Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Frizzled Ham

(Makes 8 servings.)

Ingredients

• 6 slices ham (about 3 ounces), cut in half then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
• 1 3/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed, outer leaves removed
• 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups thinly sliced shallots (8 to 10)
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 teaspoons white balsamic or white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts (using a food processor with a thin slicing disk or by hand). Zest the orange, then squeeze 1/4 cup of orange juice. Set Brussels sprouts, orange zest, and orange juice aside.

In a large saucepan or small stockpot over medium heat warm the olive oil. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisped and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer ham to a plate and set aside.

Add the butter to the pan and melt over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Stir in the Brussels sprouts. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice and cook, stirring occasionally, until Brussels sprouts are tender, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the pine nuts and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, top with ham, and serve.

Anytime Popovers

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease custard cups or deep muffin tins.

Beat eggs until light in color. Add flour, salt, and milk and beat until smooth. Stir in oil and pour into cups or tins, filling each halfway.

Bake 30 minutes. Remove from pans and serve immediately.

Bacon, Cheddar, and Apple Bake

• 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 pound bacon, crisply fried and crumbled
• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 5 eggs
• Maple syrup for topping
• Powdered sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix apples and sugar. Arrange in rows on an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Cover apples with cheese and sprinkle with bacon. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over apples. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Serve immediately with maple syrup and powdered sugar for topping.

Yield: 8 servings

Apple Sauce

(Makes 5 to 6 cups)

• 8 large apples
• ½ cup water
• 2 lemon slices
• ½ cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Peel, core, and slice apples. In large saucepan, combine apples, water, and lemon. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Applesauce will be thick so add more water to reach a desired texture. Add sugar, stir and sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon. Can be served warm or chilled. Refrigerate leftovers for up to one week.