Roasted Carrot & Ginger Soup

Ingredients:

8 Tbsp - Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
1/2 Large Onion - Diced
1 Cup Mushrooms - Chopped
8 Carrots - Diced
1/2 Head Cauliflower - Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic - Smashed
1/2 Cup White Wine (or water)
2 Tbsp - Grated Ginger
1 Tsp - Cumin
1 Tsp - Salt
1 Tsp - Black Pepper
1 Tsp - Corriander
1/2 Tsp - Cayenne
5 Cups Vegetable Stock (4 cups + 1 cup)

In a large post, over med / high heat, add the EVOO. Once heated, add the onion and cook about 2 minutes. Next add the mushrooms and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the carrots, garlic and cauliflower and cook 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When the veggies are starting to brown and break down, add the wine to deglaze and cook about 1-2 minutes.  Add the spices & ginger and cook about 1 minute. Add in 4 cups of stock. Place on a lid (cracked) and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender and breaking down.

Using an emersion blender (or regular blender), puree the soup and put back on the stove to simmer.  If the soup is too thick, add the remaining cup of stock to thin it out.  Adjust the seasoning at this point and simmer another 5-10 minutes and then serve. *I added grilled cheese croutons.

Enjoy.  #cheftainment

Vegetable Puff Pastry Tart

Ingredients:
2 Sheets Puff Pastry - Thawed + flour for dusting & rolling out
1 Shallot - Sliced thinly
2 Cloves Garlic - Smashed & finely diced
2 Leeks - Sliced 1/2" coins - rinsed and dried
2 Cups Mushrooms - Sliced
3/4 Red Onion - 1/4" slice
1/2 Green Pepper - 1/4" slice
3 tbsp EVOO
3 Roma Tomatoes - 1/2" slice
4 oz. Goat Cheese - Thawed
4 oz. Fontina Cheese - Sliced thin
4 oz. Havarti Cheese - Sliced thin
1 Tbsp Salt
1 Tbsp Pepper
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to about 1/4" thick.  Place on a baking sheet lined with lightly buttered parchment paper.

In a large pan on med/high heat add the EVOO.  Add the shallot, garlic, leeks, mushroom, onion and pepper.  Sautee about 5 minutes.

Schmear the puff pastry w/ the goat cheese.  Lay the cheese slices on top.  Add on the mushroom, etc. mixture.  Spread evenly.  Sprinkle the Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper over everything.  Evenly place the tomatoes on top.

Roll up the sides of the puff pastry to create a "wall".  Place in oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Let rest about 10 minutes before cutting into.  Served w/ an arugula salad is nice.

#Cheftainment