The Gingerbread House is typically associated with Christmas but I don’t see why you couldn’t use a gingerbread design to celebrate many of the Holidays we share this time of year.  It doesn’t even have to be a house, the beauty of gingerbread is you can carve it and make it into just about any design you desire.

Now it all starts with a good, simple recipe that is easy to cut into shapes and holds those shapes well when it bakes.  I found this one on Epicurious.  This makes plenty of gingerbread to build a good sized design.  If you plan to eat the gingerbread, I would add more of each of the spices.  It’s good as is, but for my tastes, it would be better with a bit more spice.  Oh and you don’t need to let the dough sit for 6 hours.  1 hour is really all the dough needs.  So start out by making your dough and get it into the fridge to chill.

Now create a design.  That same recipe offers a great starting point with a simple house.  I recommend actually drawing out their house on paper or cardboard and assembling it to give you a sense of scale and how much the gingerbread will build.  I felt like I had enough gingerbread to make about 2 of those houses from the amount of gingerbread the recipe made.  Now that you know the scale of the original house, design something yourself.

I was inspired by a classic 1970’s TV home.  No particular reason other than it seemed like a silly, fun thing to build.  So I started by drawing and cutting out the various pieces.

You really need to draw it all out AND assemble the house to make sure it all comes together.   I highly recommend an Xacto or Sheetrock knife to cut the paper using a straight edge.   Just tape the pieces together and make sure it comes together like you want it to.  Oh and label all the pieces so you remember what they are when you break the template apart to cut the gingerbread.

The roof was the trickiest part because it’s a two piece roof with a long slope on one end of the front of the house with a side roof coming in at a steep angle.   I was able to make it work, not perfectly but good enough to cover the mistakes with icing later.

Now it was time to cut the shapes into gingerbread.   I put parchment paper on either side of the dough as I rolled it out to keep it from sticking to the board and the roller.  Then laid the template shapes onto the dough and cut through both layers of parchment.  Remove the top layer of gingerbread, but LEAVE the bottom layer attached to keep it from sticking to the baking pan.

Something to keep in mind is that any pieces that will be inside the house and not seen, such as supports for the roof, can actually be cut out of stiff cardboard.  There’s no need to bake interior supports.  This was my very first gingerbread house so I didn’t think of that, but I will next year!

Now you bake the pieces, let cool completely and start assembling.  Well actually I recommend you do a bit of the decorating while the pieces are flat as it’s easier.  The royal icing was always a bit too thick, it really does need to be a bit thinner to be more sticky to hold the pieces.  Just cut the corner of a ziplock bag to use for piping the icing.  As you assemble, anything that you have pre-attached to the walls may fall off, but you can just stick them back on.

Be sure to have a nice solid platform to build your house on such as a thick cardboard base.  I cut a piece of thick cardboard and covered it with parchment paper.  This makes it easy to move the house around once it’s built.

I’ll admit the initial assembly of the house was a bit ugly.  Could not get the first three walls to stand up square.  I ended up putting a piece of cardboard in as support to help these first pieces stay up and used a few coffee mugs to keep the very heavy “gumdrop wall” from falling forward.  Then it was actually fairly easy to get all the walls up.  Some of the baked walls didn’t quite line up, but that’s what icing and decorations are for!

For trimming the baked pieces, you need a REALLY sharp knife, such a straight razor knife and a light touch.  Just let the sharp blade do all the work with just a little pressure.  It took me about 10 cuts across the gingerbread to get it to cut all the way through, but I didn’t break anything and got clean cuts.

So this project took one day.  A lazy Sunday afternoon and it was fun.   It was a reminder that the Holidays should be fun.  So get your hands a little dirty, make something silly and have a little fun!  Save the stress for when you’re back in the office.

Oh and in case you’re wondering, it was “The Brady Bunch” house that was the inspiration for my design.  I drew my design from this photo.  Why be normal, right?

The post Take Time for Fun over the Holidays! appeared first on WalterBiscardi.com.

Walter Prepping to serve the seafood sauce

It’s that time of year again and BCM Founder Walter Biscardi, Jr. is gearing up for his traditional “Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes.”   The meal was brought over from Italy by Walter’s grandfather Lou and growing up it was the only way he know to celebrate Christmas Eve.   Walter has modified it from his grandfather’s original meal and actually tweaks the menu every couple of years as he loves to try new things.  Honestly if he wasn’t running a production company he’d surely have a restaurant by now.

So as we all gather together for this 2013 Holiday Season, here’s his menu for the Christmas Eve celebration along with all the recipes so you and yours can enjoy.   Many of these are quite simple.  If you’ve never tried the Randall’s Ordinary Scallops, you owe it to yourself to try this incredibly simple and delicious dish.  The Salmon baked in foil is incredibly simple and tasty.  Even the Tortonis make an amazing dessert and are simple to prepare.

Seafood Purchasing tip:  I purchase all of my seafood from my local Costco on Dec. 22nd each year except the Calamari because they don’t carry it.  But all other seafood you see in these recipes comes from their store.  It’s amazing and it’s quite the savings vs. a fish or super market pricing.   In fact we probably purchase close to 70% of the ingredients for this meal at Costco, including their insanely awesome first press extra virgin olive oil.

Prepare, Eat, Enjoy!

Walter’s grandfather holding court with great stories on Christmas Eve.

The Biscardi Feast of the Seven Fishes: 2013

Cocktails & Antipasta

House Cocktail: Poinsettia featuring Cointreau, Prosecco and Cranberry Juice

Fried Calamari & Catfish

Fried Cauliflower

Italian Cheese & Meats

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese with fresh basil.

Roasted Red Peppers with fresh basil __________________________

First Course – Pasta Two Ways

Pasta with the Biscardi Family Fish Sauce including: Clams, Mussels, Catfish, Shrimp, Calamari, Lobster Tail

Pasta with Marinara Sauce including Sun Dried Tomatoes. ________________________

Second Course – Seafood Two Ways & Meat 

Crab and Ricotta Cannelloni

Randall’s Ordinary Scallops

Italian Sausage and Peppers

Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells  ____________________________

Third Course – Seafood Two Other Ways & Vegetables 

Shrimp Cocktail

Salmon Baked in Foil

Cauliflower Sformato

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and chili pepper

Cioppiolini’s and Potatoes    _______________________________

Dessert 

Tortoni

Cookies provided by guests

Coffee / Espresso / Hot Chocolate / Tea ________________________

THE RECIPES:

Lori, Walter and Kim on Christmas Eve a long time ago…..

Breaded Cauliflower, Fried Fish and Fried Calamari  (use the same eggs, breadcrumb combination for all.  Works best in a deep fryer, but can also be fried in a heavy pan like a cast iron pan.)

• 2 heads of Cauliflower, chopped.
• 1-2 lbs Catfish, cut into chunks or strips.
• 1-2lbs Calamari cut into 1/2″ strips.
• 4 – 6 eggs for dipping for each of the items
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs for dipping
• Peanut Oil for frying.  Generally 1 gallon for a deep fryer.  Want to submerge the food in oil.

1. Pre-heat the Deep Fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Mix the eggs and milk together.
3. Dip into egg, and then into breadcrumbs.  Be sure to coat fully.
4. Fry in batches for 2 minutes each.

Note: if you have Vegetarians attending the meal, cook the Cauliflower in the oil first, then cook the seafood.

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Homemade Mozzarella with Fresh Basil

We use this Williams-Sonoma DIY Mozzarella kit for the cheese.

First Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil (we use the Costco brand sold once a year in the glass bottles)

Slice the cheese approx. 1/4″ thick, top each slice with a basil leaf, repeat around a platter and drizzle with the oil.

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This is how Walter makes it through the preparation schedule for the Feast…

Roasted Red Pepper Salad with Fresh Basil

Make at least one day in advance to allow the flavors to blend.  

• 6 Red Peppers
• Paper Bag big enough to hold the 6 peppers or a pot with a lid. (for steaming the peppers after they cook)
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• Fresh Basil, chopped
• Pepper to taste
• Airtight container approx 8” x 3” and 3” deep (like Tupperware)

1. Place a rack approx. 6 inches from the top of the oven, set oven to Broil OR heat your grill to medium heat.
2. Wash and place the whole peppers on a baking sheet and place under the broiler, (or on the grill) be sure to leave the oven door open a crack.
3. Turn the peppers as needed until they are just about completely blacked on all sides.  Should take from 10 – 20 minutes in the oven, 8-10 minutes on the Grill.
4. Put the peppers into a paper bag and seal the bag, let rest at least 10 minutes. (or in a pot with a lid)
5. Peel the skin off the peppers and discard.
6. Slice the peppers open and discard the seeds and the stem.
7. Slice the peppers vertically in 1/4 – 1/2” strips.
8. Place a layer of pepper strips in the bottom of the container
9. Sprinkle basil, garlic, oregano and pepper on the peppers  (can omit any of these to taste)
10. Repeat this process until all of the peppers and mozzarella are used, should be 3 – 4 layers depending on the size of the container.
11. Place the container in the refrigerator overnight.
12. Remove from the refrigerator and place onto a serving plate approx. 30 minutes before serving.

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Mama Biscardi’s Feast of the Seven Fishes Fish Sauce.

• 1/2 bushel Littleneck Clams
• 3 lbs Mussels
• 2 Lobster Tails
• 2 lbs Shrimp
• 2 lbs Fresh Fish (Talapia, Sole, Catfish, etc….)
• 1 lb Calamari sliced
• Garlic in Oil
• 2 full cans of white clam sauce (Progresso’s)
• 1 – 106 oz Can of Whole Tomatoes
• 2 – 14.5 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
• Fresh Basil
• Crushed Hot Pepper

1. Clean all of the seafood, including scrubbing the shells of the clams and mussels.
2. De-vein the shrimp.
3. Set all of the seafood aside in the refrigerator.
4. Steam the clams and mussels in garlic, wine, butter.
5. Strain the juices from the clams and mussels and add to the sauce.
6. Fry the calamari just before adding and pour in with the oil.
7. Put the clams and mussels aside.
8. Lightly brown the garlic in oil.
9. Add the full can of white clam sauce.
10. Add the strained clams.
11. Bring to a light boil.
12. Add all of the Tomatoes and the Sugar, turn the heat down to medium low.
13. Add fresh basil to taste
14. Add Crushed Hot Pepper to taste.
15. Let simmer at least 2 hours over low to medium heat.
16.  Relax, have a glass of wine, smile, say hello to your friends…..
17. One hour before serving – Lobster Tails
18. 30 minutes before serving – add the Calamari
19. 15 minutes before serving – add the steamed clams and mussels
20. 10 minutes before serving – add the Shrimp and Fresh Fish.
21. Serve over 2 – 3 pounds of fresh linguine.

A look at the sauce simmering on the stove.

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Dom DeLuise’s Marinara Sauce

• Makes 2 quarts
• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• 5 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 medium onion minced.
• 2 28oz cans peeled tomatoes, cut
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• 4 tbsp sun dried tomatoes
• 10 fresh basil leaves

1. In a deep 10” fry pan, heat oil and saute the garlic and onion.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and sundried tomatoes.
3. Put on medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stir occassionally.
4. Tear basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle on top after adding to pasta.

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Crab & Ricotta Canneloni (Note: the Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed shells are the exact same recipe, just switching out the Crab for Spinach to make it a vegetarian friendly dish.)

• 1 box (8 ounces) cannelloni or manicotti pasta (about 12 shells)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2tbs Butter
• 4 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 pound Snow or King Crab meat (Lump Crab from Costco is awesome for this)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Bechamel Sauce, recipe follows

NOTE: We cook and stuff the pasta a day in advance, bake on Xmas Eve.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add the pasta and cook according to directions on the box.  NOTE: Carefully remove the pasta from the water, they split easily when cooked.
2. Shred the Crab Meat.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and saute the garlic.   Add the crab meat and toss for approx. 1 minute  or so to heat up and absorb the butter / garlic.
4. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, 3/4 cup Parmesan, egg yolk, basil, crab, salt, and pepper.  Using an espresso spoon, fill the cannelloni with the crab mixture and place in a buttered baking dish.  If preparing in advance, cover and place in the refrigerator.

Bechamel Sauce (note: Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance)

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 to 5 cloves garlic, chopped.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, toss in the garlic and cook for approx. 1 minute.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick, smooth, and creamy, about 10 minutes (do not allow the sauce to boil). Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and pepper.
4. If necessary, saute a little more garlic in butter and add to the sauce. (The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Cool and then cover and refrigerate.)

To Serve: PreHeat Oven to 350 Degrees.

Top the filled cannelloni with the Bechamel Sauce and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

This is what Christmas Eve looked like at my house growing up. This is the early 60’s

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• 2 bunches scallions, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Paprika
• Pinch Salt
• Pinch pepper
• 4 ounces (1 stick) butter
• 2 pounds scallops
• Seasoned breadcrumbs to coat

1. Mix scallions, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper together.
2. In a sauté pan, melt butter.  When butter is melted, add sauté scallion mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, coat the scallops with bread crumbs.  Add the coated scallops to the sauté mixture.  Stir and cook about 2 – 4 minutes.

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Crock Pot Italian Sausage

• 5 lbs Italian sausage, in casings
• 4 large green peppers, sliced
• 3 large onions, sliced
• 1 -2 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces tomato puree
• 14 ounces tomato sauce
• 12 ounces tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar

1. Cut sausage into 4 or 5″ pieces and brown on all sides in batches in skillet.
2. Saute peppers, onions, and garlic in drippings.
3. Combine tomato puree, sauce, and paste in bowl.
4. Add seasonings and sugar.
5. Layer half of sausage, onions, and peppers in 6qt cooker.
6. Cover with half the tomato mixture. Repeat layers. Cover.
7. Cook on high 1 hour and low 5-6 hours.
8. Serve as a side item, on rolls or tossed with the pasta of your choice.

SUPER easy to make Sausage and Peppers and this is a hit on Super Bowl Sunday too!

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Spinach and Ricotta Shells with Bechamel Sauce (I serve this in the shells to easily differentiate the crab and vegetarian versions of this dish, though you could use the same Cannelonni shells as the Crab)

24 shells 

• 1 box (12 ounces) of Jumbo Shells
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 4 tbs Butter
• 6 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 bags of Spinach (6 or 8oz bags)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Bechamel Sauce, recipe follows

NOTE: We cook and stuff the pasta a day in advance, bake on Xmas Eve.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add the pasta and cook according to directions on the box.  NOTE: Carefully remove the pasta from the water, they split easily when cooked.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and saute the garlic.   Add the spinach approx. 1/2 bag at a time and cook down.  Approx. 4 minutes for all.
3. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, 3/4 cup Parmesan, egg yolk, basil, spinach, salt, and pepper.  Using an espresso spoon, fill the cannelloni with the crab mixture and place in a buttered baking dish.  If preparing in advance, cover and place in the refrigerator.

Bechamel Sauce (note: Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance)

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 to 5 cloves garlic, chopped.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, toss in the garlic and cook for approx. 1 minute.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick, smooth, and creamy, about 10 minutes (do not allow the sauce to boil).
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and pepper.
5. If necessary, saute a little more garlic in butter and add to the sauce. (The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Cool and then cover and refrigerate.)

To Serve: PreHeat Oven to 350 Degrees.

Top the filled shells with the Bechamel Sauce and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and the top is golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Very pretty dish and the non-vegetarians love this too!

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Alton Brown’s Shrimp Cocktail (I worked on the series for 5 years so of course I have to have an AB recipe in here!)

His full recipe is here on the Food Network website and it’s the brine that seems to really make the difference.  However I actually cook my shrimp on the grill instead.  Medium heat on the grill, 2 minutes first side, 1 minute second side.  This also makes an insane grilled shrimp if you eat them right off the grill.

Cooking tip: I cook these a day in advance, but leave the shells on the shrimp and put them in the fridge.  Then clean them the morning of Christmas Eve before prepping them to serve.  Keeping them in the shells overnight seems to help keep the shrimp moist and retains more of the olive oil flavor.

Easily the best, most flavorful Shrimp Cocktail I’ve ever had.

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Salmon Baked in Foil

This is a Giada recipe from the Food Network as well.  SUPER simple to make.  Be sure to cook this just prior to serving.  Serve each person their own foil pouch.

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Cauliflower Sformato

This is a brand new recipe for me in 2013 and it comes from La Cucina Italiana Magazine.  This makes an incredible presentation at the table and if you have trouble getting your kids to eat vegetables, try this on them. Don’t tell them it’s cauliflower!

Serving Tip: Make these either in the morning or the day before.  You MUST let these cool completely before you try to flip it out of the pan.   Reheat and just before serving, top with more breadcrumb and broil to brown it up.

I used an angel food cake pan for the Sformato and it worked well.

I added more breadcrumb to the top and broiled before serving.

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Broccoli Rabe with Chili and Garlic.

I got this one from the same La Cucina Italiana article.  If you can, definitely make this a day in advance of your meal or at least a few hours in advance.  The garlic really blends in the more the dish has a chance to sit.

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Cioppolini’s and Potatoes (Cioppolini’s are small Italian onions)

• 2 lbs of Cippiolinis, cleaned and halved  (Can substitute Pearl Onions)
• 6 med-large Red Potatoes, cleaned and sliced
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 3 Garlic Cloves, sliced
• Salt to taste
• Crushed Red Pepper to taste
• Paprika to taste

1. Fry the onions in the oil over medium heat
2. Add the sliced Potatoes and cook for a few minutes covered.
3. Add the Garlic and Salt.
4. Add the Red Pepper and Paprika.
5. Stir often Cook approx. 10 minutes depending on the depth of the pan and how many potatoes you have in there, could take a bit longer.  Keep the cover on during the entire cooking process.

We make these a day in advance and reheat, covered, in the oven.

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Tortoni (basically an Italian light ice cream)

• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/4 cups macaroon crumbs  (an 8oz container of macaroons makes approx. 2 cups of crumbs)
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 candied cherries (optional)

1. Spread out almonds on a cookie sheet and place in a preheated 325 degree oven for 3 minutes.  Turn tray around, toss nuts with a metal spatula and toast for another 3 minutes.
2. Cut the macaroons in quarters, then toss into a food processor or chopper and process into crumbs.
3. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of cream, the macaroon crumbs and confectioners’ sugar.
4. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Mix in the rum and vanilla and chill for another 30 minutes.
6. Whip the remaining 1 cup of cream to soft peaks and fold into the macaroon mixture.
7. Divide the mixture among eight 4-ounce paper cups.
8. Top with the almonds and cherries, if desired.
9. Cover with foil and freeze for 4 hours or until firm.

(Can be made up to 3 days in advance.  Be sure to tightly cover with foil)

This is how we relax on Christmas Morning….

The post Holiday Recipes: 2013 Edition! appeared first on WalterBiscardi.com.

Here’s a look at the Bow Knots, or what I call “Nonni’s Bow Knots” in the recipes.  Nonni is an Italian nickname for grandmother, Poppi is the nickname for grandfather.  This recipe was from my Dad’s mom.

So here’s the setup, you can see I have a hand crank pasta machine partially out of frame on the left, my Waring Pro deep fryer in the middle, cutting board with pizza wheel upper left and the drying rack on the right.  You have to roll the dough out pretty much paper thin and the pasta machine is the only way I’ve found to roll it that thin.   And all of this is set up outside on our deck to keep the fry smell out of the house.  It’s 45 degrees out there, but it’s no problem to with some hot coffee.

I cut out strips of the dough as you can see on the left.  I guess around 5 inches by 2 or 3 inches.  Doesn’t matter, just whatever size you want them to be.  Nonni was able to actually create bows out of these things but I have no mastered that yet so I just do the flat strips and they are equally good.  I just move the dough into the fryer, usually 3 to 5 pieces at a time.  Fry for not even 30 seconds and remove to a drying rack.   Once they’re dried and a little cool, just dust with confectioners sugar as you can see below.  Very simple and VERY good.

Ok, now while I have everything set up and the oil is hot, I go ahead and prepare the Struffoli too.  If you walk by an Italian bakery during the holidays you’ve probably seen the tower of dough balls with sprinkles on them on the window.  Those are Struffoli.

You start out by rolling down out into thin ropes as shown below.  Kind of like making cavatelli.

Cut the dough into small pieces.  1 inch or smaller.

Drop them by batches into the fryer….

1 minute later, turn onto the drying rack, Stuffoli!   Well almost, the last step is to dunk all of these into warm honey per the instructions, but I do that the day before we serve.

So there you go, that’s a brief look at what Struffoli and the Bow Knots look like.   Yes, Alton Brown would be disappointed because I’m using a “uni-tasker” with the deep fryer but honestly, it’s easier and cleaner than using a dutch oven on the stove.   AND I can use it outside to keep the fry smell out of the house.  So even though it’s a uni-tasker and we only use it once or twice per year, for me, it’s worth it!

Merry Christmas!!!!

The post Holiday Recipes – Struffoli and Bow Knots revealed appeared first on WalterBiscardi.com.

Those who know me know that I love to cook.  Check that.  I LOVE to cook.  All cuisines, all styles, you name it I love to prepare food.  Even more than that, I LOVE to cook for friends and family.  As often as we can we have folks over for home made pizza on the grill, seafood, steaks, pasta, you name it, we make it.   I’ve always said that if I was not in television I would own a restaurant.  Working on “Good Eats” with Alton Brown for 5 seasons allowed me to marry both of my loves together.

My family has a strong southern Italian heritage and my grandfather brought over the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes.  This is a Christmas Eve feast celebrated with close family and friend.  I honestly had no idea there was any other way to celebrate Christmas until I went off to college!   After I moved south to Atlanta this is the one thing I really missed every year when Christmas rolled around.

In 1998 my incredible wife let me pick up the tradition down here and it’s only grown every year since!  Now she is a vegetarian so I’ve modified our original family menu to include more veggy items.  And I do break with tradition from our family and mix up some of the menu items from year to year.   We prepare everything on this list pretty much during the 6 days leading up to and on Christmas Eve and it becomes a real fun time for everyone.  Folks usually come to our house on the 22nd and 23rd to help with preparations and those are always great times as well.

I hope some of these recipes find a place in your home and where ever you are, whatever you celebrate, may you have a very blessed and safe 2011.

Biscardi Feast of the Seven Fishes – Christmas Eve, 2010

This is a traditional Italian seafood celebration.  Each person must sample at least 13 items…. One for each of the Apostles and one for Jesus.

Antipasta

1    Italian Meat and Cheese platters.  Mix of Italian meats, hard Italian cheese.

2    Roasted Red Peppers with Fresh Mozzarella & Basil

3    Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers

Appetizer

4    Shrimp Cocktail.    Served at the table

5    Baked Clams on the Half Shell.   Served at the table

6    Ravioli with marinara

Main Course

7    Pasta with Fish Sauce

8        Clams

9        Mussels

10        Catfish

11        Shrimp

12        Calamari tentacles

13    Pasta with Marinara Sauce

14    Randall’s Ordinary Scallops

15    Fried Calamari

16    Baked Tilapia with Lime Zest

17    Grilled Tuna with Pesto Sauce

18    Pasta with Marinara Sauce

19    Green Beans and Kale with Parmesan

20    Breaded Cauliflower

21    Tuscan Mushrooms (stuffed mushrooms)

22    Piselli Con Panna e Pancetta  (peas with pancetta and cream)

23    Wally’s Steamed Lobster Tails

Dessert

24    Coffee

25    Tiramisu Layer Cake

26    Struffoli

27    Chestnut Chocolate Pots

28    Nonni’s Bow Knots

29    Assorted traditional Biscardi family cookies.

Mama Biscardi’s Christmas Eve Fish Sauce

1/2 bushel Littleneck Clams

3 lbs Mussels

2 Lobster Tails

2 lbs Shrimp

2 lbs Fresh Fish (Talapia, Sole, Catfish, etc….)

1 lb Calamari sliced

Garlic in Oil

2 full cans of white clam sauce (Progresso’s)

1 – 106 oz Can of Whole Tomatoes

2 – 14.5 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes

1-2 tablespoons of sugar

Fresh Basil

Crushed Hot Pepper

Clean all of the seafood, including scrubbing the shells of the clams and mussels.

De-vein the shrimp.

Set all of the seafood aside in the refrigerator.

Steam the clams and mussels in garlic, wine, butter.

Strain the juices from the clams and mussels and add to the sauce.

Fry the calamari just before adding and pour in with the oil.

Put the clams and mussels aside.

Lightly brown the garlic in oil.

Add the full can of white clam sauce.

Add the strained clams.

Bring to a light boil.

Add all of the Tomatoes and the Sugar, turn the heat down to medium low.

Add fresh basil to taste

Add Crushed Hot Pepper to taste.

Let simmer at least 2 hours over low to medium heat.

One hour before serving – Lobster Tails

30 minutes before serving – add the Calamari

15 minutes before serving – add the steamed clams and mussels

10 minutes before serving – add the Shrimp and Fresh Fish.

Serve over 2 – 3 pounds of fresh linguine.

Randall’s Ordinary Scallops

2 bunches scallions, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Paprika

Pinch Salt

Pinch pepper

4 ounces (1 stick) butter

2 pounds scallops

Seasoned breadcrumbs to coat

Mix scallions, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper together.

In a sauté pan, melt butter.  When butter is melted, add sauté scallion mixture.

In a separate bowl, coat the scallops with bread crumbs.  Add the coated scallops to the sauté mixture.  Stir and cook about 2 – 4 minutes.

Alton Brown Shrimp Cocktail

32 shell-on (21 to 25 count) tiger shrimp

For the brine:

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

2 cups ice

For the cocktail sauce:

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup prepared chili sauce

4 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon sugar

Few grinds fresh black pepper

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning

Using a pair of scissors or a serrated knife, make an incision down the backside of the shrimp, following the intestinal track. Eviscerate shrimp and rinse under cool water leaving shells intact.

Place cleaned shrimp into a bowl with brine and refrigerate mixture for 20 to 25 minutes. While shrimp are brining, place tomatoes, chili sauce, horseradish, sugar, pepper, and salt in food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate cocktail sauce until ready to serve.

Place a baking sheet or broiler pan under oven broiler and preheat for 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from brine and drain thoroughly. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and dry on paper towels. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, if desired.

Place shrimp onto a sizzling sheet pan and return to broiler immediately. After 2 minutes, turn the shrimp with a pair of tongs. Return the shrimp to broiler for 1 minute. Transfer to a cold cookie sheet. Refrigerate immediately.

Once shrimp have chilled, arrange with cocktail sauce in a martini glass or as desired.

Baked Clams on the Half Shell ala Wally  (my own variation on a classic)

Prep Time: 20 minutes + 20 minute rest

Cook Time: 2-4 minutes

Yield: 20 – 30 baked clams

16 Large Clams like Qhahog or Top Neck

White Wine for steaming

1 Stick of butter

3 Cloves garlic sliced

1.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fresh basil chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

4 cloves finely chopped garlic

Pinch of grated cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

3 Lemons cut into wedges

Scrub the clams under cold running water.

In a large pot, place enough white wine to cover the bottom and up to 1/2” up along with the stick of butter and the 3 cloves of sliced garlic.  Bring to a boil

When boiling, add all the clams, cover and cook until all the clams open, about 5 minutes or less.

Remove the clams and let cool.  You can either save the clam juice for a seafood sauce or dump.

Remove the steamed clams, but save the shells.  Chopped the steamed clams.

In a small bowl, toss together the chopped clams, bread crumbs, fresh basil, parsley, garlic and grated cheese.

Use a fork to stir the olive oil into this mixture. It should be moist but not oily. Set aside to chill for at least 20 minutes.

While the mixture chills, break open the shells completely and clean thoroughly.

Brush each shell with vegetable or olive oil.

Fill each clam with a portion of the topping mixture, spreading it evenly over the clam to the edge of the shell. Pat down gently, but do not press it tight.

Turn on the broiler in your oven.

Spritz or brush olive oil lightly onto the top of each clam.

Place the clams under the broiler and cook until golden brown, about 2 – 4 minutes.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Wally’s Steamed & Broiled Lobster Tails

Up to 12 Lobster Tails

White wine, enough for bottom of pot

1/2 – 1 stick of butter depending on how many tails

1/4 – 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

2 – 6 cloves of garlic sliced.

1/4 cup additional chopped fresh basil

Clean the tails thoroughly.

Remove the meat from the shells, discard shells.

Bring wine, butter and garlic to a boil and add lobster tails.

Cook for 8 minutes.

Allow the tails to cool immediately in a bowl sitting on ice.

When ready to serve with the meal…

Set the Oven to Broil.

Place the tails in a shallow oven pan.

Place a pat of butter and two slices of garlic on each tail.

Broil for 3 minutes or until done.

Transfer to a chafing pan for serving and sprinkle fresh basil across the tails.

Grilled Tuna with Basil Pesto

2 (2-inch thick) tuna steaks (about 1 pound each)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

PESTO SAUCE

1 garlic clove, peeled

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup – 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat grill to 400 degrees F.

Wash and pat dry the tuna steaks. Season with salt and pepper and brush both sides with olive oil. Place tuna on hot grill and sear each side for 2 minutes for rare. If you prefer well done, cook the tuna an additional 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let it rest.

Into the bowl of a food processor, add the garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. With the blender still running, slowly pour 1/2 cup of olive oil. Check for a thick, yet smooth consistency, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Slice the tuna across the grain and on a bias into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a serving plate and drizzle with lemon juice. Sauce tuna with pesto.

Baked Tilapia with Lime Zest

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Butter

cooking spray

4 (6 to 8-ounce) tilapia fillets

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1 lime, finely grated zest and juice

2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Coat a large cast iron pan with a nonstick butter spray.

Rinse fish and pat dry; place on the prepared baking sheet.

Season each fillet with salt, cracked pepper, lime zest and lime juice.

Add fish to the pan.

Place a pat of butter on each fillet and cook in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes

Roasted Red Pepper Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Make at least one day in advance to allow the flavors to blend.

6 Red Peppers

Paper Bag big enough to hold the 6 peppers

1 head of garlic, minced

Fresh Basil, chopped

Pepper to taste

1lbs of Fresh Mozzarella, cubed approx. 1/2 – 3/4”

Airtight container approx 8” x 3” and 3” deep (like Tupperware)

Place a rack approx. 6 inches from the top of the oven, set oven to Broil.

Wash and place the whole peppers on a baking sheet and place under the broiler, be sure to leave the oven door open a crack.

Turn the peppers as needed until they are just about completely blacked on all sides.  Should take from 10 – 20 minutes.

Put the peppers into a paper bag and seal the bag, let rest at least 10 minutes.

peel the skin off the peppers and discard.

Slice the peppers open and discard the seeds and the stem.

Slice the peppers vertically in 1/4 – 1/2” strips.

Place a layer of pepper strips in the bottom of the container

Sprinkle basil, garlic, oregano and pepper on the peppers

Spread some cubes of Mozzarella over the layer.

Repeat this process until all of the peppers and mozzarella are used, should be 3 – 4 layers depending on the size of the container.

Place the container in the refrigerator overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator and place onto a serving plate to serve.

Alternative: Leave out the Mozzarella.

Hot Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Cherry Peppers  (no more than 1/2 gallon jar)

Bread Crumbs

Parsley (fresh or dried)

Basil (fresh or dried)

Garlic Powder

Eggs  (use egg starters / egg beaters as they are pasteurized)

Fresh Mozzarella cheese

Large pinch Grated Cheese

Cut top of pepper off and clean out seeds.

Mix bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, basil and garlic powder together.

Beat eggs and add to bread crumb mixture to make a paste

Cut the Mozzarella Cheese into small cubes that will fit inside the bottom of the peppers.

Push a cube of Mozzarella into the bottom of the pepper.

Add stuffing until the pepper is full.

Place the peppers into a jar and cover with Olive Oil until serving time

Wally’s Marinara Sauce

3 – 6 cloves garlic, chopped

Olive oil, enough to cover bottom of pot

2 Cans of Whole Tomatoes (28 oz cans)

1 Cans of Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz)

1 can of Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)

1 teaspoon Sugar

Fresh Basil, chopped

Dried or fresh Oregano

Crushed Hot Pepper

Lightly brown the garlic in oil.

Add all of the tomatoes and sugar.

Add all of the spices.

Bring to a light boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for at least one hour.

Breaded Cauliflower

2 heads of Cauliflower, chopped

4 – 6 eggs for dipping

Seasoned Breadcrumbs for dipping

Pre-heat the Deep Fryer to 375 degrees.

Dip into egg, and then into breadcrumbs.  Be sure to coat fully.

Fry in batches for 2 minutes each.

Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale

Serves 6 – 8

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Medium Onion, sliced

1/4 lb cremini mushrooms, trimmed and quartered

1.5 lbs green beans, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup Dry White Wine

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 bunch of Kale, approx. 1/2 lb.  Rinsed, stemmed and coarsely chopped

2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese

Warm Olive Oil in large saute pan over medium high heat.

Add Onion, cook stirring until transluscent., about 4 minutes.

Add mushrooms, green beans, salt and pepper: Cook for 2 minutes.

Add wine and continue cooking until green beans are almost tender.  About 5 min.

Add red pepper flakes and Kale.  Continue cooking until Kale has wilted.  4-5 min.

Add lemon juice and parmesan cheese.  Toss to coat and serve immediately.  Now!

Tuscan Mushrooms

Serves 4-6

1/2 cup diced, jarred roasted red bell peppers

1/2 cup diced, pitted green olives.

1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese

2 scallions, white parts only, finely chopped.

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil.

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 lb white button mushrooms cleaned and stemmed.

1/4 cup finely chopped basil leaves.

Pre heat oven to 400 Degrees.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

In a medium bowl mix red bell peppers, olive, cheese, scallions, olive oil, salt & pepper

On the backing sheet, arrange the mushrooms gill side up.

Spoon the filling into the mushroom cavity mounding it slightly.

Bake until the mushrooms are tender, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the mushrooms to a serving platter, sprinkle with the basil and serve.

Piselli Con Panna e Pancetta  (peas with pancetta and cream)

Serves 8

1 Tbsp garlic oil

1.5 Cups (7 oz) Pancetta or slab bacon cubed

6 Scallions, sliced

1 Tbsp butter

1 tsp dried thyme

8 Cups (2 lb) frozen baby peas

3/4 Cups boiling water from a kettle.  (nothing else will do, use anything else and you will RUIN this!)

1 Cup heavy cream

Heaping 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese.

Heat the Garlic Oil in a large heavy based pan with a lid over medium heat.   Or a cast iron dutch oven with lid.

Tumble in the pancetta (or bacon) cubes and let cook for about 5 minutes.

Add scallions, stir well, cook for another 3 minutes.

Add butter and thyme, stir well then tip in the frozen peas.  Don’t drop them, Don’t spill them, Don’t toss them, Don’t pour them, TIP them!

Cook for a few minutes, stirring until the frost starts to leave the peas and they turn a brighter green.

Add the water and give another stir. (you know from the kettle and you did perfect timing so it boils right NOW when the peas turn that brighter shade of green.)

Stir in the heavy cream.

Bring to a bubble.

Put the lid on and let this cook for 15 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat, remove the heat, stir in the shaved parmesan flakes.  Put the lid back on and let peas cool in their flavorsome cream.  (Nigella’s words, not mine)

The peas will dull down, losing their bright green color as they cool.

To re-heat, put the pan on a low to medium heat, keep covered, for 5-10 minutes stirring occassionally.

Make Ahead Tip! – Complete the recipe but without the parmesan cheese.   Allow to cool.  Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

To re-heat, put the pan on low to medium heat and stir in the parmesan.

Cover and re-heat gently for about 5-10 minutes.

Struffoli

6 medium to large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 pound butter

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 vanilla beans or 5 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste.

2 tablespoon baking powder

1 gallon vegetable oil

1 pound honey

1 small jar candy sprinkles

Break the eggs and whisk.  Put eggs through a strainer to make sure they are mixed properly.  Add sugar to eggs and mix immediately to prevent sugar from burning eggs.

In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder.

Bring butter to room temperature.  Flake butter into the flour.

Split vanilla beans and scrape out the seeds and add them to the sugar/egg mixture.

Put mixture into a mixer and mix (using dough hook) and slowly add the flour.  Let dough rest in a cool dry place.

Turn on your oil to 350 – 375 Degrees.

You may need to knead in up to another 1 Cup of flour to get the dough so it is not sticking to your hands.

Roll out the dough into small ropes, like cavatelli.  Cut dough into 1/2-inch pieces.  Place the pieces onto a paper plate dusted with flour.

Put vegetable oil into a large pot and bring to 350 degrees.  Fry small quantities of the dough squares in the oil and when golden brown, about 2 minutes.

Place onto a baking pan lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.  When all dough is fried, let cool to room temperature.

In a saucepan, heat the honey (not to a boil) and add small quantities of the fried dough to the pan.  Stir lightly with a large slotted spoon.  Remove from saucepan and place onto a serving plate and sprinkle with candy sprinkles as you go.

NOTE: I use a Fry Daddy type of fryer set at 374 Degrees and I set it to 2 minutes for each batch of dough.

Nonni Biscardi Bowknots

Note: I cannot stress enough that you MUST roll the dough paper thin or they just don’t come out as you would expect.

6 Eggs  (3 whole, 3 just whites)

3 tbs. sugar

3 cups flour

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp Kirsch or other liquor such as Cognac

1 tsp rum flavoring or almond extract

1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbs melted butter

Vegetable / Canola oil for frying

Put flower in bowl and make a well in the flour.

Add eggs, flavoring, salt and melted butter.

Mix well until dough is smoother.  Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour.

Heat canola / vegetable oil in a pot or Deep Fryer to 350 degrees

Roll paper thin. (using the pasta maker)

Cut strips about 6″ long, 3/4″ wide.   Tie 2 pieces into knots.

Fry in the oil until light brown, about 2 – 3 minutes?

Dust with confectioner’s sugar.

NUT BUTTER BALLS

(From Good Housekeeping “Book of Cookies”, 1958)

1 Cup soft butter or margarine

1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated, powdered or confectioner’s sugar.  Amt. depends on taste.

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Almond extract or 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

2 cups sifted All-Purpose Flour

1 to 2 cups finely chopped or ground walnuts, pecans, almonds, black walnuts, brazil nuts or filberts.

Mix butter with sugar until creamy.

Add salt, extract, flour nuts; mix well.

Refrigerate until easy to handle.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Using fingers, shape dough into 1” balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until light brown.

While cookies are warm, roll in sugar.

Makes 4 – 5 doz.

Jo Natoli’s Peanut Blossom Cookies

48 Hershey Kisses

1 3/4 cup flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown suger

1/2 cup margarine / butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg

2 tbsp. Milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Combine everything except kisses in a large bowl, mix on low speed.

Make 48 dough balls  (EXACTLY 48!!!  Not 45, not 46, not 49.  48 or you’ll screw it all up!!!!!!)

Place on ungreased cookie sheet

Bake 10 to 12 minutes

IMMEDIATELY push kiss down into center of cookie or all will be lost and you’ll have to get 48 more kisses and make 48 more dough balls and start the whole process over again which will probably take you right up to the new year and you don’t want that to happen do you?

Cool on cooling rack.  Placing them on a warming rack would just be silly.

Jo Natoli’s Chow Mein Cookies

2 – 6 ounce packages Butterscotch morsels

1 – 3 ounce can of chow mein noodles

1 cup salted peanuts

Melt the morsels in a double boiler

Remove it from the heat

Stir in the noodles and nuts.

Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper.

Tiramisu Layer Cake (Nigella Lawson)

CAKE

6 Jumbo Sized Chocolate Muffins – 3lbs total weight  (maybe chocolate pound cake, or some other moist chocolate cake)

1.25 Cups Tia Maria

1 – 2 tsp unsweetened Cocoa Powder for dusting

Chocolate Covered Coffee beans (optional for presentation)

FILLING

2 Eggs

1/3 cup superfine suger

2 Cups (1 lb) of marscapone cheese

1 Cup Heavy Cream

1/2 Cup Tia Maria

Wrap the outside of the 9” springform pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid leaks from the base.

Slice the chocolate muffins thinly with serrated knife

Pour the 1.25 cups of Tia Maria into a shallow dish ready for soaking the muffin slices as you need them. (Note, you might need more Tia Maria)

Before you start to layer the cake, whisk the eggs and sugar and then beat in the marscapone and heavy cream.

Add gradually the 1/2 cup Tia Maria to make a creamy spreadable layer for the cake.

Using approx. 2 Muffins per layer, dunk the slices into Tia Maria before lining the pan with them.

Squidge them down, each layer should not be too thick, but juicily compact and solid.

If the muffin slices are tricky to dunk, then press them down into the pan and then spoon the Tia Maria over them.

Spread 1/3 of the cream mixture over the layer of muffin slices.

Repeat with another layer of soaked muffin slices and cream again.

Finish with a layer of muffin slices, NOT as soaked as the first two layers.

Reserve the last 1/3 of the cream mixture for later in a covered bowl.

Press this top layer down to make it as smooth as possible, then cover it with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight or for up to four days.

Chestnut Chocolate Pots. (Nigella)

Makes six 4oz glasses

Heaping 3/4 cup best quality, bittersweet chocolate chopped or chips.

1/2 cup heavy cream plus more to serve if you wish.

1/2 cup whole milk

1 egg

3/4 cup (9 oz can) sweetened chestnut cream.

2 Tbsp dark rum

Crush the chocolate to smithereens in the food processor.

In a saucepan, heat the cream and milk until just about boiling and with the motor off pour into a food processor through the funnel.

Let it stand for 30 seconds.

Process for 30 seconds.

Crack the egg down the funnel and process for another 45 seconds.

Add the chestnut cream and rum through the funnel and process until everything is incorporated.

Remove the blade, use a rubber spatula and spoon, fill six 4oz glasses or pots.

If wished put a jug of unwhipped heavy cream over their chocolate as they eat.

Make Ahead Tip! – Make the pots up to 2 days in advance, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Freeze ahead tip! – Spoon the mixture into freezable ceramic dishes, cover and freeze for up to one week, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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