Fergie's Savory Bread Pudding

When at the grocery store I always check the 50% off rack in the bakery... my family loves bread pudding so I developed this wonderful, creamy, cheesy savory bread pudding... it is pretty big so you can share of freeze for another time. 

1 Whole Loaf of French or Italian Bread, Cut into Cubes

4 Cups Half and Half

6 Eggs

1/2 Cup Sour Cream

2 Cups Sharp Cheddar, Shredded

1 Cup Mozzarella, Shredded

1 Cup Parmesan, Grated

2 Cups Vegetables, I used Broccoli and Carrots, Finley Chopped of Grated

1 1/2 Teaspoons Seasoning Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

Caramelized Onions for Top

Jake had fun helping with dinner... 

Cut or tear the bread into fairly small pieces... 

Beat the eggs... make sure they are at room temperature... 

Combine the half and half, sour cream, cheeses, salt and pepper... 

In a large bowl combine all ingredients in a large bowl except for the onions... 

Toss until well incorporated... 

Spray your pan well... 

Pack all ingredients in casserole.. 

To Caramelize Onions:

2 Onions, 1 Red 1 White, Sliced

4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Raw Sugar

1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottom pan... 

Cook on low/med for about 30 minutes... 

Stir occasionally... 

Cover the top of casserole with the caramelized onions... 

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven... 

This is comfort food at its best!!!!

Pear Tarte Tatin with Salty Caramel Sauce

This is one of my husbands favorite desserts... my CSA Box had the most amazing pears in it and I could not help myself. Very simple to make and looks so pretty. 

3-4 Pears or Apples, Cored & Sliced

3 Tablespoons Raw Sugar or Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoons Salt

1/2 Stick of Unsalted Butter

1 Pie Crust, my recipe is a big secret so you are on your own with this one :-) 

Firm Pears work best... 

Core them and cut into fourths... 

Cut those fourths into thirds... 

I tossed the apples in the juice of one orange and a tablespoon of raw sugar... 

Generously spray your pan and begin arranging your fruit... 

I like a lot of fruit so I did about 3 layers... 

Sprinkle the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and butter throughout... 

Roll out the pie dough... does not have to be perfect... 

Place over the top of the fruit... 

Bake at 350 for about 35-45 minutes... 

I run a small spatula around and flip onto your plate... (I say a little prayer) 

Mexi Style Fire Roasted Tomato Gazpacho

This is my version of a Gazpacho.  I used all local fresh ingredients. This is crisp, light, and wonderfully delicious!!  A sure hit at your next party! 

6 Roma Tomatoes, Roasted on the BBQ until chard, then rinsed to remove charred skin, remove seeds, and chop

3-4 Cucumbers, Peeled, Seeds Removed and Chopped

1 Red Onion, Chopped

1 Red Pepper, Chopped

4 Carrots, Peeled and Shredded

1/2 Bunch of Italian Parsley, Chopped

1/2 Bunch of Cilantro, Chopped

4-5 Limes, Juiced

1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

4 Tablespoons Garlic Olive Oil 

Combine all ingredients, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. 

Fergie's California Rolls/Mexi Rolls

My kids LOVE Sushi.  But the truth is I cannot afford to feed my 3 kids and my husband sushi all the time (have you guys met my husband?) My brother in law and his wife live in Japan and a few years ago sent me some sushi making tools, which I figured out are very easy to find in the states as well.  I hope this shows you how easy it is. It does take some practice so don't get frustrated!

1 1/2 Cups Rice, I use a combination of Jasmine and Calrose

3 Cups Water

 Cook in Rice Maker

4 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar 

Take the rice out of the rice cooker and put in large bowl...

This is the Rice Vinegar I LOVE!!!  It is delicious... and you can find it at Trader Joes... 

Add the 4 Tablespoons of vinegar and fluff with a fork... 

Cover with plastic wrap and let cool... 

2 Perisan Cucumbers

1-2 Carrots Thinly Julianne d 

1 1/2 Cups Immitation Crab

3 Tablespoons Mayo

1-3 Teaspoons Asian Hot Sauce

4 Nori Sheets 

I love Persian Cucumbers... Crispy, Sweet... YUM!!!

I scoop out the middle... 

Slice into long strips... 

Carrots... 

Imitation Crab... 

I put the crab, mayo and hot sauce and pulse in the food processor ... 

This is the asian hot sauce I but... My fav!

This is the consistency I like... 

These are my favorite Nori Sheets.... You can find them at Asian Markets, Sprouts Natural Market... 

This is a Bamboo Sushi roller... which I wrap with plastic wrap... 

There are many ways to roll sushi... here are a few different ways... 

  

If you want to try something a little different... try using a tortilla... I call it mexican sushi!

You will need a very very sharp serrated knife.... I keep a bowl of warm water and keep it clean...