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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.

LAMB MOUSSAKA
INGREDIENTS

5 lbs eggplants, partially skinned
Olive Oil for sautéing
flour for dusting
2 Onion, fine dice
2-3 lbs, ground lamb
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb peeled tomatoes
1.5 cups white wine
2 tbs , tomato paste
Dry Oregano, to taste (use fresh)
Chopped parsley, to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs
5 oz or so, melted butter
5 oz. Flour
½ gallon, milk
pinch of nutmeg
4 egg yolks
salt and pepper, to taste
1-3 oz of grated Kefalotiri (sub with parmeggiano or pecorino)

PROCEDURE

Slice eggplants lengthwise and season with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes and squeeze out excess liquid and pat dry. Dust lightly with flour and saute in olive oil. Drain on paper towels. In a pan, saute onions until translucent. Add the ground lamb and brown meat. Add oregano, white wine, tomato paste, peeled tomato and parsley. Simmer until thick. Make a (light brown) roux by heating the butter and flour until thick dry and slight brown. Add cold milk and stir to dissolve. Simmer until you achieve a smooth creamy sauce without the starchiness. Temper with egg yolks and fold in cheese. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper (This is a thick Mornay Sauce). Add herbs if desired (we will!). Set aside. In a buttered or oiled pan, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs. Place a layer of the eggplants topped with a layer of the meat stew. Repeat layers until all is used and ensuring that the last layer is eggplant. Pour the thick Mornay sauce over the top and bake uncovered at 350-375 until very hot throughout and the sauce is set and browned (approx 55-60 minutes). Let it cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Hari's Recipes