RSSAuthor Archive for The Yankee Chef

Jim Bailey is a third generation Yankee Chef, New England food historian and newspaper columnist. His first cookbook, simply titled The Yankee Chef, has been published. He welcomes all feedback, questions or comments at theyankeechef@aol.com.

Kick off holiday dinner with chicken Cordon Bleu chowder

Kick off holiday dinner with chicken Cordon Bleu chowder

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Want a first course that encompasses all the flavors that will be adorning you holiday table this year? Suited for everything from ham to poultry, this teaser is hearty and a great compliment to the classic Cordon Bleu as well as what you are preparing for family and friends. 3 tablespoons […]

Savory bacon-jacked jam adds zing to sandwiches

Savory bacon-jacked jam adds zing to sandwiches

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This bacon-jacked jam is the perfect addition to a gooey American/mild Cheddar cheese sandwich or simply slathered on a homemade English muffin sandwich. This is truly for all bacon lovers. 8 ounces bacon, chopped small 1 apple, peeled, cored and small diced 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 […]

These apple cider donuts are to fry for!

These apple cider donuts are to fry for!

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com These truly are fantastic, cake-like donuts (yes, I spell it d-o-n-u-t) that almost have you welcoming the fall weather to come. A word of note, if you are using an electric mixer of any kind, add another 3/4 cup flour. I also use Alpine brand cider mix, but any brand will […]

Just the right bite: cranberry mini muffins

Just the right bite: cranberry mini muffins

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Just like the classic cocktail in flavor, these muffins are easy, delicious and will give you a natural high after one bite.     Nonstick cooking spray 12 mini muffin liners, optional 2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons […]

Rustic lentil stew perfect with crusty bread

Rustic lentil stew perfect with crusty bread

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com If you have never pureed cooked carrots as a thickening and flavoring agent to a stew, you are in for a treat. With the addition of some slight sweetness in the way of dried fruit, this hearty stew is a great entree by itself … with the addition of some crusty […]

A crunchy turkey salad introduces kids to Brussels sprouts

A crunchy turkey salad introduces kids to Brussels sprouts

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This turkey salad is a great way to introduce children to Brussels sprouts. All you need to do is boil the Brussels sprouts in plenty of water until soft, but not mushy. Immediately drain and set aside. See NOTE. Dressing: 1 cup reduced fat mayonnaise 3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt 3 […]

Celebrate fall's coming with a dense, creamy Indian pudding pie

Celebrate fall’s coming with a dense, creamy Indian pudding pie

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Here is a dense, creamy and luscious pie that is my version of a baked Indian pudding, but much tastier. As you can see, it has some milk foam, but don’t be alarmed. I will show you how to make 1 minute foam just like the celebrity chefs make on television, […]

Spiced Apple Brie pockets a tempting holiday appetizer

Spiced Apple Brie pockets a tempting holiday appetizer

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Ihave already given you the recipe for Red Spiced Apple Rings within the past month or so. You will need to make the Spiced Apple Rings a day ahead of time before serving. You can use prepared crepes if desired, but why take the trip to the store when it is […]

Perfect pickled peppers enhance meats, salads and sides

Perfect pickled peppers enhance meats, salads and sides

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com On top of burgers, warmed and sitting on top of that juicy steak, as a side to your favorite meal, a spicy addition to any salad as well as topping off a bowl of chili, pickled peppers are as versatile in presentation as in making them. If you want a little […]

This pasta dish straddles the flavors of summer and fall

This pasta dish straddles the flavors of summer and fall

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This is such a simple and surprisingly different pasta dish that reminds me of Florida. The crisp flavor of orange juice cuts into the chicken broth perfectly. If you use fat free chicken broth, you have dramatically altered the fat content of this great summertime dish. 6 ounces dried whole wheat […]

Create an easier but still tempting Sicilian Cassata

Create an easier but still tempting Sicilian Cassata

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com The directions for Strawberry Plum Cassata look long and tedious but trust me on this. My recipe gives you the same great taste as the Sicilian original, but with far less ingredients and a prep time that is cut in half. If desired, replace the orange juice with Grand Marnier or […]

A trip back in time for a Canaan Country Kitchen recipe

A trip back in time for a Canaan Country Kitchen recipe

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com I remember so well one of my parents’ first restaurants in Maine. It was the Canaan Country Kitchen. It was here that I first learned his recipe for cole slaw dressing that I have never had since. So what a perfect marriage, combining cole slaw, great dressing, some crunchy vegetables and […]

Sticky, spicy sausage and bell peppers are 'picnic perfect'

Sticky, spicy sausage and bell peppers are ‘picnic perfect’

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com What would summer be without the stickiness that is barbecue and the smell of sausages floating overhead? Try this sweet, yet spicy, recipe that pairs well with anything you can lug to the picnic table. … and then some! 2 tablespoons pure olive oil 2 Italian sausage links, sliced 1/2-inch thick […]

Tangy spiced apple pie harbors a healthy secret

Tangy spiced apple pie harbors a healthy secret

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This is a perfectly spiced apple pie with a tangy bite that entirely compliments the apples. And the surprise? I added some summer squash — and neither you nor anyone else will know the difference. It’s a great way to get those vegetables into your children without their knowledge. Try peeled, […]

Spiced apple rings a great barbecue or holiday side dish

Spiced apple rings a great barbecue or holiday side dish

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com I remember these spiced apple rings as a child, with my parents placing one slice on top of a little lettuce as garnish for entrees at their restaurants. They are spicy, sweet and so delicious. These apple rings make a great side dish for any barbecue, picnic or even as a […]

Lemony avocado mousse a delightfully refreshing appetizer

Lemony avocado mousse a delightfully refreshing appetizer

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This savory avocado and lemon mousse is delightful appetizer that is refreshing. It is also a great way to start an even better meal during this hot summer season.     2 medium avocados 1 tart apple 2/3 cup carrot juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 drops hot sauce 2 teaspoons […]

Try grilled chicken with an Hawaiian flair

Try grilled chicken with an Hawaiian flair

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Literally meaning “turn turn,” Huli Huli Chicken is a mainstay in Hawaii. It is a great way of barbecuing chicken without burning it because you are turning it every few minutes. Think it will come out tough? Think again! It’s tender and moist, even without the skin. This recipe is a […]

Cod and mango salad healthy and satisfying

Cod and mango salad healthy and satisfying

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com My kind of salad! I chose cod because it has the lowest fat content of any fish and cooks rapidly. Tilapia is also a great white fish for this recipe. But what I truly love about this dish is the beautiful presentation as well as a “feel good about yourself” result. […]

Chocolate blueberry ganache cups are an easy treat

Chocolate blueberry ganache cups are an easy treat

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com These are delicious, quick, easy and just downright the perfect nibbler. By replacing over half the fat with apple jelly, you are adding an extra touch of flavor in these cookies. Crush them easily with a plastic baggie and a rolling pin. 1  1/2 cups crushed cashews * 3 tablespoons apple […]

Bread, potatoes and Parmesan make a great breakfast roll

Bread, potatoes and Parmesan make a great breakfast roll

By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com This is my go-to recipe for true potato-tasting bread. Although I love loaves of bread with leftover mashed potato mixed in, the flavor of tubers stands out extraordinarily in these cheesy breakfast bites. 1 cup warm milk 1 teaspoon sugar 1 (.25-ounce) envelope dry yeast 2 cups flour 2 tablespoons butter […]