ISO: Emdg...

[lindrusso]

Hi! I read about your brunch ideas and wondered if you would be able to post your recipes for the Fresh Asparagus Soup and the Sourdough-Mushroom Strata. Thanks so much!!

[SusanL]

I would like to second that request!! Sounds great!!

[Mamasue]

Yummmm. I love cream of Asparagus Soup...Yes, P L E A S E!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Emdg]

Hi. I would be more than happy to post them.

Asparagus-Leek Soup with Tarragon
Cooking Light March/April 1993

1 cup chopped leek
Cooking Spray
2 cups (1 inch) sliced fresh asparagus (1lb.)
1 (10 1/2) can chicken broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried whole tarragon
1 can evaporated skim milk
1/4 cup plain lf yogurt
Ground nutmeg

Place leek in a 2 qt casserole coated with cooking spray; microwave at HIGH 2 minutes. Stir in asparagus and broth. Cover with casserole lid, and microwave at HIGH 10-11 minutes or until asparagus is tender.

Place flour in a bowl. Gradually add 1/2 cup water, stirring with a wire whisk until blended; add to asparagus mixture. Position knife blade in food processor bowl; add asparagus mixture, and process until smooth. Return mixture to dish; stir in tarragon and milk. Microwave, uncovered at HIGH 6 to 7 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Serve warm or chilled; top with yogurt. Garnish with nutmeg.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories 147 Fat 1.4g Fiber 1.9

Note: I have made this hundreds of times! I grow asparagus and it's a great way to use it up. I almost always double the recipe.


Sourdough and Mushroom Strata
Cooking Light Cookbook 1996

6 (1 3/4 ounce) sourdough rolls, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup sliced fresh crimini mushrooms
1 cup sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Spray
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup egg substitute
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Tear 1 roll into small pieces. Process in food processor until crumbs form.
Combine 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs and Parmesan chees in a large bowl, stirring well; set aside. Reserve remaining breadcrumbs for another use. Cut remaining 5 rolls into 1-inch cubes. Add bread cubes to crumb mixture; set aside.
Combine crimini mushrooms and next 5 ingredients in large nonstick skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Uncover, and simmer 5 minutes or until liquid evaporates; remove from heat. Add mushroom mixture to bread mixture, tossing gently. Spoon into a 1 qt casserole dish coated with cooking spray.
Combine flour and milk, stirring until smooth. Stir in egg substitute, salt, and pepper.
Pour milk mixture over bread mixture in casserole dish. Cover and Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more or until set. Let stand 5 minutes befor serving.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories 231 Fat 2.8g Fiber 3.0

Note: I have never made this, so I can't rate it...but it looks solid. I would probably add more garlic http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I can hardly wait to have enough asparagus to make this soup...it's been a year!

[SandyM]

I love Cream of Asparagus soup, and I've tried to get a restaurant to give up their recipe, to no avail.

My question regarding this recipe - how integral is tarragon to the outcome? I don't have any, and I haven't had any use for it previously. I'm just wondering if there's a suitable substitute. Your thoughts?

[Emdg]

Sandy,

As you can see by the recipe, there are not a lot of flavors going on, so yes I feel the tarragon is important. It is a distinct flavor, so I'm not sure what you could use instead...maybe fresh dill?

The tarragon goes in at the end, so you could make a batch and try some of your favorite spices in a tiny bit of it before finishing it off.

[SandyM]

Okay, okay......... www.penzeys.com (http://www.penzeys.com) - here I come........ <sigh>

[lindrusso]

Thanks so much Emdg! Believe it or not, I just cooked asparagus for the first time last week. Since my husband actually said he liked it (he was sure he wouldn't), I'm looking to try more recipes! The strata looks wonderful. Thanks again!

[SusanL]

Thank You, Thank You!! They look wonderful! Wish I could grow asparagus!!