Category: Corn

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Polenta with Gruyère & Herbs

Polenta with Gruyere & Herbs | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Classic Italian polenta goodness with a French twist on flavor-Polenta with Gruyère & Herbs the newest recipe in my Membership Collection.

LATE SPRING

Polenta is one of most comforting dishes I know. Fine grain cormeal cooked with cheese, butter and herbs, perfect side dish for the late spring chilly weather. Along the coast we only get to see small glimmers of spring. The late rain is bringing fresh green shoots in the garden.

ITALIAN COMFORT FOOD

Polenta is one of the favorite Italian comfort foods. My Mushroom Ragu, the rich no-meat version is delish served a top of creamy polenta. But a pure and simple bowl of polenta makes a wonderful side dish or served with a fresh green vinaigrette salad.

FRENCH HERBS

A little change up to the classic herbs added to the polenta by way of France. Thyme, rosemary and tarragon are personal herb favorites, although feel free to include your own favorites.

Polenta with Gruyere & Herbs | Bijouxs Little Jewels

GRUYÈRE CHEESE

The creamy textures you see in the photos are creamy strands of melting Gruyère cheese, adding a richness to the polenta. Gruyere is my cheese of choice for Instant Pot Canyon Bistro French Onion Soup, a classic recipe. This creamy polenta makes a great side for grilled meats or fish or as a base for your favorite pasta sauce.

Feel a little French today with Polenta with Gruyère & Herbs No. 597 from the Membership Collection. Thank you to all my new and loyal members!

 

 

No. 593Recipe Card Posted on by — Leave a comment

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Today I am recreating a favorite restaurant salad–Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad another Little Jewel from the Kitchen.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Beginning in Beverly Hills in 1978 (wow) starting with just cheesecake then expanding to a full menu, the restaurant chain has thrived over the years. Of course the cheesecake is great, however one of their salads has remained a favorite-the Santa Fe Salad. Although the menu is a throw back to the 80’s, the food is still great.

SANTA FE SALAD MEMORIES

It may seem a bit dated, but this salad has a taste combination that remains flavor relevant. Fond memories of getting lunch with my bestie at my home in Pasadena. Sadly she has passed, but enjoying the salad reminds me of her. The core ingredients of the salad are simple, roasted chicken if desired, grilled fresh corn, black beans, tortilla strips and Romaine lettuce, but the dressing(s) are the KEY. Tossed with a Spicy Peanut-Cilantro Vinaigrette which is so yummy I like spike it flavor up with the addition of a side of their Peanut Sauce which I always order.

Santa Fe Salad | Bijouxs Litle Jewels

 

SANTA FE SALAD AT HOME

Now that the Cheesecake Factory is just not down the street, I took a try at making the salad myself, knowing the salad dressings would be the key. Yes there are a few components to the salad, however you can make the dressings ahead and store in the refrigerator. Of course, I searched around the internet and found a few versions of the salad recipe. Guess I’m not the only one who craves this salad. I came pretty close with my sleuthing and tinkering to try to get the flavors correct. The peanut sauce is not exact yet, but close. I serve the salad without the chicken, which is how I order it.

Santa Fe Salad

Food memories are always a Little Jewel.

 

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