29 October 2010 There’s Nothing to Eat in this House Part 3

There’s Nothing to Eat in this House Part 3

October 29, 2010 By
Linguini with Blue Cheese Sauce

Linguini with Blue Cheese Sauce

Linguini with Gorgonzola and Pine Nuts

You got it: it’s Friday, the day before my weekly trip to the grocery store, so here we go with the typical “There’s nothing to eat in this house” complaints from my guy.  As you’ll see from the picture of this dish, I wasn’t quick enough with the camera and my starving Marvin ate 75% of the dish prior to picture time.  Guess the leftover ingredients and pantry finds did the trick!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp dried sweet basil
  • Salt & black pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 ounces gorgonzola cheese (or other creamy blue cheese), chopped into small pieces
  • 1 cup linguini, cooked
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1tsp toasted pine nuts (add pine nuts to a small frying pan and toast over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, shaking the pan to avoid scorching)

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat for about 20 seconds then add the pepper flakes, basil and salt and black pepper and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the milk and cheese pieces and cook for 3 minutes stirring constantly until a smooth sauce is created.
  3. Toss the cooked linguini into the hot sauce, gently stirring to warm the pasta, about 2 minutes.
  4. Serve pasta with grated Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.

Serves 1.

This is the 3rd installment in the “There’s Nothing to Eat in this House” series (see part 1 here: http://bit.ly/dbucAf and part 2 here: http://bit.ly/cJX6t2).

Filed Under: Cheese, Entrees, Italian, Pasta Tagged With: , , ,
27 October 2010 Chorizo and Manchego Bites – Perfect Little Tapas Item

Chorizo and Manchego Bites – Perfect Little Tapas Item

October 27, 2010 By
Chorizo & Manchego Bites

Chorizo & Manchego Bites

Do you ever host hors-d’oeuvres parties and run out of ideas on what to make?  I love the idea of tapas for a home party and often struggle to make tasty bites while also having the freedom to prepare some of the dishes ahead of time.  The Chorizo and Manchego Bites fulfill the easy and tasty requirements and take so little work to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 fresh Chorizo sausages (could use other fresh sausages with a bit of heat to them)
  • 1/2 pound – 1 pound Manchego cheese, cut into bite-size cubes

Directions:

  1. Heat your grill to medium-high heat and grill Chorizo sausages for about 6-7 minutes until the exterior of the sausages show some charred bits.  Let rest for 2-3 minutes then cut each sausage into 5-7 bite-size pieces.
  2. While the sausage is grilling, thread about 25 cheese cubes onto toothpicks.  Ensure to push the cheese towards the end of the toothpick where guests hold them to allow room for the Chorizo pieces.
  3. Thread a piece of Chorizo onto the toothpicks, touching the cheese, to allow the cheese to slightly melt from the heat of the hot sausage.  Serve!

Makes approximately 25 perfect bites.

Notes: You can easily double or triple the number of sausages and cheese cubes to allow for a larger group of people.  You could thread the cheese cubes ahead of time and keep refrigerated until party time.  You could also grill the sausages ahead of time, slice them and keep them warm in a foil-covered pan in a 200 degree oven for up to an hour before serving.

Filed Under: Cheese, Spanish, Starters Tagged With: , , , , ,
26 October 2010 Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs for the Non-Cook

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs for the Non-Cook

October 26, 2010 By
Beef Short Ribs

Beef Short Ribs

This comforting dish is one that even self-proclaimed non-cooks can whip up for company.   The tender beef with its rich sauce are best served over mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large Spanish onion, sliced into medium rings
  • 4lb boneless beef short ribs
  • 1 pound button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp each – salt, pepper
  • 1/2 tsp each – onion powder, garlic powder, ground thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup red wine, preferably Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 14-ounce can low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbs flour
  • 1 tbs butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Place the onion rings in an even layer in a 7-quart slow cooker (crock pot).
  2. Place short ribs over the onions, ideally in a single layer.
  3. Add the mushrooms to the slow cooker, over the beef.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper and all the spices.  Sprinkle over the meat.
  5. Pour the wine, broth and Worcestershire sauce around the beef.
  6. Cook on LOW for 9-10 hours, then carefully remove the beef from slow cooker onto a platter.
  7. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and bring cooking liquid to a simmer.  Using a ladle, remove the oily layer of fat from the cooking liquid and discard.
  8. Combine softened butter and flour to form a paste in a small bowl.  Add to liquid in the slow cooker and whisk to form a slightly thickened sauce, about 5 minutes.  Return the beef to the slow cooker to warm up, then serve making sure to discard of the bay leaves.

6 Servings.

Notes: For maximum flavor, sprinkle 1/2 cup all-purpose flour over the uncooked beef then brown the beef in batches in vegetable oil in a sauté pan prior to adding to the slow cooker.  For an interesting twist, add a cup of baby carrots over the onions before cooking.

Filed Under: American, Beef, Entrees, Slow Cooker Tagged With: , , ,
16 October 2010 There’s Nothing to Eat in this House – Maple Sugar Candy

There’s Nothing to Eat in this House – Maple Sugar Candy

October 16, 2010 By
Maple Sugar Candy

Maple Sugar Candy

This ‘recipe’ goes into my ‘There’s Nothing to Eat in this House’ sweet treats archive since my guy was in the mood for a sweet treat last night and I didn’t have some of the ingredients required for proper baking on hand.  Don’t shy away from trying this candy if you don’t have a cookie cutter to use as most of the time, when I make it, the softened candy doesn’t make it out of the saucepan!

Ingredient:

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Pour syrup into a small saucepan over high heat.  Bring to a boil and cook until the syrup forms small bubbles and appears foamy, about 4 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat and let cool for 2 minutes over a trivet or potholder.  Using a wooden spoon, stir constantly until the syrup thickens to a pale tan, but spreadable consistency (think Nutella consistency) – about 15 minutes.  Don’t stir past this consistency or you’ll not be able to mold the candy (which is okay if you’re not trying to make the candy look cute – what I do 90% of the time).
  3. Coat any medium-sized cookie cutter with cooking spray, then spoon the maple mixture into it.  Use spoon and fingertips to get the mixture completely into the mold, then smooth the top.
  4. Let cool for 30 minutes and unmold.  Enjoy by breaking small pieces.

Makes one candy.

Notes:  I know that when you’re stirring the syrup, before it begins to cool, it seems like the mixture will never turn to the buttery, creamy mixture from the photos, but it absolutely will.  If you cook the syrup too long for the type of saucepan you have, the mixture will harden quickly and you’ll have to enjoy the candy by breaking into small bites – which is completely okay!

Filed Under: Canadian, Desserts Tagged With: , , , , ,
10 October 2010 Biscuits Frigidaire (Icebox Cookies)

Biscuits Frigidaire (Icebox Cookies)

October 10, 2010 By

Growing up, my mom made the most succulent food one could ever want, but she wasn’t a baker.  In her short baked goods repertoire, is what we French Canadians call “Biscuits Frigidaire”.  Each time I make these icebox cookies, it brings back memories of getting the wax paper-wrapped cookie dough log out of the freezer so we could enjoy fresh baked treats within minutes.  This is truly one of the easiest cookie recipes, but one that yields crisps-chewy golden cookies on a moment’s notice.  Perfect for when unexpected guests stop by for coffee and you need a quick treat to serve.

Icebox Cookies

Icebox Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cookie Dough Directions:

  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and the two sugars until light and fluffy – 4 minutes.
  2. Add the egg and the vanilla extract and beat to incorporate.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, the baking soda and the salt.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in half cup additions, beating to just incorporate between additions, then finally beat until dough begins to come together – no more than 2 minutes total.
  5. Divide the dough in half and place each half on a large sheet of wax paper (dough should be at the top of the sheet – think top of a sheet of paper).  Shape the dough into a log using the wax paper to help smooth the dough (think sushi roll), then wrap each dough log completely with the wax paper and twist each end to seal the logs.  Place logs in the refrigerator for several hours and up to three days (logs can be frozen for up to a month).

Baking Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. Cut the logs into 1/4 inch thick slices using a sharp, thin-blade knife.  Place the cookies on the cookie sheets approximately two inches apart.
  3. Bake 10-11 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack (waiting for the cookies to cool completely will be extremely difficult).

Makes about three dozen cookies.

Notes:  Cooled, baked cookies can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for a week (you’ll never have these cookies on hand for a week – trust me).  Thaw frozen cookie dough in the refrigerator before slicing.  Want to vary the recipe a bit?  Add mini chocolate chips to one of the dough logs!

Filed Under: American, Canadian, Desserts Tagged With: , , , ,
20 September 2010 Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Bacon in Sage and Danish Blue Cheese Sauce

Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Bacon in Sage and Danish Blue Cheese Sauce

September 20, 2010 By

Gnocchi with Butternut Squash

No, this recipe isn’t for the faint of heart (literally and figuratively) – it’s rich, decadent and perfect on a cool evening.  This recipe came about because I was looking for ways to use up my huge harvest of sage.  Serve this as a side dish or starter as a little goes a long way.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced butternut squash
  • 3 tbs vegetable oil
  • 4 strips bacon
  • 1 cup potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought
  • 3 tbs butter
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
  • 1 cup light cream
  • 2 ounces Danish Blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Place diced butternut squash on a cookie sheet and drizzle with oil to coat.  Roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until tender, set roasted butternut squash aside in a small dish.  Keep oven at 400 degrees.
  2. Place bacon strips on two layers of paper towel and cover with an additional layer or paper towel.  Cook in the microwave for 4 minutes, or until bacon is soft-crispy.  Cut bacon in thin strips with scissors, set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.  Add gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes.  Drain well and set aside.
  4. In the saucepan the gnocchi cooked in (why dirty two pots?!), melt butter over medium-high heat.  Once butter is beginning to brown, add the sage and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add cream to the sage butter and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat to medium-low and add blue cheese.  Stir for 1 minutes.  Add the gnocchi, the roasted butternut squash, the chopped bacon and the black pepper and gently stir to combine.
  6. Spoon the gnocchi mixture into two 8-ounce ramekins or other small, oven-proof dishes, and bake in the oven for 5 minutes.

Serves 2.

Notes:  I’d skip this recipe if you don’t have fresh sage as you truly won’t get the same flavor from dried sage.  This recipe can easily be doubled to serve 4.  Don’t have Danish Blue cheese?  Use another type of blue cheese!

Filed Under: American, Cheese, Italian, Pasta, Sides, Starters, Vegetables Tagged With: , , , , ,
23 August 2010 Greek Phyllo and Custard Pie (Galaktoboureko)

Greek Phyllo and Custard Pie (Galaktoboureko)

August 23, 2010 By
Galaktoboureko Pie

Galaktoboureko Pie

I was shown how to make this traditional recipe by a friend’s Yia Yia (Greek grand-mother) many years ago and below is her recipe (with a few variations).

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2-inch piece lemon peel
  • 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

Pie Filling Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup semolina, finely ground
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 6 cups of milk (not low fat)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Phyllo Ingredients:

  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, melted
  • 1 pound phyllo dough sheets, thawed

Glaze Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium heat. Add the lemon peel, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8 minutes.
  2. Remove saucepan from heat, add the lemon juice and set aside to cool without stirring (can cool for up to an hour).  Discard lemon peel.

Pie Filling Directions:

  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat on high speed, 2 eggs with 1/3 the sugar until light and frothy, about 3 minutes.  Add 2 additional eggs and another 1/3 of the sugar, and beat for 2 minutes.   Add last 2 eggs and the rest of the sugar and beat for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the semolina, vanilla, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest.  Beat for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the milk and the melted butter. Beat for 5 minutes on medium speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy (mixer bowl will be very full).
  4. Pour the filling into a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously with a whisk until the mixture thickens, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool while assembling the phyllo in the pan, about 15 minutes.

Pie Assembling Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Brush the bottom and the sides of a 9-inch springform pan with some melted butter.
  3. Using 1/2 of the phyllo sheets in the 1 pound package, lay one sheet of phyllo in the pan so that the sheet goes up to the rim on one side of the pan and overhangs on the other side.  Brush the first phyllo sheet with butter.  Continue layering the sheets until there are phyllo sheets overhanging on all sides of the pan – not forgetting to brush butter between layers.
  4. Stir the cooled custard and pour into the pan over the phyllo sheets.  Using a spoon, spread the custard in an even layer over the bottom of the pan.
  5. Fold in the overhanging phyllo over the custard, brushing butter between phyllo sheets until about 1/2 of the custard surface is covered with phyllo.  Brush top of phyllo with butter.
  6. Using the second 1/2 of the phyllo package, lay each sheet over the top of the pie, brushing each with butter as you layer, to cover the whole pie.  Brush the top of the pie with butter.
  7. Using a very sharp knife or a serrated knife, cut the pie in 16 slices, ensuring to cut all the way through the bottom phyllo layer.  You will break some pieces of the phyllo top layer, but this step would be impossible after baking.
  8. Place the pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes, until golden.
  9. Remove the pie from the oven and pour the cooled glaze over the entire pie surface.  Cool pie completely, at least 3 hours before serving.

16 servings.

Notes: Rule of thumb when using phyllo, ALWAYS brush each layer with melted butter.  This ensures flaky pastry layers.  Also, ALWAYS keep a damp kitchen towel over the phyllo sheets you’re not using to keep the sheets from becoming brittle and dry.  Make certain to keep the pie on the cookie sheet through the cooling process as some of the glaze will seep out of the springform pan. Eat the pie within a day of making it as it’ll become soggy. I use the candied lemon peel as a garnish for the pie.

Filed Under: Desserts, Eggs, Greek Tagged With: , , ,
16 August 2010 No-Share Blueberry Buckle

No-Share Blueberry Buckle

August 16, 2010 By

Blueberry Buckle

The origin of the name ‘buckle’ in a dessert is thought to be from the ‘buckling’ of the cake as it bakes under the fruit from the addition of baking soda to the batter.  Whatever the provenance of the word, this dessert is a perfect ending to a Summer dinner.  Think steamed, soft cake, gooey blueberry and crusty, buttery topping.

Blueberry Filling Ingredients:

  • 3 cups blueberries (if frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, chilled then cut into small dice

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter six – 6 ounce ramekins or oven-proof dishes.  Set aside.

Blueberry Filling Directions:

  1. Mix the blueberries, lemon juice, flour, and sugar in a large bowl.  Allow to macerate for 30 minutes.

Streusel Topping Directions:

  1. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  2. Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture is the consistency of coarse meal.  Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Cake Directions:

  1. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in a small bowl.
  2. Cream the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer for 1 minute.  Add the sugar and beat for 2 minutes.  Add the egg and vanilla to the mixture to combine.
  3. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, beat for 10 seconds.  Add 1/4 cup of milk, beat for 10 seconds.  Continue alternating flour and milk until just combined.

Final Assembly:

  1. Add 1/4 cup of cake batter to each ramekin, smoothing the surface.
  2. Spoon the blueberry mixture over the cake batter.
  3. Top the blueberry layer with an even amount of streusel mixture.  Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake until streusel is browned, about 25 minutes.
  4. Allow buckles to cool for 15 minutes.  Serve with vanilla bean ice cream.

Makes 6 servings.

Filed Under: American, Desserts, Fruits Tagged With: , , , , , ,
14 August 2010 Super Simple Homemade Corn Tortilla

Super Simple Homemade Corn Tortilla

August 14, 2010 By

Tortillas Cooking

One day as I was preparing for Mexican Fiesta Night at Casa Chickie, my dear friend Lisa who loves all things Mexico/Central & South America, offered to make homemade tortillas.  To my delight, she didn’t arrive with already-prepared tortillas, but with her tortilla press, ingredients and griddle!  This is her simple recipe for tender, delicious corn tortillas.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups masa flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups warm water

Directions:

  1. Combine masa flour and baking soda in a medium bowl.  Add warm water 1/4 cup at a time until mixture can be formed into a ball of dough (you may not need 2 cups). Let dough rest uncovered for 5 minutes.
  2. Knead dough for 5 minutes until it’s completely smooth.
  3. Divide dough in golf ball-sized portions.  Roll divided dough into balls.  Using a tortilla press or a rolling pin, flatten dough to 6-inch in diameter tortilla disks.
  4. Heat a large skillet (or griddle) on medium-high heat.  Cook one tortillas for 1 minute on each side.  Place cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep moist.  Serve with your favorite topping.

Makes 16-18 tortillas.

Notes:  My friend recommends using scissors to turn a gallon-size zip top bag into 2 sheets of plastic film.  The dough can then be flatten between the film sheets to make easier to handle and to prevent sticking.  If dough is sticky while kneading, coat hands with masa!

Filed Under: Mexican, Sides Tagged With: , , ,
12 August 2010 Getting Corny in New Jersey

Getting Corny in New Jersey

August 12, 2010 By

Since moving to New Jersey five years ago, I’ve been enjoying some of the best produce I’ve ever had. New Jersey, the Garden State, is specially famous for its corn, tomatoes and blueberries. Lucky for me, I’m partial to all three!

Something new I’ve been enjoying this season is corn on the cob grilled without its husks. Wow, I was so wrong about not being able to improve on an all-time favorite, but grilling the cobs truly enhances the corny flavor and the sweetness of this vegetable. Simply peel the husks away, drizzle cobs with oil, salt, pepper and a light sprinkling of chili powder then grill on medium heat for eight minutes (rotate cobs for even grilling) and you’re in business!

Two of my new favorite variations are as follow:

• Combine softened butter with roasted garlic cloves, chopped fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese then slather on the hot cobs.
• Combine sour cream, mayo, chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled Mexican Queso Fresco then coat the cob with the mixture.

I urge you to try one or both of these variations for an extraordinary corny experience. Enjoy!

Filed Under: American, Sides, Vegetables Tagged With: , ,
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