103 WEST INDIANA AVENUE, DELAND, FL 32720 | 386.734.3740

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.

PENNE A LA PROVENCAL
INGREDIENTS

1 lb dry penne paste
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, soaked and rinsed in cold water to remove the excess salt
1/2 cup Spanish capers, soaked and rinsed in cold water to remove the excess salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bulb of fresh fennel, sliced and caramelized on low heat in extra virgin olive oil
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup wild and exotic mushrooms
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 oz unsalted butter
extra virgin olive oil, as needed
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino romano, optional

PROCEDURE
Cook the pasta in salted water for about a minute under the recommended al dente time specified on the box. Strain and coat lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Reserve some of the pasta water. In a large saute pan, saute the cooked fennel and exotic mushrooms for a few minutes. Add the garlic, lemon zest, olives, and capers. Deglazed with the white wine. Add the almost cooked pasta and toss to coat uniformly. Add some of the pasta water and continue cooking for about a minute. Add the heavy cream, fresh herbs, and butter. Test the seasoning by tasting the sauce. Cook on low heat for an additional 45 seconds or so. Finish with the grated pecorino romano cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Optional: One may make a version of this with fresh wild shrimp, but be sure to start with raw shrimp and then toss in the remaining ingredients for a deeper flavour.

Hari's Recipes