Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's six yummy recipes include Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne and Chocolate Coconut Cake. Enjoy!
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF AND RICE
This is from Diana Rattray of The Spruce. Diana wrote, “Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious everyday meal with a tossed salad, or mashed or baked potatoes served alongside. The filling in this classic version includes ground beef and rice. Because the ground beef is not browned before it's added to the peppers, it should be quite lean. Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
“This tried-and-true recipe is a family favorite, and many people consider the dish a comfort food. Make these easy stuffed peppers and find out why this dish is so popular!”
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 85 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Yield: 6 servings.
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
6 green bell peppers (or a combination of red and green)
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (cooked)
Optional: Shredded mild cheddar cheese (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
Directions
Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and rinse them under cold water; remove seeds and cut away the white ribs, which might be bitter. Chop the edible part of tops and set aside. Place the peppers in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is foamy. Sauté the chopped bell pepper (from the tops), chopped onion, and chopped celery for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the (undrained) canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir to blend; add ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture. Mix well.
Heat the oven to 350 F.
Stuff the peppers loosely with the ground beef mixture and place them in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the stuffed peppers.
Bake the peppers for about 45 minutes, or until the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked. The meat should be cooked in that amount of time, but if you want to be sure, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The minimum safe temperature is 160 F for ground beef, pork or lamb, or 165 F for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips and Variations
Top stuffed peppers with a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese just before they are done and then return them to the oven and bake just until the cheese has melted.
Use green bell peppers or red bell peppers, or any combination of colors.
Ground turkey or ground chicken may be used to replace all or part of the ground beef in the recipe. Or add some extra-lean ground pork to the ground beef.
The peppers may also be halved horizontally so you have two halves to fill. You won't have the extra chopped pepper from the tops, but you can chop an extra bell pepper.
STEAK ’N’ BACON CHEDDAR MEATBALLS
This is from Juila Moskin in The New York Times cooking email. Julia wrote, “This is essentially a bacon cheeseburger in meatball form. The cooked steak should be diced into small bites, not ground, for the best texture.”
Yield: About 2 dozen meatballs, 6 to 8 servings; Time: 45 minutes.
This was featured in “Lucky to Be a Leftover” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, minced
Scant 8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 pound cooked steak, diced
1 pound ground beef, 80% lean
6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons salt
Black pepper
Preparation
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion and bacon, and cook, stirring, until bacon has browned and onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer onion and bacon to a plate and cool in refrigerator.
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Use the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine steak, ground beef, cooled bacon and onions, cheese, eggs, bread crumbs and salt, and mix lightly but thoroughly by hand. To taste for seasoning, heat a small skillet and fry a chunk of the mixture until browned. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Roll mixture into golf-ball-size balls, packing firmly. Pack snugly into the prepared dish, making even rows to form a grid. Roast for 20 minutes, or until firm and cooked through. (The center should be at 165 degrees.)
Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
CREAMY ROASTED RED PEPPER PENNE
This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. Lindsay wrote, “With a super-light cream sauce, this spinach and roasted red pepper penne is addictive.”
Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4
To view this online, click here.
Note: This recipe originally called for chicken broth, which I've exchanged for veggie broth. Also, if you can get hold of a veggie version of heavy cream – maybe soy? Whatever – go for it.
Ingredients
12 oz. penne
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. baby spinach
1 c. sliced jarred roasted red peppers
1/2 c. heavy cream
1/2 c. low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Directions
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and return to pot.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add spinach and roasted red peppers. Cook until wilted and warmed through, 3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, vegetable broth, and 1/4 cup pasta water and bring to a simmer.
Add cooked penne to pan and stir until coated, then season with crushed red pepper flakes.
Garnish with Parmesan and serve.
LEMON-SPICE VISITING CAKE
This comes from Dorie Greenspan on The New York Times cooking emailing list. Dorie wrote, “Whether you pack this cake as a gift or have it ready when visitors come to you, the imperative to share is implicit in its name. The cake is built for comfort and durability – make it on Thursday or Friday and have it all weekend. And if it stales, toast it; the heat will intensify the lemon and spice deliciously. The cake is easy to make (no machines needed) and, like all spice cakes, better after a day’s rest. Giving it a swish of warmed marmalade when it comes out of the oven is optional. What shouldn't be passed up is what I call the ‘lemon trick’: Use your fingertips to rub the recipe’s lemon and sugar together until the sugar is moist and aromatic. This easy step transfers everything essential from the lemon to the cake. Think of it as aromatherapy for the cake and you.”
Yield: 10 servings; Time: 85 minutes.
This yumminess was featured in “A Cake You Can Take With You Anywhere” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
Butter and flour for the pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large (or 2 small) lemons
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/3 cup marmalade (for optional glaze)
1/2 teaspoon water (for optional glaze)
Preparation
Center a rack in the oven, and preheat it to 350. Butter an 8 1/2-inch loaf pan (Pyrex works well), dust with flour and tap out the excess. (For this cake, bakers’ spray isn’t as good as butter and flour.) Place on a baking sheet.
Whisk the 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, cardamom, ginger and salt together.
Put the sugar in a large bowl, and grate the zest of the lemon(s) over the sugar. Squeeze the lemon(s) to produce 3 tablespoons juice, and set this aside. Using your fingers, rub the sugar and zest together until the mixture is moist and aromatic. One at a time, add the eggs, whisking well after each. Whisk in the juice, followed by the heavy cream. Still using the whisk, gently stir the dry ingredients into the batter in two additions. Stir the vanilla into the melted butter, and then gradually blend the butter into the batter. The batter will be thick and have a beautiful sheen. Scrape it into the loaf pan.
Bake for 70 to 75 minutes (if the cake looks as if it’s getting too dark too quickly, tent it loosely with foil) or until a tester inserted deep into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer to a rack, let rest for 5 minutes and then carefully run a blunt knife between the sides of the cake and the pan. Invert onto the rack, and turn over. Glaze now, or cool to room temperature.
For the glaze: Bring the marmalade and water to a boil. Brush the glaze over the top of the warm cake, and allow to it to set for 2 hours. The glaze will remain slightly tacky.
When the cake is completely cool, wrap in plastic to store. If it’s glazed, wrap loosely on top.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The fine, feathery crumb of this dessert, which is on the lighter side of chocolate cakes, is balanced by a slather of glossy, fudgy frosting. A topping of shredded coconut provides additional richness and texture. Make it the day before serving; its flavor only improves overnight.” Time: 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling; makes one 10-inch torte, 8 to 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
7 ounces unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), plus more for the pan
5 1/4 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
4 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting:
7 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1/2 ounce unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees, and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Make the cake: In a metal bowl, combine the butter and chocolate; place the bowl over (not in) the pot of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat to cool slightly. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on a low setting.)
Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut and stir to combine.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mix to combine. Alternating, fold the flour mixture and the cream into the batter.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake emerges clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water (or you can do this in a microwave on a low setting). Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly, until the chocolate thickens somewhat, then spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle coconut on top; let set, then serve.
CHIPOTLE ASPARAGUS QUESADILLAS
This comes from the April/May 2014 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. It begins, “Canned chipotles in adobo sauce lend mellow, smoky heat to quesadillas. Leftover chipotles (there are usually four or five in a can) can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for future use.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
Quesadillas
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
4 8-inch sprouted-grain tortillas
Chipotle Spread
3 Tbs. vegan mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced, drained chipotles in adobo sauce
1 Tbs. lime or lemon juice
Preheat oven to 425°F.
To make Quesadillas: Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, onion, oil, and oregano in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on large baking sheet, and roast 10 to 12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, stirring once or twice.
Meanwhile, to make Chipotle Spread: blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread 1 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Spread on one side of each tortilla, spreading all the way out to edges. Top with 2/3 cup filling on one half of each tortilla, then fold over tortillas, pressing edges together to enclose filling and form half-moons.
Coat large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla in skillet 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
nutritional information Per Quesadilla: Calories: 273; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 235 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan
Showing posts with label Chocolate Coconut Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chocolate Coconut Cake. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Tuesday Recipes
Here are today's six yummy recipes; I think that there's a little something for everyone. Enjoy!
ROASTED CHICKEN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
This comes from Tablespoon's newsletter. It begins, “This fall feast on roasted chicken and butternut squash – a delectable dinner!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 55 min; Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2 lb), skinned
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
5 cups cubed (1/2 inch) peeled butternut squash (2 1/4 lb)
1 teaspoon fines herbs
3 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth
Directions
Heat oven to 450°F. Spray roasting pan with cooking spray. Place chicken in pan. Brush chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
In large bowl, toss squash with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with fines herbes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss well. Add squash to roasting pan.
Roast uncovered 38 to 40 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (at least 165°F). Remove chicken and squash to serving platter; cover to keep warm.
Add wine to pan drippings; heat to boiling over high heat, scraping bottom of pan to loosen brown particles. Reduce heat; cook 2 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup.
To serve, top each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon sauce. Serve with squash.
90-MINUTE BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON ROLLS
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven't signed up for her newsletter, I recommend it! Prep Time: 70 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 12 rolls
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 egg
Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of butter
Frosting:
2 tablespoons softened butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
2-3 cups of powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it.)
Instructions
Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in butter; stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt; whisk together. Add water, egg and the milk mixture; beat well with an electric mixer. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, using a wooden spoon to stir well after each addition. (dough will be too thick and sticky to use the mixers at this point.)
When the dough has just pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes, or alternately use the dough hook in a stand mixer. When ready, the dough will spring back when lightly pressed.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest on the counter for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, brown your butter by placing it in a small microwave safe glass bowl or container. Cover it with a saucer or other well-fitted cover and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Butter will melt, pop and then turn brown. (you can also do this over the stove-top, but I find the microwave method pretty easy.) While butter cools slightly, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle. (use your 9x13 baking dish as a guide.) Using a pastry brush- slather the dough with the brown butter. Sprinkle dough with cinnamon sugar mixture and press in lightly so it doesn't fall out when you roll it, getting all the way to the edges.
Roll up dough and pinch seam to seal. Using a serrated knife, cut into 12 equal size rolls and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place* until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes and then spread them with frosting. (directions below) Serve warm.
To make the frosting:
Whip together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
Notes:
*When it's cold in my kitchen, I like to preheat the oven for a few minutes, (usually to about 200F,) and proof them in there.
LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network's Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 1 hr 30 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lentil-vegetable-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 pound French green lentils
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions)
4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks)
3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The fine, feathery crumb of this dessert, which is on the lighter side of chocolate cakes, is balanced by a slather of glossy, fudgy frosting. A topping of shredded coconut provides additional richness and texture. Make it the day before serving; its flavor only improves overnight.” Time: 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling; makes one 10-inch torte, 8 to 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
7 ounces unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), plus more for the pan
5 1/4 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
4 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting:
7 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1/2 ounce unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees, and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Make the cake: In a metal bowl, combine the butter and chocolate; place the bowl over (not in) the pot of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat to cool slightly. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on a low setting.)
Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut and stir to combine.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mix to combine. Alternating, fold the flour mixture and the cream into the batter.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake emerges clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water (or you can do this in a microwave on a low setting). Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly, until the chocolate thickens somewhat, then spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle coconut on top; let set, then serve.
SEPHARDIC CHALLAH WITH WHOLE SPICES
This comes from Julia Moskin in the The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Julia writes, “Challah is tremendously popular in the United States, among Jews and non-Jews alike. But it doesn’t say anywhere in Jewish scripture that challah is a braided, sweet, eggy, deliciously squishy bread of the kind familiar to most Americans; that loaf is Ashkenazi, from Eastern European Jews. The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from North Africa and the Middle East, have their own distinct traditional loaves. Here, use the raisins, eggs and full amount of honey to make a richer, festive Sephardic loaf that is delicious by itself; leave them out for a lean, savory Mizrahi bread that goes beautifully with Moroccan tagines and Middle Eastern mezes, salads and dips.” Time: 4 to 5 hours; makes 2 round loaves.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raisins, dark or golden or a combination (optional)
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon caraway or coriander seeds
1 tablespoon anise, cumin or poppy seeds
1 envelope active dry yeast
5 cups bread flour, more for dusting work surface
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for oiling bowl and pans
2 to 4 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you like your challah)
2 eggs, at room temperature (optional)
1 tablespoon/16 grams kosher salt
Cornmeal, for dusting
2 egg yolks
Preparation
If using, cover raisins in 2 cups warm water and let plump for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a skillet, toast 1 tablespoon sesame, the caraway and the anise or other seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine yeast with 2 tablespoons warm water (you can use the soaking water from the raisins if handy). Let stand until thoroughly moistened, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour with olive oil, honey, eggs (if using) and warm water (3/4 cup if using eggs; 1 1/2 cups if not).
Mix at low speed until a very soft dough forms. If it is stiff, add warm water a tablespoon at a time. Add salt, yeast mixture and toasted seeds and mix at medium-low speed until the dough is supple and smooth, 10 minutes. Mix in raisins. Using oiled hands, transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a draft-free spot until the dough is doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Lightly oil 2 small cookie sheets and dust them with cornmeal. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and press to deflate. Cut the dough in half and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll each piece into an 18-inch-long rope and let rest for 5 minutes longer, then roll each rope into a 32-inch rope. Take 1 of the ropes and, starting from 1 end, form the dough into a coil; tuck the ends under the completed coil. Repeat with the remaining rope.
Transfer each coil to a baking sheet and cover each loaf with a large inverted bowl. Let stand for 1 hour, until the loaves have nearly doubled in bulk. (The risen loaves can be frozen, wrapped, for up to 2 weeks; top and bake just before serving.)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the loaves and let stand uncovered for 30 minutes. Brush with the egg wash once more and sprinkle with the reserved sesame seeds. Bake the loaves side-by-side in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until they're golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the loaves to racks and let cool before serving or slicing.
CHEESY ENCHILADA QUINO CASSEROLE
This comes from the Tablespoon newsletter. It begins, “You already love enchiladas. So why not try another way to enjoy them? This one callsl for quinoa instead of corn tortillas, and tastes like a dream.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total time: 60 min; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 pound ground turkey, browned
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
1 (10 oz.) can Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz.) can Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes
1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
4 cups shredded Mexican or pepper jack cheese
1/2 avocado, diced
1 roma tomato, finely diced
1/4 cup Green Giant™ SteamCrisp™ Niblets™ corn
2 tablespoons cilantro, freshly chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400º F. In a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, mix together quinoa, turkey, black beans, enchilada sauce, tomatoes and taco sesasoning. Top with 3 cups shredded cheese.
Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Remove from oven, stir casserole to mix, and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese, diced avocado, tomato, corn niblets and cilantro. Return to oven and bake for 7-10 minutes more, until cheese melts completely. Serve and enjoy!
ROASTED CHICKEN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
This comes from Tablespoon's newsletter. It begins, “This fall feast on roasted chicken and butternut squash – a delectable dinner!” Prep Time: 15 min; Total Time: 55 min; Makes 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2 lb), skinned
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
5 cups cubed (1/2 inch) peeled butternut squash (2 1/4 lb)
1 teaspoon fines herbs
3 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth
Directions
Heat oven to 450°F. Spray roasting pan with cooking spray. Place chicken in pan. Brush chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
In large bowl, toss squash with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with fines herbes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss well. Add squash to roasting pan.
Roast uncovered 38 to 40 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (at least 165°F). Remove chicken and squash to serving platter; cover to keep warm.
Add wine to pan drippings; heat to boiling over high heat, scraping bottom of pan to loosen brown particles. Reduce heat; cook 2 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup.
To serve, top each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon sauce. Serve with squash.
90-MINUTE BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON ROLLS
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). If you haven't signed up for her newsletter, I recommend it! Prep Time: 70 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 12 rolls
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Dough:
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 egg
Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of butter
Frosting:
2 tablespoons softened butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
2-3 cups of powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it.)
Instructions
Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in butter; stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt; whisk together. Add water, egg and the milk mixture; beat well with an electric mixer. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, using a wooden spoon to stir well after each addition. (dough will be too thick and sticky to use the mixers at this point.)
When the dough has just pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes, or alternately use the dough hook in a stand mixer. When ready, the dough will spring back when lightly pressed.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest on the counter for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, brown your butter by placing it in a small microwave safe glass bowl or container. Cover it with a saucer or other well-fitted cover and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Butter will melt, pop and then turn brown. (you can also do this over the stove-top, but I find the microwave method pretty easy.) While butter cools slightly, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle. (use your 9x13 baking dish as a guide.) Using a pastry brush- slather the dough with the brown butter. Sprinkle dough with cinnamon sugar mixture and press in lightly so it doesn't fall out when you roll it, getting all the way to the edges.
Roll up dough and pinch seam to seal. Using a serrated knife, cut into 12 equal size rolls and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place* until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes and then spread them with frosting. (directions below) Serve warm.
To make the frosting:
Whip together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
Notes:
*When it's cold in my kitchen, I like to preheat the oven for a few minutes, (usually to about 200F,) and proof them in there.
LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network's Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 1 hr 30 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lentil-vegetable-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 pound French green lentils
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions)
4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks)
3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The fine, feathery crumb of this dessert, which is on the lighter side of chocolate cakes, is balanced by a slather of glossy, fudgy frosting. A topping of shredded coconut provides additional richness and texture. Make it the day before serving; its flavor only improves overnight.” Time: 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling; makes one 10-inch torte, 8 to 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
7 ounces unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), plus more for the pan
5 1/4 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
4 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting:
7 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1/2 ounce unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees, and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Make the cake: In a metal bowl, combine the butter and chocolate; place the bowl over (not in) the pot of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat to cool slightly. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on a low setting.)
Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut and stir to combine.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mix to combine. Alternating, fold the flour mixture and the cream into the batter.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake emerges clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water (or you can do this in a microwave on a low setting). Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly, until the chocolate thickens somewhat, then spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle coconut on top; let set, then serve.
SEPHARDIC CHALLAH WITH WHOLE SPICES
This comes from Julia Moskin in the The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Julia writes, “Challah is tremendously popular in the United States, among Jews and non-Jews alike. But it doesn’t say anywhere in Jewish scripture that challah is a braided, sweet, eggy, deliciously squishy bread of the kind familiar to most Americans; that loaf is Ashkenazi, from Eastern European Jews. The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from North Africa and the Middle East, have their own distinct traditional loaves. Here, use the raisins, eggs and full amount of honey to make a richer, festive Sephardic loaf that is delicious by itself; leave them out for a lean, savory Mizrahi bread that goes beautifully with Moroccan tagines and Middle Eastern mezes, salads and dips.” Time: 4 to 5 hours; makes 2 round loaves.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raisins, dark or golden or a combination (optional)
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon caraway or coriander seeds
1 tablespoon anise, cumin or poppy seeds
1 envelope active dry yeast
5 cups bread flour, more for dusting work surface
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for oiling bowl and pans
2 to 4 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you like your challah)
2 eggs, at room temperature (optional)
1 tablespoon/16 grams kosher salt
Cornmeal, for dusting
2 egg yolks
Preparation
If using, cover raisins in 2 cups warm water and let plump for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a skillet, toast 1 tablespoon sesame, the caraway and the anise or other seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine yeast with 2 tablespoons warm water (you can use the soaking water from the raisins if handy). Let stand until thoroughly moistened, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour with olive oil, honey, eggs (if using) and warm water (3/4 cup if using eggs; 1 1/2 cups if not).
Mix at low speed until a very soft dough forms. If it is stiff, add warm water a tablespoon at a time. Add salt, yeast mixture and toasted seeds and mix at medium-low speed until the dough is supple and smooth, 10 minutes. Mix in raisins. Using oiled hands, transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a draft-free spot until the dough is doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Lightly oil 2 small cookie sheets and dust them with cornmeal. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and press to deflate. Cut the dough in half and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll each piece into an 18-inch-long rope and let rest for 5 minutes longer, then roll each rope into a 32-inch rope. Take 1 of the ropes and, starting from 1 end, form the dough into a coil; tuck the ends under the completed coil. Repeat with the remaining rope.
Transfer each coil to a baking sheet and cover each loaf with a large inverted bowl. Let stand for 1 hour, until the loaves have nearly doubled in bulk. (The risen loaves can be frozen, wrapped, for up to 2 weeks; top and bake just before serving.)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the loaves and let stand uncovered for 30 minutes. Brush with the egg wash once more and sprinkle with the reserved sesame seeds. Bake the loaves side-by-side in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until they're golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the loaves to racks and let cool before serving or slicing.
CHEESY ENCHILADA QUINO CASSEROLE
This comes from the Tablespoon newsletter. It begins, “You already love enchiladas. So why not try another way to enjoy them? This one callsl for quinoa instead of corn tortillas, and tastes like a dream.” Prep Time: 15 min; Total time: 60 min; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 pound ground turkey, browned
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
1 (10 oz.) can Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz.) can Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes
1 packet Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
4 cups shredded Mexican or pepper jack cheese
1/2 avocado, diced
1 roma tomato, finely diced
1/4 cup Green Giant™ SteamCrisp™ Niblets™ corn
2 tablespoons cilantro, freshly chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400º F. In a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, mix together quinoa, turkey, black beans, enchilada sauce, tomatoes and taco sesasoning. Top with 3 cups shredded cheese.
Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Remove from oven, stir casserole to mix, and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese, diced avocado, tomato, corn niblets and cilantro. Return to oven and bake for 7-10 minutes more, until cheese melts completely. Serve and enjoy!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Friday Recipes
Finally, the weekend. Here are six recipes to try over the weekend. Enjoy!
LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network's Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 1 hr 30 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lentil-vegetable-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 pound French green lentils
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions)
4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks)
3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The fine, feathery crumb of this dessert, which is on the lighter side of chocolate cakes, is balanced by a slather of glossy, fudgy frosting. A topping of shredded coconut provides additional richness and texture. Make it the day before serving; its flavor only improves overnight.” Time: 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling; makes one 10-inch torte, 8 to 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
7 ounces unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), plus more for the pan
5 1/4 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
4 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting:
7 ounces/200 grams chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1/2 ounce unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees, and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Make the cake: In a metal bowl, combine the butter and chocolate; place the bowl over (not in) the pot of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat to cool slightly. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on a low setting.)
Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut and stir to combine.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mix to combine. Alternating, fold the flour mixture and the cream into the batter.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake emerges clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water (or you can do this in a microwave on a low setting). Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly, until the chocolate thickens somewhat, then spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle coconut on top; let set, then serve.
SEPHARDIC CHALLAH WITH WHOLE SPICES
This comes from Julia Moskin in the The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Julia writes, “Challah is tremendously popular in the United States, among Jews and non-Jews alike. But it doesn’t say anywhere in Jewish scripture that challah is a braided, sweet, eggy, deliciously squishy bread of the kind familiar to most Americans; that loaf is Ashkenazi, from Eastern European Jews. The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from North Africa and the Middle East, have their own distinct traditional loaves. Here, use the raisins, eggs and full amount of honey to make a richer, festive Sephardic loaf that is delicious by itself; leave them out for a lean, savory Mizrahi bread that goes beautifully with Moroccan tagines and Middle Eastern mezes, salads and dips.” Time: 4 to 5 hours; makes 2 round loaves.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raisins, dark or golden or a combination (optional)
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon caraway or coriander seeds
1 tablespoon anise, cumin or poppy seeds
1 envelope active dry yeast
5 cups bread flour, more for dusting work surface
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for oiling bowl and pans
2 to 4 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you like your challah)
2 eggs, at room temperature (optional)
1 tablespoon/16 grams kosher salt
Cornmeal, for dusting
2 egg yolks
Preparation
If using, cover raisins in 2 cups warm water and let plump for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a skillet, toast 1 tablespoon sesame, the caraway and the anise or other seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine yeast with 2 tablespoons warm water (you can use the soaking water from the raisins if handy). Let stand until thoroughly moistened, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour with olive oil, honey, eggs (if using) and warm water (3/4 cup if using eggs; 1 1/2 cups if not).
Mix at low speed until a very soft dough forms. If it is stiff, add warm water a tablespoon at a time. Add salt, yeast mixture and toasted seeds and mix at medium-low speed until the dough is supple and smooth, 10 minutes. Mix in raisins. Using oiled hands, transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a draft-free spot until the dough is doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Lightly oil 2 small cookie sheets and dust them with cornmeal. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and press to deflate. Cut the dough in half and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll each piece into an 18-inch-long rope and let rest for 5 minutes longer, then roll each rope into a 32-inch rope. Take 1 of the ropes and, starting from 1 end, form the dough into a coil; tuck the ends under the completed coil. Repeat with the remaining rope.
Transfer each coil to a baking sheet and cover each loaf with a large inverted bowl. Let stand for 1 hour, until the loaves have nearly doubled in bulk. (The risen loaves can be frozen, wrapped, for up to 2 weeks; top and bake just before serving.)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the loaves and let stand uncovered for 30 minutes. Brush with the egg wash once more and sprinkle with the reserved sesame seeds. Bake the loaves side-by-side in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until they're golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the loaves to racks and let cool before serving or slicing.
RASPBERRY ROSE RUGELACH
This also comes from Melissa Clark in the same New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. (This is from Chicago's HotChocolate restaurant.) Melissa writes, “With its garnet-hued raspberry jam filling and fragrant rose sugar topping, this rugelach is a vivid departure from more traditional incarnations. It also uses two different kinds of salt, which provide forthright seasoning and a bare hint of crunch. You can make them up to 5 days ahead, if stored in an airtight container.” Time: 4 hours; makes 4 dozen rugelach
To view this yummy recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons rose water
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick spray
1 1/2 cups raspberry jam
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Preparation
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and the rose water. Rub together, then leave uncovered to dry, at least 2 hours. When dry, rub between fingers or use a mortar and pestle to break up any large chunks. (Rose sugar can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored airtight at room temperature.)
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, kosher salt and sea salt.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed for 5 to 10 seconds. Beat in cream cheese. Beat in remaining 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl, then beat in vanilla.
With mixer on low speed, beat in flour mixture until dough comes together but still looks shaggy, about 30 seconds.
Dump dough and crumbs onto the counter and use your hands or a plastic bench scraper to bring dough together into a mass. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and pat into rectangles. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 week.
Lightly dust an 11-by-17-inch piece of parchment paper with flour. Place 1 dough rectangle onto the parchment, dust with flour, cover with another piece of parchment, and roll dough out into a rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border between edge of parchment and dough. If dough sticks, peel back parchment, dust with more flour, replace parchment. Repeat with second dough half, then chill for 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Working with one sheet at a time, move rolled-out dough to work surface. Peel one layer of parchment off to unstick it from the dough, replace it lightly on top of the dough, then flip and peel other side off. Spread 3/4 cup jam in a thin, even layer on dough. Using a fluted dough cutter (or a sharp paring knife), trim edges and divide dough in half lengthwise into two long strips. Working with one strip at a time and moving crosswise, cut diagonal lines to form triangles with flat tips, with each base about 2 inches wide and each tip about 1/4 inch wide. There should be about 12 triangles per strip.
Using an offset spatula, separate a triangle away from rest of dough. Starting from the wide base, roll dough up and place tip-side down on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining triangles, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Brush tops of rugelach with egg white and sprinkle with rose sugar. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until golden, 22 to 28 minutes. Cool on sheet pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
CREAMY PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, PARMESAN CHEESE, AND HAM
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana writes, “This pasta is a snap to prepare. Cook the pasta, quickly steam the broccoli, and stir-fry the ham and garlic for a few minutes. The simple sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. For a gluten-free diet, serve the dish with gluten-free pasta.
“Leave out the ham and this could easily become a vegetarian dish.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 4 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (penne, elbows, shells, or similar)
3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped, about 1 medium broccoli crown
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 to 2 cups diced ham, about 8 ounces
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
2 to 3 teaspoons chopped fresh basil or about 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water following the package directions. Drain in a colander.
Meanwhile, put the broccoli pieces in a steaming basket. Bring about an inch of water to a boil in a medium to large saucepan. Put the steaming basket in the pan (above the water, so the broccoli doesn't sit in the water). Cover the pan and steam the broccoli for about 4 minutes, or until the florets are just barely tender.
In a skillet or saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ham and cook, stirring, until browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the basil, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer over low heat and continue cooking for about 1 minute.
Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Combine with the drained pasta and toss. Heat through.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving bowl and toss again at the table just before serving.
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese, a tossed salad or Caesar Salad, along with crusty rolls or bread.
Variations
Replace the ham with diced Canadian bacon or about 6 to 8 strips of cooked diced bacon.
Replace the broccoli with steamed or microwaved frozen peas.
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE MAPLE SNAPS
This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It begins, “These snaps are great on their own, or as wafers for sandwich cookies. Maple syrup lends flavor and moisture, which lets you cut down on oil in the dough.” Makes 40 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbs. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. grated orange zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat three baking sheets with cooking spray.
Whisk together maple syrup, oil, cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and orange zest in large bowl.
Sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
Measure out cookie dough in 1-tsp. scoops, and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are firm on top and edges have darkened.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 42; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
This comes from Ina Garten of The Food Network's Barefoot Contessa. Total Time: 2 hr 5 min; Prep: 20 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 1 hr 30 min; Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Level: Easy
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lentil-vegetable-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback
Ingredients
1 pound French green lentils
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions)
4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks)
3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “The fine, feathery crumb of this dessert, which is on the lighter side of chocolate cakes, is balanced by a slather of glossy, fudgy frosting. A topping of shredded coconut provides additional richness and texture. Make it the day before serving; its flavor only improves overnight.” Time: 1 1/4 hours, plus cooling; makes one 10-inch torte, 8 to 10 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
7 ounces unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks), plus more for the pan
5 1/4 ounces chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
4 large eggs, whites and yolks separated
1 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Frosting:
7 ounces/200 grams chopped dark chocolate (at least 60 percent)
1/2 ounce unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees, and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.
Make the cake: In a metal bowl, combine the butter and chocolate; place the bowl over (not in) the pot of simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat to cool slightly. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on a low setting.)
Into a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the shredded coconut and stir to combine.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, mix to combine. Alternating, fold the flour mixture and the cream into the batter.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake emerges clean, about 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Make the frosting: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water (or you can do this in a microwave on a low setting). Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly, until the chocolate thickens somewhat, then spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle coconut on top; let set, then serve.
SEPHARDIC CHALLAH WITH WHOLE SPICES
This comes from Julia Moskin in the The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Julia writes, “Challah is tremendously popular in the United States, among Jews and non-Jews alike. But it doesn’t say anywhere in Jewish scripture that challah is a braided, sweet, eggy, deliciously squishy bread of the kind familiar to most Americans; that loaf is Ashkenazi, from Eastern European Jews. The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews from North Africa and the Middle East, have their own distinct traditional loaves. Here, use the raisins, eggs and full amount of honey to make a richer, festive Sephardic loaf that is delicious by itself; leave them out for a lean, savory Mizrahi bread that goes beautifully with Moroccan tagines and Middle Eastern mezes, salads and dips.” Time: 4 to 5 hours; makes 2 round loaves.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raisins, dark or golden or a combination (optional)
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon caraway or coriander seeds
1 tablespoon anise, cumin or poppy seeds
1 envelope active dry yeast
5 cups bread flour, more for dusting work surface
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for oiling bowl and pans
2 to 4 tablespoons honey (depending on how sweet you like your challah)
2 eggs, at room temperature (optional)
1 tablespoon/16 grams kosher salt
Cornmeal, for dusting
2 egg yolks
Preparation
If using, cover raisins in 2 cups warm water and let plump for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a skillet, toast 1 tablespoon sesame, the caraway and the anise or other seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a small bowl, combine yeast with 2 tablespoons warm water (you can use the soaking water from the raisins if handy). Let stand until thoroughly moistened, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour with olive oil, honey, eggs (if using) and warm water (3/4 cup if using eggs; 1 1/2 cups if not).
Mix at low speed until a very soft dough forms. If it is stiff, add warm water a tablespoon at a time. Add salt, yeast mixture and toasted seeds and mix at medium-low speed until the dough is supple and smooth, 10 minutes. Mix in raisins. Using oiled hands, transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a draft-free spot until the dough is doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Lightly oil 2 small cookie sheets and dust them with cornmeal. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and press to deflate. Cut the dough in half and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll each piece into an 18-inch-long rope and let rest for 5 minutes longer, then roll each rope into a 32-inch rope. Take 1 of the ropes and, starting from 1 end, form the dough into a coil; tuck the ends under the completed coil. Repeat with the remaining rope.
Transfer each coil to a baking sheet and cover each loaf with a large inverted bowl. Let stand for 1 hour, until the loaves have nearly doubled in bulk. (The risen loaves can be frozen, wrapped, for up to 2 weeks; top and bake just before serving.)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the loaves and let stand uncovered for 30 minutes. Brush with the egg wash once more and sprinkle with the reserved sesame seeds. Bake the loaves side-by-side in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until they're golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer the loaves to racks and let cool before serving or slicing.
RASPBERRY ROSE RUGELACH
This also comes from Melissa Clark in the same New York Times Cooking e-newsletter. (This is from Chicago's HotChocolate restaurant.) Melissa writes, “With its garnet-hued raspberry jam filling and fragrant rose sugar topping, this rugelach is a vivid departure from more traditional incarnations. It also uses two different kinds of salt, which provide forthright seasoning and a bare hint of crunch. You can make them up to 5 days ahead, if stored in an airtight container.” Time: 4 hours; makes 4 dozen rugelach
To view this yummy recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons rose water
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick spray
1 1/2 cups raspberry jam
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Preparation
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and the rose water. Rub together, then leave uncovered to dry, at least 2 hours. When dry, rub between fingers or use a mortar and pestle to break up any large chunks. (Rose sugar can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored airtight at room temperature.)
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, kosher salt and sea salt.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed for 5 to 10 seconds. Beat in cream cheese. Beat in remaining 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl, then beat in vanilla.
With mixer on low speed, beat in flour mixture until dough comes together but still looks shaggy, about 30 seconds.
Dump dough and crumbs onto the counter and use your hands or a plastic bench scraper to bring dough together into a mass. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and pat into rectangles. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 week.
Lightly dust an 11-by-17-inch piece of parchment paper with flour. Place 1 dough rectangle onto the parchment, dust with flour, cover with another piece of parchment, and roll dough out into a rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border between edge of parchment and dough. If dough sticks, peel back parchment, dust with more flour, replace parchment. Repeat with second dough half, then chill for 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Working with one sheet at a time, move rolled-out dough to work surface. Peel one layer of parchment off to unstick it from the dough, replace it lightly on top of the dough, then flip and peel other side off. Spread 3/4 cup jam in a thin, even layer on dough. Using a fluted dough cutter (or a sharp paring knife), trim edges and divide dough in half lengthwise into two long strips. Working with one strip at a time and moving crosswise, cut diagonal lines to form triangles with flat tips, with each base about 2 inches wide and each tip about 1/4 inch wide. There should be about 12 triangles per strip.
Using an offset spatula, separate a triangle away from rest of dough. Starting from the wide base, roll dough up and place tip-side down on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining triangles, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Brush tops of rugelach with egg white and sprinkle with rose sugar. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until golden, 22 to 28 minutes. Cool on sheet pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
CREAMY PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, PARMESAN CHEESE, AND HAM
This comes from Diana Rattray, About.com's Southern Food expert. Diana writes, “This pasta is a snap to prepare. Cook the pasta, quickly steam the broccoli, and stir-fry the ham and garlic for a few minutes. The simple sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. For a gluten-free diet, serve the dish with gluten-free pasta.
“Leave out the ham and this could easily become a vegetarian dish.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 4 Servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (penne, elbows, shells, or similar)
3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped, about 1 medium broccoli crown
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 to 2 cups diced ham, about 8 ounces
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
2 to 3 teaspoons chopped fresh basil or about 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water following the package directions. Drain in a colander.
Meanwhile, put the broccoli pieces in a steaming basket. Bring about an inch of water to a boil in a medium to large saucepan. Put the steaming basket in the pan (above the water, so the broccoli doesn't sit in the water). Cover the pan and steam the broccoli for about 4 minutes, or until the florets are just barely tender.
In a skillet or saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ham and cook, stirring, until browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the basil, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer over low heat and continue cooking for about 1 minute.
Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Combine with the drained pasta and toss. Heat through.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving bowl and toss again at the table just before serving.
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese, a tossed salad or Caesar Salad, along with crusty rolls or bread.
Variations
Replace the ham with diced Canadian bacon or about 6 to 8 strips of cooked diced bacon.
Replace the broccoli with steamed or microwaved frozen peas.
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE MAPLE SNAPS
This comes from the March 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It begins, “These snaps are great on their own, or as wafers for sandwich cookies. Maple syrup lends flavor and moisture, which lets you cut down on oil in the dough.” Makes 40 cookies in 30 minutes or less.
To view this online, click here.
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbs. cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. grated orange zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat three baking sheets with cooking spray.
Whisk together maple syrup, oil, cornstarch mixture, vanilla, and orange zest in large bowl.
Sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
Measure out cookie dough in 1-tsp. scoops, and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are firm on top and edges have darkened.
nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 42; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan
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