C3TV: Caramelized Pear Salad

If I could choose to have only one salad for the rest of my life, this would be it! It’s a flavor explosion that goes well along side any number of dishes. This salad actually incorporates three different recipes, so it’s a bit more labor intensive than most of the concoctions you find here. But, man, is it worth it! Try it and you’ll be hooked, too!!

Episode 102

©2011 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Super Spinach Soufflé

While you wait for the next episode of C3TV (which is coming next week) we thought we would tempt your taste buds with this delicious dish that works great with any meal, but is especially suited for your Holiday fare. This is also a recipe that we have gotten many requests for since this site came to be. So, before we need to make any more excuses why it hasn’t appeared here yet, please read on …

INGREDIENTS

2 10 Ounce Packages Frozen Chopped Spinach – Defrosted and Drained
2 Cups Cougar Gold Cheese (or another aged white cheddar cheese) – Shredded
2 Cups Medium Cheddar Cheese – Shredded
2 Cups Milk
1 Cup Sour Cream
4 Large Eggs – Beaten Well
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 Tablespoon Garlic – Chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/4 Cup Flour
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

Defrost and drain spinach.
NOTE #1: You might be tempted to use fresh spinach in this recipe, but we have found that the frozen variety works MUCH better.

Shred both the Cougar Gold (which you might just have to crumble instead) and the cheddar cheese.
NOTE #2: While you can use another type of aged white cheddar cheese, we highly recommend using Cougar Gold for this dish. It’s unique flavor adds the right amount of zing to the taste of this soufflé. Plus, you can use whatever you have leftover for Stuffed Pork Loin, fondue, cheese puffs, or just served with crackers and grapes … Mmmmm MMMMMMM!
Also, you might want to shred some extra cheese if your brood is anything like the ingredient-stealing, cheese-munching Caveclan.

Place spinach, shredded cheeses, and sour cream into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a medium sized sauce pan over a medium-low flame, melt the butter then whisk in the flour. Yes, this is a “roux”.

Now, slowly whisk in the milk. When the sauce becomes evenly smooth and creamy, whisk in the garlic.

Add the sauce to the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients and mix everything together well.

Stir the eggs into the mixture (It is at this point that we would suggest you stop your “taste-testing” of the raw but delicious mixture). Salt and pepper to taste.
HINT: It’s best to have your own beautiful and talented Cavewoman to put this dish together. Besides, it’s her recipe, so I had to give her some props!

Place the entire mixture into a large, well buttered, baking dish. Place it, uncovered, into an oven preheated to 400° for about 45 minutes … until the top is slightly caramelized and the soufflé hardly moves when the baking dish is jiggled. As actual oven temperatures my vary, so will cooking times … just make sure it is cooked all the way through!

When done, let the soufflé set up for 10 minutes before serving. Eat your heart out, Popeye!

NOTE #2: It is plainly obvious that this is not a healthy dish. So, we try to cut out some of the fat by using non-fat milk and light sour cream. It works great, and there is plenty of other fat in there to more than make up the difference!

Prep Time = 30 minutes
Cook Time = 45 minutes
Serves 8-12

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

C3TV: Dutch Oven R&R Pulled Pork

Here it is! The world premier of our new online video cooking series!! Please be sure to leave your comments, as we strive to improve the show with each and every episode. Also, be sure to view all the way through the credits for some added “bonus footage”.

Being a Caveman and all, I love to put meat on the grill or in the smoker. That said, I must challenge the purists who insist that good Pulled Pork has to be cooked via one of those methods. This recipe will prove that this dish doesn’t always have to be made in the great outdoors.

Series Premier
Episode 101

©2011 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Garlic Mashed Taters

One thing that most Thanksgiving gobblers agree on: mashed potatoes are a must! So, I thought I’d share our simple, yet yummy mashed potato recipe. Sure, it’s last minute. But, this is one dish that can be quickly whipped together.

INGREDIENTS

6 Medium Potatoes (Russet, Red, or Yukon Gold)
6 Large Cloves Garlic
1/4 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened well
1 Tablespoons Butter, softened well
3 Tablespoons Green Onion Chives
1 Teaspoon Pink, Kosher or Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

Thinly slice garlic lengthwise. Set aside.

Finely Chop green onion chives. Set aside.

Scrub potatoes well. Chop into even, generous chunks.
HINT: This dish tastes great whether you utilize Russet Brown, Red Rose, or Yukon Gold taters. No matter which you use, LEAVE THE SKIN ON! They are both healthier and tastier that way. Though, if you do go with the brownies, I suggest peeling 2 or 3 of the potatoes due to the heavier skin these spuds tend to have.

Fill a large pot halfway with water. Add half the sliced garlic and the teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil.

Take the other half of the sliced garlic and place into tin foil. Drizzle with the olive oil and create a foil tent. Roast garlic in 350° toaster or conventional oven for 15-20 minutes, until tender.

While water is heating up (before it gets to a boil so as to reduce the chance of scalding yourself), and all the salt has dissolved, carefully add the potatoes. Allow to reach a boil and continue to cook until potato chunks are easily penetrated by a fork.

When fully cooked, strain potatoes well in colander, being sure to reserve the boiled garlic slices, as well. Immediately place strained taters into large bowl. Add butter, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, chives, and roasted “gah-lick” to bowl. Salt and pepper to taste.

Use a potato masher for it’s intended employ until the desired consistency of the taters are reached … some like ‘em chunky while others like ‘em creamy. You can also add more sour cream and/or milk at this point, if needed.

Serve as a side to a multitude of different dishes. Of course, they are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Though, they are served here with Korean Pork Chops (Daeji Galbi) and Sauteed Asian Veggies.

The entire Caveclan wishes you a safe and savory Thanksgiving!

Prep Time = 20 minutes
Cook Time = 20 minutes
Serves 6

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Dutch Oven R&R Pulled Pork

Being a Caveman and all, I love to put meat on the grill or in the smoker. That said, I must challenge the purists who insist that good Pulled Pork has to be cooked via one of those methods. This recipe will prove that this dish doesn’t always have to be made in the great outdoors.

INGREDIENTS

5-6 Pounds Bone-In Pork Shoulder Roast (Boston Butt)
1 Preparation BBQ Rub-a-dub
1 Preparation R&R BBQ Sauce
1 Medium Onion
4-5 Large Garlic Cloves

RECIPE

Make one preparation BBQ Rub-a-dub.
HINT #1: This rub was developed specifically for this recipe.

Completely cover entire Pork shoulder with rub. Place into large zip-loc bag and press rub into meat. Seal bag and place in refrigerator for at least 12 hours (I go for 24).

When done marinating, remove meat from fridge and let stand for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 300°. In the meantime, slice onion and then cut slices in half. Slice garlic cloves lengthwise.

Evenly spread half the onions and garlic in the bottom of a quality Dutch Oven. Place the Pork should on top of the onion and garlic slices, then cover with the meat with the rest of them.
Place lid tightly onto Dutch Oven and put into oven. Pork shoulder should cook for about 1.25 hours per pound. To be certain it is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer (be sure it isn’t touching, or near, any bones). Meat should be done when it reaches 175°.

While meat is cooking, make one preparation R&R BBQ Sauce.
HINT #1: This sauce was developed specifically for this recipe.

When the meat is done, it should look something like this.
NOTE #1: See, purists. There is still a nice bark on the outside!

Scrape any loose onion or garlic slices off Pork shoulder into Dutch Oven (don’t worry if some sticks to the meat). Remove meat from Dutch Oven, place onto a raised edge plater (to catch any juices that may flow in the pulling process), and let stand for 15 minutes. Skim fat from juices that remain in pan and reserve any remaining liquid, onions and garlic.
Take two forks and start shredding meat, making sure to separate and discard any fat and/or bones.
NOTE #2: See, purists. The meat is still juicy and tender!

Place remaining meat, drippings, and onion/garlic scraps back into Dutch Oven with reserved liquid and ingredients. Pour in 2 to 2.5 cups of the R&R BBQ Sauce (depending on the size of the Pork Shoulder), and stir all ingredients together. Place lid back onto Dutch Oven and return to oven for 15 minutes.

Now you’re ready to serve up this succulent, juicy, tender, and delicious Pulled Pork. One option is to heat up some corn tortillas, whip up some Rockin’ Guac, and make some Tacos al Pastor. You can also steam up some rice and pour ladles of this marinated, slow-cooked pork on top. But, the overwhelming alternative of choice is to slice open a Kaiser Roll, slap on a heap of the Pulled Pork, top with some Cole Slaw, and drizzle with warmed R&R BBQ Sauce, as shown here. Also, served here with some Oven-Baked Cave Chips.
NOTE #3: See, purists. It still looks delicious!

If you are wondering whether it really tastes as good as it looks, just ask the Caveboy. He declared this stuff to be, during his one and only pause between bites, his “new, personal candy”. But, don’t take our word for it … try it yourself!

Prep Time = 20 Minutes
Marinating Time = 12-24 Hours
Cooking Time = 5-7.5 Hours
Serves 6-10

View the C3TV video version of this recipe here.

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Roasted Red Balsamic Potatoes

Yeah, I know … been a while since I posted a new recipe. Been dealing with a family emergency. So, I deserve a little slack. To make up for it, I’m giving you a very tasty dish that really compliments just about any main course … beef, chicken, pork, fish, you name it!

INGREDIENTS

4 Medium-Large Red Potatoes
2-3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Garlic, minced (approx. 4 cloves)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, finely chopped
Salt & Pepper To Taste

RECIPE

Preheat oven to 420°. Scrub and rinse potatoes. Then, cut them into bite sized wedges. LEAVE THE SKIN ON!

Mince garlic and chop basil.

In a large bowl, place potatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Evenly coat a large cookie sheet or baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly distribute them, trying to keep the skin side down. Place into oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until potatoes become golden brown along the edges (These probably could have used another 5 minutes, but everyone was starving and all the other dishes were ready ). Remove from oven, and immediately drizzle balsamic vinegar over the potatoes. The vinegar should begin to sizzle and caramelize. Toss the potatoes until they are completely basted in the vinegar.

Serve potatoes with other dishes of choice. Pictured here with Steak ala Cave and a steamed artichoke.

HINT: Got leftover taters? Just cover and refrigerate until morning. Then, in a skillet, saute some onions and minced garlic in olive oil and, when onions are translucent, add the leftover potatoes. Continue to cook until taters are thoroughly warmed. BOOM … now you have some incredible home-style Breakfast Potatoes!

Prep Time = 10 minutes
Cook Time = 30-35 minutes
Serves 4-6

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

BBQ Rub-a-dub

Usually, I like to use the proprietary rubs offered by the folks at World Spice Merchants. However, in a pinch (ie. when I have forgotten to place my order) I’m forced to come up with my own creations. This is one of my favorites, developed originally for my Dutch Oven R&R Pulled Pork made with R&R BBQ Sauce, but it’s also good for any pork, beef, or even chicken Q-ing needs. Best of all, it’s super simple!

SIDE NOTE: I realize that I haven’t posted any actual recipes in a bit since we were on our two week, 2900 mile jaunt up to Idaho. Sure, there have been a bunch of great Road Trip Hits posted (and there is one more coming), but it’s time to share more Caveipes. So, over the next several days, I’ll be posting a few seasonal BBQ recipes for you to enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

3 TBSP Paprika
2 TBSP World Spice Merchants Ancho Chili Powder
2 TBSP World Spice Merchants Chipotle Chili Powder
2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Tsp Sea or Kosher Salt
1 Tsp Dried Chopped Garlic
1/2 Tsp Red Crushed Pepper
1/2 Tsp Black Pepper

RECIPE

In a small bowl mix or whisk all ingredients together well. Then, spread liberally on your intended target. Cover and refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours (overnight is better). You should have enough rub for 5-6 pounds of meat or two racks of ribs. Pictured here encrusting some Country Style Pork Ribs.

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Makes 4 Tablespoons

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Hummus

Wherever you travel in the Mediterranean, from Lebanon, to Israel, to Turkey and beyond, Hummus seems to be a mainstay as a side dish and/or appetizer. For good reason … it’s gooooooooood! And so easy to make, as well. So, it only seems fitting that we wrap up our weeklong epicurean excursion to the Middle East with this Caveman’s version of a classic regional dish.

INGREDIENTS

1 16 Ounce Can of Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
3 Garlic Cloves
3 Tbsp Tahini Paste
3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Garbanzo Bean Juice
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Fresh Chopped Italian Leaf Parsley

RECIPE

Drain garbanzo beans, reserving 1/4 cup of the canning juice.

Squeeze and strain the juice from a fresh lemon until you have 3 tablespoons worth. About half a lemon usually does the trick.
HINT: Again, I can’t stress enough how using Meyer’s Lemons in these recipes makes such a huge difference. Use them if at all possible.

Crush Garlic.

Place all ingredients, EXCEPT PARSLEY, into food processor.

Process on high setting for about 2-3 minutes, until mixture is creamy and semi-smooth.
HINT #2: This will never get as smooth as the Tahina Sauce. So, don’t over process it trying to get it to that consistency. A very slight grainy appearance is expected.

To properly plate when done, with a rubber spatula scoop out enough to more than cover the area of the serving plate. Smooth out the Hummus, kind of making a wheel shape out of the hummus. Be sure to leave a little round reservoir in the middle of the “wheel”.

Pour a little Olive Oil into the center reservoir. Then, dust dish with Paprika.

Finally, top hummus with finely chopped parsley and serve along side your favorite Mediterranean dish. Pictured here with Falafel, Pita Bread, Tahina Sauce, Caveraeli Salad, and Harif.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our culinary journey over the past week. We’ll be adding more recipes to this regional list in the coming weeks, including my promised Falafel recipe … I still need to try one more tweek before it is ready for public consumption.

Prep Time = 15 Minutes
Cooking Time = n/a
Serves 4-6

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Harif (Yemenite Hot Sauce)

If you know me, you know that I love my hot sauce. From pepper sauces, to chili oils, to curries, I pretty much like ‘em all! So, it should be no surprise that a Middle Eastern variety makes a showing in this continuing tasty trip. This sauce (pronounced ha-REEF) also works great with Mexican, Asian, and seafood, besides the usual dishes it traditionally accompanies. Best of all, it is sooooooo easy to make!

INGREDIENTS

5 Large Jalapeno Peppers
3 Garlic Cloves
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Cilantro
1/4 Tsp Salt

RECIPE

Vein and seed jalapenos.

Chop cilantro.

Crush Garlic.

Place all ingredients into food processor.

Process on high for 1-3 minutes, until mixture becomes a coarse sauce.

Serve with any regional dish. Pictured here with Falafel, Hummus, Tahina, Caveraeli Salad, and Pita Bread.

Tomorrow we end our journey with the quintessential Mediterranean dish … Hummus!

Prep Time = 12 Minutes
Cooking Time = n/a
Makes about 1 Cup

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Balsamic Thyme 4 Mustard? Sauce

Great as a marinade, or as a topping sauce, for pork, fowl or game!

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1.5 Teaspoons Sweet Hot Mustard
1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

Simply place all ingredients into a small bowl and mix well.
NOTE: I almost always use fresh garlic in my recipes. However, there are occasions, such as this sauce, where I don’t want the overwhelming flavor of fresh garlic … just the hint of it (or I’m just too lazy to chop it ). That’s when I pull out the jar of pre-minced garlic.
HINT: If using as a topping sauce, be sure to warm it up over a medium-low flame in a small sauce pan before using.

Prep Time = 10 minutes
Cook Time = N/A
Marinates/Tops 1-2 Pounds of Meat

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.