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Our Recipes

Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Sometimes, the recipe will be without measurements, rather only ingredients. Sometimes, we will try to include suggested amounts to accomplish the desired flavour profile. But we must be clear that those measurements aren't meant to be taken too seriously (except in the case of vinaigrettes, classical sauces, or desserts). Please feel free to drop us a line as we will enjoy reading your feedback should you decide to try them, so please do not hesitate to let me know. Click on the links on the right to view the recipes.

GOAT CHEESE AND ROASTED VEGETABLE PUDDING
This is a savoury take on "bread pudding". The possbilities for the ingredients and ultimate flavour profile are endless. Furthermore, this could be a fantastic side dish or a hearty main course. During the holidays, one may combine familiar flavours instead of the ones in this recipe to make a killer stuffing/dressing. With a clean side salad or a cup of soup, this forms a perfect lunch or dinner.

Variations: Certainly, one may add meats (like poultry or pork) to the pudding, but they are really not necessary.

Note: During a recent cooking demonstration, I prepared an heirloom tomato, basil, and goat cheese version. To make this, simply use 4 large ripe tomatoes, lots of basil, and roast only the tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS

assorted seasonal vegatables that roast well (squash, onions, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, cauliflower etc.)
8 medium sized butter croissants
32 oz. milk, half and half OR heavy cream
8 oz young goat cheese (chevre)
2 cups fresh basil, chopped
1 tbs fresh thyme, chopped
1 cup fresh flat leaf parsely, chopped
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, small dice
2 bay leaves
3 eggs
extra virgin olive oil
white truffle oil (optional)
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

PROCEDURE

Preheat an oven to 375F. On a baking sheet, toss the uniformly cut assorted vegetables in extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Roast them in the oven until they are soft and caramelized. The baking time varies based on the type of vegetables (squash, tomatoes, onions and peppers take less time than cauliflower or eggplant), but approximately 45 minutes is a good estimate. While the vegetables are roasting, saute the diced onions in some extra virgin olive oil until translucent. Add the garlic and stir for a few minutes. Add the dairy and goat cheese (reserve half the cheese). Add the fresh herbs and season the liquid with salt and pepper until well-seasoned. Add some white truffle oil (optional). After the liquid simmers for 15 minutes or so, remove from the heat, let cool a bit and temper the 3 eggs in stages. Pour this warm mixture over the croissants that have been torn into 1 inch pieces. Add the roasted vegetables and the remaining goat cheese. Mix well and bake this mixture in a baking dish for about 45 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for several minutes before serving.

Hari's Recipes