Savory Crostata

I picked up this recipe watching "Everyday Italian" with Giada de Laurentiis.  I have made it twice in two weeks.  So although it is not technically a Fillerup Family Favorite - I hope it will become such.

Filling

Clean 1 lb of mushrooms (if you insist on washing them with water - give them a good spin in a salad spinner to remove moisture).  Sauté in combination butter/EVOO (extra virgin olive oil).  I buy Oscar Mayer Extra Thick Cut Bacon and remove all fat with kitchen shears.  Brown in pan.  Can use ham if you prefer.  Grate 1 wedge of Fontina cheese in medium mixing bowl.  Add cooled mushrooms and ham.  Add large handful of fresh spinach.

Crostata

1½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons cold butter (cut in small cubes - placed in freezer to keep cold)

Pulse in food processor (or mix in stand mixer) to coarse meal consistency.  Add:

½ cup mascarpone (or 4 oz. cream cheese)  - this must be softened slightly so it blends easily
1½  Tablespoon lemon juice (I use fresh) - adds brightness to flavor

Pulse (or mix) again til incorporated but not into a ball.  Add:

3 Tablespoons cold water

Pulse briefly again.  Place dough on floured counter.  Do not work.  Press into disc shape.  Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes (or more).  Don’t allow the dough to get warm.  The cold butter is what makes the crust flaky.

Roll to a 12" circle about ¼" thick.  Roll onto rolling pin for easy transfer to pizza stone.
Place filling in the center of your rolled crostata leaving a two inch perimeter of dough.  Roll the perimeter up onto the border of the filling.  This will have a rustic look.  Brush folded edge with beaten egg.  Grate good parmesan cheese (parmegiano reggiano) over the top and bake for 25 minutes at 400°.

Cool slightly and slice into wedges with pizza cutter.  Think of Italy while you enjoy =]

If you would like tips on how to buy or sauté mushrooms - please ask.  

Grilled Jam Sandwich

When we were in Texas, we went to a restaurant called Cheddar's and had the Monte Cristo sandwich.  Delish.

Although this is not the same, when I saw it that is what it reminded me of.  It's so good.  It's kind of like a warm jelly-filled donut, only much easier to make!

I got the recipe from Real Simple Magazine.

I don't think I need to put step by step directions on here, but you just make a jam sandwich (I used strawberry, but anything would be good).  Then you butter the two outside pieces of bread and cook it in a frying pan over low heat until it is golden brown.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a fancy look.

Brown Sugar Muffins

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
dash of salt

Cream sugar and butter. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, blend. Add all dry ingredients, mix. Pour into baking cups in muffin tin. Bake for 12 minutes at 400.