Little Gem Cookies Recipes

SPICE GEM COOKIES, OLD TIME RECIPE

Steps:

• Cream together butter and sugar
• Add egg and apple sauce to butter mixture and beat well.
• Add flour til smooth.
• Stir in baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Add raisins to mixture and drop from teaspoon onto greased baking sheet.
• Bake 10-12 minutes at 350C until golden brown.
• Cool on wire rack.

CHARRED LITTLE GEMS CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Add the yogurt, capers, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to a blender. Turn on the blender and slowly stream in the olive oil until combined, about 1 minute. Pour into a small dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a small food processor, dump the croutons and 1/2 cup Parmesan and pulse until in rough bits, then set aside for later.
• Heat a 14-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon blended oil. Once heated add the Little Gem wedges cut-side down and sear until the undersides are medium to dark brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. (Do this in batches if necessary to not crowd the skillet.)
• Add the remaining tablespoon blended oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the red onions and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add the red wine vinegar and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet and place in a small bowl.
• Use a paper towel to wipe out the skillet, then return to medium-high heat. Add the crouton-cheese mixture and heat until warmed through and evenly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Put a spoonful of dressing on each of 4 to 6 plates and spread in a circle with the back of the spoon. Arrange 4 to 6 pieces Little Gem on each plate. Drizzle with more dressing, then sprinkle on capers, charred onion and thinly shaved Parm all over those babies. Sprinkle your warm cheesy crumbs over the top to finish.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH GARLICKY ALMOND DRESSING

Steps:

• Remove wilted exterior leaves from each head of lettuce. Cut stems from the lettuce heads, separate leaves and swish in a large basin of cold water, letting any sand or dirt sink to the bottom. Lift the leaves from the water and transfer to a colander. Shake away excess water. Wrap in kitchen towels to dry or use a salad spinner.
• Make the dressing: Put almonds, vinegar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Put leaves in a wide salad bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Dress lightly just before serving, using 2 or 3 tablespoons of dressing and coating leaves well. Taste and add more dressing as necessary. Store any remaining dressing in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

DRESSED LITTLE GEMS

Steps:

• Mix the oil and vinegar with a generous pinch of salt (preferably flakes) to make the dressing.
• Pack the lettuce into a plastic food container with ice to keep it fresh. Take the dressing and cheese into smaller containers. Arrange the lettuce on a platter, drizzle with the dressing and scatter with the cheese.