Category: Gluten-Free

Delicious & Easy Salmon En Papillote (parchment paper)😋

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen1 Comment

If you enjoy eating salmon as we do,  you’ve probably tried many different ways to cook it too. We wanted to try a new way of cooking it that keeps the salmon moist and flavorful. Steaming it in parchment paper turned out to be just what we were looking for. The salmon is tender and flaky with subtly flavored herbs & citrus.

Easy & Delicious Salmon En Papillote (parchment paper)

Delicious steamed salmon cooked in parchment paper
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 384kcal
Author: Twiins in the Kitchen®

Equipment

  • 3 pieces parchment paper, each 18" long
  • 1 - 2 Large rimmed baking sheet
  • large toothpicks or bamboo sticks, to secure parchment paper

Ingredients 

  • 2½ lbs salmon
  • 2-3 medium lemons, sliced into 1/4" rounds
  • lemon zest
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled & thinly sliced
  • ½ large sweet onion, peeled & thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup EVOO divided
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (or any seasonal vegetable that you & your family like) thin stalks & cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, can substitute with 2-4 tsp dried dill to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cut salmon into 6 fillets
  • Cut (3) 18" long parchment papers and fold each one in half. Place a few lemon slices on the right side of the fold.
  • Place 2 salmon fillets on top of the lemons for each parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt, pepper & lemon zest. Add sliced onions, garlic & dill on top.
  • Place the asparagus pieces next to the salmon (about 4-5 stalks for each packet). Lightly sprinkle the vegetable with salt.
  • Lightly drizzle EVOO all over the salmon & vegetables. Fold parchment over and crimp then apply toothpicks or bamboo sticks to seal.
  • Place sealed parchment packets onto the rimmed baking sheet and cook for 12 minutes or until internal temperature is between 125° - 130°. Serve promply.

Notes

This recipe has been adapted from Well Seasoned Studio.
If you have thinner salmon fillets begin checking for doneness in 10 minutes.
I used fresh string beans since I was out of asparagus so you will need to cut the string beans into bite-size pieces in order to be tender. I did not cut them and my string beans weren't as tender as I would have liked.
I'm making this again for New Year's Eve so the leftovers will be used on New Year's Day in a creamy bow-tie pasta with peas. (Recipe coming soon)

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 1167mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3mg

Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.

This recipe has been adapted from Well Seasoned Studio.
If you have thinner salmon fillets begin checking for doneness in 10 minutes.
I used fresh string beans since I was out of asparagus so you will need to cut the string beans into bite-size pieces in order to be tender. I did not cut them and my string beans weren't as tender as I would have liked.
I'm making this again for New Year's Eve so the leftovers will be used on New Year's Day in a creamy bow-tie pasta with peas. (Recipe coming soon)
Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @twiins_in_the_kitchen or tag #twiinsinthekitchen
@cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchenMention @cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchen
Check out our YouTube Videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFE_9i4ZkY96NT1s4IAaKaw

 

The Best Keto Meatball Parmigiana – Twiins Style

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen1 Comment

The Best Keto Meatball Parmigiana - Twiins Style

  • Servings: Yields 16-18

I have been longing for a Sunday pasta & meatball dinner for a few months. Since I started doing Keto I substitute hearts of palm sheets for lasagna noodles or use zucchini or spaghetti squash. These make a wonderful conversion however, the meatballs are not keto... I've been switching out the breadcrumbs for Pork Panko on several dishes that call for breadcrumbs and to my surprise, the Pork Panko works well. 😋 😋

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ lbs ground beef 80-85% lean/20-15% fat (or 2¼ lbs of  ground beef, veal, and pork mixture)
  • 3/4 cup Pork Panko or crushed pork rinds (packed)
  • 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
  • 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3-4 large handfuls of grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 1 cup+ 1 Tablespoon)
  • 1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 Tablespoons dried)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • EVOO (for frying)
  • 8 oz whole milk mozzarella

Directions

  1. Place ground meat in a large mixing bowl, and break up with a fork.
  2. Add Pork Panko, onion, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper and combine well.
  3. Make a well in the center of the meat mixture and place all the eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and parsley.
  4. With a large fork scramble the eggs, cheese, and parsley in the well, then start to combine into the entire meat mixture. You can do this best with your hands that are scrupulously clean or with gloves…your preference.
  5. Once well combined (don’t over-mix) use an ice cream scoop to get even-sized meatballs,(about a small cupped handful of meat mixture) and roll into a ball then place on parchment or waxed paper. Continue making meatballs until all meat has been formed. An ice cream scoop should yield 16-18 meatballs.
  6. In a large skillet pour enough EVOO to about 3/4 inches in depth. Let the oil get hot, then working in batches, brown all sides (Don’t overload, allow each meatball some breathing room, or they get steamed & not browned).
  7. When meatballs are browned and crisp, remove them to a paper towel-lined bowl or tray. Repeat until all meatballs are cooked.
  8. Cook meatballs in tomato sauce for 20 minutes. (Skip the next step if you are not making it parmigiana style.)
  9. In a casserole dish, lightly coat with tomato sauce then place meatballs in the dish, sprinkle with grated cheese, and slices of mozzarella. Microwave on medium just enough to melt the cheese (about 3-5 minutes depending on your microwave). Serve with a big salad or your favorite keto pasta and enjoy!

Notes: The texture is a little meatier than meatballs made with soaked Italian bread but they are just as delicious. I like using Skinny Pasta (konjac noodles) or Palmini hearts of palm noodles in place of real pasta.

Make a well then add eggs, cheese & parsley then mix well
Forming the meatballs
Place formed meatballs on parchment paper
Frying meatballs
Draining fried meatballs
Cook 20 in tomato sauce and serve!

 

 

 

 

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Keto Cauliflower Frittata

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen2 Comments

Barbara is on a healthy keto diet so naturally, she wanted to turn Grandma Tessie’s Cauliflower Frittata into a healthy keto dish. This is just as good as Grandma’s original but it’s keto, low-carb, and gluten-free. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or a side for dinner, plus it’s delicious and very healthy.

We recommend Penzeys Tuscan Sunset Salt Free Italian Seasoning for this recipe because it’s the best blend of herbs we’ve come across, is delicious, and doesn’t overpower the dish. If you’ve never used Penzeys spices before, please give them a try. We do not get paid by Penszeys but we really do love their herbs and spices.

Keto Cauliflower Frittata

Delicious Keto version of Grandma Tessie's Cauliflower Frittata. A great keto breakfast and gluten-free.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 132kcal
Author: Twiins in the Kitchen®

Equipment

  • 1 Frittata Pan
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 3/4 cup size measuring cup
  • 1 very large skillet
  • 1 9" pie pans or serving dishes
  • 1 measuring teaspoon

Ingredients 

  • 1 small head of cauliflower florets only,
  • ½ large sweet onions sliced medium to thin
  • 2-3 Tablespoons EVOO as needed
  • ¼ cup Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese grated
  • ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
  • 7 large eggs
  • 2 medium garlic cloves smashed
  • ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
  • dash ground black pepper
  • 1 - 1½ tsp Penzeys Tuscan Sunset this is a salt-free Italian-style seasoning. Regular Italian seasoning can be used in place of Penzeys but Penseys Tuscan Sunset is delicious and mild.
Makes: 9inch round, 1inch height

Instructions

  • Wash and pat dry the cauliflower head then cut the florets and discard stems.
  • Slice onions lengthwise and set aside.
  • Smash garlic cloves and set aside.
  • In a bowl, add the Parmegiano-Reggiano & Pecorino Romano grated cheeses, eggs, and Tuscan Sunset seasoning. Beat well then set aside.
  • In a very large skillet, add 2 Tablespoons of EVOO until hot (medium heat). Add the onions and caramelize to a golden brown.
  • Once caramelized, add a bit more EVOO then add the raw cauliflower florets with the smashed garlic. Season with pink Himalayan salt & black pepper to taste. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes until cauliflower is cooked but not mushy. Remove from heat.
  • Heat the larger bottom part of the frittata pan then add 1 Tablespoon of EVOO plus a little to coat the top frittata pan. When hot enough add the cauliflower & onions to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • On a medium-low flame, add the egg mixture. Place the oiled frittata cover on top and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip the pan over and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the larger pan that's on top then slide the frittata from the upper pan into a 9" pie plate or serving dish. Garnish with some grated cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley if desired.
  • Cauliflower Frittatas can be frozen and then thawed before heating up in a microwave or oven.

Notes

After caramelizing the onions add the raw cauliflower florets with the smashed garlic cloves until cooked but not mushy.
Add the egg mixture
Cover the frittata pan and cook 5 minutes on medium low
With the cover on, flip the pan and keep covered. cook an additional 5 minutes
slide onto 9″ pie pan or serving dish
The best seasoning we’ve found for this dish and many others

Nutrition

Serving: 1pie slice | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 1mg

Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.

After caramelizing the onions add the raw cauliflower florets with the smashed garlic cloves until cooked but not mushy.
Add the egg mixture
Cover the frittata pan and cook 5 minutes on medium low
With the cover on, flip the pan and keep covered. cook an additional 5 minutes
slide onto 9″ pie pan or serving dish
The best seasoning we’ve found for this dish and many others
Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @twiins_in_the_kitchen or tag #twiinsinthekitchen
@cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchenMention @cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchen
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Mediterranean Mujadara: Lentils, Rice and Onions 😋😋

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen3 Comments

After recently recovering from Covid-19, I had absolutely no desire to cook! Losing the ability to smell and taste kind of messes with your appetite… I did make 3 batches of chicken soup that I couldn’t taste or smell so not sure if it had any healing powers! Thankfully my senses are back so I was looking for something different to make. I came across a recipe from The Mediterranean Dish for Mujadara. It’s a Lebanese Middle Eastern dish made with black lentils, long grain rice, and onions…lots of onions! Neither Teresa nor I had ever tried this dish before but it sounded really, really good. It was! You can make this as a side with some chicken or as a main dish. All I can say is you have to try it because it’s delicious comfort food with unbelievable flavor and it’s Gluten-free!

Mediterranean Mujadara: Lentils, Rice and Onions 😋😋

Delicious black lentils, rice & lots of onions!
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Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Twiins in the Kitchen®

Equipment

  • 2 large skillets
  • 1 small bowl for soaking rice
  • 1 small covered saucepan for par-boiling lentils, use to set aside after par-boiling and draining

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup black lentils (sorted and rinsed)
  • 4 cups water , divided
  • ¼ cup EVOO , more for later
  • 2 very large yellow onions , large dice (4 cups)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt , more to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice , soaked in bowl of water for 10-15 inutes then drained & set aside
  • black pepper
  • ½ - 1 tsp cumin , (I used 1/2 tsp)
  • parsley , for garnish

Fried Crispy Onion Garnish

  • 2 -3 Tbsp EVOO
  • 1 very large yellow onion , cut into very thin rings

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, place the lentils with 2 cups of the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered until the lentils are par-boiled (10-12 minutes). Remove from heat, drain and set aside back in the saucepan.
  • Place the long-grain white rice in a small bowl. cover with water and let soak for 15 minutes. Rinse and drain then place back into the bowl and set aside.
  • In a large saute or skillet pan with a lid, heat 1/4 cup EVOO over medium-high heat until the oil makes "ribbons". Add the diced onions and cook covered (40 minutes) until dark golden brown, darker than normal caramelized onions. You may lower the heat so they don't burn. Add kosher salt. Stir occasionally and keep the lid on between stirrings.
  • Carefully pour the remaining 2 cups of water into the onions. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and par-cooked lentils into the onion mixture. Add a good dash of kosher salt, black pepper, and the cumin.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through. (About 15-20 minutes)
  • In a second skillet, heat 2-3 Tablespoons EVOO until hot over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough add thinly sliced onion rings in batches and fry until they are crispy and deeply golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined dish to drain excess oil.
  • Let the rice and lentils rest covered for about 10 minutes undisturbed, then garnish with crispy onions & parsley and transfer to serving bowls.
  • Optional: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a nice tomato, cucumber salad. You can also add leftover cooked chicken for those that must have "meat" in the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg

Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @twiins_in_the_kitchen or tag #twiinsinthekitchen
@cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchenMention @cookingwithtwiinsinthekitchen
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par-boil lentils then drain & set aside.
soak rice then drain & set aside.
Dark caramelizing diced onions (40 minutes, covered)
Make the crispy onions for topping.
Combine water, the rice, lentils into onions.
Rice & lentils all absorbed and ready to eat!

 

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen2 Comments

If you’re a Thai food lover like we are, this recipe is sure to deliver great flavor in a one-pot meal plus cooked rice. It’s so quick and easy to make for any busy weeknight (less than 30 minutes from start to table) or for any special occasion dinner. It touches all the flavors of sweetness, heat, savory, and acidity that you expect from Thai food. You won’t be disappointed… it’s really delicious and naturally gluten free!

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Quick Thai Cuisine weeknight diner.
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5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 466kcal
Author: Twiins in the Kitchen®

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven 8 qt

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, small dice
  • 2 lbs. cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-1 ½ Tbsp ginger paste, refrigerated tube
  • 2 tsp coriander, ground
  • 2 13 oz cans Unsweetened coconut milk, full fat (shake well before opening)
  • 1 1/2-2 cups carrots, shredded
  • 4-6 Tbsp red curry paste
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ - 1 tsp black pepper
  • 16 oz baby spinach fresh
  • 2 limes juiced
  • ¼ cup cilantro, freshly chopped & divided
  • 2-4 Tbsp dark brown sugar, to taste
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, white or brown, cooked

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in the dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions and saute for about 5 minutes until soft, stirring regularly.
  • Add garlic, ginger, coriander, carrots, and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
  • Add the curry paste, brown sugar, salt & pepper, and stir quickly, then add half the chopped cilantro.
  • Add coconut milk and stir to combine all. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture come to a gentle boil for approximately 5 minutes or until liquid thickens slightly.
  • Add the fresh spinach leaves, lime juice, and cook until spinach is wilted & tender approximately 2-3 minutes.,
  • Add the cooked chicken and stir well until the chicken is heated through. Taste to adjust sugar, salt, or curry paste to your liking.
  • Garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro and serve over cooked rice.

Notes

Shrimp makes a delicious substitute for chicken and Thai basil is a good substitute for cilantro for those who don't like cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 979mg | Potassium: 982mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 14123IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 5mg

Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.

Shrimp makes a delicious substitute for chicken and Thai basil is a good substitute for cilantro for those who don't like cilantro.
Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @twiins_in_the_kitchen or tag #twiinsinthekitchen
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Spaghetti Squash Beef Lasagna – Twiins Style – Gluten-Free

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Spaghetti Squash Beef Lasagna - Twiins Style - Gluten-Free

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy

You will not believe this healthy lasagna is as satisfying as the traditional one made with lasagna noodles, but it definitely is! It is filled with a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil & is layered with ground beef as well as our homemade tomato sauce. You build the layers just like traditional lasagna only replace the noodles with cooked & seasoned spaghetti squash & topped with sliced mozzarella. This dish has it all...can be made ahead, freezer friendly and perfect for a crowd. Our family loves it and so will yours. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 med to large spaghetti squash (cut lengthwise and seeded)
  • light drizzle of EVOO over each half of the squash before seasoning & baking.
  • dried oregano to sprinkle over squash before baking
  • salt & pepper to sprinkle over squash before baking
  • garlic powder to sprinkle over squash before baking
  • 2 lbs. ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
  • 1/2  onion, diced
  • 4-6 large cloves garlic, smashed
  • 32 ounces whole milk ricotta
  • 3/4 cup grated Locatelli cheese (Pecorino Romano)
  • 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella, shredded or leave some slices for top layer
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 2-3 cups prepared tomato sauce

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 425ºF.
    2. Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise & remove seeds.
    3. Lightly drizzle each half with EVOO then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano & garlic powder (the more the tastier). Place each half face down onto foiled baking sheet and bake until soft when touched (about 30-40 minutes)
    4. While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet. When the pan is hot add the ground beef and brown. Add the smashed garlic and onions and cook until softened.
    5. Drain fat and set aside in a medium bowl.
    6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, salt & pepper and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix well then add chopped basil. combine and set aside.
    7. Removed the squash from the oven when soft and let cool. Once cool use 2 forks to shred it then add to a colander to drain excess liquid. Set aside until ready to layer your lasagna.
    8. Lower oven temperature to 350ºF.
    9. In a lasagna pan or casserole dish, place a light layering of tomato sauce. Take enough forkfuls of shredded squash and place on top of sauce. Spready evenly. Sprinkle with some grated Pecorino Romano.
    10. Layer half of the ricotta mixture and spread evenly.
    11. Layer with cooked ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano.
    12. Add tomato sauce to cover lightly. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano.
    13. Repeat for the second layer and top with remaining shredded or sliced mozzarella.
    14. Sprinkle with Locatelli cheese, then a try light drizzle of EVOO on top.
    15. Bake about 30 minutes or until cheese melts.
    16. Best served with a nice Italian salad on the side.

    Note: May be substituted with ‘Beyond Beef Crumbles’ in place of ground beef for a meatless meal.

    Enjoy!
    Once cooled, shred squash into large bowl
    Brown smashed garlic and ground beef
    Once cooked, drain excess liquid
    Lightly drizzle EVOO then spread small amount of tomato sauce to lightly cover bottom of casserole dish
    Spread layer of squash over sauce
    Combine ricotta and seasonings in a bowl
    Mix well
    Layer ricotta mixture on top of squash
    Sprinkle half the meat mixture over ricotta mixture
    Sprinkle with grated cheese then top with tomato sauce and spread
    Repeat for the 2nd layer
    Add 2nd layer of ricotta
    Add 2nd layer of ground beef
    Add final layer of tomato sauce and top with sliced mozzarella cheese and spinkle with grated cheese & a drizzle of EVOO



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    Baked Stuffed Eggplant & Sardines 🍆🐟

    Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen2 Comments

    Baked Stuffed Eggplant & Sardines

    • Servings: 4
    • Difficulty: Easy

    Not everyone likes sardines but Teresa and I love them! To be honest, when my husband & son heard I was making sardines & eggplant they made some weird faces. I told them that's what I was cooking so they could either join me or cook for themselves! The combination of eggplant, sardines, garlic, onions, and tomatoes was making my mouth water. This dish doesn't have a strong 'fishy' taste at all but the flavor is reminiscent of Sicilian cuisine. My son had one request; please add some tomato sauce to it. Since I didn't have any made I whipped up a quick sauce using Italian stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic & oil. At first, their faces were very skeptical and then they took their first bites. I'm pretty sure they didn't want to say they liked it, but those weird faces turned to smiles and both wanted to split the 4th eggplant, which I immediately said 'NO', it's mine and Teresa's lunch for tomorrow! Moral of the story: never be afraid to cook what comes into your head because it just might be a new family favorite...you never know. Enjoy!

    Ingredients

    • 2 (4.375 oz) cans skinless boneless sardines in olive oil, drained and flaked
    • 2 large eggplants, cut in half lengthwise (leave stems on)
    • 1/3 cup EVOO
    • 1 Tablespoon EVOO
    • 1 ½ large sweet onions, diced
    • 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced
    • 1  (14 ounce) cans Hunt’s Italian style diced tomatoes
    • 1 Tablespoons Hunt’s Italian style tomato paste with garlic & basil
    • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 Tablespoon dried oregano (more or less to taste, fresh oregano may be substituted.)
    • 1/4 cup grated Locatelli cheese (Pecorino Romano)
    • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup Quick Tomato Sauce (any homemade or jar sauce is fine) more if you are serving with pasta

      Directions

      1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
      2. Cut eggplants in half, lengthwise with the stem attached. Score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern being careful not to cut through the skins.
      3. In a large skillet on medium heat, heat 1/3 cup oil then lower heat. Add the eggplant, flesh down. Cover and cook until completely softened but not falling apart. About 10 minutes. Carefully flip over and cook until soft, about 5 minutes more. You may have to do this in 2 batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
      4. When done, let cool in a separate dish. Once cooled, leaving a 1/8-inch border, gently scoop eggplant flesh into a bowl and chop. Lightly drizzle some EVOO on the bottom of a baking dish and place the eggplant shells gently inside, close to each other to support them from flattening.
      5. In the same pan, add the 1 Tablespoon EVOO and saute onions for about 6-7 minutes on medium heat. Add all remaining ingredients including the chopped eggplant & flaked sardines, except the grated Locatelli and mozzarella cheeses. Remove from heat and combine well.
      6. Sprinkle with Locatelli cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese then top with 1 or 2 spoonfuls of quick sauce down the middle, again sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese again. Bake about 5-10  minutes or until cheese melts.
      7. Serve by itself or over your favorite pasta!

      Note:

      Prep
      Cooking eggplants
      cooling
      Gently scoop flesh from skins
      Saute onions, then remaining ingredients
      Fill skins with eggplan & sardine mixture then top with a little shredded mozzarella
      Add 2 T sauce on top of mozzarella then sprinkle with grated Locatell and top with additional shredded mozzarella
      Served over whole grain spaghetti.


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      Quick Tomato Sauce – Twiins Style 🍝

      Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

      Quick Tomato Sauce - Twiins Style

      • Servings: 4
      • Difficulty: Easy

      Don’t have time to make a pot of tomato sauce? This quick and easy sauce can be made in no time at all with staple ingredients from your pantry.

      Ingredients

      • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian stewed tomatoes
      • 1 Tablespoon EVOO
      • 2 frozen Dorot garlic cubes
      • 2 Tablespoons Hunt’s Italian style tomato paste with garlic & basil
      • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (more or less to taste)
      • Immersion blender

        Directions

        1. In a small saucepan on medium heat, heat the oil and add the garlic cubes. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute.
        2. Add tomato paste and stir well for a minute. Add the stewed tomatoes and stir well until the tomato paste is blended.
        3. Add 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning and simmer for 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender right in the saucepan,  purée the tomato mixture and simmer another 5-10 minutes.

        Note: Makes enough sauce for our Baked Stuffed Eggplant & Sardines (4) plus a few spoonfuls to top spaghetti.

        Pantry & Freezer Staples:

        2 cans stewed tomatoes, plain or Italian style, preferably Hunt’s

        2 cans diced tomatoes, plain or Italian style, preferably Hunt’s

        2 cans tomato paste, preferably Hunt’s with garlic & basil

        1 tray Dorot’s frozen garlic cubes (you can get these at Target and most Harris Teeter grocery stores)

        Add 2 T sauce on top of mozzarella then sprinkle with grated Locatell and top with additional shredded mozzarella
        Served over whole grain spaghetti.

         


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        Gluten-Free Lobster Seafood Chowder – Twiins Style🦞🍤🦀

        Published on by Twiins in the Kitchen2 Comments

        Gluten-Free Lobster Seafood Chowder - Twiins Style

        • Servings: 6
        • Difficulty: Easy

        If you're a lobster & seafood lover, this chowder is a must-try. It's filled with lobster, jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp, corn kernels, all delivered in a silky, creamy texture that's loaded with seafood flavor. (When we made this batch we were out of carrots so you won't see any in the photo. We never missed them; however, they do add a pleasant sweetness when included). One spoonful and you'll be transported to the waterfronts of Maine or Cape Cod.

        Ingredients

        • 2 -3 Tablespoons butter
        • 4  celery stalks, cut into 1/4″ slices
        • 3 large carrots, sliced into 1/4″ slices
        • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
        • 1½ Tablespoons tomato paste
        • 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
        • salt & freshly ground pepper to taste (optional)
        • 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & cut into 1/2” cubes.
        • 1 -2 Tablespoon Old Bay® Seasoning Blend. (to taste)
        • 6 Tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill® Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour (regular flour if gluten-free not needed)
        • 2 cups lobster broth (Better than Bouillon Lobster Base -2 tsp mixed in 16 oz. hot water)
        • 1  – 15.25 oz. corn kernels drained well or frozen can be used
        • 1 lb. lobster meat, cooked and cut into large chunks
        • 1 lb. jumbo lump crab meat (we use Phillips)
        • 1 lb. shrimp, cleaned, deveined, and tails removed
        • 1  8-oz. bottle clam juice
        • 1 cup 2% milk
        • 1 cup half and half

        Directions

        1. Chop vegetables and set aside.
        2. Add butter into a large deep stockpot over medium heat.
        3. Add the tomato paste and stir well for 1 minute. Then add the onion, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and potatoes.
        4. Cook vegetables 5 -6 minutes, then sprinkle in flour a little at a time. Cook mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour is no longer visible.
        5. Stir in the milk, half & half, lobster broth, and clam juice into the onion/potato mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are softened about 6-8 minutes.
        6. At this point, the soup should be nicely thickened. If you like thinner soup add a little more broth,  1/8 cup at a time.
        7. Add lobster, crabmeat, shrimp & corn.
        8. Stir well to combine.
        9. Continue to simmer until shrimp are pink and opaque, no longer grayish and translucent. Do not overcook.
        10. Taste. Add additional salt, pepper, or Old Bay to taste.
        11. Ladle into soup bowls and top with gluten-free crackers, hot sauce, or sliced scallions.
        12. If serving buffet style, keep chowder warm in a crockpot on the keep warm setting.

         

         

        Note:  If you like more corn in your chowder, just add another can or frozen kernels.

        Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

         

         

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        Homemade Balsamic Ranch Dressing – Twiins Style

        Published on by Twiins in the KitchenLeave a comment

        Homemade Balsamic Ranch Dressing - Twiins Style

        • Servings: 6-8
        • Difficulty: Easy

        Ranch dressing is delicious on salads, cooked vegetables, chicken tenders, and as a dip for fresh vegetables. When my grandsons were little boys ranch dressing was the perfect way to get them to eat fresh vegetables. They couldn't get enough. Actually, this dressing is good on everything!!! Our homemade Balsamic Ranch dressing is so good and easy to make you will never buy store-bought again! 😋❤️

        Ingredients

        • 1 cup mayonnaise
        • 1/2 cup buttermilk
        • 1 tsp. celery seed
        • 1 tsp. oregano
        • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
        • 1 clove garlic, minced
        • 1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar
        • salt & pepper to taste

        Directions

        1. In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
        2. When ready to serve remove from refrigerator and pour over salad greens or vegetables.  Enjoy !

        Notes: Try adding blue cheese crumbles and bacon crumbles on top for an added touch…Delicious!

        Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twiinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.

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