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Norwegian Pork Patties
Norwegian Pork Patties
Pork patties, did you say?! Why, yes! While so simple to make, this is what you need in your life. There are no eggs or breadcrumbs in the patty mix; making them fairly dense, but still very moist and flavorful. These pork patties pair great with sauerkraut and pork-filled potato dumplings(yes…more pork). Pork is king…
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tsp potato flour or cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 6 tbsp whole milk
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together.

- Form into 8 equally sized patties.

- Add just enough cooking oil to coat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add in the patties.

- Cook for 5-6 minutes a side.



Polenta e Funghi
Polenta e Funghi
Polenta is a staple of Venetian cuisine and is commonly served instead of potatoes, rice, or bread. The pairing of a ragout over polenta is a popular combination, usually served as an appetizer, but can also be served as a main dish. This particular recipe is very simple but full of flavor; taking less than 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb wild mushroom blend roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- parmesan cheese shaved
- parsley chopped
- cracked black pepper
Polenta
- 1/2 cup polenta
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add the olive oil to a sauté pan and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.

- Add in the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes.

- Toss in the butter and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

- Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper.

- While the mushrooms are cooking, add the water, salt, and polenta in a pot over medium heat. Consistently stir with a whisk for about 5 minutes.

- Once the polenta has thickened, turn off the heat and whisk in the butter.

- Ladle some polenta in a bowl, making a crater. Spoon some of the mushroom ragout in the center. Top with shaved parmesan and chopped parsley. Season with cracked black pepper.


Oysters with Mignonette Sauce
Oysters with Mignonette Sauce
Despite the French name, mignonette sauce was created in New York in the 1930’s. The red wine vinegar and shallot base cuts through the brininess of oysters; making them the perfect accompaniment. There are many variations of mignonette sauce; some using champagne vinegar, herbs, hot sauce, amongst other additions. When choosing the right oyster, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type. Do you like a milder tasting oyster, then go with the traditional Blue Point. I’m partial to briny oysters such as Old Salts and Kumamoto. The next thing to consider is shucking them at home. You will need an oyster shucker, oyster gloves or a towel, and ice; preferably shaved. The oysters need to be on ice the whole time from purchase, to transport, to the kitchen, and serving. First, wash the oysters in cold water. Place on your oyster gloves. Using the oyster shucker, wedge the tip into the back lip of the oyster and pop open, trying to keep in all of the oyster liquor. Swipe the inside bottom of the oyster to loosen it from the shell. Immediately place back on ice. This will take some practice if this is your first time shucking. Then spoon over a teaspoon of mignonette sauce on each oyster.
Equipment
- oyster shucker
- shaved ice
Ingredients
- 12 oysters freshly shucked and on ice
Mignonette Sauce
- 2 tbsp shallots finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together the red wine vinegar and shallots, then refrigerate. Wash, then shuck the oysters. Place on shaved ice. Spoon some of the mignonette sauce on each of the oysters. Crack fresh pepper over each of the oysters and serve.











