and fresh, wild mushrooms, this risotto is a savory and luscious treat perfect for fall. Continue reading for the recipe!

Summer Squash Rigatoni Recipe

August 14, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

I saw this recipe in a recent edition of Bon Appétit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how simple and delicious it was. It’s quickly become a weeknight staple at our house.

Summer Squash Rigatoni Recipe

Zucchini and summer squash are two things I often have sitting in my fridge this time of the year, and this Summer Squash Rigatoni recipe is a perfect use-up. Start with thinly sliced garlic sizzling in olive oil, then toss in two pounds of sliced zucchini and summer squash. They stay in the pan for about 20 minutes until tender and any released liquid cooks off. You then toss in red chile flakes, cooked rigatoni, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and basil leaves. Pasta cooking water is also added to form a light sauce. And that’s it! The flavors are simple here, but they come together beautifully to form an irresistible pasta dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes! Continue reading for the recipe.

Grilled Mussels with White Wine, Fried Garlic and Herbs

July 26, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Mussels were a family favorite at my house when I was growing up.

My mom would often prepare them steamed with white wine, garlic and fresh aromatics, or simmered with tomato sauce and spooned over spaghetti. Either way, toasted bread was always served to sop up all the delicious seafood-infused sauce. This recipe, inspired by my mom’s steamed mussels, comes to you today in partnership with Noble Vines, a California label founded in 2006 by the Indelicato family; a fourth-generation family owned winery that’s been making wine in California since 1924.

Given that it’s summer right now and I’ve been grilling and smoking everything, I decided to prepare these mussels over a hot charcoal fire. You start by heating up a cast iron skillet directly on the grill grate. Garlic and red chile flakes are then sizzled in olive oil until golden and aromatic. The mussels join the skillet along with dry white wine like Noble Vines 242 Sauvignon Blanc crisp with notes of white peach, citrus and lemongrass. You then cover the grill to let the mussels steam while they soak up flavors of smoke and fried garlic. The dish is finished with fresh parsley, mint and lemon zest.

These Grilled Mussels are a perfect summer meal. The deep savoriness of the golden garlic is balanced by the fresh herbs, lemon zest and acidity from the white wine. A natural wine pairing for these mussels would be Noble Vines 242 Sauvignon Blanc. It’s refreshing on a warm evening, and echoes the flavors infused into the dish. Be sure to serve plenty of grilled bread on the side for dipping. Continue reading for the recipe plus more on Noble Vines!

Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

July 19, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

I’ve been traveling a lot recently. Everything has been wonderful, but I’ll have to say that it feels good to get back to a regular schedule!

Summer produce—like tomatoes, corn, melons, berries, peppers and stone fruit—is in full swing right now, fueling my inspiration in the kitchen. On hot evenings with ceiling fans whirring about, I’ve been throwing together simple dinners that require minimal effort and oven time like this Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho recipe. The base of this chilled soup is made of whole peeled tomatoes and juicy sweet watermelon. The two are blended up with celery, onion, garlic, basil, red wine vinegar, olive oil and slices of French bread. All of these ingredients are raw, so the only kitchen work here is chopping and blending! Transfer the soup to the fridge and let chill until ready to serve.

Hued a vibrant shade of red-orange, this Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho is finished with crunchy croutons, fresh basil leaves, olive oil and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Each spoonful is fresh and light. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor this soup packs even though none of the ingredients were cooked with heat! Enjoy this as is for lunch or pair with an effortless salad for dinner. Continue reading for the recipe.

Sweet Tea Pork Chops with Grilled Peaches

June 7, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Summer is just a few weeks away, and I am ready for warm evenings and al fresco grilled dinners perfumed by the smell of smoldering mesquite charcoal and sweet, floral star jasmine. Perfect for a summer evening, today’s recipe for Sweet Tea Pork Chops with Grilled Peaches is prepared in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company.

Start with two double-cut pork chops brining in an aromatic mixture of Gold Peak ® Sweet Tea , onion, garlic, thyme, bay lemon and black peppercorns. The brine will help keep the pork juicy while it cooks on the grill. Next, cook the chops on the grill over high heat until golden and charred in spots. Finish them off over indirect heat until fully cooked through. The contrast of the charred exterior to the juicy, tender pork within is so delicious.

I’ve thrown some peaches into the mix to complement the smoky, grilled pork, and they couldn’t be easier to make! Toss quartered, ripe peaches with olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper, then transfer to a foil pouch. The peaches cook in the foil over high heat until tender. They’re sweet and tart with just a hint of smoke. Continue reading for the recipe.

Rainbow Watermelon Pizza

June 2, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

June is national LGBT Pride Month, and today I’m kicking off celebrations with Ralphs and this Rainbow Watermelon Pizza.

As you may know, pizza is one of my favorite things. This Watermelon Pizza is far from traditional, but it’s super tasty, healthy and so, so pretty. The crust here is made of wedges of juicy, ripe watermelon, the cheese is a luscious mix of mascarpone and Greek yogurt, and the toppings are a colorful array of sweet, summer produce. Berries, nectarines, kiwis, grapes and tomatoes all arranged to form a vibrant rainbow. This simple dessert would be perfect for any summer bash, but especially fitting for a colorful LGBT Pride celebration. Continue reading for the recipe plus more details on Ralphs LGBT Pride support!

Rhubarb Waffles with Lemon Whipped Cream

May 25, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Don’t you just love a good buttermilk waffle? I certainly do.

We make waffles frequently at our house, so I’m always experimenting with new flavors. Recently I shared this spring cocktail recipe made with a strawberry rhubarb syrup, and while recipe testing, I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t this syrup be perfect for breakfast too?!” After a little additional tweaking and testing, I ended up with these Rhubarb Waffles with Lemon Whipped Cream.

The base here is a simple buttermilk waffle batter infused with butter and vanilla. Sliced rhubarb is then cooked briefly in a mix of sugar and water. The resulting poached rhubarb is folded into the waffle batter, and the remaining syrup is cooked down a little further until it takes on a maple syrup-like consistency. This bubble gum-colored syrup gets drizzled over the golden waffles instead of maple syrup to add more rhubarb flavor. The dish is finished with airy dollops of lemon-spiked whipped cream and a light dusting of lemon zest. With each bite, you’ll get a little sweet and a little tang followed by the buttery richness of the waffles. So. Darn. Tasty. Continue reading for the recipe.

A Special Mother’s Day Brunch Menu + The Spring Garden Cocktail

May 12, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Mother’s Day is almost here, so today, I’m sharing a special menu for that special mom in your life.

Jorge and I are in New Jersey this week. One my oldest friends (we met in 2nd grade!) is getting married, and we’re here for the wedding. I’m one of the groomsmen!

My parents still live in New Jersey, so after the wedding, we’ll get to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom. Something I haven’t done in many years! We’re planning on going to a special brunch out, but if I had the chance to prepare a home cooked meal, I’d definitely serve the menu below. Check it out along with a sweet cocktail recipe infused with fresh, spring flavors.

Piña Para la Niña Cocktail Recipe

May 2, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and today I’m sharing a fun cocktail recipe along with menu ideas for a spirited May 5 bash.

First, let’s talk about this Piña Para la Niña. Over the past year, Olmeca Altos has been my preferred tequila of choice, and today’s drink starts with their silver tequila muddled in a cocktail shaker with slices of fiery jalapeño. Pineapple juice, lime juice and a vanilla-infused syrup are added to the mix, bringing a bright and balanced taste of the tropics. Everything gets shaken with ice, then strained into a coupe glass. The citrusy notes of Olmeca Altos Plata blend beautifully with the pineapple and lime juice, while the jalapeño adds a little spark of intrigue. Sipping one of these from a coupe glass looks quite sophisticated, but the flavors are fresh and approachable. Continue reading for the recipe along with menu ideas for a Cinco de Mayo party!

Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Herbed Avocado Spread

April 28, 2017 by Brandon Matzek

Did you know that there are around 87 million pounds of avocados purchased for Cinco de Mayo celebrations here in the US? Crazy, right?!

Well given that we’re going to be in an avo frenzy over the next week, I thought I’d take a moment and share a recent project I’ve been having a lot of fun with! For the past few months, I’ve been developing recipes for the California Avocado Commission’s blog, The Scoop, and it’s been quite the tasty adventure. I’ve always been a big fan of avocados, but this recent project has really pushed me to use them in creative ways. For example: Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Herbed Avocado Spread. Ripe, creamy California Avocados are blitzed with lemon juice, cream cheese, chives, dill and black pepper until smooth. The finished spread is fresh, tangy and perfect on a toasted everything bagel. Blushing slices of smoked salmon are draped on top of the bagel, then adorned with traditional accompaniments like red onion and capers. Make this dish for a special brunch celebration or on any morning you just want to treat yourself. I’ve got a link to the recipe below!

Oh, and if you’re looking for tasty ways to use avocados for Cinco de Mayo, check out these recipes: Green Goddess Guacamole, Bacon and Tomato Guacamole, Roasted Fennel and Apple Guacamole.