Author: Dave Tappan

Pour yourself a glass of wine, dim the lights and ask Alexa to play Sinatra. Now…cut the cheese. French Onion Mac N Cheese 6 tbsp. butter, divided, plus more room temperature for brushing2 real big yellow onions, halved and sliced into half-moonsKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste12 oz. cavatappi or other short curly pasta2 tbsp. all-purpose flour2 1/2 c. whole milk1 1/2 c. grated fontina cheese2 1/2 c. grated Gruyère1 c. shredded sharp white cheddar1 tsp. Dijon mustardPinch of cayenne pepper1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish Preheat oven to 350°. Brush 4 to 6 ramekins (depending on size) or small ovenproof baking dishes with butter, or brush one large baking dish with butter.In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden, about 30 minutes.Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, following package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes Drain pasta.In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. While whisking, slowly pour in milk until combined. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 6 minutes. Stir in fontina, 1 cup of the gruyere, and cheddar until cheese is melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in the pasta, caramelized onions, Dijon, thyme, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.Divide mixture among ramekins and top each ramekin with the remaining gruyère. Bake until sauce is bubbly around the edges, about 20 minutes.Switch oven to broil and broil until cheese is golden, about 2 minutes. Garnish with more thyme before serving.

I am in the mood for a damn rib, dammit!   Honey-Garlic Ribs   2 racks of pork ribs ½ cup honey ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup distilled white vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon garlic salt   Preheat the oven to 375. Slice ribs into individual pieces. Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic in a large bowl; stir until honey and sugar are completely dissolved, then stir in baking soda. The mixture will begin to foam. Transfer ribs to the bowl and turn to coat. Cover a cookie sheet with foil; arrange ribs meat-side up on the prepared sheet. Pour excess sauce over ribs and sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes. Enjoy!

It’s gonna be beautiful in Redding this weekend. Fire the grill and have a great weekend! Cowboy Rib-Eye Steak with Chimichurri Chimichurri:1 shallot, finely chopped1 Fresno Chile or red jalapeño, finely chopped4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or finely chopped1/2 cup red wine vinegar1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley2 Tbsp. finely chopped oregano3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Combine shallot, Chile, garlic, vinegar, and 1 tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Let sit 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and oregano. Using a fork, whisk in oil. Transfer chimichurri to a bowl. Season with salt and keep in the fridge until the steak is ready. Steak:2 bone in, rib-eye steaks (12-16 ounces each)1 tablespoon ground cumin1 tablespoon ground corianderA liberal amount of coarse salt and fresh ground pepper1 tablespoon sweet paprika2 tablespoons light brown sugar2 tablespoons dried oregano6 cloves garlic, minced Pat steak dry thoroughly with paper towels.Mix all of the spice ingredients together, including the garlic.Rub steak on all sides with spice mixture and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. If marinating in refrigerator, remove 1 hour before cooking to bring steak to room temperature.Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in center position.Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear steak on both sides until blackened, 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to oven and roast 15 to 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into center of steak registers 125-130 degrees for medium-rare.You can also grill your steaks, if you prefer.Transfer steak to a cutting board and let stand at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.Spoon the chimichurri over the steaks and enjoy!

When you’re in the mood for french onion soup, turn it into a casserole. French Onion Chicken Casserole 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size)2 teaspoons garlic powder1 teaspoon dried oreganoRed crushed chili pepper flakes, to tasteKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste2 cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese2 tablespoons unsalted butter6 large, yellow onions, halved and sliced into half-moons4 cloves garlic, minced1/2 cup chicken brothFresh chopped parsley, for garnishFrench baguette, sliced and buttered 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking dish and set aside.2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-8 minutes until soft.3. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized – about 15 minutes. Pour in 1/4 cup of broth to de-glaze if your pan gets too dry, and keep stirring until onions are browned.4. Stir in fresh minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and allow to cool slightly.5. Season chicken breasts with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish.6. Divide caramelized onions on top of each chicken breast. Top the casserole with the slices of baguette. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven (or more, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts), until fully cooked and cheese is bubbly. Then broil for 2 minutes to crisp up the cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately!

Happy Taco Tuesday! Here’s a timeless classic. The olives are essential. If you don’t have black olives, don’t make it. The Taco Bell Enchirito Beef1 1/2 tablespoons masa harina4 1/2 teaspoons chili powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt1/2 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon garlic salt1/4 teaspoon sugar1 teaspoon dried minced onion1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder1 1/3 pounds ground chuck Sauce8 ounces tomato sauce1/3 cup water1/4 teaspoon chili powder1 1/2 teaspoons cumin1 1/2 teaspoons minced onion1 tablespoon white vinegar1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon garlic salt1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Assembly4 tortillas1 cup refried beans heated1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1/4 cup chopped white onionssliced black olives In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the beef, except for the beef itself, and mix well.Crumble the ground chuck into a large skillet (preferably nonstick) and brown, stirring well. Remove from the heat and drain the grease from the beef.Return the beef to the pan and stir in the spice mix and 3/4 to 1 cup of water. Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, until most of the moisture has cooked away. Remove the pan from the heat before the meat is completely dry.To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan and mix well. Simmer at a very low temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.Preheat the oven to 350°F.To assemble the Enchirito, spread 1/4 of the heated refried beans onto a tortilla, followed by 1/4 of the ground beef. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in an ovenproof dish coated with non-stick spray. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Cover with the prepared sauce, cheese, chopped onions, and black olives, if desired.Place the Enchiritos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Happy Cyber Monday! Point, click and spend till it hurts! An off-menu item at my pizza place, Tappan Out Pizza, was something I would make for customers who requested it. I sure miss that joint and my great customers. Happy shopping! If you find a great on-line deal today, put it in the comments section. Sausage-Pepperoni Calzone 1 lb. hot or mild Italian sausage, casings removed2 rolls prepared pizza dough, thawed2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded1 package mini pepperonis1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1 garlic clove, minced1 green bell pepper, diced1 onion, dicedFive Minute Marinara sauce (recipe follows) or yourfavorite jarred sauceKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste1 egg white (for brushing) Preheat oven to 425In a large skillet, crumble and cook sausage just until starting to brown. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers and Italian seasoning. Warm through then remove from heat and drain, if necessary. Let cool slightly.Unroll dough out to a parchment covered baking sheet. Gently pull dough on the ends, to form a football shape.Brush marinara on one half of the dough (leaving at least an inch all around the edges) and fill with sausage, peppers and onion mixtureSpread pepperonis and then cheese over the top. Leave at least 1-inch of the edge without filling to ensure a tight seal and brush around the edge with egg white.Slightly pull top dough on the ends, forming a football shape, and place over the top, then slightly roll and pinch and press the edges together to seal. Brush with egg white. Sprinkle a pinch of seasoning on the calzone. Bake 18-22 minutes, until puffed up golden brown. Five Minute Spicy Marinara:2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil3 cloves garlic, crushedPinch of red pepper flakes1 (32 ounce) can crushed tomatoesKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning1 handful Italian parsley leaves, chopped Add olive oil to medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed pepper to the heated olive oil; when pepper snaps and garlic sizzles, stir in crushed tomatoes. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for five minutes and stir in parsley.

I didn’t make oyster dressing this year for Thanksgiving, because I’m the only one in the family that likes it. So, I’ll just get my oyster on another way this weekend.   Pan Fried Oysters with Tartar Sauce   For the Fried Oysters: 2 cups oysters, drained 2 large eggs, beaten 2 cups cornmeal 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying Malt vinegar, for serving Lemon wedges, for squeezing   For the Tartar Sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup dill relish, or finely chopped dill pickle 2 teaspoons capers, drained and chopped 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons lemon juice Fresh ground pepper, to taste 2 green onions, chopped   Fry the Oysters Pat the drained oysters dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs. Add the oysters to the egg bowl and set aside for 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, sugar, pepper, salt, Old Bay and flour. Lift each oyster out of the egg mixture and allow the excess moisture to drip off before rolling them in the cornmeal mixture to evenly coat. Repeat the process with all oysters. Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, cast iron skillet, or whatever skillet you have. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring it to a temperature of 370. Carefully add the oysters to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch of 6 to 8 oysters for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Use a metal slotted spoon to remove the oysters to paper towels to drain. Reserve.   Make the Tartar Sauce Gather the ingredients. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the dill relish, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the green onions to the sauce and stir it into the mixture, or reserve the onion to garnish the finished oysters. Stir to blend thoroughly. Serve the sauce alongside the fried oysters with the lemon wedges and malt vinegar, for dashing and enjoy.

More freakin’ leftover turkey! Dave’s Beer-Braised Leftover Turkey Carnitas Leftover turkey wings, thighs and drumsticks, bone in, skin on1 tall boy beer2 oranges, halved2 limes, halved2 medium onions, quartered2 bay leaves1 jalapeno, stem removed and halved lengthwiseFresh cilantroVegetable oilYour favorite Mexican seasoningKosher salt & fresh-ground pepper, to tasteFlour or corn tortillas, charred over a gas flame Toppings:Shredded iceberg lettuceChopped onionChopped tomatoChopped cilantroSliced radishYour favorite hot sauce or Siracha Combine turkey with oranges, limes, onion, jalapeno, bay leaves and a small palm full of Mexican seasoning and a hand full of torn cilantro in a pot that fits the thighs and drumsticks snugly. Add enough beer to cover halfway (add water if you need to). Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a bare simmer and cook until turkey is fall-off-the-bone tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.Discard oranges, limes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and bay leaves and drain turkey well, let cool. Remove skin and discard, shred turkey and discard bones.Heat oil or fat in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add turkey and spread into an even layer. Cook, without moving, until meat is well browned and crisp on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Stir turkey to incorporate the crisp bits . Continue until the turkey is as crisp as you like it (I like mine really crisp, like carnitas). Season with salt, if needed. Serve with tortillas and toppings for tacos or tostadas.

Turkey leftovers? If your mother in law cooks the bejesus out of your turkey, this is a great way to disguise the taste of over-done, dry turkey. Turkey Enchiladas For the sauce:2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil1 small onion, diced1 tablespoon tomato paste1 tablespoon all-purpose flour1/4 cup chili powder1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon cumin1/2 teaspoon oreganoPinch cayenne pepperKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste2 cups chicken stock For the enchiladas:8 flour tortillas2 cups shredded or chopped leftover turkey3 cups grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeseFresh cilantro, for servingSour cream, for serving For the sauce:Add the oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, stir to coat with the oil, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the flour to the pan, stir to coat the onions, and cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast the flour.Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant. Gradually whisk in the stock. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove the pan from the heat. For the enchiladas:Preheat the oven to 350°F.Spread about 1/4 cup of the sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. To assemble the enchiladas, place a tortilla on a work surface, spread 2 tablespoons of sauce over the top, add 1/4 cup of turkey in a line down the tortilla, and top with 1/4 cup of the grated cheese. Roll up the tortilla, then place in the baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Spread the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.