Preparation: Blanch lotus seeds, remove reddish brown tip. Wash and soak mushrooms in warm water until soft, about 30 minutes; remove stems; slice in thin matchsticks. Before slicing celery, scrap off stringy back of stalk; slice julienne lengthwise in 1″ sections. Slice chicken breast and Smithfield ham (or other pungent pressed ham) in 1″ strips. […]

1. Heat oil in skillet; add tortilla strips and fry, stirring constantly, until golden. Drain on paper towel-lined plate. 2. Add onion and pepper to skillet and cook until soft. 3. Add garlic and stir in flour; then gradually stir in chicken broth. 4. Add remaining ingredients and heat through.

IN A MEDIUM-SIZED POT, bring the fish stock to a simmer, then add the scallops and corn. Simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the rice wine, ginger, scallions, sugar, salt, and pepper, and simmer 1 minute more. Cool briefly, then puree the mixture in a blender. Return the soup to the pot and bring […]

Place chuck, marrow bones, onions, garlic, salt, pepper and water in a deep pan, cover, and bring to a boil. Skim off the protein scum that rises to the surface. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 30 minutes. Add carrots, cover, and cook another 30 minutes. Remove onions and bones and discard. Force tomatoes […]

In a 4 quart saucepan,saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.Add tomato sauce,tomatoes,bay leaf,basil,thyme,marjoram,oregano,wine and black pepper.Let simmer 20 to 30 minutes,uncovered,stirring occasionally.Add shrimp or scallops and simmer about 3 minutes.Discard bay leaf.Add parsley and serve.This soup is a complete meal when served with a green salad and French bread.

Soak lentils overnight in 6 cup water; drain, discard water. Combine lentils with remaining 6 cup water. Heat to boiling. Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

1. Cut Eggplant Into 1/2 Inch Dice, Sprinkle With Salt, Place in a Colander, Put a Weight on Top and Leave for 30 Minutes. 2. Rinse Eggplant and Gently Squeeze Out as Much Liquid as You Can. 3. Preheat the oven To 400 F. 4. Saute the Onion in Half the Oil in a Large […]

Place all except frozen vegetables in crock pot. Turn on low and cover, cooking for 6 hours. One half hour before serving, turn up to high, add frozen veggies, stir and cover. NOTES: If you are in a hurry you can do this in 3 1/2 hours on high heat. Remove the bayleaf before serving. […]

Chop and fry bacon and onions. Add potatoes, turnips and stock. Cook gently until vegetables are soft. Adjust seasoning and serve.

HEAT THE OIL IN A LARGE saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and ham and saute, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the beans, rosemary, chicken stock and pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Taste the cooking liquid, and add enough salt so that it becomes […]