Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Gingered Carrots and Red Onions with Broccoli
This is an easy stir-fry, packed full of flavor.
GINGERED CARROTS AND RED ONIONS WITH BROCCOLI
Adapted from the UltraSimple Diet
Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 T ginger, peeled & minced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 carrots, julienned
1 red onion, slice into strips
1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 T olive oil
1/8 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t sea salt
brown rice
1. Heat the oil in a large pan.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, carrots, onions, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2-3 min.
3. Add the broccoli and saute for 2-3 more minutes.
4. Season with salt.
5. Serve over brown rice.
GINGERED CARROTS AND RED ONIONS WITH BROCCOLI
Adapted from the UltraSimple Diet
Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 T ginger, peeled & minced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 carrots, julienned
1 red onion, slice into strips
1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 T olive oil
1/8 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t sea salt
brown rice
1. Heat the oil in a large pan.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, carrots, onions, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2-3 min.
3. Add the broccoli and saute for 2-3 more minutes.
4. Season with salt.
5. Serve over brown rice.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Spinach Calzones
You can fill calzones with all sorts of yummy pizza toppings. Spinach calzones are a delicious spring meal!
SPINACH CALZONES
From Zack & Liz
SPINACH CALZONES
From Zack & Liz
Makes 6 calzones.
Ingredients:
1 box frozen spinach, thawed and drained
½ onion, chopped
1 t basil leaves
¼ lb cheddar cheese, grated
salt &pepper
1) Make Quick Rise Pizza Dough
½ onion, chopped
1 t basil leaves
¼ lb cheddar cheese, grated
salt &pepper
1) Make Quick Rise Pizza Dough
2) While the dough is rising, sauté spinach, onion, & basil.
3) Divide dough into six balls.
4) Flatten dough into rounds, approximately 6” in diameter.
5) Spoon filling onto dough onto half of the circle.
6) Top with cheddar cheese.
7) Fold dough into half circles and pinch the edges closed.
8) Slice tops lightly with a knife.
9) Cook 20 minutes until golden brown.
10) Serve with warm pizza sauce.
3) Divide dough into six balls.
4) Flatten dough into rounds, approximately 6” in diameter.
5) Spoon filling onto dough onto half of the circle.
6) Top with cheddar cheese.
7) Fold dough into half circles and pinch the edges closed.
8) Slice tops lightly with a knife.
9) Cook 20 minutes until golden brown.
10) Serve with warm pizza sauce.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Orzo With Feta And Olives
This is a great summer dish and a popular addition to potlucks. Be careful not to add too many red pepper flakes or it will be spicy! You can also add halved cherry tomatoes for variety.
ORZO WITH FETA AND OLIVES
ORZO WITH FETA AND OLIVES
Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 ½ c orzo
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
¼ c olive oil
3 T pine nuts
½ t red pepper flakes
¾ c feta cheese, crumbled
¾ c black olives, sliced
1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
½ c parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ c fresh basil leaves, chopped
1) Cook orzo.
2) Steam broccoli.
3) Put orzo and broccoli in a large bowl.
4) Pour oil and nuts over orzo. Mix to coat.
5) Add feta, olives, tomatoes, parmesan, and basil.
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
¼ c olive oil
3 T pine nuts
½ t red pepper flakes
¾ c feta cheese, crumbled
¾ c black olives, sliced
1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
½ c parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ c fresh basil leaves, chopped
1) Cook orzo.
2) Steam broccoli.
3) Put orzo and broccoli in a large bowl.
4) Pour oil and nuts over orzo. Mix to coat.
5) Add feta, olives, tomatoes, parmesan, and basil.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wild Rice Soup
This soup can be made with half and half for a creamier, richer meal, or without for a hearty warm winter meal.
Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice Soup
From Zack & Liz
Serves 2.
Ingredients
½ package Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T butter
3 T flour
1 t salt
pepper
1 c water
1 can broth
1 c half and half (optional)
parsley
1) Cook rice according to Uncle Ben’s directions.
2) Sauté celery, carrot, and onion in butter.
3) When tender stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
4) Stir in water, broth, and rice.
5) Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
6) Stir in half and half and parsley. Do NOT boil.
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T butter
3 T flour
1 t salt
pepper
1 c water
1 can broth
1 c half and half (optional)
parsley
1) Cook rice according to Uncle Ben’s directions.
2) Sauté celery, carrot, and onion in butter.
3) When tender stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
4) Stir in water, broth, and rice.
5) Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
6) Stir in half and half and parsley. Do NOT boil.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Bhakti Chai
My husband and I fell in love over a debate about the best chai! One of our joint favorites: Bhakti Chai
It is spicy (rather than too sweet),...
comes in caffeinated, decaf, and unsweetened flavors,...
and is available for purchase online.
Mmm!
It is spicy (rather than too sweet),...
comes in caffeinated, decaf, and unsweetened flavors,...
and is available for purchase online.
Mmm!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Focaccia
Delicious served with soup in winter!
FOCACCIA
FOCACCIA
From my mom
Ingredients
1 c warm water
2 t yeast
2 t sugar
¼ c olive oil
1 1/2 c white flour
1 ½ c whole-wheat flour
Coarse sea salt
1) In a large bowl soften the yeast with water and sugar.
2) Add olive oil and flour.
3) Knead.
4) Let rise in greased bowl for 1 hour.
5) Punch down.
6) Roll out to fit in a 9x13 pan.
7) Use a chopstick to make holes in the top.
8) Sprinkle with sea salt.
9) Let rise for 15-20 min.
10) Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.
1 c warm water
2 t yeast
2 t sugar
¼ c olive oil
1 1/2 c white flour
1 ½ c whole-wheat flour
Coarse sea salt
1) In a large bowl soften the yeast with water and sugar.
2) Add olive oil and flour.
3) Knead.
4) Let rise in greased bowl for 1 hour.
5) Punch down.
6) Roll out to fit in a 9x13 pan.
7) Use a chopstick to make holes in the top.
8) Sprinkle with sea salt.
9) Let rise for 15-20 min.
10) Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pesto
Yum! Make a bunch of pesto with the summer basil crop and freeze it in ice cube trays to enjoy all winter long. To defrost, just thin with boiling water.
Pesto
Pesto
from my dad
Ingredients
½ c parmesan cheese
1 c fresh basil leaves (or arugula)
¼ c pine nuts
4 cloves garlic
¼ - ½ c olive oil
Salt
1) Blend cheese, basil, pine nuts, and garlic in food processor until smooth.
2) Gradually add olive oil.
3) Blend until smooth.
4) Before serving thin with boiling water.
5) Serve over warm pasta.
1 c fresh basil leaves (or arugula)
¼ c pine nuts
4 cloves garlic
¼ - ½ c olive oil
Salt
1) Blend cheese, basil, pine nuts, and garlic in food processor until smooth.
2) Gradually add olive oil.
3) Blend until smooth.
4) Before serving thin with boiling water.
5) Serve over warm pasta.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Linguini With Walnut Sauce
Fancy enough to serve when you have company for dinner! Easy enough for a busy weeknight! You can make it ahead of time and freeze it, too.
LINGUINI WITH WALNUT SAUCE
LINGUINI WITH WALNUT SAUCE
from my dad
Ingredients
½ c olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ t pepper
2 t dried basil
2 c parmesan, grated
1 c warm water
1 c broken walnuts
6 c (3/4 lb) hot cooked linguini pasta
1) Place oil, garlic, pepper, and basil in an electric blender. Blend until smooth.
2) Add cheese and ½ c water. Blend until smooth.
3) Add nuts and remaining water. Blend until smooth and thick.
4) Heat sauce gently and serve over hot pasta.
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ t pepper
2 t dried basil
2 c parmesan, grated
1 c warm water
1 c broken walnuts
6 c (3/4 lb) hot cooked linguini pasta
1) Place oil, garlic, pepper, and basil in an electric blender. Blend until smooth.
2) Add cheese and ½ c water. Blend until smooth.
3) Add nuts and remaining water. Blend until smooth and thick.
4) Heat sauce gently and serve over hot pasta.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Cheese Enchiladas
You can adjust the spiciness of this recipe by using mild or hot chiles and more/less chili powder. Dipping the tortillas in the sauce can be messy, but it keeps them from ripping. Be careful not to burn yourself!
Serves 4.
Ingredients
2 c Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 c Cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ c sour cream
1 medium onion, finely chopped
¼ t pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) medium green chiles, drained
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2/3 c water
1 T chili powder
½ t dried oregano
¼ t ground cumin
8 corn tortillas
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) In a medium bowl mix cheeses, sour cream, onion, and pepper. Set aside.
3) In a medium saucepan, heat tomato sauce, chiles, garlic, water, chili powder, oregano, and cumin to boiling, stirring occasionally.
4) Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 min.
5) Pour into a 9” cake pan. Let cool slightly.
6) Dip each tortilla into sauce to coat both sides. Spoon ¼ c cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll. Place seam downward in 11 x 7 glass dish.
7) Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas.
8) Bake uncovered for 20 min or until bubbly.
9) Top with additional cheeses, salsa, and/or sour cream.
2 c Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 c Cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ c sour cream
1 medium onion, finely chopped
¼ t pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4.5 oz) medium green chiles, drained
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2/3 c water
1 T chili powder
½ t dried oregano
¼ t ground cumin
8 corn tortillas
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) In a medium bowl mix cheeses, sour cream, onion, and pepper. Set aside.
3) In a medium saucepan, heat tomato sauce, chiles, garlic, water, chili powder, oregano, and cumin to boiling, stirring occasionally.
4) Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 min.
5) Pour into a 9” cake pan. Let cool slightly.
6) Dip each tortilla into sauce to coat both sides. Spoon ¼ c cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll. Place seam downward in 11 x 7 glass dish.
7) Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas.
8) Bake uncovered for 20 min or until bubbly.
9) Top with additional cheeses, salsa, and/or sour cream.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Basil Cream Sauce Over Pasta
A quick and easy pasta dish. You can mix and match the vegetables, depending on what's in season!
BASIL CREAM SAUCE OVER PASTA
BASIL CREAM SAUCE OVER PASTA
from Zack & Liz
Serves 2.
Ingredients
Pasta
1 red pepper, chopped
1 handful green beans, chopped
1 handful frozen corn
¼ onion, chopped
1 T butter
1 ½ T flour
1 c milk
1/8 t salt
¼ c parmesan cheese, grated
1 T dried basil
pepper
1) Cook pasta.
2) Sauté red pepper, green beans, corn, and onion.
3) Melt butter in a separate pan.
4) Add flour and stir until absorbed.
5) Add milk and salt.
6) Over medium heat, stir until thickened.
7) Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper.
8) Pour over vegetables and warm pasta.
Serves 2.
Ingredients
Pasta
1 red pepper, chopped
1 handful green beans, chopped
1 handful frozen corn
¼ onion, chopped
1 T butter
1 ½ T flour
1 c milk
1/8 t salt
¼ c parmesan cheese, grated
1 T dried basil
pepper
1) Cook pasta.
2) Sauté red pepper, green beans, corn, and onion.
3) Melt butter in a separate pan.
4) Add flour and stir until absorbed.
5) Add milk and salt.
6) Over medium heat, stir until thickened.
7) Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper.
8) Pour over vegetables and warm pasta.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Dad's Birthday Chocolate Cake
My dad loves coffee, chocolate, and raspberries, so when I found this recipe on smittenkitchen.com, I knew it was the perfect treat to bake for his birthday! After my first attempt ended in a volcano of chocolate in my oven (because I used 9 inch cake pans that were 1 inch deep instead of 10 inch pie pans that were 2 inches deep--oops!), I halved the recipe and cooked it in three 8 inch cake pans that were 1 inch deep. Perfect! Happy birthday, dad!
DAD'S BIRTHDAY CHOCOLATE CAKE
Adapted from smittenkitchen.com
Serves 10-12
For cake layers 1.5 oz semisweet chocolate
3/4 c brewed coffee
1 1/2 c sugar
1 1/4 c flour
3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
3/4 c buttermilk
1/2 t vanilla
For ganache frosting8 oz semisweet chocolate
1/2 c heavy cream
1 T sugar
1 T light corn syrup
1/4 stick butter
Raspberry Filling
10 oz frozen raspberries, thawed
1/4 c sugar
1 T cornstarch
Make cake layers:
1. Preheat the oven to 300-degrees F. and grease three 8-inch cake pans. Line bottoms with rounds of wax paper and grease the paper.
2. Melt chocolate in hot coffee in a small saucepan over low heat.
3. In a large bowl mix sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another large bowl, beat the eggs until thickened and lemon colored (about 3 minutes with a Kitchenaid mixer).
DAD'S BIRTHDAY CHOCOLATE CAKE
Adapted from smittenkitchen.com
Serves 10-12
For cake layers 1.5 oz semisweet chocolate
3/4 c brewed coffee
1 1/2 c sugar
1 1/4 c flour
3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
2 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
3/4 c buttermilk
1/2 t vanilla
For ganache frosting8 oz semisweet chocolate
1/2 c heavy cream
1 T sugar
1 T light corn syrup
1/4 stick butter
Raspberry Filling
10 oz frozen raspberries, thawed
1/4 c sugar
1 T cornstarch
IMPORTANT: three 8 inch cake pans
Make cake layers:
1. Preheat the oven to 300-degrees F. and grease three 8-inch cake pans. Line bottoms with rounds of wax paper and grease the paper.
2. Melt chocolate in hot coffee in a small saucepan over low heat.
3. In a large bowl mix sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another large bowl, beat the eggs until thickened and lemon colored (about 3 minutes with a Kitchenaid mixer).
5. Slowly add the oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted chocolate mixture.
6. Gradually mix in the sugar mixture.
7. Divide batter between pans and bake in middle of oven 30-35 min. Do NOT overfill the pans.
8. Cool layers completely in pans on racks. Invert layers onto racks and remove wax paper. Cool layers completely. Cake layers may be made 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature.
Make frosting:
1. In a saucepan bring cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over moderately low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted.
6. Gradually mix in the sugar mixture.
7. Divide batter between pans and bake in middle of oven 30-35 min. Do NOT overfill the pans.
8. Cool layers completely in pans on racks. Invert layers onto racks and remove wax paper. Cool layers completely. Cake layers may be made 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature.
Make frosting:
1. In a saucepan bring cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over moderately low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted.
3. Remove from heat. Cut butter into pieces and add, whisking until smooth.
4. Transfer frosting to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until spreadable.
Raspberry Filling
1. Puree the raspberries in a food processor, blender or immersion blender.
2. Press the puree through a fine-mesh strainer with the back of a spoon, removing the seeds.
3. Heat the puree in a small pot with the sugar and cornstarch until mixture boils, stirring constantly. As it boils, it should quickly thicken.
4. Let it cool complete before spreading it thinly over three layers.
4. Transfer frosting to a bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until spreadable.
Raspberry Filling
1. Puree the raspberries in a food processor, blender or immersion blender.
2. Press the puree through a fine-mesh strainer with the back of a spoon, removing the seeds.
3. Heat the puree in a small pot with the sugar and cornstarch until mixture boils, stirring constantly. As it boils, it should quickly thicken.
4. Let it cool complete before spreading it thinly over three layers.
Frost the cake with ganache and enjoy!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Extraordinary Desserts!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Kitchen Tools: Kitchenaid Mixer
Where would I be without my Kitchenaid mixer?
I love the handle on the bowl for easy release and the splash guard...and also the ice cream attachment. More ice cream recipes coming this summer!
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!
These are the best kind of chocolate chip cookie--soft and chewy! There are two* tricks to their perfection:
- Margarine and brown sugar. Reading the cookie section of CookWise (all about the chemistry of cooking), I learned that different fats melt at different temperatures, which greatly affects the consistency of the cookie. Butter melts quickly in the oven, making cookies spread. Shortening and margarine melt at hotter temperatures, so the cookies don't spread as much in the oven. Brown sugar absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, maintaining the cookie's softness over time.
- Baking time. It is easy to overcook cookies. You should take them out before they LOOK done. 12 minutes usually is perfect for me. \
MARY'S MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
from Kelly
Makes 3 dozen.
Ingredients
1 c margarine
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 T vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
2 c chocolate chips
1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
2. Mix margarine & sugars until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla.
4. Fold in flower, salt, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
5. Form balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges just begin to brown. Do not overcook!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Chile Rellenos
The trick to getting the flour to stick to the chilies is to roast and skin them! If you have a gas stove, I recommend roasting the chiles over an open burner flame. If you have an electric stove, just throw them in the oven on a cookie sheet until they're blackened. You can follow the recipe exactly, or for a simpler version don’t separate the eggs. Just scramble them, dip the floured chiles, and pour the rest of the egg into the pan as the chilies cook.
Chile Rellenos
from my mom
Serves 2.
Ingredients
3 anaheim green chile peppers
¼ lb Monterey jack cheese
3 eggs
vegetable oil
½ c flour
1) Roast peppers in oven on broil until skins blacken and blister.
2) Peel skins and make ½” slits at stem.
3) Remove the seeds.
4) Slice cheese ¾” wide as long as peppers and slide inside chili.
5) Preheat pan with 1 T oil.
6) Separate egg whites and beat until stiff.
7) Fold in egg yolks.
8) Dip chiles in flour.
9) Dip peppers in egg better.
10) Fry peppers.
Chile Rellenos
from my mom
Serves 2.
Ingredients
3 anaheim green chile peppers
¼ lb Monterey jack cheese
3 eggs
vegetable oil
½ c flour
1) Roast peppers in oven on broil until skins blacken and blister.
2) Peel skins and make ½” slits at stem.
3) Remove the seeds.
4) Slice cheese ¾” wide as long as peppers and slide inside chili.
5) Preheat pan with 1 T oil.
6) Separate egg whites and beat until stiff.
7) Fold in egg yolks.
8) Dip chiles in flour.
9) Dip peppers in egg better.
10) Fry peppers.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Appetite for Reduction
Friday, May 13, 2011
Mom's Banana Bread
I hate bananas, but I love this banana bread, as long as the bananas are thoroughly smashed. It’s a great use for bananas that are past their prime. You can store them in the freezer in a plastic bag until you’re ready to bake!
Banana Bread
from my mom
Makes 1 loaf.
Ingredients
½ c butter, melted
1 c sugar
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
½ t salt
1 t baking soda
1 c white flour
1 c whole-wheat flour
1/3 c hot water
1) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2) Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3) Blend butter and sugar.
4) Add eggs and bananas.
5) Mix well.
6) Add salt and baking soda. Mix.
7) Add flour slowly, alternating with hot water.
8) Pour into loaf pan.
9) Bake for 70 min.
Banana Bread
from my mom
Makes 1 loaf.
Ingredients
½ c butter, melted
1 c sugar
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
½ t salt
1 t baking soda
1 c white flour
1 c whole-wheat flour
1/3 c hot water
1) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2) Grease and flour a loaf pan.
3) Blend butter and sugar.
4) Add eggs and bananas.
5) Mix well.
6) Add salt and baking soda. Mix.
7) Add flour slowly, alternating with hot water.
8) Pour into loaf pan.
9) Bake for 70 min.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Made From Scratch: Buttermilk
Who knew you could make your own buttermilk! Just add one tablespoon on vinegar or lemon juice to 1 c of milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes. No need to buy a quart of buttermilk at the store anymore when recipes only call for a cup!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mexican Layered Bean Dip
Mexican Layered Bean Dip
from Cathy
from Cathy
Makes 2 dinner plates or 1 platter.
Ingredients
1 large can refried beans
½ pkg. taco seasoning
½ small carton sour cream
½ small carton avocado dip
1 can sliced black olives
½ small can green chiles
Chopped green onions
Chopped tomatoes
Cover with shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
Mix together beans and taco seasoning. Spread on a plate. Layer other ingredients on top. Serve with chips.
Ingredients
1 large can refried beans
½ pkg. taco seasoning
½ small carton sour cream
½ small carton avocado dip
1 can sliced black olives
½ small can green chiles
Chopped green onions
Chopped tomatoes
Cover with shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
Mix together beans and taco seasoning. Spread on a plate. Layer other ingredients on top. Serve with chips.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Made From Scratch: Yogurt
Last year I discovered how easy it is to make homemade yogurt! You don't have to have a yogurt maker, but it makes the process a lot easier and more reliable.
Equipment
Double boiler OR a large pot and smaller pot or metal bowl that fits inside
Spoon, metal
Thermometer
Tongs (for removing items after sterilizing)
Yogurt maker, heating pad, oven with pilot light, or slow cooker.
Ingredients
Milk, (I use 2% milk from our local dairy, but skim, 1%, or whole milk work, too. The fattier the milk, the thicker the yogurt). You need an equal amount to the amount of yogurt you want--for example, 1/2 gallon milk = 1/2 gallon yogurt.
2-3 T plain yogurt (for starter)
Powdered milk (optional, to thicken yogurt, 1/4 c per 1/2 gallon of milk)
Fruit (optional, for flavor)
Sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup, agave (optional, to sweeten)
How to...
1. Boil a large pot of water.
2. While you wait for the water to boil, make an ice bath in your sink.
3. Sterilize your equipment by dunking it in the boiling water.
4. Put the milk in the top of the double boiler and heat to 180-degrees F, stirring frequently.
5. Place milk pot into ice bath to cool the milk to 110-degrees F, stirring occasionally. (This is a good time to add the powdered milk, if you're going to use it.)
6. Add yogurt to milk once it's cooled and stir until dissolved.
7. Put yogurt into yogurt maker and follow manufacturers directions. Or put it in a warm place (with a heating pad, in the oven with a pilot light, or in the slow cooker) and let it sit undisturbed for 7 hours. The longer it sits, the thicker and tangier it will become.
8. Chill the yogurt in the refrigerator.
9. Add sweetener or flavor. I like to sweeten my yogurt by the bowl with honey and fruit and eat it with granola.
10. Enjoy! But don't forget to save a few tablespoons of yogurt as starter for the next batch!
Equipment
Double boiler OR a large pot and smaller pot or metal bowl that fits inside
Spoon, metal
Thermometer
Tongs (for removing items after sterilizing)
Yogurt maker, heating pad, oven with pilot light, or slow cooker.
Ingredients
Milk, (I use 2% milk from our local dairy, but skim, 1%, or whole milk work, too. The fattier the milk, the thicker the yogurt). You need an equal amount to the amount of yogurt you want--for example, 1/2 gallon milk = 1/2 gallon yogurt.
2-3 T plain yogurt (for starter)
Powdered milk (optional, to thicken yogurt, 1/4 c per 1/2 gallon of milk)
Fruit (optional, for flavor)
Sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup, agave (optional, to sweeten)
How to...
1. Boil a large pot of water.
2. While you wait for the water to boil, make an ice bath in your sink.
3. Sterilize your equipment by dunking it in the boiling water.
4. Put the milk in the top of the double boiler and heat to 180-degrees F, stirring frequently.
5. Place milk pot into ice bath to cool the milk to 110-degrees F, stirring occasionally. (This is a good time to add the powdered milk, if you're going to use it.)
6. Add yogurt to milk once it's cooled and stir until dissolved.
7. Put yogurt into yogurt maker and follow manufacturers directions. Or put it in a warm place (with a heating pad, in the oven with a pilot light, or in the slow cooker) and let it sit undisturbed for 7 hours. The longer it sits, the thicker and tangier it will become.
8. Chill the yogurt in the refrigerator.
9. Add sweetener or flavor. I like to sweeten my yogurt by the bowl with honey and fruit and eat it with granola.
10. Enjoy! But don't forget to save a few tablespoons of yogurt as starter for the next batch!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Kitchen Tools: Rice Maker
I don't know what I did before I got our Zojirushi rice maker! No more soggy or dry rice for us. Best of all it has a timer so that you can set it in advance to have rice ready when you need it. And it even sings to us when it's done!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Cashew and Green Pea Bhaji
An easy recipe! Especially with a rice cooker to make perfect brown rice!
CASHEW AND GREEN PEA BHAJI
Adapted from World Vegetarian by Madhur Jaffrey
Ingredients
1 1/2 c whole raw cashews
1 1/2 T peanut oil
1 t whole mustard seeds
15-20 fresh basil leaves
1 fresh Jalapeno pepper
1 c fresh or frozen defrosted peas
3/4 t salt
brown rice
1. Soak the cashews overnight in water, covered by at least 3 inches. Drain.
2. Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds.
3. As soon as the seeds start to pop, add the basil leaves and stir once or twice.
4. Add the cashews, chile, peas, and salt.
5. Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
6. Serve over brown rice.
CASHEW AND GREEN PEA BHAJI
Adapted from World Vegetarian by Madhur Jaffrey
Ingredients
1 1/2 c whole raw cashews
1 1/2 T peanut oil
1 t whole mustard seeds
15-20 fresh basil leaves
1 fresh Jalapeno pepper
1 c fresh or frozen defrosted peas
3/4 t salt
brown rice
1. Soak the cashews overnight in water, covered by at least 3 inches. Drain.
2. Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds.
3. As soon as the seeds start to pop, add the basil leaves and stir once or twice.
4. Add the cashews, chile, peas, and salt.
5. Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
6. Serve over brown rice.
Preserving Jalapeno Peppers
To help Jalapeno peppers last longer in the fridge, put them in a brine solution (1 c water + 1 T salt). Just rinse them off before using! Mine lasted over a week and were no worse for the wear.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Chai Sugar Cookies
CHAI SUGAR COOKIES
Adapted from Cooks Illustrated Magazine
Makes 2 dozen cookies.
Ingredients
2 1/4 c flour
1/2 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 c sugar
1/3 c sugar, for rolling
2 oz cream cheese
1/4 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground cardamom
1/4 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground cloves
pinch of black pepper
6 T margarine, melted
1/3 c vegetable oil
1 egg
1 T milk
1 t vanilla
1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
2. Mix 1 1/2 c sugar and cream cheese. (The cream cheese can still be lumpy.)
3. Pour melted margarine over the sugar & cream cheese and mix.
4. Mix in oil.
5. Add egg, milk, and vanilla.
6. Add dry ingredients and mix until blended.
7. Using your hands, roll dough into balls. Handle as gently and briefly as possible.
8. Roll dough balls in 1/3 c extra sugar to coat evenly.
9. Place on a baking sheet and flatten with a cup.
10. Bake 11-13 minutes or until edges are set and just beginning to brown. Do not overcook!
11. Cool on wire racks.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Teriyaki Greens
The easiest way to prepare dark greens! And delicious, too!
TERIYAKI GREENS
From my mom
Serves 3-4.
Ingredients
1 head kale, chard, or collard greens
Olive oil
Soy sauce
1) Wash greens and cut from stalk.
2) Chop into bite-size pieces
3) Sauté in olive oil until almost wilted
4) Add olive oil and sauté until limp.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Chocolate Strawberry Scone Cake
A delicious spring dessert with fresh strawberries! A birthday favorite at our house!
I am not 25 anymore, alas! |
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SCONE CAKE
I think I clipped this recipe out of the newspaper years ago.
Serves 8-12.
Ingredients
2 ½ c flour
¼ c sugar
4 t baking powder
¼ t salt
2/3 c butter
2/3 c milk
2 eggs
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c whipping cream
2 baskets strawberries
1) Preheat the oven to 425.
2) Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3) Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4) In a small bowl combine milk, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk.
5) Mix into dry ingredients until just moistened.
6) Turn out onto a floured board and knead lightly several times to form a ball.
7) Divide in half. Pat each half into a circle 8” in diameter.
8) Place one circle on a greased baking sheet.
9) Cover evenly with chocolate chips.
10) Top with remaining circle, pressing lightly to seal edges.
11) Beat the remaining egg white and brush it onto the top of the cake.
12) Sprinkle generously with sugar.
13) With a sharp knife slice halfway through top later to form six wedges.
14) Bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and springy to touch.
15) Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
16) Whip cream and add 1 c berries. Sweeten to taste.
17) Serve wedges of warm scone cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New World Soup
This soup is made entirely from ingredients found in the "New World," when Europeans came to the Americas. It's also a delicious (and deliciously easy!) soup. Unfortunately the ingredients are mostly summer vegetables and summer is not a time when a bowl of hot soup is particularly attractive. I wonder how well zucchini freezes. We'll have to give it a try this summer!
NEW WORLD SOUP
From my mom
Ingredients
1 ½ c frozen corn or 1 can corn
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 ½ c canned kidney beans
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 can cut-up tomatoes
½ c refried beans
Water, juice from canned vegetables
1) Put all ingredients in a big pot and simmer for 1 hour.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Kitchen Tools: GlassLock Tupperware
There are many contenders for the best tool in my kitchen. One that we use every day are our GlassLock Tupperware.
Their best features:
1) They are glass on the bottom and therefore microwaveable.
2) They're dishwasher safe, even the lids.
3) The lids snap on tightly and don't leak in my bag on the way to work.
4) They come in a variety of sizes for the perfect mama bear and papa bear lunch portions.
Their best features:
1) They are glass on the bottom and therefore microwaveable.
2) They're dishwasher safe, even the lids.
3) The lids snap on tightly and don't leak in my bag on the way to work.
4) They come in a variety of sizes for the perfect mama bear and papa bear lunch portions.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dal Makhani
We are still talking about the amazing meal we had at Athidi Fine Indian Cuisine in Auckland! So, we decided to attempt making Dal Makhani, one of the dishes we had there. It was our first attempt at Indian food, ever...and it was delicious!
DAL MAKHANI
Adapted from Veggie Cookboook
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 c black lentils
1/3 c kidney beans
1 T chopped ginger
1 t turmeric powder
1 T red chili powder
1 t salt
3 T butter
1 T oil
1 t cumin seeds
1 T chopped ginger
1 T chopped garlic
1 chopped onion
1 t garam masala
1 can diced tomatoes or 2-3 diced tomatoes
½ c cream (or yogurt?)
Oil 1 tbsp.
Naan, rice, or roti
1. Wash and soak beans in 5-6 c water overnight.
DAL MAKHANI
Adapted from Veggie Cookboook
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 c black lentils
1/3 c kidney beans
1 T chopped ginger
1 t turmeric powder
1 T red chili powder
1 t salt
3 T butter
1 T oil
1 t cumin seeds
1 T chopped ginger
1 T chopped garlic
1 chopped onion
1 t garam masala
1 can diced tomatoes or 2-3 diced tomatoes
½ c cream (or yogurt?)
Oil 1 tbsp.
Naan, rice, or roti
1. Wash and soak beans in 5-6 c water overnight.
2. Cook the soaked lentils and kidney beans in 5-6 cups of water with salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and grated 1 T ginger until beans are done/soft. (This takes longer than you think!) Drain off some of the water and lightly mash bean mixture. Set aside.
3. Heat oil and butter in a thick bottomed pan. Add cumin seed and let it crackle. Add 1 T ginger, garlic, chopped onions, and cook till light golden brown in color.
4. Add garam masala and chopped tomatoes. Sauté till tomatoes are well mashed and fat starts to leave the masala. Add mashed beans to this mixture and little water (to desired consistency). Correct seasoning, and simmer at very slow flame for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add fresh cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
6. Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Aloo Matar
We tried a new recipe from our friend Angela and were simply delighted with the results! Who knew cooking Indian food could be so easy? Thanks, Angela!
Adapted from allrecipes.com
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 bay leaf
4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup tomato puree
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
naan or basmati rice
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onions, ginger garlic paste, and bay leaf. Cook until the onions are tender.
2. Mix in the potatoes and peas. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
3. Stir the tomato puree, garam masala, paprika, sugar, and salt into the vegetable mixture. Continue cooking about 10-12 minutes.
4. Serve with naan or basmati rice.
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