Lemon Smashed Potato Recipe
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Smashing Spuds
If you've had a long day at work, these are the potatoes for you (you get to smash them with your own hands). The zing of the lemon zest and fresh herbs as well as the crispiness formed by frying the potatoes makes them the ultimate comfort food! I didn't have baby reds on hand, and they're pricier, so I cut larger red potatoes in quarters before boiling them for 15 min. These potatoes are so good that I would serve the leftovers as a side with breakfast.
Lemon Smashed Potato Recipe
Lemon Smashed Potato Recipe
Murphy's Crabby Cakes
My husband loves crab cakes, so much that he eats half the crabmeat before I can get it cooked. I don't have my recipe down to an exact science and every time I make them they're a little bit different; that's part of the fun in cooking. I usually start with a large cup of lump crabmeat diced, one egg beaten, 1/4 cup diced onion (green onion works well), a few large dollops of mayo, few shakes garlic powder, palmful of parsley, salt and pepper to taste. The glue that holds it all together is the breadcrumbs, I gradually add them until the mixture starts to stick together. Form small patties in your hands, heat olive oil in a pan, and fry over medium heat until browned and crispy on both sides. Serve with cocktail or tartar sauce depending on your preference (or combine the two for something different) and enjoy!!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Pizza Like You've Never Tasted Before!
Caramelized Onion, Sausage & Basil Pizza
Not your typical Friday night in pizza with the kids. This pizza is sophisticated with a gourmet twist. I made my own crust which came out better than ever before. When making your own pizza dough, be sure to need it long enough so that it becomes elastic-like and pliable. The spiciness of the sausage is cut by the sweetness of the caramelized onion and creamy cooling effect of the blue cheese. For a special finishing touch, I drizzled each piece (just before eating them) with white truffle oil. Truffle oil can be a bit pricey but the flavor is so exquisite!
Caramelized Onion, Sausage, & Basil Pizza Recipe
Not your typical Friday night in pizza with the kids. This pizza is sophisticated with a gourmet twist. I made my own crust which came out better than ever before. When making your own pizza dough, be sure to need it long enough so that it becomes elastic-like and pliable. The spiciness of the sausage is cut by the sweetness of the caramelized onion and creamy cooling effect of the blue cheese. For a special finishing touch, I drizzled each piece (just before eating them) with white truffle oil. Truffle oil can be a bit pricey but the flavor is so exquisite!
Caramelized Onion, Sausage, & Basil Pizza Recipe
Colonel Sanders Has Got Nothing on Me!
Crispy Chicken with Rosemary-Lemon Salt
I absolutely love chicken tenders; one of my guilty pleasures. My husband and I have made many trips to Tully's for their 'famous' tenders in the middle of the night. This new twist on chicken tenders is a must have, so put down that greasy KFC bucket and get cookin'. They have the perfect amount of breading to make them a little healthier with just cornmeal rather than double-dipping in egg and flour. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh rosemary, and salt makes these tenders stand apart from the rest. The recipe calls for marinara sauce for dipping but I think a sweeter sauce such as a marmalade-based dip or honey mustard might be a better option. Also, if you don't have tenders handy, have no fear, thinly sliced chicken breasts will work great.
Crispy Chicken with Rosemary Lemon Salt Recipe
I absolutely love chicken tenders; one of my guilty pleasures. My husband and I have made many trips to Tully's for their 'famous' tenders in the middle of the night. This new twist on chicken tenders is a must have, so put down that greasy KFC bucket and get cookin'. They have the perfect amount of breading to make them a little healthier with just cornmeal rather than double-dipping in egg and flour. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh rosemary, and salt makes these tenders stand apart from the rest. The recipe calls for marinara sauce for dipping but I think a sweeter sauce such as a marmalade-based dip or honey mustard might be a better option. Also, if you don't have tenders handy, have no fear, thinly sliced chicken breasts will work great.
Crispy Chicken with Rosemary Lemon Salt Recipe
Summer Sizzling Kabobs
Beef & Mushroom Kabobs with Soy & Scallion Butter
Kabobs are great for summer with easy cleanup on the grill. The best part of these kabobs was the soy and scallion butter. It was great on the meat but even better over steamed veggies, rice, pierogies, etc. I would like to try grilled shrimp instead of beef. I think that the beef needed a better marinade and maybe some meat tenderizer first. A red wine, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper marinade might be good.
Beef Kabob Recipe
Kabobs are great for summer with easy cleanup on the grill. The best part of these kabobs was the soy and scallion butter. It was great on the meat but even better over steamed veggies, rice, pierogies, etc. I would like to try grilled shrimp instead of beef. I think that the beef needed a better marinade and maybe some meat tenderizer first. A red wine, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper marinade might be good.
Beef Kabob Recipe
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Fresh Tomato Side
Orzo with Smokey Tomato Vinaigrette
If you find yourself with an abundance of grape/cherry tomatoes, this is a great side dish that's easy and delicious. I love anything with fresh basil and tomato in combination. One thing that I find tricky when making an orzo dish is that it tends to stick together. The fresh tomato vinaigrette keeps the orzo from sticking and makes it nice and creamy. If only cooking for a few people, I would advise to cut the recipe in half; I didn't so I think that my husband and I will be eating on it for days now. I didn't have any smoked salt (I'm not sure if I would like it anyway) so a little kosher salt worked well.
Orzo Recipe
If you find yourself with an abundance of grape/cherry tomatoes, this is a great side dish that's easy and delicious. I love anything with fresh basil and tomato in combination. One thing that I find tricky when making an orzo dish is that it tends to stick together. The fresh tomato vinaigrette keeps the orzo from sticking and makes it nice and creamy. If only cooking for a few people, I would advise to cut the recipe in half; I didn't so I think that my husband and I will be eating on it for days now. I didn't have any smoked salt (I'm not sure if I would like it anyway) so a little kosher salt worked well.
Orzo Recipe
Some Scones to go with Your Tea (or coffee if you're like me)
Maple Walnut Scones
Maple flavor and toasted walnuts, close you're eyes, inhale and you'll be taken away to the wonderful aroma of a bakery. When most people think of scones, you think of a dense biscuit that needs a little help from your drink; not these scones. The maple flavoring is so delicious and the addition of cold butter helps to keep them moist when it melts in the oven. The glaze helps to add a little extra sweetness. I substituted real maple syrup because I didn't have maple extract and it worked just fine. I actually made two batches, one with nuts and one nutless one.
Maple Walnut Scones Recipe
Maple flavor and toasted walnuts, close you're eyes, inhale and you'll be taken away to the wonderful aroma of a bakery. When most people think of scones, you think of a dense biscuit that needs a little help from your drink; not these scones. The maple flavoring is so delicious and the addition of cold butter helps to keep them moist when it melts in the oven. The glaze helps to add a little extra sweetness. I substituted real maple syrup because I didn't have maple extract and it worked just fine. I actually made two batches, one with nuts and one nutless one.
Maple Walnut Scones Recipe
Who doesn't like a little butter?
Penne Pasta w/ Brown Butter and Arugula
I had some leftover arugula from my pizza so I found this simple dish to use it up. This is also a great dish to use up some homegrown tomatoes during their summer season. Quick and easy with all kinds of flavors coming together. The zing from the vinaigrette, saltiness of the capers, spicy arugula, and sweet tomatoes collide in a sweet and salty harmony. I chose to omit the pine nuts since my husband has to stick to the nutless dishes.
Penne Pasta w/ Brown Butter Sauce Recipe
I had some leftover arugula from my pizza so I found this simple dish to use it up. This is also a great dish to use up some homegrown tomatoes during their summer season. Quick and easy with all kinds of flavors coming together. The zing from the vinaigrette, saltiness of the capers, spicy arugula, and sweet tomatoes collide in a sweet and salty harmony. I chose to omit the pine nuts since my husband has to stick to the nutless dishes.
Penne Pasta w/ Brown Butter Sauce Recipe
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Presto Pesto Pizza
It looks like my pizza has the chicken pox. This pesto is fairly easy and one of the few that doesn't contain some form of nuts. The smokiness of the mozzarella really comes through in the flavor as well as the spiciness of the arugula. I used a dough made from scratch but if you need a quick and easy dinner then a pre-made dough will work just fine. The addition of the cornmeal to the crust really helps to keep it from sticking to the pan.
Arugula Ricotta and Smoked Mozzarella Pizza
Arugula Ricotta and Smoked Mozzarella Pizza
Shrimp & Pasta for Two
Extremely easy and so delicious! The sauce is so full of flavor. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery. I used tri-color tortellini but you can substitute any cheese filled pasta. If you like a little extra kick, or heartburn, add some extra red pepper flakes. Also, don't be afraid of the clam juice it's not as fishy as it smells (you really can't taste it at all in the dish).
Shrimp & Tortellini in Tomato Cream Recipe
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Surprising Asparagus Soup
Asparagus Soup with Herbed Goat Cheese
I'm not a huge fan of asparagus, I thought I only liked it one way; grilled. Now I have two uses for asparagus, grilled and in this delicious soup. The soup is extremely light, healthy, and easy to make. It kind of resembles baby food but the taste is so much more. Be careful when pureeing it. I used my blender and wasn't holding the lid down tight; asparagus soup does not look pretty on my red walls and the dog's head. The goat cheese is an absolutely necessary creamy delight that melts in your mouth with the hot soup. A fresh baguette or crispy ciabatta roll are a nice addition to dip in the soup and spread with goat cheese.
Asparagus Soup Recipe
I'm not a huge fan of asparagus, I thought I only liked it one way; grilled. Now I have two uses for asparagus, grilled and in this delicious soup. The soup is extremely light, healthy, and easy to make. It kind of resembles baby food but the taste is so much more. Be careful when pureeing it. I used my blender and wasn't holding the lid down tight; asparagus soup does not look pretty on my red walls and the dog's head. The goat cheese is an absolutely necessary creamy delight that melts in your mouth with the hot soup. A fresh baguette or crispy ciabatta roll are a nice addition to dip in the soup and spread with goat cheese.
Asparagus Soup Recipe
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Berry Thyme Jam
Berry Thyme Jam
Delicious homemade jam that's easy. I had a lot of blueberries and strawberries that I picked this year so this is a great way to use them up. The fresh juices and maple syrup really add to the flavor so don't skip out on those. The hardest part of the recipe is preparing the fresh thyme. I've decided it's called thyme because it takes so much time to get off the stems. If you don't love blueberries or strawberries, I'm sure you can substitute raspberries or blackberries for a little bit different flavor.
Berry Thyme Jam Recipe
Delicious homemade jam that's easy. I had a lot of blueberries and strawberries that I picked this year so this is a great way to use them up. The fresh juices and maple syrup really add to the flavor so don't skip out on those. The hardest part of the recipe is preparing the fresh thyme. I've decided it's called thyme because it takes so much time to get off the stems. If you don't love blueberries or strawberries, I'm sure you can substitute raspberries or blackberries for a little bit different flavor.
Berry Thyme Jam Recipe
Roast Pork Red Pepper Perfection
Roasted Pork with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce
The pork is so moist and simple with a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Make sure to check the temperature, so it's not overcooked. The flavor of the sauce is as bright as its color. I used Merlot for the wine which was really flavorful but whatever red wine you choose will be revealed in the taste. This meal is actually very simple, just make sure you have a blender (food processor) for the sauce.
Roasted Pork with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
The pork is so moist and simple with a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Make sure to check the temperature, so it's not overcooked. The flavor of the sauce is as bright as its color. I used Merlot for the wine which was really flavorful but whatever red wine you choose will be revealed in the taste. This meal is actually very simple, just make sure you have a blender (food processor) for the sauce.
Roasted Pork with Smoky Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
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| Pretty Pot of Peppers |
Margarita in a Bite
Mini Margarita Cupcakes
Don't be afraid of the tequila, the fresh squeezed lime really masks the flavor of the alcohol. The type of tequila is very important so be sure to use at least a middle of the road white tequila. The recipe doesn't take much tequila so buy a small bottle or use the rest to make margaritas. The cake is so moist and the light whipped frosting adds great flavor. For toppings, have fun with it! I added jellied lemons and limes (cut into smaller wedges) and a small piece of a straw. To make it even better, next time I need to find edible straws. Other topping ideas include lime zest, colored drink sugar, or fresh lime slices. So much fun for a summer picnic or even a 21st birthday party!
Margarita Cupcake Recipe
Cupcakes (Makes 12):
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
Zest and juice of 1½ limes
2 tablespoons tequila
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
To Brush the Cupcakes:
1 to 2 tablespoons tequila
Tequila-Lime Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2¾ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons tequila
Pinch of coarse salt
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
3. In an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
4. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at at time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined. (The mixture may start to look curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will all come back together, power on!)
6. Reduce the mixer speed low. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix only until just incorporated, using a rubber spatula to give it one last mix by hand.
7. Divide the batter between the muffin cups. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until just slightly golden and a skewer shows only moist crumbs attached, rotating the pan at the halfway point.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove to a cooling rack. Brush the tops of the cupcakes with the 1 to 2 tablespoons of tequila. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before frosting them.
9. To make the frosting, whip the butter on medium-high speed of an electric mixer using the whisk attachment for 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low, and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl until all is incorporated. Give it a mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Add the lime juice, tequila and salt mix on medium-high speed until incorporated and fluffy. If the frosting appears a bit too soft, add some additional sugar, one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached. Frost cupcakes and garnish, if desired, with lime zest, an additional sprinkling of salt and a lime wedge.
To make mini cupcakes, I doubled the recipe and lined 72 mini muffin cups. Also, reduce the time to about 12-15 min.
Don't be afraid of the tequila, the fresh squeezed lime really masks the flavor of the alcohol. The type of tequila is very important so be sure to use at least a middle of the road white tequila. The recipe doesn't take much tequila so buy a small bottle or use the rest to make margaritas. The cake is so moist and the light whipped frosting adds great flavor. For toppings, have fun with it! I added jellied lemons and limes (cut into smaller wedges) and a small piece of a straw. To make it even better, next time I need to find edible straws. Other topping ideas include lime zest, colored drink sugar, or fresh lime slices. So much fun for a summer picnic or even a 21st birthday party!
Margarita Cupcake Recipe
Cupcakes (Makes 12):
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
Zest and juice of 1½ limes
2 tablespoons tequila
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
To Brush the Cupcakes:
1 to 2 tablespoons tequila
Tequila-Lime Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2¾ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons tequila
Pinch of coarse salt
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
3. In an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
4. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at at time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined. (The mixture may start to look curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will all come back together, power on!)
6. Reduce the mixer speed low. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix only until just incorporated, using a rubber spatula to give it one last mix by hand.
7. Divide the batter between the muffin cups. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until just slightly golden and a skewer shows only moist crumbs attached, rotating the pan at the halfway point.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove to a cooling rack. Brush the tops of the cupcakes with the 1 to 2 tablespoons of tequila. Set the cupcakes aside to cool completely before frosting them.
9. To make the frosting, whip the butter on medium-high speed of an electric mixer using the whisk attachment for 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low, and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl until all is incorporated. Give it a mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Add the lime juice, tequila and salt mix on medium-high speed until incorporated and fluffy. If the frosting appears a bit too soft, add some additional sugar, one spoonful at a time until desired consistency is reached. Frost cupcakes and garnish, if desired, with lime zest, an additional sprinkling of salt and a lime wedge.
To make mini cupcakes, I doubled the recipe and lined 72 mini muffin cups. Also, reduce the time to about 12-15 min.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Lemony Goodness!
Blueberry Lemon Bread
Possibly the most flavorful and moist bread I've ever made. Fairly simple, just a little bit of work in grating the lemon zest and juicing the lemons. DO NOT substitute anything for the fresh lemons, they really give the bread a bright and bold flavor. Be sure to spray the pan well so that it doesn't stick and don't add the glaze until the bread has cooled some. I want to turn this recipe into muffins, I think it would be as easy as doubling it.
Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Possibly the most flavorful and moist bread I've ever made. Fairly simple, just a little bit of work in grating the lemon zest and juicing the lemons. DO NOT substitute anything for the fresh lemons, they really give the bread a bright and bold flavor. Be sure to spray the pan well so that it doesn't stick and don't add the glaze until the bread has cooled some. I want to turn this recipe into muffins, I think it would be as easy as doubling it.
Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
Timbale
Timbale (Italian Eggplant Pie)
Not as hard to make as it looks. The meaty filling makes for a hearty meal wrapped in grilled eggplant. Don't be afraid of the eggplant! One of the only things my husband won't eat (or should I say wouldn't eat) is eggplant. Even he enjoyed the meal and said that the eggplant was cooked in a way that made it totally edible. I would make sure to grill some extra eggplant slices because I found myself not having enough to wrap up the "pie". Also if you like to spice things up a bit, you could try a hot sausage instead of mild. The smoked mozzarella adds an interesting element to the filling by creating a smoky grilled flavor (you could always substitute regular mozzarella, if desired).
Timbale Recipe
Not as hard to make as it looks. The meaty filling makes for a hearty meal wrapped in grilled eggplant. Don't be afraid of the eggplant! One of the only things my husband won't eat (or should I say wouldn't eat) is eggplant. Even he enjoyed the meal and said that the eggplant was cooked in a way that made it totally edible. I would make sure to grill some extra eggplant slices because I found myself not having enough to wrap up the "pie". Also if you like to spice things up a bit, you could try a hot sausage instead of mild. The smoked mozzarella adds an interesting element to the filling by creating a smoky grilled flavor (you could always substitute regular mozzarella, if desired).
Timbale Recipe
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tarragon Chicken
Chicken with Tarragon and White Wine
Great little dish packed with a powerful punch of flavor. The tarragon is very prominent and has a similar taste to a fennel or anise flavoring. If you're not sure about the tarragon you can cut the amount down or add fresh parsley for a milder flavor. It's supposed to be an easy weeknight dinner but I'm not sure making a roux to thicken the sauce and chopping up all the tarragon is something I would want to do after a long day at work. I served it over orzo pasta to soak up the sauce.
Chicken with Tarragon and White Wine Recipe
Stuffed Artichokes
They looked beautiful but I wasn't a fan of how they turned out. I would use the stuffing to make delicious stuffed portobella mushrooms instead.
10 ounces mild Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
Great little dish packed with a powerful punch of flavor. The tarragon is very prominent and has a similar taste to a fennel or anise flavoring. If you're not sure about the tarragon you can cut the amount down or add fresh parsley for a milder flavor. It's supposed to be an easy weeknight dinner but I'm not sure making a roux to thicken the sauce and chopping up all the tarragon is something I would want to do after a long day at work. I served it over orzo pasta to soak up the sauce.
Chicken with Tarragon and White Wine Recipe
Stuffed Artichokes
They looked beautiful but I wasn't a fan of how they turned out. I would use the stuffing to make delicious stuffed portobella mushrooms instead.
10 ounces mild Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons cream
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 1 tablespoon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Combine gorgonzola, cream, thyme, tbsp of parsley, garlic. Stuff mushrooms (artichokes) with this mixture. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with additional parsley. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400 until cheese is melted.
Peanut Butter Cookies..for Your Furry Friend :-)
Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
These are so easy with only four ingredients and my best critic loves them! The best part is you know the ingredients that go into them, no salt, low fat, low sugar and packed with peanut butter protein and lots of love. Make it fun and use puppy related cookie-cutters. I have yet to try making puppy safe frostings and toppings; but that's definitely coming up next time.
Peanut Butter (Dog) Cookie Recipe
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
These are so easy with only four ingredients and my best critic loves them! The best part is you know the ingredients that go into them, no salt, low fat, low sugar and packed with peanut butter protein and lots of love. Make it fun and use puppy related cookie-cutters. I have yet to try making puppy safe frostings and toppings; but that's definitely coming up next time.
Peanut Butter (Dog) Cookie Recipe
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk
Preheat the oven to 375. Grease cookie sheets. Stir together the flour and baking powder; set aside. Mix together the peanut butter and milk. Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
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