Mashed Patato Puffs

INGREDIENTS:

2 eggs

1/3 cup sour cream, plus more for serving

1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped chives

salt and black pepper, to taste

3 cups mashed potatoes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter 8 - 9 of the wells of a cupcake pan - preferably nonstick.
2. In a medium mixing bowl whisk the eggs then whisk in the sour cream. Mix in both cheeses and the chives.
3. Taste the potatoes and season them with salt and pepper if needed. Add them to the bowl and mix well.
4. Spoon them into the pan filling the cups just to the top or a little below.
5. Bake 25 - 35 minutes until they pull away from the sides of the cup and are golden brown all over.
6. Remove from oven and let them cool 5 minutes in pan. Turn them out onto a platter. Serve with sour cream.

Read More

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

            For Glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 -2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

1. Beat together butter, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

2. Gradually mix in flour until combined.

3. Heat oven to 350°F.

4. Use a small cookie scoop to measure dough; roll dough into 1- inch balls.

5. Place dough balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Using your thumb or a small cap, make an indention in the center of each cookie.

7. Fill each indention with about 1/4 teaspoon of jam.

8. Bake for 14 - 16 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are very lightly browned.

9. Allow cookies to cool for about a minute on the cookie sheet, then move to a cookie rack to cool completely.

10. To make the glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, almond extract, and milk in small bowl, adding the milk gradually until the desired consistency is achieved; drizzle over cooled cookies.

Read More

Homemade Marshmallow Cream

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites

2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat egg whites together until light and frothy using an electric stand mixer with the whisk attachment. With the mixer running, slowly pour in 2 tablespoons sugar; beat until soft peaks form.
2. In a large saucepan, combine 1/3 cup water, corn syrup, and remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Place over medium heat and cook until boiling. Start cooking over medium heat stirring occasionally but never taking your eyes off it. Raise heat to medium high and continue cooking until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, about 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer, it will take about 10-15 minutes. (The hot syrup may bubble up the sides, turn heat down briefly or remove pan from heat, once the syrup goes back down raise heat and continue cooking.)
3. Drape an old, clean kitchen towel over the front and side of the mixer, leaving one side open to pour in the syrup. With the mixer on low, slowly add hot syrup to egg-white mixture ( make sure kids and pets are not nearby, this could scar you for life, people(!) and scares the living daylights out of me!). Increase mixer speed to high and continue beating for 6-8 minutes. Add vanilla and continue to beat until mixture looks like marshmallow cream, 2-4 minutes more.
4. Allow to cool, spoon and store in tightly sealed jars in the refrigerator up to a month.

Read More

Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup granulated/castor sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 8-ounce can pineapple slices
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups/650 grams grated peeled carrots (from about 5-6 large carrots)
2 inches fresh old ginger, finely grated
1 cups walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C/gas mark 4.

For cupcakes: Line 24 cupcake molds (2 12-standard muffin tins) with liners, or butter and flour them.
For layered cakes: Butter two 9-inch-diameter or three 8-inch-diameter cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment, butter and flour paper; tap out excess flour.

If using walnuts, lightly roast them on a baking tray or a frying pan, about 4-5 minutes. Leave to cool before processing them finely.

Meanwhile, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger in medium bowl to blend. Set aside. Place the pineapple slices in a blender and add some of the juices from the can. Discard excess liquid. Puree until smooth and set aside.

In a separate large bowl, whisk sugars, pineapple puree and oil until well blended. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Add in the flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in the vanilla, carrots and fresh ginger. Add in the walnuts and raisins, if using them.

For cupcakes: Divide batter among cupcake molds, filling 3/4 of each. Bake cupcakes 14 to 18 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Let cool in pans for about 5 minutes. Transfer cakes to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before icing them.

For layered cakes: Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans, and bake the layers for about 30 minutes each for 8-inch cakes or about 40 minutes each for 9-inch cakes; or until a tester inserted into center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for about 15 minutes. Turn out onto cooling racks. Peel off parchment; cool cakes completely before icing.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce/226-gram) packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 stick/4 ounces/113 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups/230 grams confectioners’/icing sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions:

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat all the ingredients on medium speed until fluffy. Chill the frosting for about 20 to 30 minutes or until it has set up enough to spread smoothly and hold its shape.

For cupcakes: Place the maple cream cheese frosting into a piping bag fitted with your tip of choice and pipe onto cooled cupcakes accordingly.

For layered cakes: To assemble a layered cake, with an offset spatula, frost the top of one cake and place the other cake on top. Repeat for a three-layered cake. Frost the sides and top with a thin layer of frosting, chill the cake for about 30-45 minutes. Frost the cake completely to cover and decorate with swirls on the top. Chill cake for at least 30 minutes or till frosting is set. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Read More

Toasted Ravioli

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Vegetable Oil
• 6 whole Eggs
• 1/2 cup Half-and-half
• 2 cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Seasoned Breadcrumbs
• 24 whole Frozen Ravioli or Homemade Ravioli
• 2 cups Jarred Marinara Sauce, Heated
• 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Parsley

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 400 degrees.

Whisk together the eggs and half-and-half in a dish. Place the flour in a separate dish. Pour the breadcrumbs into a third dish.

Grab the ravioli right out of the freezer. One at a time, drop the ravioli into the egg mixture, then dredge them in flour, then dunk them once again in the egg mixture, then coat them in the breadcrumbs. Set them aside on a plate as you go.

3 or 4 at a time, drop the breaded ravioli into the oil and fry them for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and the filling is hot. They brown quickly, so watch them the whole time!

Remove them to a paper towel and repeat with the rest of the ravioli. Transfer them to a serving platter, sprinkle on the Parmesan and parsley, and serve with the marinara sauce.

Read More

Homemade Ravioli

Ingredients

• 6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 eggs
• ¾ cup water
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

SAUCE:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1-1/2 cups tomato puree
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup water
• ⅓ cup tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

FILLING:

• 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Place 6 cups flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Beat the eggs, water and oil; pour into well. Stir together, forming a ball. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes, adding remaining flour if necessary to keep dough from sticking. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a sauce pot, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Divide pasta dough into fourths; roll one portion to 1/16-in. thickness. Working quickly, place rounded teaspoonfuls of filling 1 in. apart over half of pasta sheet. Brush around filling with water to moisten. Fold sheet over; press down to seal. Cut into squares with a pastry wheel. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ravioli. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer; cook for 1-2 minutes or until ravioli float to the top and are tender. Drain. Spoon sauce over ravioli.

Read More

Tomato Tart

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 whole Large Onions, Halved And Sliced Thin
•  Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 2 whole Storebought Pie Crusts (or Homemade Crust)
• 1-1/2 cup Grated Fontina Cheese
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup Grated Gruyere (or Swiss)
• 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (yellow Or Red), Washed And Dried (more If Needed)
• 1 whole Egg
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 16 whole Basil Leaves, Chiffonade

Instructions:

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter, onions, salt, and pepper and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deep golden brown. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 450 F.

Smush both pie crusts into a ball, knead it around a bit to combine them, then roll it out into one large, thin crust. Lay onto a shallow quarter sheet pan, a tart pan, or cut in half and use 2 standard pie pans. Sprinkle on the cheeses in a single layer, then lay on the caramelized onions, then sprinkle the tomatoes over the cheese.

Mix together the egg and milk in a small bowl and brush it all over the crust around the edge of the tart. Bake the tart for 15 to 18 minutes, watching carefully to make sure the crust doesn't burn. (The tomatoes should be starting to burst apart, with some dark/roasted areas on the skin, and the crust should be deep golden brown.) If the crust is getting brown too fast, reduce the heat to 425 F.

Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the basil all over the top. Cut into squares and serve!

 

Enjoy!

Read More

Homemade Pie Crust

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold
4 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil, very cold
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon (heaping) table salt
1 teaspoon sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:
Measure butter and shortening (or oil) and refrigerate until cold (you can pop it into the freezer for a few minutes). Place flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Dice the cold butter and and shortening (or coconut oil) and add to food processor. Pulse for a few seconds until the butter and shortening are about the size of peas. With the machine running, slowly pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse until dough begins to form a ball (you may not use all 4 tablespoons). Empty dough out onto a floured surface, roll lightly into a ball, gently flatten dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for half an hour (or up to 24 hours).

When ready to use dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface, transfer to pie plate, flute as desired, prick all over with fork, and bake at 400 degrees until golden brown.

Read More

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup Salted Butter, Softened
• 2 cups Brown Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer) beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each one.

Mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium sized bowl. Add it into the creamed mixture in 2 to 3 batches, mixing it until just combined. Mix in the oats until just combined.

Use your preferred size cookie scoop (or a regular spoon) to drop portions of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart. Bake for 12-13 minutes or until dark and chewy. If you'd like a crispier cookie, just cook a little longer!

Let them cool slight on the pan after removing from the oven, then transfer the cookies onto a plate for serving.

* Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts to the flour mixture if you'd like a nutty flavor and crunch.

Read More

Baked Bean Chimichangas

4-6 servings 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing the tortillas

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

One 4-ounce can green chiles, drained

2 cups black beans (I soaked some beans overnight the night before)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Juice of one lime

2 cups refried beans, cooked, and hopefully still a little warm

Tortillas

For garnish (optional):

Cheese-I used a combination of shredded Monterey Jack and queso fresco

Cilantro

1 tomato, chopped

Greek yogurt, optional

Black olives

Avocado

Instructions

1. In a saute pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.

2. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Add the green chiles, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, stirring until combined.  Cook until the beans are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Once the beans are heated through, place about 2 tablespoons of each of the refried beans and the black bean mixture into the center of each tortilla.  Top with whatever garnishes you might want inside the chimichangas-I used a small amount of cheese on each one).  Fold in the ends of each tortilla and roll up the chimichanga.  Place each chimichanga, seam side down, into the prepared baking dish.

6. Lightly and thoroughly brush each chimichanga with olive oil.

7. Bake the chimichangas until heated through and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes or so.  

*Watch your chimichangas carefully.  As oven temperatures can vary significantly, the browning time may be dependent on your oven.  Use your own judgment here.

8. Top each chimichanga with the garnishes of your own choosing, and enjoy.

Read More

Cheesy Polenta with Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Kale and Egg

Ingredients

For the polenta:

4 and 1/2 cups water

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 and 1/4 cups coarse grind cornmeal

1-2 ounces of Gruyere, grated (or whatever kind of cheese you like)

For the vegetables:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, sliced

Pinch salt

8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 head kale, stems removed and coarsely torn

4 eggs, poached

Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

1. For the polenta:  In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.  Meanwhile, start caramelizing your onions.

2.  Add in the salt.

3. Slowly whisk in the polenta until smooth.  Reduce the heat to low and cook until the polenta is thickened and creamy, about 15 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the Gruyere cheese, stirring until completely melted.  Set aside (but keep the polenta warm.)

5. For the vegetables:  In a sauté pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.

6. Add the onion slices and a pinch of salt.  Cook, stirring the onions frequently, until they are golden and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.

7. Add in the mushrooms, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have let off some of their moisture and have softened, about  5 minutes.

8. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds

9. In batches, add the kale and stir until it wilts.

10. Divide the polenta between your servings bowls and sprinkle with the Parmesan Reggiano.  Top the polenta with the mushroom mixture.  Place a poached egg (or two) on top, and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Enjoy.

Read More

Creamy Garlic Penne and Broccoli

Ingredients

8 clove garlic, peeled

3 cup broccoli, cut into small florets

6 oz penne pasta

2 cup evaporated skim milk

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour

1 1⁄2 oz reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

1 1⁄2 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1⁄2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1⁄4 salt

Instructions

Cook garlic in a large pot of boiling water for 3 minutes until softened. Remove garlic, mince, and set aside.

In the same pot of boiling water, cook broccoli for 3 minutes until bright green and just softened. Remove from water and set aside.

In the same pot of boiling water, cook penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, discard liquid, and set aside.

Whisk together milk and flour in large nonstick skillet until the flour is dissolved. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and has thickened. Stir in minced garlic. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheeses are melted. Mix in cooked broccoli and penne pasta. Cook, stirring frequently, just until heated through.

Read More

Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze

Ingredients:

Streusel
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup cake flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Cake
3 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugr
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups sour cream

Brown butter glaze
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk, if needed
pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10-inch bundt cake pan and set aside. Butter and flour is key. Don't use cooking spray.

Streusel
Whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, cocoa and salt. Add the butter pieces and using your hands, mix together the flour and butter until the flour is incorporated and in tiny pieces. It's okay if the mixture looks like sand.

Cake
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt. In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, then add the sugar and beat for 4 to 5 minutes on medium speed until fluffy, scraping down the sides if needed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well for a minute or so after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat well. Beat in the sour cream, again scraping down the sides if needed.

Gradually add the dry ingredients with the mix on low speed. But until they are just incorporated. Spoon half of the batter into the greased bundt pan, then sprinkle with two thirds of the streusel. Add the remaining batter on top then finish off with the remaining streusel and swirl it into the batter with a knife. Bake until a wooden pick inserted into the cake comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes. My cake needed the full 55 and it was perfect. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Invert the pan on a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely. Don't attempt to move it or it will break apart.

Brown butter glaze
Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the butter begins to bubble and as soon as brown bits start to appear in the bottom of the pan, remove it from the heat. This will take about 5 minutes. Add the brown butter to a bowl and whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract. If the mixture is too thick to drizzle, whisk in the milk if needed. Pour over the cake once it has cooled and serve!

Read More

Cookies and Cream Brownie Bites

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brewed coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• About 28 Mini Oreos (bite sized)
• About 28 Cookies ’n Cream Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray mini cupcake pans with cooking spray or use mini cupcake liners. Place one Mini Oreo in each cavity.
2. Stir together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa. Stir in eggs, vanilla extract, coffee or water, and salt. Carefully stir in flour. (The coffee just adds a richness to the brownies, but you can use water if you prefer.)
3. Place about 1 tablespoon of batter in each cupcake cavity or liner, on top of the Oreo. Bake for 9-12 minutes, until the tops lose that shiny, wet look.
4. Let them cool for just a minute, then place one Kiss in the center of each brownie bite. Do not move or jiggle your pans or try to remove the bites before the Kiss has completely re-hardened or it will collapse. Cool completely, gently remove from the pan (a knife can help loosen if needed).
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Read More

Mushroom and Gruyere Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small loaf ciabatta bread or a crusty baguette or homemade baguette
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• 1 pint cremini mushrooms
• 1/4 pound Gruyere cheese, grated (a generous cup)
• 1 Tbsp Sherry (or Marsala)
• pinch of salt, if needed
• fresh thyme
• Fresh cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the bread in half lengthwise, so you have a large cut surface. You will not need the whole loaf, I used about a 6 inch by 6 inch piece of ciabatta. Grill the bread, cut side down, on a hot grill until it starts to get nice char marks. Rub the cut side of the garlic across the bread while it is still hot. Set aside.
2. Dust off the mushrooms with a clean dish cloth. Trim off the tips of the stems, and then thickly slice them.
3. Heat a cast iron or saute pan on medium high, and add the mushrooms and thyme leaves. Dry saute the mushrooms, stirring often so they won't stick to the pan, until they release their moisture and are softened. This will only take a couple of minutes.
4. Add the sherry and let it sizzle for just a few seconds. Stir to deglaze the pan and get up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with a pinch of salt, if needed.
5. Spoon the mushrooms and any juice onto the bread. Top with the cheese, some black pepper, and a little more fresh thyme. Broil until the cheese is melted.
6. Slice the bread into individual portions and enjoy right away.

Read More

Homemade Baguette

2 Baguette

Ingredients:

2 cup warm water, 110 degrees F (45 degrees C)

1 tbsp yeast

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

5 cup (up to 5 1/2) bread flour

Instructions:

Dissolve yeast in warm water and sugar in large bowl; allow to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).

Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.

Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place in an oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.

Punch down and divide in half.

Shape dough into two long, slender loaves.

Grease a french bread pan or large cookie sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.

Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal slits on top of each loaf (I use scissors).

Cover and let rise until doubled.

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes.

* You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.

Read More

Baked Cheddar Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cheddar crackers, such as Cheez-Its or Cheese Nips
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/4 pounds uncooked chicken tenders
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 475°F with the rack in the lower third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush it with the olive oil.

Pulse the cheddar crackers in a food processor until finely ground, or alternately, place the crackers in a plastic bag, seal it and use a rolling pin to crush the crackers. Transfer the crackers to a wide, shallow bowl and stir in the paprika.

In a separate wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs with the Dijon mustard. Place the flour in a third wide, shallow bowl.

Bread each tender by coating it in the flour, shaking off any excess, and then dipping it in the eggs. Transfer the tender from the eggs to the crackers, pressing the crumbs into the chicken to ensure an even coating, and then placing the tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the breading process with the remaining tenders, arranging them in a single layer about 2 inches apart.

Bake the tenders, turning them over once, until they're golden brown, about 15 minutes total.

Read More

Fried Rosemary Mozzarella Bites

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp very finely chopped rosemary leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• 8 oz container cherry sized mozzarella balls
• vegetable oil for frying
• your favorite marinara sauce for dipping

INSTRUCTIONS                                                

1. Set out 3 small bowls. Put the flour in one. Beat the egg and milk together in the second. Mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and rosemary in the third. Add salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste to the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Drain the mozzarella balls and dry them on paper towels. Dip the cheese balls first in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumbs, tossing well to get an even coating. I double dipped the balls back into the egg and once more into the crumbs to get a nice complete coating. Do this for all the balls, and set on a tray.
3. In a small saucepan with high sides, heat at least 2 inches of oil over medium heat. If you have a thermometer, you're aiming for around 330--340F.
4. Working in small batches, drop the balls into the hot oil and let them fry to a golden brown, about a minute or so. You don't want the cheese to ooze out, so watch them carefully. Toss the balls gently with a spoon to make sure they don't stick and they get evenly cooked. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and set them on a rack while you cook the rest.
5. Serve hot with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Read More

Cheesecake Brownie Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the brownie batter:
4 large eggs
1¼ cups baking cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder, mixed with 2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups all-purpose flour

For the cheesecake filling:
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 large egg yolk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, baking cocoa, salt, baking powder, espresso mixed with water, and vanilla until well combined.

Stir in the sugar and melted butter until well combined, then stir in the flour. (A firm rubber spatula works best.) Set brownie batter aside.

In a separate bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling by stirring together the cream cheese, sugar and egg yolk until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag or plastic bag.

Grease a non-stick mini-muffin pan with cooking spray or butter and then spoon a tablespoon of brownie batter into the greased cups. Pipe a generous amount of cheesecake filling atop the brownie batter, and then top off each cup with an additional teaspoon of brownie batter.

Bake for about 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the brownie bites cool for 10 minutes in the pan and then transfer them to a cooling rack to continue cooling, or enjoy warm.

Read More

Yogurt Pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (or ½ teaspoon almond extract)
• ¾ cup plain greek yogurt (or vanilla greek yogurt)
• ¾ cup milk topping suggestions: syrup, powdered sugar, honey, fruit, etc

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat a pan or griddle to 325 (medium heat). Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix oil, eggs, vanilla, and greek yogurt.
2. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir. Stir in milk until all ingredients are combined - don't over mix, there should still be a few lumps.
3. Grease griddle and pour ¼ - ⅓ cup batter onto the griddle. Allow to cook for about 2 minutes or until edges begin to look "dry" and bubbles form in the batter. Use a thin spatula to flip the pancake over and allow to cook for a mother minute. Transfer to a platter and continue with remaining batter.
4. Top pancakes with desired toppings such as syrup, powdered sugar, honey, and fruit.

Read More