“Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish from Upstate NY.

The Food Adventure Crew have come up with a brand new feature that you’ll will see in upcoming months called “KITCHEN ADVENTURES.” Here we will list some of our favorite all time recipes that will release the inner foodie in you. We are also hoping these recipes will impress your family and friends. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them where you got it. It will be our little secret.

Our inaugural installment comes to you from our resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax. May we present to you…

KITCHEN ADVENTURES: UTICA GREENS

Hey all! “Hungry Jax” here. About 9 years ago my husband and I relocated to the Dayton area from our hometown of Utica, NY. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a culinary treasure that is slowly, but surely making it’s name as one of the most delicious places to eat in the US. It is a city rich in Italian culture and cuisine! Upon relocating, I was homesick, not just for family, but for the culinary creations that are unique to the Utica area. So my kitchen became a laboratory with weekly experiments to recreate these hometown dishes that I love so dearly (talk about a Food Adventure!). I find that these dishes are ones that I love to share with my new friends here in Dayton. Sharing with them not just a great dish, but part of who I am and where I have come from. I’d like to share with you all one of these special dishes and I hope that you enjoy this recipe and maybe even take a stab at making them!

So my dear fellow Food Adventurers, I give you: “Utica Greens“.

I know what you’re asking yourself: “What’s a Utica Green?” “Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish made up of escarole, garlic, pancetta, hot peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs. Typically served as a side dish but can easily become a meal with a hunk of Italian bread! I also like to mix these in with penne to make a fun pasta dish, or even cook up with eggs in an omelet or frittata!

Hot Cherry Peppers

It should be noted that the peppers for this dish, Hot Cherry Peppers, are hard to find around here. I have found them fresh at Jungle Jims, as well as at Meijers from time to time. You can find them jarred, but typically those are sweet and not hot. Mild will work fine and if you want to spice thing up, just add more red crushed pepper. I have my brothers mail me these peppers when I am not back north to stock up on them myself!

For this dish you will need:

3 heads Escarole chopped and cleaned well. This type of green can be very “gritty” so I have found it best to let the chopped leaves soak in a sink full of cold water to allow for any dirt on the leaves to sink to the bottom. Rinse once more and then you should be good to go!
One small bag baby spinach
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3-5 chopped Hot Cherry Peppers
3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan – I use a mixture of both)
1/8lb Prosciutto or Pancetta chopped
Olive oil
Salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste
Mix together an additional ¼ cup bread crumbs and ¼ cup cheese, set aside

Cut and thoroughly clean the escarole. Add the greens to a large pot of salted water. After water comes to a boil, cook the greens for about 4-5 minutes. Do not cover pot as it will turn your greens brown. Remove and drain.

In a frying pan add olive oil and heat. Fry Pancetta until crispy. Remove from pan and let sit on paper towel to drain.

The Finished Product. Mangia!

Next, add garlic and hot cherry peppers. Cook for just about one minute.

Add the greens and cook just until heated through. Make sure to stir often. Add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted. Add salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste.

Take off heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cheese . Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese and broil for a few minutes to crisp! If the greens look too “wet” don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs. You will find that they are crucial for flavoring the dish. Same with the cheese. So add and taste as you go.

Now tear yourself off a big piece of crusty Italian bread and go to town! This will serve about 4 people (or just me).

These also freeze great which makes it easy for me to grab a batch out of the freezer for holidays or unexpected dinner guests!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do. Let me know if you give it a try!

Mangia!

~ Hungry Jax

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Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. A “hot time in the old firehouse”

What better place for a Food Adventure than a historic Dayton Firehouse? But atmosphere isn’t everything , you gotta have good eats too. Jimmie’s Ladder 11 at 936 Brown St. is one of Dayton’s best examples of a great menu in a great venue. The restaurant is located in what used to be an old city firehouse back in the days when the engines were run by horse drawn carriages. Dayton Fire Department memorabilia lines the walls of this beautiful dining area. Antique wood floors and walls throughout the building develops a warm, nostalgic feel. But Th e Food Adventure Crew knows, the decor is just the beginning.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is located in a historic Dayton Fire Department Building built in 1892.

— Family owned restaurant with a stellar service staff.

— Owner Jimmie Brandell worked at the Upper Krust for 17 years honing his restaurant skills.

— Wide variety of menu choices from Burgers and Sandwiches, to rare Upstate New York favorites

Creole Cheesecake is not a Dessert, it is a Savory Appetizer

— Nice selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles. They even feature a fire hydrant tap.

— Live Music on weekends, showcasing eclectic local bands

— Private Party Loft available for special events or parties

— Outdoor dining area overlooks a bustling Brown Street

Let’s dive into the menu, with FOOD ADVENTURE’s MUST EATS for JIMMIES LADDER 11:

Grab a fork and follow us…

Paisano Pasta Chips – Fresh Deep Fried Pasta, “Italian Nachos”

CREOLE CHEESECAKE – Probably one of the best appetizers in Dayton. This unique menu item is not a dessert. It is a casserole type dish served in slices. The “cheesecake” is stuffed with Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, smoked Gouda, Cream Cheese, Onions, and Peppers. Slightly “fiery,” but mostly rich and tasty.

NEW ORLEANS GUMBO – Made from scratch daily, this hearty gumbo is simply amazing. Bursting with Chicken, Shrimp, and Andouille sausage, this is a “must eat” with the perfect heat. We are addicted and after one cup, you will be too.

VODKA RIGGIES- You won’t find this Upstate New York favorite anywhere else in Dayton. Jimmie’s wife, Sue is from Utica, NY where this dish originated. Creamy tomato sauce is blended with vodka, chicken and rigatoni, then finished with peppers. There is some spiciness to this pasta plate, but we won’t have to hose you down afterwards. One of our favorites for sure.

NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE – One of the best we have ever eaten. Again made from scratch, this is a cross between the Upper Krust Cheesecake and the ones you find in New York City. We love this stuff. Order a piece for a rich, sinful taste of dreaminess.

LADDER 11 SANDWICH – The kitchen starts out with either a hoagie roll or rye bread. They add some Romanian style Pastrami and Corned Beef. Top the whole thing off with the house-made, hand-cut Cole Slaw. The final touch is a drizzle of house-made Russian Dressing. Are you licking your chops yet?

Honorable Mention:

The Hamburger – You might hear fire truck sirens in your head, because for 6 bucks, this platter is a steal.

Tom Turkey – A throwback to the Upper Krust sandwich. You cant go wrong with turkey and creamy house-made cole slaw chopped that day.

Paisano Pasta Chips – Could be described as “Italian Nachos.” Homemade pasta, deep fried and topped with Italian Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Mozzarella and Provolone. The concoction is finished off with a delicious Asiago cream sauce.

New York Style Cheesecake – Unbelievably good

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is a Dayton original. No trendy stuff here. The Ladder 11 staff has brought together good, affordable food and fun surroundings. They even have great salads and vegetarian choices.

If you have not had a chance to visit this establishment, take some time to check it out. We frequent this place because we love the menu and beer selection. The service is always spot on as well. Got a hungry stomach? Put that fire out by visiting Jimmie’s Ladder 11.

Want some more “hot” scoop from some “fiery foodies”? Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Browse through our incredible photos below for a thorough look at the menu. We aren’t a “one dish Trish,” we write informed stories after trying various menu items during numerous visits.

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