It's finally Friday. Yay! I have a ton of stuff planned for the weekend, mostly cleaning house. Not exactly an exciting weekend, but it'll have to do. (I hate cleaning the house, but I do like the idea of having a clean house, so there ya go.)
Whatever your plans are for the weekend, we still need to eat. To that end, here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and Classic Shepherd's Pie. Enjoy!
Note: I will be taking next week off, but will be back here starting Monday, May 20. Of course, until then, you can always check previous posts.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-meringue-pie-3058029.
Ingredients:
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1-1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES
This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed
4 eggs, beaten
1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 cup whipped cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.
Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.
Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
SCALLION MEATBALLS WITH SOY-GINGER GLAZE
This is from Melissa Jamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Set these juicy turkey meatballs out on a platter, drizzle with a ginger-spiked sauce of soy, mirin and dark brown sugar and serve with toothpicks alongside wine or cocktails. They'll go quickly."
Yield: About two dozen meatballs; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "Along an Old Canal, Artful Neglect Finds a Home", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014039-scallion-meatballs-with-soy-ginger-glaze.
Ingredients
For the sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce, preferably Japanese or reduced sodium
1/2 cup mirin sweet rice wine, or 1/2 cup sake with 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped peeled ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 whole black peppercorns
For the meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
4 large or 6 small scallions, finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped about 1 cup
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil
Directions
Make sauce: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar melts completely. Reduce heat to medium-low and add soy sauce, mirin, ginger, coriander and peppercorns. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve. (Can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)
Make meatballs: mix turkey, scallions, cilantro, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce and several grindings of pepper in a bowl. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, generously cover bottom of pan with vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid crowding, place meatballs in pan and cook, turning, until browned all over and cooked inside, about 8 minutes per batch. Arrange on a heated platter, spoon a little sauce over each meatball, and serve with toothpicks. If desired, keep warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
QATAYEF ASAFIRI (STUFFED SEMOLINA PANCAKES)
This is from Reem Kassis in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Reem wrote, "Qatayef are synonymous with Ramadan. It is during this month that bakeries start making the pastry for these stuffed pancakes, and the lines spill into the street as people wait their turn to buy them. Golden underneath and speckled with bubbles on top, qatayef are cooked only on one side. They can be large or small. The large ones are normally stuffed with nuts or cheese and folded over, then fried or baked, and drenched in sugar syrup. The small ones, called qatayef asafiri (or little bird qatayef), are stuffed with a creamy filling, only half closed, then dipped in pistachio and drizzled with thick, faintly floral sugar syrup. The batter is very simple; the key is to make sure it is the right consistency, like that of heavy cream."
Yield: About 30 pieces; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "The Dessert That Tastes Best One Month Out of Every Year", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023041-qatayef-asafiri-stuffed-semolina-pancakes.
Ingredients
For the Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fine semolina flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant or quick-rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional, see Tip)
1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water (optional)
For the Filling:
1 cup/8 ounces mascarpone
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
1/4 cup/about 1 ounce finely ground unroasted, unsalted pistachios, preferably Turkish, for finishing
Preparation
Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water.
Make the batter: Add 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water to a blender or food processor. Add all the batter ingredients and process until smooth. The batter should be quite loose, similar to heavy cream in consistency. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Place the mascarpone, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water in a small bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to whip into stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the qatayef: Place a medium nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot. Mix the batter to ensure it is smooth, then pour separate 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the pan, fitting about 4 circles. Cook qatayef until the entire surface is covered in small bubbles and the center loses its sheen, about 30 to 45 seconds. (You might be able to cook off more at a time once you’ve determined the right temperature and consistency of the batter.) If the bubbles are large and sparse, then your batter is too thick; stir 1 tablespoon of water into the batter to thin. Qatayef cook only on one side; the base should be uniformly golden and the top covered in small bubbles. If the disks brown too quickly — or unevenly — underneath before the batter loses its sheen on top, lower the heat slightly.
Transfer each cooked qatayef to a large tray lined with a dish towel and cover with another dish towel while you cook the remaining batter.
Fill the qatayef: Fold each into a half-moon, bubble side on the inside, and pinch to seal the edges together halfway. Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, fill the opening with the cream, then dip the exposed cream filling into the ground pistachios.
Arrange the filled qatayef on a serving platter. These can be covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated for several hours until ready to serve. To serve, drizzle the cooled syrup over the qatayef and offer guests more syrup to add to their individual plates, if they choose.
Tip
Mahlab, the kernel found inside the pit of a cherry, adds a floral and nutty aroma to sweets and gives Arabic cheese its distinct flavor. It is available whole or ground from Middle Eastern grocery stores, but goes rancid quickly, so buy it whole and grind it as needed, storing the rest in the freezer until needed.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This yummy soup is from Chungah, on her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. I've mentioned her site once or twice. But if you haven't visited it yet, I highly recommend it. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)
Okay, hopefully you checked it out. Now, this recipe begins, "So warm, so cozy, so soothing. A must for those busy cold weeknights, using up that leftover rotisserie chicken!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes
You can view this online at https://damndelicious.net/2022/04/29/creamy-chicken-noodle-soup/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken and pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas and parsley until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
Showing posts with label Classic Lemon Meringue Pie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classic Lemon Meringue Pie. Show all posts
Friday, May 10, 2024
Friday, May 6, 2022
Friday Recipes
It's finally Friday. Yay! I have a ton of stuff planned for the weekend, mostly cleaning house. Not exactly a fun weekend, but since Saturday morning is supposed to be rainy here in my neck of the woods, having a yard sale is out. (Maybe next weekend for that...)
Whatever your plans are for the weekend, we still need to eat. To that end, here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and Classic Shepherd's Pie. Enjoy!
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-meringue-pie-3058029.
Ingredients:
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1-1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES
This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed
4 eggs, beaten
1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 cup whipped cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.
Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.
Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
SCALLION MEATBALLS WITH SOY-GINGER GLAZE
This is from Melissa Jamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Set these juicy turkey meatballs out on a platter, drizzle with a ginger-spiked sauce of soy, mirin and dark brown sugar and serve with toothpicks alongside wine or cocktails. They'll go quickly."
Yield: About two dozen meatballs; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "Along an Old Canal, Artful Neglect Finds a Home", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014039-scallion-meatballs-with-soy-ginger-glaze.
Ingredients
For the sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce, preferably Japanese or reduced sodium
1/2 cup mirin sweet rice wine, or 1/2 cup sake with 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped peeled ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 whole black peppercorns
For the meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
4 large or 6 small scallions, finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped about 1 cup
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil
Directions
Make sauce: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar melts completely. Reduce heat to medium-low and add soy sauce, mirin, ginger, coriander and peppercorns. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve. (Can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)
Make meatballs: mix turkey, scallions, cilantro, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce and several grindings of pepper in a bowl. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, generously cover bottom of pan with vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid crowding, place meatballs in pan and cook, turning, until browned all over and cooked inside, about 8 minutes per batch. Arrange on a heated platter, spoon a little sauce over each meatball, and serve with toothpicks. If desired, keep warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
QATAYEF ASAFIRI (STUFFED SEMOLINA PANCAKES)
This is from Reem Kassis in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Reem wrote, "Qatayef are synonymous with Ramadan. It is during this month that bakeries start making the pastry for these stuffed pancakes, and the lines spill into the street as people wait their turn to buy them. Golden underneath and speckled with bubbles on top, qatayef are cooked only on one side. They can be large or small. The large ones are normally stuffed with nuts or cheese and folded over, then fried or baked, and drenched in sugar syrup. The small ones, called qatayef asafiri (or little bird qatayef), are stuffed with a creamy filling, only half closed, then dipped in pistachio and drizzled with thick, faintly floral sugar syrup. The batter is very simple; the key is to make sure it is the right consistency, like that of heavy cream."
Yield: About 30 pieces; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "The Dessert That Tastes Best One Month Out of Every Year", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023041-qatayef-asafiri-stuffed-semolina-pancakes.
Ingredients
For the Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fine semolina flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant or quick-rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional, see Tip)
1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water (optional)
For the Filling:
1 cup/8 ounces mascarpone
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
1/4 cup/about 1 ounce finely ground unroasted, unsalted pistachios, preferably Turkish, for finishing
Preparation
Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water.
Make the batter: Add 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water to a blender or food processor. Add all the batter ingredients and process until smooth. The batter should be quite loose, similar to heavy cream in consistency. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Place the mascarpone, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water in a small bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to whip into stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the qatayef: Place a medium nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot. Mix the batter to ensure it is smooth, then pour separate 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the pan, fitting about 4 circles. Cook qatayef until the entire surface is covered in small bubbles and the center loses its sheen, about 30 to 45 seconds. (You might be able to cook off more at a time once you’ve determined the right temperature and consistency of the batter.) If the bubbles are large and sparse, then your batter is too thick; stir 1 tablespoon of water into the batter to thin. Qatayef cook only on one side; the base should be uniformly golden and the top covered in small bubbles. If the disks brown too quickly — or unevenly — underneath before the batter loses its sheen on top, lower the heat slightly.
Transfer each cooked qatayef to a large tray lined with a dish towel and cover with another dish towel while you cook the remaining batter.
Fill the qatayef: Fold each into a half-moon, bubble side on the inside, and pinch to seal the edges together halfway. Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, fill the opening with the cream, then dip the exposed cream filling into the ground pistachios.
Arrange the filled qatayef on a serving platter. These can be covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated for several hours until ready to serve. To serve, drizzle the cooled syrup over the qatayef and offer guests more syrup to add to their individual plates, if they choose.
Tip
Mahlab, the kernel found inside the pit of a cherry, adds a floral and nutty aroma to sweets and gives Arabic cheese its distinct flavor. It is available whole or ground from Middle Eastern grocery stores, but goes rancid quickly, so buy it whole and grind it as needed, storing the rest in the freezer until needed.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This yummy soup is from Chungah, on her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. I've mentioned her site once or twice. But if you haven't visited it yet, I highly recommend it. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)
Okay, hopefully you checked it out. Now, this recipe begins, "So warm, so cozy, so soothing. A must for those busy cold weeknights, using up that leftover rotisserie chicken!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes
You can view this online at https://damndelicious.net/2022/04/29/creamy-chicken-noodle-soup/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken and pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas and parsley until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
Whatever your plans are for the weekend, we still need to eat. To that end, here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and Classic Shepherd's Pie. Enjoy!
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-meringue-pie-3058029.
Ingredients:
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1-1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
BROCCOLI QUICHE BITES
This is from FamiliyTime, and starts off, “After the pastry thaws, it takes just 10 minutes to put together these easy-to-make appetizers that get lots of flavor from a surprising ingredient – vegetable soup mix.” Serves: 24 pieces; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed
4 eggs, beaten
1 envelope dry vegetable soup and dip mix
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 cup whipped cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch shallow baking dish.
Stir the eggs, soup mix, broccoli and cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Place the pastry into the bottom of the baking dish. Prick the pastry with a fork.
Spread the broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the Cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Let stand in the baking dish on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
SCALLION MEATBALLS WITH SOY-GINGER GLAZE
This is from Melissa Jamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Set these juicy turkey meatballs out on a platter, drizzle with a ginger-spiked sauce of soy, mirin and dark brown sugar and serve with toothpicks alongside wine or cocktails. They'll go quickly."
Yield: About two dozen meatballs; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "Along an Old Canal, Artful Neglect Finds a Home", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014039-scallion-meatballs-with-soy-ginger-glaze.
Ingredients
For the sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce, preferably Japanese or reduced sodium
1/2 cup mirin sweet rice wine, or 1/2 cup sake with 1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped peeled ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 whole black peppercorns
For the meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
4 large or 6 small scallions, finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped about 1 cup
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil
Directions
Make sauce: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar melts completely. Reduce heat to medium-low and add soy sauce, mirin, ginger, coriander and peppercorns. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve. (Can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)
Make meatballs: mix turkey, scallions, cilantro, egg, sesame oil, soy sauce and several grindings of pepper in a bowl. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, generously cover bottom of pan with vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid crowding, place meatballs in pan and cook, turning, until browned all over and cooked inside, about 8 minutes per batch. Arrange on a heated platter, spoon a little sauce over each meatball, and serve with toothpicks. If desired, keep warm in a 200-degree oven until ready to serve. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
QATAYEF ASAFIRI (STUFFED SEMOLINA PANCAKES)
This is from Reem Kassis in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Reem wrote, "Qatayef are synonymous with Ramadan. It is during this month that bakeries start making the pastry for these stuffed pancakes, and the lines spill into the street as people wait their turn to buy them. Golden underneath and speckled with bubbles on top, qatayef are cooked only on one side. They can be large or small. The large ones are normally stuffed with nuts or cheese and folded over, then fried or baked, and drenched in sugar syrup. The small ones, called qatayef asafiri (or little bird qatayef), are stuffed with a creamy filling, only half closed, then dipped in pistachio and drizzled with thick, faintly floral sugar syrup. The batter is very simple; the key is to make sure it is the right consistency, like that of heavy cream."
Yield: About 30 pieces; Time: 45 minutes
This was featured in "The Dessert That Tastes Best One Month Out of Every Year", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023041-qatayef-asafiri-stuffed-semolina-pancakes.
Ingredients
For the Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
For the Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fine semolina flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant or quick-rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional, see Tip)
1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water (optional)
For the Filling:
1 cup/8 ounces mascarpone
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water, or a combination
1/4 cup/about 1 ounce finely ground unroasted, unsalted pistachios, preferably Turkish, for finishing
Preparation
Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water.
Make the batter: Add 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water to a blender or food processor. Add all the batter ingredients and process until smooth. The batter should be quite loose, similar to heavy cream in consistency. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Place the mascarpone, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water and 1/2 teaspoon rose water in a small bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to whip into stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the qatayef: Place a medium nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot. Mix the batter to ensure it is smooth, then pour separate 1-tablespoon portions of batter into the pan, fitting about 4 circles. Cook qatayef until the entire surface is covered in small bubbles and the center loses its sheen, about 30 to 45 seconds. (You might be able to cook off more at a time once you’ve determined the right temperature and consistency of the batter.) If the bubbles are large and sparse, then your batter is too thick; stir 1 tablespoon of water into the batter to thin. Qatayef cook only on one side; the base should be uniformly golden and the top covered in small bubbles. If the disks brown too quickly — or unevenly — underneath before the batter loses its sheen on top, lower the heat slightly.
Transfer each cooked qatayef to a large tray lined with a dish towel and cover with another dish towel while you cook the remaining batter.
Fill the qatayef: Fold each into a half-moon, bubble side on the inside, and pinch to seal the edges together halfway. Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, fill the opening with the cream, then dip the exposed cream filling into the ground pistachios.
Arrange the filled qatayef on a serving platter. These can be covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated for several hours until ready to serve. To serve, drizzle the cooled syrup over the qatayef and offer guests more syrup to add to their individual plates, if they choose.
Tip
Mahlab, the kernel found inside the pit of a cherry, adds a floral and nutty aroma to sweets and gives Arabic cheese its distinct flavor. It is available whole or ground from Middle Eastern grocery stores, but goes rancid quickly, so buy it whole and grind it as needed, storing the rest in the freezer until needed.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This yummy soup is from Chungah, on her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. I've mentioned her site once or twice. But if you haven't visited it yet, I highly recommend it. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)
Okay, hopefully you checked it out. Now, this recipe begins, "So warm, so cozy, so soothing. A must for those busy cold weeknights, using up that leftover rotisserie chicken!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes
You can view this online at https://damndelicious.net/2022/04/29/creamy-chicken-noodle-soup/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken and pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas and parsley until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dessert
What's the best part of a meal, that usually comes at the end? Dessert, of course. After a second tough pandemic year in a row, what else but dessert should come at the end of the year?
Today's desserts include Easy Key Lime Pie and Blackout Cake. Enjoy!
NO-BAKE YOGURT AND COOL WHIP PIE
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, "If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert, this Cool Whip pie recipe is the one to try. It will be a welcome treat on a hot summer evening and can be the prettiest dessert at the next cookout; it's also the perfect recipe to get the kids involved as there is no stovetop or oven required. This pie is completely customizable since you can choose the yogurt flavor, matching it to whatever fruit happens to be in season. Consider strawberry or peach slices, cherry halves, mandarin orange segments, or whole blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. It's also a healthier dessert option so you can enjoy a piece of pie without all of the guilt.
"This recipe comes together quickly, calling for just a container of Cool Whip, flavored yogurt, a ready-made graham cracker crust, and some fresh fruit. Just keep in mind the pie will have to firm up in the freezer for about 2 hours before serving."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Freeze Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/cool-whip-pie-recipe-3376704.
Ingredients
8 ounces whipped topping
18 ounces yogurt, any flavor
1 prepared graham cracker crust
Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, peaches, oranges), for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth.
Pour the yogurt and Cool Whip mixture into the pie crust. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Remove the pie from the freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving.
Slice the fruit if necessary and top the pie with the fruit.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover pie, or freeze for later.
Tips
Cool Whip is sold frozen and will need to be defrosted beforehand. This can be done in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water. Thawing in the refrigerator will take some planning as it needs to sit in the fridge for about 5 hours (or overnight). The microwave method is simple, but you will need to pay close attention; remove the lid and microwave on the defrost setting for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth. A third method is to place the tub in a bowl filled with cold water and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
To give the pie a more sophisticated look, arrange the fruit slices on top before you fully freeze the pie. Depending on the weight of the fruit, you might want to freeze the pie for an hour before adding the slices or whole fruit so they don't sink into the yogurt mixture.
What Is Cool Whip Made Of?
Cool Whip is made from water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn syrup, skimmed milk, and natural and artificial flavors, as well as other additives. If you'd rather not use this whipped topping, you can substitute with whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
Although a store-bought graham cracker crust is convenient, it is easy to make your own graham cracker crust or a sugar-free graham cracker crust.
Instead of a graham cracker crust, you can use a cookie crust. Vanilla cookies go nicely with a lemon yogurt filling, or a chocolate cookie crust pairs well with coconut flavored yogurt topped with coconut flakes.
This light pie is fairly low in calories for a dessert, but if you'd like to reduce the fat and calories, this recipe can be made with reduced-fat or no-sugar varieties of Cool Whip, yogurt, and graham crackers.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-meringue-pie-3058029.
Ingredients:
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1-1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
EASY NO-BAKE PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE
This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, "This easy pineapple cheesecake is prepared in a graham cracker crust in a springform pan. Even the crust is no-bake, which is perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid the oven.
"The luscious pineapple cheesecake is a mixture of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping, and it is super easy to mix and chill in the graham cracker crust. Take this cheesecake to a cookout or potluck or make it for a weekend dessert. It will be an instant hit!"
Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Chill Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Yield: 1 cheese cake
To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-no-bake-pineapple-cheesecake-3052567.
Ingredients
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
16 ounces whipped topping
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the granulated sugar and melted butter.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the crumbs in a small bowl and set aside. Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of an 8- to 9-inch springform pan. Put the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the confectioners' sugar until fluffy.
Add the crushed pineapple and blend well.
Fold the whipped topping into the pineapple mixture.
Spread the filling over the chilled crust and sprinkle with the reserved graham cracker crumbs.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill thoroughly—at least 2 to 3 hours—before serving.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
If you prefer a baked graham cracker crust, bake the crust in a preheated 350 F/180 C/Gas 4 oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Chill before filling.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans to the graham cracker bottom crust mixture.
Double the crust ingredients for a thicker bottom crust.
Make sure the canned pineapple is well-drained or your filling will be thinner.
You can use fresh pineapple in place of the canned pineapple if you'd like—a 20-ounce can is equal to 10 cored slices.
If the cheesecake is still very soft after being in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours, keep chilling it until set.
EASY KEY LIME PIE
This is from Sarah Epperson on MyRecipes. The recipe begins, "Dessert doesn’t get easier, or more delicious, than a no-bake key lime pie. Requiring just a handful of ingredients, this easy pie is a great recipe for less experienced bakers—especially considering what a crowd-pleaser it is. Perfect for the hot summer months when you’d rather reduce your oven use, the luscious key lime filling sets up to creamy perfection with the help of Cool Whip. Though we provide instructions for a homemade graham cracker crust, you can make this key lime pie recipe all the easier (and skip the oven altogether) by opting for a pre-made, store-bought pie crust instead."
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours; Makes 8 servings; Serving Size: 1 slice
To view this online, go to https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/easy-no-bake-key-lime-pie.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (4 oz.) salted butter, melted, plus more for greasing dish
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest (from 2 limes)
1 (8-oz.) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
1 lime, thinly sliced
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a medium bowl to combine. Press crumb mixture firmly into a lightly greased 9-inch pie. Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
Stir together milk, lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl until fully combined. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Transfer mixture to cooled pie crust, and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Fill a piping bag with remaining 1 cup whipped cream, and pipe a border along edge of pie. Top with lime slices.
BLUEBERRY CORNMEAL SHORTBREAD TART
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "Part tart, part crumble, this blueberry shortbread is an excellent way to use up as many blueberries as you can get your hands on. The exposed surface allows the fruit to cook down, thickening and getting jammy with just a little bit of flour to help it along. It’s ideal for baking, slicing and bringing to any and all outdoor gatherings, or serving at home with a ridiculous amount of vanilla ice cream."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 50 minutes
This was featured in "What to Do With All That Summer Fruit", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020390-blueberry-cornmeal-shortbread-tart.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1-1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
For the filling:
1 pound blueberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Small pinch of kosher salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Make the crust and topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter, then use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine ingredients until no dry spots remain.
Press half of the cornmeal mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (alternatively, use a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan, lined with parchment), making sure the mixture is evenly pressed on the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides. (Using something large and flat, like the bottom of a measuring cup, will be helpful.) Reserve the remaining mixture.
Make the filling: Toss blueberries, brown sugar, vinegar, flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Pour the fruit into the crust.
Crumble the remaining cornmeal mixture over the blueberries, pressing bits of the mixture together into large clumps as you go, as you would with a crisp or coffee-cake topping.
Bake tart until the blueberry filling is bubbly and thickened, and both the crust and top are nicely browned, 40 to 45 minutes.
Let tart cool completely before slicing into triangles and serving. The tart can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated (especially if your kitchen is hot or humid).
BLACKOUT CAKE
This recipe, on The New York Times cooking site is from Ebinger's, and adapted by The New York Times. It begins, "This absurdly rich chocolate cake came to The Times in a 1991 article by Molly O'Neill about Ebinger’s, the legendary chain of Brooklyn bakeries that closed its doors in 1972 after 74 years in business. Their wildly popular blackout cake, a three layer devil's food cake filled with dark chocolate pudding, slathered with chocolate frosting and covered with chocolate cake crumbs, had a cult-like following in its day. This recipe isn't authentic (the Ebinger family never shared the original recipe with the public), but Ms. O'Neill claims in her book, 'The New York Cookbook: From Pelham Bay to Park Avenue, Firehouses to Four-Star Restaurants,' that this version got the thumbs-up from 'a panel of twelve Ebingerites.' That's enough for us."
Yield: 1 cake; Time: 3 hours plus chilling
This recipe was featured in "The Cake Box From Heaven (Brooklyn, of Course) is Back" and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018772-blackout-cake.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
1/4 cup boiling water
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup milk
2 cups sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened, plus 2 tablespoons for the cake pans
4 eggs, separated
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour, plus 1 tablespoon for the cake pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
For the filling:
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
2 cups boiling water
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons butter
For the frosting:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup hot water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
To make the cake, place the cocoa in a small bowl and whisk in the boiling water to form a paste. Combine the chocolate and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture warms and the chocolate melts, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk a small amount of the heated chocolate milk into the cocoa paste and then whisk the cocoa mixture into the milk mixture. Return to heat, stir for one minute, remove and cool until tepid.
In the bowl of a mixer, cream the sugar and butter together. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time and add the vanilla. Slowly stir in the chocolate mixture.
Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, slowly add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture. In another bowl, whip the egg whites to form soft peaks and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Butter and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans and divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 45 minutes and cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Gently remove the cakes from the pans and continue to cool.
While the cake is baking, make the filling. Put the cocoa into a saucepan and pour in the boiling water and place over low heat. Add the sugar and chocolate. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water to make a smooth paste. Whisk the cornstarch into the water and chocolate, add the salt and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute.
Remove the pan from the heat, whisk in the vanilla and the butter, and transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
Make the frosting. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, returning to heat if necessary to melt the butter.
Whisk in the hot water all at once and stir until smooth. Whisk in the corn syrup and the vanilla. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before using.
Assemble the cake. Use a sharp knife to slice each cake into two disks to form four layers. Set one layer aside. Place one layer on a cake round or plate. Generously swath the layer with filling. Add the second layer and repeat. Add the third layer. Quickly apply a layer of frosting to the top and the sides of the cake and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, crumble the remaining cake layer. Apply a second layer of frosting to the cake, press cake crumbs into the top and sides of the cake, and serve within 24 hours. Store in a cool place.
Today's desserts include Easy Key Lime Pie and Blackout Cake. Enjoy!
NO-BAKE YOGURT AND COOL WHIP PIE
This is from Jolinda Hackett on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, "If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert, this Cool Whip pie recipe is the one to try. It will be a welcome treat on a hot summer evening and can be the prettiest dessert at the next cookout; it's also the perfect recipe to get the kids involved as there is no stovetop or oven required. This pie is completely customizable since you can choose the yogurt flavor, matching it to whatever fruit happens to be in season. Consider strawberry or peach slices, cherry halves, mandarin orange segments, or whole blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. It's also a healthier dessert option so you can enjoy a piece of pie without all of the guilt.
"This recipe comes together quickly, calling for just a container of Cool Whip, flavored yogurt, a ready-made graham cracker crust, and some fresh fruit. Just keep in mind the pie will have to firm up in the freezer for about 2 hours before serving."
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Freeze Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/cool-whip-pie-recipe-3376704.
Ingredients
8 ounces whipped topping
18 ounces yogurt, any flavor
1 prepared graham cracker crust
Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, peaches, oranges), for garnish
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth.
Pour the yogurt and Cool Whip mixture into the pie crust. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Remove the pie from the freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving.
Slice the fruit if necessary and top the pie with the fruit.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover pie, or freeze for later.
Tips
Cool Whip is sold frozen and will need to be defrosted beforehand. This can be done in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water. Thawing in the refrigerator will take some planning as it needs to sit in the fridge for about 5 hours (or overnight). The microwave method is simple, but you will need to pay close attention; remove the lid and microwave on the defrost setting for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth. A third method is to place the tub in a bowl filled with cold water and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
To give the pie a more sophisticated look, arrange the fruit slices on top before you fully freeze the pie. Depending on the weight of the fruit, you might want to freeze the pie for an hour before adding the slices or whole fruit so they don't sink into the yogurt mixture.
What Is Cool Whip Made Of?
Cool Whip is made from water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn syrup, skimmed milk, and natural and artificial flavors, as well as other additives. If you'd rather not use this whipped topping, you can substitute with whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
Although a store-bought graham cracker crust is convenient, it is easy to make your own graham cracker crust or a sugar-free graham cracker crust.
Instead of a graham cracker crust, you can use a cookie crust. Vanilla cookies go nicely with a lemon yogurt filling, or a chocolate cookie crust pairs well with coconut flavored yogurt topped with coconut flakes.
This light pie is fairly low in calories for a dessert, but if you'd like to reduce the fat and calories, this recipe can be made with reduced-fat or no-sugar varieties of Cool Whip, yogurt, and graham crackers.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
This comes from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, “Here's a delicious lemon meringue pie, made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, and other ingredients. Use a homemade or purchased pie shell for this pie.”
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-lemon-meringue-pie-3058029.
Ingredients:
1 baked pie pastry, 9-inch
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
dash salt
1-1/2 cups hot water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 scant teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, flour, and salt; whisk to blend well. Gradually stir in hot water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking, stirring, for 8 minutes. Stir about 1/3 cup of the hot mixture into the slightly beaten egg yolks, then return to hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add butter and lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Pour into baked cooled pie shell.
Beat egg whites with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if used) to soft peaks. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks are formed and sugar has dissolved. Spread meringue over the hot filling, covering completely. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pie completely before serving.
EASY NO-BAKE PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE
This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. She wrote, "This easy pineapple cheesecake is prepared in a graham cracker crust in a springform pan. Even the crust is no-bake, which is perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid the oven.
"The luscious pineapple cheesecake is a mixture of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping, and it is super easy to mix and chill in the graham cracker crust. Take this cheesecake to a cookout or potluck or make it for a weekend dessert. It will be an instant hit!"
Prep Time: 12 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Chill Time: 2 hours; Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Yield: 1 cheese cake
To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-no-bake-pineapple-cheesecake-3052567.
Ingredients
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
16 ounces whipped topping
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the granulated sugar and melted butter.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the crumbs in a small bowl and set aside. Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of an 8- to 9-inch springform pan. Put the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the confectioners' sugar until fluffy.
Add the crushed pineapple and blend well.
Fold the whipped topping into the pineapple mixture.
Spread the filling over the chilled crust and sprinkle with the reserved graham cracker crumbs.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill thoroughly—at least 2 to 3 hours—before serving.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
If you prefer a baked graham cracker crust, bake the crust in a preheated 350 F/180 C/Gas 4 oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Chill before filling.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans to the graham cracker bottom crust mixture.
Double the crust ingredients for a thicker bottom crust.
Make sure the canned pineapple is well-drained or your filling will be thinner.
You can use fresh pineapple in place of the canned pineapple if you'd like—a 20-ounce can is equal to 10 cored slices.
If the cheesecake is still very soft after being in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours, keep chilling it until set.
EASY KEY LIME PIE
This is from Sarah Epperson on MyRecipes. The recipe begins, "Dessert doesn’t get easier, or more delicious, than a no-bake key lime pie. Requiring just a handful of ingredients, this easy pie is a great recipe for less experienced bakers—especially considering what a crowd-pleaser it is. Perfect for the hot summer months when you’d rather reduce your oven use, the luscious key lime filling sets up to creamy perfection with the help of Cool Whip. Though we provide instructions for a homemade graham cracker crust, you can make this key lime pie recipe all the easier (and skip the oven altogether) by opting for a pre-made, store-bought pie crust instead."
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours; Makes 8 servings; Serving Size: 1 slice
To view this online, go to https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/easy-no-bake-key-lime-pie.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (4 oz.) salted butter, melted, plus more for greasing dish
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest (from 2 limes)
1 (8-oz.) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
1 lime, thinly sliced
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a medium bowl to combine. Press crumb mixture firmly into a lightly greased 9-inch pie. Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
Stir together milk, lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl until fully combined. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Transfer mixture to cooled pie crust, and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Fill a piping bag with remaining 1 cup whipped cream, and pipe a border along edge of pie. Top with lime slices.
BLUEBERRY CORNMEAL SHORTBREAD TART
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "Part tart, part crumble, this blueberry shortbread is an excellent way to use up as many blueberries as you can get your hands on. The exposed surface allows the fruit to cook down, thickening and getting jammy with just a little bit of flour to help it along. It’s ideal for baking, slicing and bringing to any and all outdoor gatherings, or serving at home with a ridiculous amount of vanilla ice cream."
Yield: 8 to 10 servings; Time: 50 minutes
This was featured in "What to Do With All That Summer Fruit", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020390-blueberry-cornmeal-shortbread-tart.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1-1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly
For the filling:
1 pound blueberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Small pinch of kosher salt
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Make the crust and topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter, then use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine ingredients until no dry spots remain.
Press half of the cornmeal mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom (alternatively, use a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan, lined with parchment), making sure the mixture is evenly pressed on the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides. (Using something large and flat, like the bottom of a measuring cup, will be helpful.) Reserve the remaining mixture.
Make the filling: Toss blueberries, brown sugar, vinegar, flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Pour the fruit into the crust.
Crumble the remaining cornmeal mixture over the blueberries, pressing bits of the mixture together into large clumps as you go, as you would with a crisp or coffee-cake topping.
Bake tart until the blueberry filling is bubbly and thickened, and both the crust and top are nicely browned, 40 to 45 minutes.
Let tart cool completely before slicing into triangles and serving. The tart can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated (especially if your kitchen is hot or humid).
BLACKOUT CAKE
This recipe, on The New York Times cooking site is from Ebinger's, and adapted by The New York Times. It begins, "This absurdly rich chocolate cake came to The Times in a 1991 article by Molly O'Neill about Ebinger’s, the legendary chain of Brooklyn bakeries that closed its doors in 1972 after 74 years in business. Their wildly popular blackout cake, a three layer devil's food cake filled with dark chocolate pudding, slathered with chocolate frosting and covered with chocolate cake crumbs, had a cult-like following in its day. This recipe isn't authentic (the Ebinger family never shared the original recipe with the public), but Ms. O'Neill claims in her book, 'The New York Cookbook: From Pelham Bay to Park Avenue, Firehouses to Four-Star Restaurants,' that this version got the thumbs-up from 'a panel of twelve Ebingerites.' That's enough for us."
Yield: 1 cake; Time: 3 hours plus chilling
This recipe was featured in "The Cake Box From Heaven (Brooklyn, of Course) is Back" and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018772-blackout-cake.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
1/4 cup boiling water
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup milk
2 cups sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened, plus 2 tablespoons for the cake pans
4 eggs, separated
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour, plus 1 tablespoon for the cake pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
For the filling:
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
2 cups boiling water
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons butter
For the frosting:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup hot water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla
Preparation
Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
To make the cake, place the cocoa in a small bowl and whisk in the boiling water to form a paste. Combine the chocolate and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture warms and the chocolate melts, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk a small amount of the heated chocolate milk into the cocoa paste and then whisk the cocoa mixture into the milk mixture. Return to heat, stir for one minute, remove and cool until tepid.
In the bowl of a mixer, cream the sugar and butter together. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time and add the vanilla. Slowly stir in the chocolate mixture.
Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, slowly add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture. In another bowl, whip the egg whites to form soft peaks and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Butter and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans and divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 45 minutes and cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Gently remove the cakes from the pans and continue to cool.
While the cake is baking, make the filling. Put the cocoa into a saucepan and pour in the boiling water and place over low heat. Add the sugar and chocolate. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water to make a smooth paste. Whisk the cornstarch into the water and chocolate, add the salt and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute.
Remove the pan from the heat, whisk in the vanilla and the butter, and transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
Make the frosting. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, returning to heat if necessary to melt the butter.
Whisk in the hot water all at once and stir until smooth. Whisk in the corn syrup and the vanilla. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before using.
Assemble the cake. Use a sharp knife to slice each cake into two disks to form four layers. Set one layer aside. Place one layer on a cake round or plate. Generously swath the layer with filling. Add the second layer and repeat. Add the third layer. Quickly apply a layer of frosting to the top and the sides of the cake and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, crumble the remaining cake layer. Apply a second layer of frosting to the cake, press cake crumbs into the top and sides of the cake, and serve within 24 hours. Store in a cool place.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Wednesday Recipes
Wednesday - half-way through the work week. Here are today's six recipes. Enjoy!
CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP
Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup onions, diced small
1 cup carrots, diced small
1 cup celery, diced small
1/4 cup leeks, diced small
1/2 cup fennel, diced small
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
2/3 cup French green lentils*
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.
Preparation:
Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.
Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet
Yield: 6 servings
Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml
Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
MEATBALL SANDWICH
This is from Macrina Bakery's emailing list. The bakery, located in Seattle, is one of those places I wouldn't mind visiting, if I ever take a road trip. But since that road trip isn't in the near future, I'll stay on their Recipe of the Month emailing list.
The meatball sandwich recipe starts off with the following: "Meatball sandwiches are a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinner rotation. We play up the flavors in our Italian-style meatballs with a generous slather of pesto and toothsome slices of fresh mozzarella. Our Fresh Herb Roll is strong enough to hold in all of the juices while adding the earthiness of freshly picked herbs and coarse sea salt. Warning: This sandwich can be messy, but it is guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from the whole family!"
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1/2 cup day-old bread, trimmed of crust and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces ground turkey
8 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
1 large egg
For the sandwiches:
4 Macrina Fresh Herb Sandwich Rolls, 5 ounces each
1/4 cup pesto
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 to 12 pieces
2 cups tomato sauce
Preparation
Makes 4 Sandwiches
Assembling the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the diced bread into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the diced bread. Let the bread mixture stand and cool to room temperature. As it cools, the bread will absorb the milk.
In a skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Set aside.
Add the garlic, turkey, pork, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, Parmesan and egg to the bread mixture. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form 12 golf ball-size meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Assembling the sandwiches:
Slice each roll lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each half with the remaining olive oil and spread with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the bottom halves with 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella.
Warm the bread in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the tomato sauce.
Once the bread is removed from the oven, top each bottom half with three meatballs and ladle them with tomato sauce.
Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens - and don’t forget a few napkins!
FRESH ASPARAGUS SALAD
Another Macrina Bakery offering, this one from the April, 2014 email. The recipe starts with, "The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and markets are stocking produce bins with the trappings of the season. Spring has arrived! We're celebrating the season's fresh flavors with this delicious salad accented with truffle salt and toasted walnuts. The slight bitterness of endive pairs well with asparagus but any favorite green can be substituted."
Ingredients
2 tbsp walnut oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup walnuts
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
1 spear endive or 1 cup of another favorite spring green
1/4 tsp truffle salt
Preparation
Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a small mixing bowl add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.
Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the oven and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared dressing and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
Thoroughly wash and dry the asparagus and endive. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus spears into long ribbons. Cut the endive spear in half and then into 1/4-inch strips.
Place the vegetables on a salad platter, drizzle with dressing and toss gently with salad tongs. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and truffle salt and enjoy with your favorite rustic loaf!
RHUBARB CRUMBLE
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen.
Read more: here.
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
Crumble
1 C flour
1/3 C oats
3/4 C sugar
pinch of salt
6 T melted butter
1/2 C chopped hazelnuts
Fruit filling
2 pounds chopped rhubarb
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C flour
1/2 vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Crumble
Combine flour, oats, sugar and pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and chopped hazelnuts; squeeze into large crumbles and place in the freezer.
Fruit filling
Toss chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt in a 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Scatter the crumble on top and bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden and bubbly, 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with whipped cream.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, "This two-layer lemon meringue pie is a year-round American favorite. Take one bite and you'll know why, the tangy lemon filling topped with billowing puffs of meringue is a heavenly combination. This pie is best served on the day it is made."
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust pie (purchased or homemade)
Lemon Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Yolks from 4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Meringue
Whites from 3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin to a 12-inch circle. Fold in quarters, place into pie plate, and unfold Trim the edge of the pastry to 3/4 inch. Fold the pastry edge under to form a rim. Crimp or flute the rim. Prick the bottom and sides at 1-inch intervals with a fork.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Make the lemon filling: Whisk 1 1/4 cups of sugar and the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the water with a wooden spoon and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the filling is translucent and thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts. Pour the hot filling into baked pie shell.
Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the sugar dissolves. Beat for 2 minutes longer or until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted.
Spoon the meringue around edge of filling. Spread to edge of crust. Spoon the remaining meringue in the center and spread and swirl with back of a teaspoon to evenly cover the filling.
Bake the pie until the meringue is browned, about 20 minutes.
Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. To serve, cut with a long-bladed knife dipped in cold water.
Recipe Notes and Tips
To keep meringue from shrinking or weeping, drop teaspoonfuls around edge of pie, spread to touch crust all around, then spread remaining meringue in center
CREAMY FRENCH LENTIL & HAM SOUP
Another wonderful soup recipe from Macrina Restaurant in Seattle. If I ever do a road trip, I'm going to have to stop in there! This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup onions, diced small
1 cup carrots, diced small
1 cup celery, diced small
1/4 cup leeks, diced small
1/2 cup fennel, diced small
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/2 cup ham, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
2/3 cup French green lentils*
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
*Available in specialty shops and some supermarkets.
Preparation:
Place olive oil and butter into a medium-sized, heavy- bottom soup pot. Over medium heat, warm the oil and melt the butter.
Add onions, carrots, celery, leeks and fennel to the pot. Cover and cook, sweating the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the cover from the pot, and add the garlic, ham, thyme and tarragon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half. Then add the lentils and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for 8 to 10 more minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a crusty loaf of Macrina Casera bread.
VEGETABLE AND BEAN SOUP
This recipe is from Diabetic Gourmet
Yield: 6 servings
Source: "The Everyday Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cookbook"
Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/17.shtml
Notes: Easy substitution: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and additional olive oil for the butter.
Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5) cans chicken broth
1 cube vegetable bouillon
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 summer squashes (zucchini or yellow squash, about 1 pound total), quartered lengthwise and chopped
1 (7 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (about 4 shakes) (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker crock and mix well. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, stir in Tabasco sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 210, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 18 g, Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 14 mg, Sodium: 1020 mg; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat, 2 Fat, 2 Vegetable
MEATBALL SANDWICH
This is from Macrina Bakery's emailing list. The bakery, located in Seattle, is one of those places I wouldn't mind visiting, if I ever take a road trip. But since that road trip isn't in the near future, I'll stay on their Recipe of the Month emailing list.
The meatball sandwich recipe starts off with the following: "Meatball sandwiches are a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinner rotation. We play up the flavors in our Italian-style meatballs with a generous slather of pesto and toothsome slices of fresh mozzarella. Our Fresh Herb Roll is strong enough to hold in all of the juices while adding the earthiness of freshly picked herbs and coarse sea salt. Warning: This sandwich can be messy, but it is guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from the whole family!"
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1/2 cup day-old bread, trimmed of crust and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces ground turkey
8 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
1 large egg
For the sandwiches:
4 Macrina Fresh Herb Sandwich Rolls, 5 ounces each
1/4 cup pesto
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 to 12 pieces
2 cups tomato sauce
Preparation
Makes 4 Sandwiches
Assembling the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the diced bread into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the diced bread. Let the bread mixture stand and cool to room temperature. As it cools, the bread will absorb the milk.
In a skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Set aside.
Add the garlic, turkey, pork, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, Parmesan and egg to the bread mixture. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form 12 golf ball-size meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Assembling the sandwiches:
Slice each roll lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each half with the remaining olive oil and spread with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the bottom halves with 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella.
Warm the bread in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the tomato sauce.
Once the bread is removed from the oven, top each bottom half with three meatballs and ladle them with tomato sauce.
Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens - and don’t forget a few napkins!
FRESH ASPARAGUS SALAD
Another Macrina Bakery offering, this one from the April, 2014 email. The recipe starts with, "The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and markets are stocking produce bins with the trappings of the season. Spring has arrived! We're celebrating the season's fresh flavors with this delicious salad accented with truffle salt and toasted walnuts. The slight bitterness of endive pairs well with asparagus but any favorite green can be substituted."
Ingredients
2 tbsp walnut oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup walnuts
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
1 spear endive or 1 cup of another favorite spring green
1/4 tsp truffle salt
Preparation
Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a small mixing bowl add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.
Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the oven and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared dressing and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
Thoroughly wash and dry the asparagus and endive. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus spears into long ribbons. Cut the endive spear in half and then into 1/4-inch strips.
Place the vegetables on a salad platter, drizzle with dressing and toss gently with salad tongs. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and truffle salt and enjoy with your favorite rustic loaf!
RHUBARB CRUMBLE
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen.
Read more: here.
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
Crumble
1 C flour
1/3 C oats
3/4 C sugar
pinch of salt
6 T melted butter
1/2 C chopped hazelnuts
Fruit filling
2 pounds chopped rhubarb
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C flour
1/2 vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Crumble
Combine flour, oats, sugar and pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and chopped hazelnuts; squeeze into large crumbles and place in the freezer.
Fruit filling
Toss chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt in a 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Scatter the crumble on top and bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden and bubbly, 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with whipped cream.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, "This two-layer lemon meringue pie is a year-round American favorite. Take one bite and you'll know why, the tangy lemon filling topped with billowing puffs of meringue is a heavenly combination. This pie is best served on the day it is made."
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust pie (purchased or homemade)
Lemon Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Yolks from 4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Meringue
Whites from 3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin to a 12-inch circle. Fold in quarters, place into pie plate, and unfold Trim the edge of the pastry to 3/4 inch. Fold the pastry edge under to form a rim. Crimp or flute the rim. Prick the bottom and sides at 1-inch intervals with a fork.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Make the lemon filling: Whisk 1 1/4 cups of sugar and the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the water with a wooden spoon and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the filling is translucent and thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts. Pour the hot filling into baked pie shell.
Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the sugar dissolves. Beat for 2 minutes longer or until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted.
Spoon the meringue around edge of filling. Spread to edge of crust. Spoon the remaining meringue in the center and spread and swirl with back of a teaspoon to evenly cover the filling.
Bake the pie until the meringue is browned, about 20 minutes.
Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. To serve, cut with a long-bladed knife dipped in cold water.
Recipe Notes and Tips
To keep meringue from shrinking or weeping, drop teaspoonfuls around edge of pie, spread to touch crust all around, then spread remaining meringue in center
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Dinner!
We all need to eat, and if we can have something that tastes good and is nutritious, fantastic! Here's today's offerings. Enjoy!
MEATBALL SANDWICH
This is from Macrina Bakery's emailing list. The bakery, located in Seattle, is one of those places I wouldn't mind visiting, if I ever take a road trip. But since that road trip isn't in the near future, I'll stay on their Recipe of the Month emailing list.
The meatball sandwich recipe starts off with the following: "Meatball sandwiches are a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinner rotation. We play up the flavors in our Italian-style meatballs with a generous slather of pesto and toothsome slices of fresh mozzarella. Our Fresh Herb Roll is strong enough to hold in all of the juices while adding the earthiness of freshly picked herbs and coarse sea salt. Warning: This sandwich can be messy, but it is guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from the whole family!"
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1/2 cup day-old bread, trimmed of crust and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces ground turkey
8 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
1 large egg
For the sandwiches:
4 Macrina Fresh Herb Sandwich Rolls, 5 ounces each
1/4 cup pesto
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 to 12 pieces
2 cups tomato sauce
Preparation
Makes 4 Sandwiches
Assembling the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the diced bread into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the diced bread. Let the bread mixture stand and cool to room temperature. As it cools, the bread will absorb the milk.
In a skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Set aside.
Add the garlic, turkey, pork, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, Parmesan and egg to the bread mixture. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form 12 golf ball-size meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Assembling the sandwiches:
Slice each roll lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each half with the remaining olive oil and spread with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the bottom halves with 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella.
Warm the bread in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the tomato sauce.
Once the bread is removed from the oven, top each bottom half with three meatballs and ladle them with tomato sauce.
Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens - and don’t forget a few napkins!
FRESH ASPARAGUS SALAD
Another Macrina Bakery offering, this one from the April, 2014 email. The recipe starts with, "The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and markets are stocking produce bins with the trappings of the season. Spring has arrived! We're celebrating the season's fresh flavors with this delicious salad accented with truffle salt and toasted walnuts. The slight bitterness of endive pairs well with asparagus but any favorite green can be substituted."
Ingredients
2 tbsp walnut oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup walnuts
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
1 spear endive or 1 cup of another favorite spring green
1/4 tsp truffle salt
Preparation
Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a small mixing bowl add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.
Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the oven and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared dressing and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
Thoroughly wash and dry the asparagus and endive. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus spears into long ribbons. Cut the endive spear in half and then into 1/4-inch strips.
Place the vegetables on a salad platter, drizzle with dressing and toss gently with salad tongs. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and truffle salt and enjoy with your favorite rustic loaf!
RHUBARB CRUMBLE
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen.
Read more: here.
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
Crumble
1 C flour
1/3 C oats
3/4 C sugar
pinch of salt
6 T melted butter
1/2 C chopped hazelnuts
Fruit filling
2 pounds chopped rhubarb
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C flour
1/2 vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Crumble
Combine flour, oats, sugar and pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and chopped hazelnuts; squeeze into large crumbles and place in the freezer.
Fruit filling
Toss chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt in a 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Scatter the crumble on top and bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden and bubbly, 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with whipped cream.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, "This two-layer lemon meringue pie is a year-round American favorite. Take one bite and you'll know why, the tangy lemon filling topped with billowing puffs of meringue is a heavenly combination. This pie is best served on the day it is made."
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust pie (purchased or homemade)
Lemon Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Yolks from 4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Meringue
Whites from 3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin to a 12-inch circle. Fold in quarters, place into pie plate, and unfold Trim the edge of the pastry to 3/4 inch. Fold the pastry edge under to form a rim. Crimp or flute the rim. Prick the bottom and sides at 1-inch intervals with a fork.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Make the lemon filling: Whisk 1 1/4 cups of sugar and the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the water with a wooden spoon and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the filling is translucent and thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts. Pour the hot filling into baked pie shell.
Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the sugar dissolves. Beat for 2 minutes longer or until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted.
Spoon the meringue around edge of filling. Spread to edge of crust. Spoon the remaining meringue in the center and spread and swirl with back of a teaspoon to evenly cover the filling.
Bake the pie until the meringue is browned, about 20 minutes.
Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. To serve, cut with a long-bladed knife dipped in cold water.
Recipe Notes and Tips
To keep meringue from shrinking or weeping, drop teaspoonfuls around edge of pie, spread to touch crust all around, then spread remaining meringue in center
FAST CHICKEN CURRY
From my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1 C sour cream
2-5 oz. cans boned chicken
4 T butter
2 T flour
1 1/2 tsp. curry
1 small can pineapple, crushed
1 lb. cooked string beans
salt & pepper, to taste
Melt butter slowly & add chicken. Stir constantly & heat thoroughly. Add flour, curry, salt & pepper. Add enough water to make thick cream sauce. Add pineapple, string beans & sour cream. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve over boiled rice with hot rolls & tossed salad. Serves 4. Time about 1/2 hour.
BAKED NOODLES & CHEESE
Another from Off the Wall Cooking.
8 oz. noodles, cooked
2 1/2 C grated cheese
2 eggs
1 C milk
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 T butter
Layer noodles & 2 C cheese alternately in a 2-quart casserole. Beat eggs, milk, salt & pepper together & pour over noodles & cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese over it & dot with butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes until set.
MEATBALL SANDWICH
This is from Macrina Bakery's emailing list. The bakery, located in Seattle, is one of those places I wouldn't mind visiting, if I ever take a road trip. But since that road trip isn't in the near future, I'll stay on their Recipe of the Month emailing list.
The meatball sandwich recipe starts off with the following: "Meatball sandwiches are a fun way to shake up your weeknight dinner rotation. We play up the flavors in our Italian-style meatballs with a generous slather of pesto and toothsome slices of fresh mozzarella. Our Fresh Herb Roll is strong enough to hold in all of the juices while adding the earthiness of freshly picked herbs and coarse sea salt. Warning: This sandwich can be messy, but it is guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from the whole family!"
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1/2 cup day-old bread, trimmed of crust and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces ground turkey
8 ounces ground pork
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
1 large egg
For the sandwiches:
4 Macrina Fresh Herb Sandwich Rolls, 5 ounces each
1/4 cup pesto
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 to 12 pieces
2 cups tomato sauce
Preparation
Makes 4 Sandwiches
Assembling the meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the diced bread into a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the diced bread. Let the bread mixture stand and cool to room temperature. As it cools, the bread will absorb the milk.
In a skillet over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Set aside.
Add the garlic, turkey, pork, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, Parmesan and egg to the bread mixture. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form 12 golf ball-size meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Assembling the sandwiches:
Slice each roll lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each half with the remaining olive oil and spread with 1 tablespoon of pesto. Top the bottom halves with 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella.
Warm the bread in the 400°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the tomato sauce.
Once the bread is removed from the oven, top each bottom half with three meatballs and ladle them with tomato sauce.
Enjoy these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens - and don’t forget a few napkins!
FRESH ASPARAGUS SALAD
Another Macrina Bakery offering, this one from the April, 2014 email. The recipe starts with, "The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and markets are stocking produce bins with the trappings of the season. Spring has arrived! We're celebrating the season's fresh flavors with this delicious salad accented with truffle salt and toasted walnuts. The slight bitterness of endive pairs well with asparagus but any favorite green can be substituted."
Ingredients
2 tbsp walnut oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup walnuts
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
1 spear endive or 1 cup of another favorite spring green
1/4 tsp truffle salt
Preparation
Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a small mixing bowl add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and kosher salt. Whisk well to combine and set aside.
Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove the walnuts from the oven and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared dressing and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
Thoroughly wash and dry the asparagus and endive. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus spears into long ribbons. Cut the endive spear in half and then into 1/4-inch strips.
Place the vegetables on a salad platter, drizzle with dressing and toss gently with salad tongs. Top the salad with the toasted walnuts and truffle salt and enjoy with your favorite rustic loaf!
RHUBARB CRUMBLE
Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Kitchen.
Read more: here.
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 15 min; Cook: 45 min; Level: Easy
Ingredients
Crumble
1 C flour
1/3 C oats
3/4 C sugar
pinch of salt
6 T melted butter
1/2 C chopped hazelnuts
Fruit filling
2 pounds chopped rhubarb
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C flour
1/2 vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Crumble
Combine flour, oats, sugar and pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and chopped hazelnuts; squeeze into large crumbles and place in the freezer.
Fruit filling
Toss chopped rhubarb, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt in a 8-by-8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Scatter the crumble on top and bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden and bubbly, 45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes; serve with whipped cream.
CLASSIC LEMON MERINGUE PIE
Kathy Kingsley, About.com's American Food blog's guide, writes, "This two-layer lemon meringue pie is a year-round American favorite. Take one bite and you'll know why, the tangy lemon filling topped with billowing puffs of meringue is a heavenly combination. This pie is best served on the day it is made."
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients:
Pastry for single-crust pie (purchased or homemade)
Lemon Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Yolks from 4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Meringue
Whites from 3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin to a 12-inch circle. Fold in quarters, place into pie plate, and unfold Trim the edge of the pastry to 3/4 inch. Fold the pastry edge under to form a rim. Crimp or flute the rim. Prick the bottom and sides at 1-inch intervals with a fork.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
Make the lemon filling: Whisk 1 1/4 cups of sugar and the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the water with a wooden spoon and continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the filling is translucent and thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts. Pour the hot filling into baked pie shell.
Make the meringue: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the sugar dissolves. Beat for 2 minutes longer or until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted.
Spoon the meringue around edge of filling. Spread to edge of crust. Spoon the remaining meringue in the center and spread and swirl with back of a teaspoon to evenly cover the filling.
Bake the pie until the meringue is browned, about 20 minutes.
Set the pie on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. To serve, cut with a long-bladed knife dipped in cold water.
Recipe Notes and Tips
To keep meringue from shrinking or weeping, drop teaspoonfuls around edge of pie, spread to touch crust all around, then spread remaining meringue in center
FAST CHICKEN CURRY
From my e-cookbook, Off The Wall Cooking.
1 C sour cream
2-5 oz. cans boned chicken
4 T butter
2 T flour
1 1/2 tsp. curry
1 small can pineapple, crushed
1 lb. cooked string beans
salt & pepper, to taste
Melt butter slowly & add chicken. Stir constantly & heat thoroughly. Add flour, curry, salt & pepper. Add enough water to make thick cream sauce. Add pineapple, string beans & sour cream. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve over boiled rice with hot rolls & tossed salad. Serves 4. Time about 1/2 hour.
BAKED NOODLES & CHEESE
Another from Off the Wall Cooking.
8 oz. noodles, cooked
2 1/2 C grated cheese
2 eggs
1 C milk
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 T butter
Layer noodles & 2 C cheese alternately in a 2-quart casserole. Beat eggs, milk, salt & pepper together & pour over noodles & cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese over it & dot with butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes until set.
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