MAI TAI
There are a lot of variations on this basic recipe for a Hawaiian favorite. A word to the wise, don’t have one mai tai after another, with almost 4oz. of liquor and that fruity flavor you might be dancing a hula to the pounding in your head!
2 oz. light rum
1 oz. Triple sec orange liquor
1 tbsp. Orgest almond liquor or almond flavored syrup (we used Amaretto)
1 tbsp. Grenadine
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 dash 151prf. rum or dark rum (optional)
Shake ingredients (except the dark rum) and strain into a large glass about 1/3 full with crushed ice. Decorate with a maraschino cherry speared to a wedge of fresh pineapple. Top with a dash of dark rum for that reddish color, or for sure inebriation 151 proof rum. Put an orchid in each drink for the full Hawaiian effect.
6:00 PM | Labels: Drink, Hawaii | 0 Comments
MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED COCONUT SHRIMP and ORANGE LIME SAUCE
Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.
MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED COCONUT SHRIMP
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup crushed macadamia nuts
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil. Place flour in a small bowl. Dredge shrimp in flour, then dip into coconut milk and roll in crushed macadamia nuts. Place in baking dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. Serve 3 shrimp on a bed of rice topped with orange lime sauce. Makes 4 servings
ORANGE LIME SAUCE
10 oz jar orange marmalade
3 tablespoons tangy mustard
1 tablespoon lime juice
To create orange lime sauce combine all sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and warm.
Easy to make
MANGO & CRAB STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS
Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.
3/4 cup shredded crab meat
1/2 cup finely chopped mango
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced green onion
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/3 tsp. white pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
4 boneless chicken breasts, flattened
Combine crab with all ingredients except egg bread crumbs and chicken for filling. Spread on chicken and roll up jellyroll style. Dip each in egg and then gently roll in bread crumbs to coat. Brown carefully in fry pan, place in shallow baking dish and bake until cooked through. 350 Deg. about 45 min.
Serve warm or cold.
OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Easy to make
Hawaii - Wonderful Overnight Slaw
Mom and Dad went to Hawaii for 2 weeks - so we decided to have a Hawaiian Night Feast.
1 med. head cabbage -- shredded
1 med. red onion -- thinly sliced
1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1/2 c. chopped gr. pepper
1/2 c. sliced stuffed olives
1/2 c. white vinegar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. ea. -- salt,celery seed and mustard seed
In a 4 qt. bowl, combine the veggies and olives. In a saucepan, combine remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 min. Pour over veggies and stir gentlly. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Mix well before serving. 12 - 16 servings.
NOTES : Make this the night before, an the flavors keep getting better!
OUR Rating: Groceries expense reasonable
Very Easy to make
5:00 PM | Labels: Cabbage, Hawaii, Salad | 0 Comments
Fried Pickles
1 c. milk
1 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 drops hot sauce
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
3 1/2 c. flour
1 qt. sliced dill pickles
Wesson oil for deep frying
Original Recipe from: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,181,147183-253195,00.html
5 out of 5
10:18 PM | | 0 Comments
Brazil Night - Creme de abacate (Avocado Cream)
From original website: Most Americans are surprised when they see avocado cream in the dessert menu in Brazil. In this country, avocados are used in salads only. In Brazil, they become delicious ice creams and creamy desserts like this one. The fruit are also amazingly huge down there, so when I say large in the recipe I mean LARGE.
1 large avocado, peeled and pitted (We were lucky to find XL Avocados almost the size of papayas)
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (I like mine on the tart side)
2-3 Tbsp sugar
Place all ingredients in a blender and puree. Serve in a stemmed glass; it looks beautiful and will impress your guests no end. You can also use a fork and mash the fruit with the lime juice, then add sugar to taste and serve it in little bowls. Decorate with a little sprig of mint.
Original Recipe from: http://www.maria-brazil.org/creme_de_abacate.htm
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Very Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. WE ended up using 2 XL avocados and filled 3 large martini glasses, it was a bit much and we would say the dessert should probably be a half of the martini glass we used. We also made fresh whip cream and added lime zest on the top.
7:24 PM | Labels: Avocado, Dessert | 0 Comments
Brazil Night - Brazilian Feijoada (Beans, Pork & Spices)
From original website: “Feijoada” means “bean” in Portuguese and is considered the traditional national dish of Brazil. It is a delightfully tasty blend of black beans, pork and spices in proportion to taste. This “bean potpourri” was originally created by early slaves from “discarded pig parts” such as snouts, ears, feet and tails. Today, Feijoada combines more palatable pork delicacies of sausages, ribs, bacon and pork sirloin. It is more visually appealing than its original creation. Feijoada is a similar cuisine to America’s “soul food”.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
OUR Rating: Groceries expense a bit high due to 3 types of pork
Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. But we think we should try frying the bacon a bit first before adding the rest of the meat.
7:16 PM | Labels: Main, pork | 0 Comments
Brazil Night - Aztec South American Chocolate and Chilli Glazed Pork Strips
SERVES 4
Ingredients
700 g pork belly, cut into 3cm strips
salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 fresh red chilies, deseeded
2 tablespoons clear honey, warmed
50 g 75% cocoa solids chocolate, melted
stir-fried vegetables, to serve
Directions
Set the oven to 200°C/gas 6.
Season the pork, lay it on a rack in a roasting pan, and then roast it in the hot oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
Meanwhile, blend the chillies and honey together in a food processor.
Add the melted chocolate and process again to mix.
Remove the pork from the oven and drain off the fat. Brush the meat generously all over with the chocolate glaze and return to the oven for 10 minutes. Serve on a bed of crisp stir-fried vegetables.
Original Recipe from: http://www.recipezaar.com/294853
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
5+ out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. Most definately.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving Size 1 (244g)
Recipe makes 4 servings
Calories 1029
Calories from Fat 904 (87%)
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Fat 100.5g 154%
Saturated Fat 38.5g 192%
Monounsaturated Fat 45.6g
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.2g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 126mg 42%
Sodium 63mg 2%
Potassium 594mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 16.9g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g 12%
Sugars 11.1g
Protein 19.1g 38%
7:04 PM | Labels: Appetizer, Main, pork | 0 Comments
Hollywood Night - Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
2 T. lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/3 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. rolled oats
4 T cold butter
1/2 c. chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Core and chop apples, and toss in a bowl with lemon juice. (We like the peels left on.)
- In separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir into apples.
- In another bowl, combine flour, sugar and oats. Cut butter into 8 small pieces, and "cut" with a pastry cutter or your fingers into the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs. Stir in the nuts.
- Spray a 10x10 baking dish with vegetable spray and spread apples in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle flour mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes until apples are tender and topping light brown.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauce.
Very Easy to make
12:37 PM | Labels: Dessert, Hollywood | 0 Comments
Hollywood Night - Hollywood Drink
1 1/2 oz Vodka
1 oz Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur
1 splash Lime Juice
Mix all ingredients in a shaker and strain.
Serve Hollywood in a Highball Glass.
Original Recipe from:http://www.drinkswap.com/drinks/detail.asp?recipe_id=3939
Would we make again? Yes.
12:06 PM | Labels: Drink, Hollywood | 0 Comments
Hollywood Night - Dates Stuffed with Fresh Mozzarella
| Serves: | 10 | Vegetarian: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time: | 00:00 | Cuisine: | Mediterranean |
| Difficulty: | Easy | Meal Type: | Snack |
| Main Ingredient: | dates | Dish Type: | Appetizer |
| Main Cooking Method: | Blend | Season/Occasion: | Any Occasion |
Ingredients
- 1/2 C. fresh mozzarella
- 1 small anchovy fillet, mashed
- 1.5 tsp. fresh chives, chopped
- 1 pinch ginger powder
- 5 dried dates, de-pitted and halved
- 1 Tbsp. Mascarpone or sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. lime or lemon zest
Combine the mozzarella, anchovy fillet, chives and ginger in a bowl until the mix becomes a doughy paste.Stuff the mixture into the dates and top with a small drop of the Mascarpone or sour cream. Sprinkle with lime or lemon zest.
Very Easy to make
11:56 AM | Labels: Appetizer, Dates, Hollywood | 0 Comments
Hollywood Night - Shrimp Ajillo Appetizer
| Serves: | 1 | Vegetarian: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time: | 00:10 | Cuisine: | Spanish |
| Difficulty: | Easy | Meal Type: | Dinner |
| Main Ingredient: | shrimp | Dish Type: | Appetizer |
| Main Cooking Method: | Sauté | Season/Occasion: | Any Occasion |
Ingredients
- 1 fl. oz. olive oil
- 1 tsp. fresh garlic slices
- 1 chile de arbol
- 5 shrimp, 31-40 count, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp. chopped roma tomatoes
- 2 fl. oz. white wine
- 1 tsp. garlic butter
- 1/2 tsp. diced pimentos
- 1 pinch kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 pinch chopped fresh chives
Executive Chef Nora Ramos prepares this classic Spanish tapa nightly at Cafe Sevilla Long Beach. She marinates the raw shrimp prior to cooking them, but un-marinated shrimp will work at home.
Cook Tip: This recipe is for one tapas-sized portion, but can easily be increased to accommodate any number of guests. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests for a quick and easy appetizer.
Chile de arbol is a bright red, slender pepper that can be purchased dried or fresh. Added whole to this dish, it imparts a mild spice level. Powered cayenne pepper may be substituted if chiles de arbol cannot be found, or the chile may be omitted for a less spicy version.
Original Recipe from: http://www.losangelesrestaurants.com/recipe.cfm/restaurant/1384/shrimpajilloVery Easy to make, we would add a bit more spice.
11:33 AM | Labels: Appetizer, Hollywood, Shrimp, Spanish | 0 Comments
Hollywood Night - Shrimp Oscar
Ingredients:
1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 6-ounce can crab meat, drained
1 package frozen or 10 fresh as- paragus spears - canned aspara- gus may be substituted
1 package hollandaise sauce mix
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
Place in a microwavable casserole dish. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Remove and stir. Makes 2 generous or 4 regular-size portions.
Suggestions from original site:
Miller suggests serving it as is, or over rice - we used boil-in-bag rice with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules in the water - with a prepared, bagged salad and Italian bread.
A glass of chilled white wine is the perfect sipper for a dish of this caliber.OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Super Easy to make
11:25 AM | Labels: Hollywood, Main, Shrimp | 0 Comments
Butterbeer
Tried this a long time ago (when the HP movies first came out - I think). Anyway, just found my printed copy - posting it so I won't loose it.
If I remember correctly - this is really really good - however very very sweet as well.
Ingredients:
1 cup (8oz) club soda or cream soda
1/2 cup (4oz) butterscotch syrup (ice-cream topping)
1/2 tablespoon butter
Directions:
Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.
Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.
Serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!
http://www.mugglenet.com/misc/rosmertas/butterbeer/shtml
4:35 PM | Labels: Drink | 0 Comments
TANDOORI CHICKEN
Number of Servings: 6
10 pieces of chicken (drumsticks and/or breast with skin removed)
1 cup plain yoghurt
Spices:
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust according to preference)
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon cumin powder
½ tablespoon mustard
½ tablespoon Garam Masala powder
Optional Spices:
few pods of cardamom
pinch of saffron
Salt to taste
Mix all spices with yogurt and butter to make marinating sauce.
Prick the chicken and apply the sauce. Cover chicken and marinate overnight inside a refrigerator (at least 4 hrs).
Grill the chicken in regular way. (For better result, apply melted butter to the chicken just before you grill.)
Cook chicken until brownish (or way you prefer)
Serve sliced onion (ring) and lemon wedges with the tandoori chicken. Also, serve. Lemon juice can be sprinkled on the cooked chicken to add zesty flavor.
Tandoori Chicken is also spelled as Tanduri chicken or Tandori Chicken.
Original Recipe from: http://www.food-india.com/recipe/R051_R75/R059.htm
4 out of 5
2:18 PM | Labels: Chicken, India, Main | 0 Comments
Kung Pao Chicken
My Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable (had most everything at home)
Easy to make
3.5 out of 5
Would I make again? Yes.
3:21 PM | Labels: Chicken, Chinese, Main | 0 Comments
West African Meat Loaf
Origin: West Africa Period: Traditional
Ingredients
80g carrots, finely chopped
80g onions, finely chopped
80g celery, finely chopped
80g spring onions, finely chopped
80g parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
120g breadcrumbs
2 eggs
900g hamburger, broken-up
3 scotch bonnet chillies, finely chopped and pounded
120ml ketchup
60ml water
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
salt and black pepper to taste.
Finely chop the vegetables (preferrably in a food processor), add the nutmeg, cinnamon, chillies and season. Fry this mixture in the butter and oil until tender, but not coloured. Cool and add to the broken hamburger. Add to this mixture the bread crumbs, eggs, ketchup and water. Mix well then form into a loaf shape on a baking tray.
Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180°C for 1 hour. Let it cool for 20 minutes when you take it out (cover with foil at this stage so it remains intact when you serve).
Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.php
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.
2:19 PM | Labels: Beef, Main, West Africa | 0 Comments
Crunchy Cabbage Salad
Origin: West Africa Period: Traditional
Ingredients
500g finely-shredded cabbage
150g diced apples
150g diced cucumber
40g raisins
160ml mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp vingegr
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
50g chopped, unsalted, peanuts
Combine the cabbage, apples, cucumber and raisins together in a bowl. Toss to mix. Meanwhile combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and sugar together in a small bowl. Pour this over the vegetable mix and toss to mix. Sprinkle with the peanuts and serve.
Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.php
OUR Rating: Groceries expense really reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5 Would we make again? Yes.
12:24 PM | Labels: Cabbage, Salad, West Africa | 0 Comments
Banfora - Burkina Faso
'Banbfora' is a Burkinabe equivalent of Welshcakes made with dried pineapple rather than sultanas.
Ingredients500g self-raising flour (we used all-purpose and 1 tsp of baking powder)
250g butter
200g sugar100g diced pineapple
2 eggs, beatena few tbsp milk
pinch of saltSift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl cut the butter into the mixture then rub with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and pineapple and then stir-in the beaten eggs. Mix to a stiff dough and add a little mikl if the mixture is too stiff. Tip onto a floured surface and knead lightly before rolling out to 5mm thick. Cut the dough into 6cm rounds then fry on a lightly-greased griddle pan over low heat until the cakes are lightly browned on both sides. Cool on a wire rack and serve sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar.
Original Recipe from: http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/west-africa.phpOUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make (we halved the recipe and served it with strawberry jam too)
5 out of 5Would we make again? Yes.
12:23 PM | Labels: Dessert, West Africa | 0 Comments
Easy Jam-Filled Cookies
Total Time: 57 min
Makes: 4 doz. or 48 servings, one cookie each
1 pkg. (250g) PHILADELPHIA Brick Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/3 cup Walnut Pieces, finely chopped
3/4 cup strawberry Jam
1 tsp. powdered sugar
PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Beat cream cheese, butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Separate 1 of the eggs; set egg white aside for later use. Add yolk, second (whole) egg and vanilla to cream cheese mixture; mix well. Gradually add combined flour and baking powder, beating until well blended after each addition.
DIVIDE dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into 12x1-inch log; place, 2 inches apart, on large ungreased baking sheet. Use handle of wooden spoon or fingers to make depression down length of each log, about 1/2 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. Beat reserved egg white with fork; brush over dough. Sprinkle with walnuts. Fill depressions with preserves, using about 3 Tbsp. preserves in each log.
BAKE 25 to 27 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks; cool slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut each log into 12 diagonal slices.
Original Recipe from: Kraft What's cooking Festive 2007 Magazine (below picture from Kraft website)
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy to make
6 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. Crowd pleaser
6:30 PM | Labels: Cookies, Dessert, Jam, Nut | 0 Comments
Herb and Nut Cream Cheese Log
Total Time: 10 min
Makes: 12 servings, 2 Tbsp. cheese spread and 5 crackers each
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup chopped toasted Pecans
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped toasted Pecans
RITZ Hearty Wheat Crackers
MIX cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup pecans until well blended.
SHAPE into 8-inch log. Roll in mixture of parsley and 1/4 cup pecans; press gently into log to secure.
Serve with crackers.
Original Recipe from: Kraft What's cooking Festive 2007 Magazine (below picture from Kraft website)
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Super Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.
6:00 PM | Labels: Appetizer, cheese, Nut, party | 0 Comments
Amsterdam Night - Food from The Netherlands
Croquettes
3 tbsp butter
600 grams (1lb 5 oz) veal, beef, chicken, or turkey (we used beef stewing meat)
salt and pepper
1 dl (1/2 cup) white wine
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove
2 bay leaves
piece of mace (we used 1/4 tsp powdered mace)
2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped
lemon juice (we used juice from 1 lemon)
3/4 tsp thyme
lemon peel (we used from 1 lemon)
50 grams (2 oz) butter or margarine
40 grams (1.5 oz) flour
corn starch or gelatin (we didn't need to use - see recipe)
3 eggs
4 cups fine breadcrumbsor Dutch rusks (beschuit) (we only used about 2 cups)
oil to deep-fry
When opting for chicken or turkey meat, use ‘leftovers,’ in other words cook the turkey or chicken a day ahead. When using veal or beef, start with fresh meat.
Season the veal or beef with salt and pepper. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan.
Put in the meat, add the wine, the onion, parsley, clove, thyme, mace, bay leaves, and lemon peel and 5 decilitre (2 cups) of water.
Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. The meat should be tender.
Remove the meat and finely chop or cut into small pieces. Strain and keep the stock.
Melt 50 grams of butter in the frying pan, stir in the flour and keep stirring for a few minutes on low heat. Slowly and gradually add the stock and cook over moderate heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick. Add more flour, or corn starch (maizena) or dissolved gelatin if necessary. Add 3 egg yolks (set the whites aside to use later).
Add the veal, beef, chicken or turkey, season more, if needed. Stir well. The mix should be thick and stiff by this time.
Set the mix aside to cool thoroughly. When ready, cut or separate the stiff, thick mix into rolls of about 5cm (2”) thick and about 8cm (3”) long.
On a chopping board spread out the crumbs or crumbed rusks. In a deep plate slightly beat the egg whites.
Roll the croquettes through the breadcrumbs, then through the egg whites and again through the crumbs. Make sure that the second crumbs coating is even and thick and no meat mix sticks out (this could make the croquettes burst when deep fried).
Deep fry the croquettes four or so at a time for about 4 minutes, until they are golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper.
Serve hot, with French fries or multigrain bread or rice. Put them halved on bread. A good way to season is to slather on mustard.
Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=89
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Time Consuming
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes. However, we chopped the meat into very small pieces and feel that it would be better to grind the meat.
9:00 PM | Labels: Beef, Main, Netherlands | 0 Comments
Red cabbage Twente-style
1 kilogram red cabbage
100 grams bacon
1 onion
salt and pepper
2 cloves
1 glass red wine
1 tbsp currants (didn't use - couldn't find)
250 grams red currant jam (we used blackcurrant jam)
Dice the bacon and slowly brown. Peel and dice the onion, add it to the bacon and sautee.
Grate or chop the cabbage and add it to the pan, mixing well.
Add salt and pepper to taste, put in the cloves, currants and jam.
Pour in the wine.
Turn down the heat and let the cabbage simmer until ‘al dente’.
Serve with your choice of meat, mashed potatoes and garnish with fried slices of apple (we garnished with some more grilled pear).
Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=22
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Easy
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.
8:36 PM | Labels: Cabbage, Netherlands, Side | 0 Comments
Summer Salad with Goat Cheese
Prepare the goat cheese by cutting it into long slivers of about 1/3” wide.
Heat a heavy skillet or stovetop grill pan. Thinly brush the nectarine segments with about 1 tbsp walnut oil. Grill them for a minute each side and take from the pan.
Squeeze the half lemon over a salad bowl, add honey, walnut oil, fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste and whish into a smooth dressing.
Gently fold in the cheese, salad, rucola, mint and walnuts.
Put the salad into four bowls and garnish with the grilled nectarine segments. Serve with a wholewheat baguette and a fruity wine such as Sangria.
Variation: add parts of other fruits, such as slice strawberries, pieces of apple and/or blueberries.
Original Recipe from: http://www.godutch.com/windmill/recipeItem.asp?id=1042
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Easy!
5 out of 5 (if you like goat cheese)
Would we make again? Yes.
8:32 PM | Labels: Netherlands, Salad | 0 Comments
Brown Sugar Lightning Cake and Whipped Cream Frosting
Made for Mom's Birthday Cake.
Picture to be inserted
Brown Sugar Lightning Cake
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all -purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon bourbon (or other booze)
I made 2 cakes (I didn’t double, I made it twice), I also used brandy instead of the bourbon. Top came out rounded, I ended up cutting off the top portion when I put the cakes together.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Brush the inside of a 9 inch cake pan with butter, and dust with a bit of flour.
Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium sized bowl. Mix to combine, and set aside.
Blend the eggs and the sugar, and mix until incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk the flour mixture into the egg mixture using as few strokes as possible. Then whisk in the buttermilk, the melted butter, and the rest of the flavorings.
Pourthe batter into the cake pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes, then invert and remove from pan. Cool completely before topping with whatever you choose.
WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING
4 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
I halved the recipe for frosting as I didn’t need it to cover the top, just as a coating under the fondant and then between the two cakes.
Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream in a large bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and ship until thoroughly combined.
Place 1 cake layer on a platter and spread som of the frosting over the top. Top with the remaining layer or layers, thickly coating the top and sides of each with frosting.
Refrigerate the cake until the whipped cream frosting has stabilized, at least 1 hour.
7:56 PM | Labels: cake, frosting | 0 Comments
French Night 2
9:00 PM | Labels: french | 0 Comments
French Onion Soup
4 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons flour
6 cups bouillon or beef stock
¼ cup dry white wine or vermouth
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices French bread, cut ½ inch thick
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, peeled, cut
2 tablespoons cognac
1 cup grated swiss cheese
In covered 4 quart saucepan or dutch oven cook onions slowly with butter and 1 tablespoon oil 15 minutes; stire occasionally. Uncover; increase heat to moderate. Add sugar; sauté onions, stripping frequently, about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with flour; stir over heat 2 to 3 minutes. Blend in hot broth and wine; adjust seasionings. Simmer, partially covered, 1 hour.
Meanwhile, place bread slices in 350 deg f oven 30 minutes or until lightly toasted. Halfway through baking, baste each slice with ½ teaspoon oil; rub with garlic.
Before serving, add cognac. Divide soup into ovenproof bowls or casseroles. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese in soup. Float slices of satle or toasted cheese. Bake in preheatged 325 deg f oven 15 to 20 minutes, until hot; set under broiler 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately. Yield 4 servings.
Original Recipe from: One of Sue's cookbooks
OUR Rating: Groceries expense extremely reasonable
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again? Most Definately (this one is an old recipe - which has been made time and time again).
8:51 PM | Labels: french, onion, Soup | 0 Comments
Grilled Filet Mignon Steaks with Bearnaise Sauce
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
For Sauce:
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
Pinch of cayenne, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon or chervil, for garnish
For Steaks:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Salt and pepper
4 filet mignon steaks, about 8 ounces each
4 sprigs fresh tarragon, for garnish
RECIPE METHOD
TO PREPARE SAUCE: Combine the vinegar, wine, shallots, tarragon, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and reduce the liquid by half. Let cool until lukewarm. Transfer to the top of a double boiler and add the egg yolks, whisking in briskly. Add the butter in a slow, steady stream and whisk until the sauce thickens. Season with the cayenne and keep warm. Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick. Strain into a clean saucepan just before serving, garnish with the minced tarragon.
TO PREPARE STEAKS: Mix together the oil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture on the filets. Grill over a hot flame for about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare or about 7 minutes per side for medium.
TO SERVE: Place each steak in the center of a warm serving plate. Spoon the sauce over and around the filets or, alternatively, place in small ramekins or eggcups to the side of the steaks. Garnish the steaks with the tarragon sprigs.
Very Easy to make
5 out of 5
Would we make again?
Baked Potatoes
Original Recipe from:
OUR Rating: Groceries expense very reasonable
Very Very Easy to make
4 out of 5
Would we make again? Yes.
7:04 PM | Labels: french, Potatoes | 0 Comments
French Night
Can't seem to find the photos from this night.
With Gratinée de Coquille St. Jacques - Scallops gratinéed, Chicken Breasts with Sauce Supreme on linguine, and steamed asparagus. And for dessert we had crepes.
Crepe recipe (I liked the Ukraine crepe batter recipe better for cooking):
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, flour, sugar and salt until smooth.
Heat a medium-sized skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Grease pan with a small amount of butter or oil applied with a brush or paper towel. Ladle batter (about 3 tablespoons worth) into hot pan, tilting the pan so that the surface is evenly coated. Cook over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes on a side, or until golden brown. Serve Immediately.
Filling (made up our own):
Sauted apples in wine with cinnamon until tender.
Topped the crepes with a bit of chocolate sauce, amaretto and whipped cream.
9:00 PM | Labels: Dessert, french | 0 Comments

