Jun 062007
 

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Now the last strawberry recipe Strawberry Bruschetta was a little different so here is more
of a classic, Strawberry Shortcake. These shortcakes are great because they
also could be served as a breakfast biscuit with jam and butter!
This is a simple recipe for making an individual dessert.

Shortcake
1/2 Cup of Sugar
2 Cups of Flour
2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder
1/2 Cup of Butter
1 Egg (beaten)
2/3 Cup of Buttermilk (a little extra to brush tops of Shortcakes)
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla

Preheat Oven 450

In a mixing bowl with your hands mix together butter, sugar, flour and baking soda- until butter is evenly blended in. Then add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined and can form a ball. Pat out the dough (about 1-1.25 inches thick) on a floured surface and with a 2.5 inch circular cookie cutter cut shortcakes and place on baking sheet. Brush the top of each shortcake with Buttermilk. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. Makes about 12 shortcakes

Strawberries
4 Cups of quartered Strawberries
1/4 Cup of Sugar
1 1/2 Cups of Whipped Cream

Mix Sugar and Strawberries- let stand for at least 1/2 hour to release the juices from the strawberries.

Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes
Cut the shortcakes in half (width wise) on bottom half place a 1/3 cup of strawberries top with the other half of the shortcake and finish off with a dollop of whipped cream!

 Posted by at 7:20 pm
May 302007
 

strawberry-bruschette.jpg

In California the strawberry season is going strong and the season has just begun back here. Growing up in Southern California one of my favorites memories was during strawberry season going to the local stands on the side of the road and picking up flats of strawberries. There are a million and one fabulous recipes with strawberries. One that I just had last night a Strawberry Mojito. This recipe is similar to the Strawberry Mojito in that it is combining Mint with Strawberries. This is a great refreshing light dessert for the summer or easily could be served as a hors d’oeuvres.

2 Cups of cut Strawberries
1.5 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
1-2 Tablespoons of sugar- (if really fresh will need less sugar)
2 tablespoons of Chopped Mint
Spread
3 tablespoons of softened unsalted Butter
2 teaspoons of Cinnamon Sugar
12 slices of either a Baguette or Brioche (1/2 inch thick)

Preheat oven 350
In a bowl mix together strawberries, vinegar, sugar, and mint. Let sit
for at least a half an hour before assembling. In a separate bowl mix
together butter and cinnamon sugar and let stand preferably for at
least a day but if time does not permit, no worries. Spread each piece of
bread with cinnamon butter and bake for 15 minutes. Let stand for a few
minutes Top each piece of bread with strawberries and ready to serve.

 Posted by at 7:13 pm
May 212007
 

asparagus.jpg
Asparagus can be found year round, but the height of the season is March through June. There are numerous ways in which you can prepare this vegetable, but this is my favorite. When picking asparagus try to avoid the ones whose stalks are white. (This does not apply to white and purple asparagus.) Two other little facts. Asparagus is part of the Lily family and can be mircrowaved.

Pre Heat Oven 375

1 bunch of Asparagus
2-3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper

On a baking sheet place Asparagus and drizzle the olive oil evenly over stalks. Followed by sprinkling the Parmesan Cheese and salt and Pepper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Watch them while baking because you do not want them to over cook they should be tender not mushy.

 Posted by at 5:56 pm
Apr 172007
 

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These are great for both the novice and the experienced cook as they aren’t very complicated and are often a forgotten recipe. I know, for me, they were something I was interested in trying but never had until recently. The best part is you can make them however you want and can decide on your own toppings! This would be a great rainy day project with a child.

5 Cups of Granola
1 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Honey
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla
1 Cup of White Chocolate Bits
1 Cup of Dried Cranberries

Preheat Oven 400 Degrees

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together and spread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes
Patience is a virtue I do not have when it comes to wanting to try things directly out of the oven. But with these, you have to let it cool or there is no way you will be able to cut them in to bars.

 Posted by at 7:15 pm
Apr 022007
 

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Recently, I got together with a group of old friends for brunch. One of my favorite passtimes is a healthy combination of eating and being with friends. I love going to others’ homes and watching them entertain. I always see it as a great learning experience with different ideas to pick up. I have never seen eggs prepared this way very. The best part is that they’re healthy and absolutely delicious! Thank you Sarah.

4 Pounds of Zucchini
4 Shallots Chopped (about 1/2 Cup)
2 Tablespoons of Butter
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
6 Eggs
salt and pepper
Preheat Oven 350

Wash the zucchini and grate it all. In a large bowl toss with a little bit of salt about 2 teaspoons to help remove the moisture from the zucchini, let sit for about 5 minutes and drain water and pat dry. In a frying pan heat olive oil and butter and cook the shallots for about 2-3 minutes and then add zucchini and saute for about 5-8 minutes.
Use either a larger casserole dish about ten inches in diameter or six smaller casserole dishes. Push zucchini mixture into dish and dig out six holes. Crack one egg into each hole (salt and pepper) and bake for about 20 minutes. I think this was great on its own but they were also served with a Hollandaise sauce.

 Posted by at 6:01 pm
Mar 262007
 

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Remember your birthdays growing up? They were always a HUGE deal. Well, at least they were for me! This past weekend a little friend of mine was turning three and he loves the Disney Pixar movie- Cars. I was asked to make the cake for his big day with this theme in mind. I was a little nervous for two reasons: I was not sure if this cake was going to remotely resemble Lightening McQueen AND turning three is monumental at that age. In the end, after several hours of preparation, I have to say I was so excited about the final result! The best part is that this movie, like most Pixar films, is that it is for of all ages; it has become one of my sister’s new favorites- so she might be getting this cake for her 29th birthday.

Chocolate Cake
3/4 Cup of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 Cups of Buttermilk
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
1 3/4 Cup of Flour
2 Cups of Sugar
3 Eggs
2 Sticks of Of Softened Butter
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
Preheat Oven 350

In a mixing bowl mix together sugar, butter until well combined, then beat in vanilla and eggs one at a time. Once well combined stir in buttermilk. In a separate bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. One cup at a time add flour mixture to sugar mixture until well combined. In this case I greased the Lightening McQueen Cake tin or the other option would be to grease 2- eight inch round cake pans. Bake for 35 minutes until a knife comes out clean. Let cool before flipping over to release the cake. This cake was decorated with a buttercream icing- more than anything it just took time and patience.

I also made Cup Cakes and put race flags in each of them to go along with the Cars Theme.
box-of-cupcakes.jpgracing-cupcake.jpg

The favors were a little Lightening McQueen Car with candy wrapped in Cellophane paper and tied with a black and white checkers.
cellophane-racing-bag.jpg

 Posted by at 7:56 pm
Mar 192007
 

honey-apple.jpg

Earlier this week, I wanted a slushie and then later in the week I definitely wanted something warm and comforting. So yes, it is late in the season for this drink but who knows since the weather has been swinging like a pendulum. Also, this will be great a great way to start the fall season next year.

2 1/2 Cups of Apple Cider or Juice
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 oz. of vanilla flavored vodka

In a saucepan bring to a simmer for five minutes all the ingredients except the vodka. Remove cloves and pour equally into two separate glasses. Add 1 ounce of vodka to each glass and ready to serve. I would prefer to cider but it taste just as yummy if you use juice.

 Posted by at 7:18 am
Mar 082007
 

gruyere.jpg

These are always crowd favorites that are very simple to prepare. I think the sage gives it an interesting flavor. Seriously, when is a puff pastry not a good idea? I used giant tropical leaves on plain cutting board to serve these. These were simple and the presentation was a big hit.
1 Sheet of Puff Pastry
1 Cup of grated Gruyere Cheese
3 oz. of Prosciutto
2- 3 Tablespoons of Chopped sage
2 Tablespoons of Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg (beat to brush puff pastry)

Preheat 450 Degrees

Take sheet of puff pastry and even spread cheese, and sage over entire sheet and then top with Prosciutto. Start from one side and roll into a long cylinder. Try to do this tightly so it actually looks like a wheel when slices are made. Place log in refrigerator for about half hour. It will be easier to cut and have it maintain its shape if it is chilled for a little bit. Brush the log with egg. Cut 1/4 inch slices place on baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.

 Posted by at 9:48 pm
Mar 012007
 

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I have to admit, from my event last week this idea was my favorite. When I was buying napkins, I saw these plastic shooters and thought it would be really fun if people had shots of soup. Also it is very simple to prepare and serve a large quantity of individual shots. I think these would work best if they were passed rather than sitting on a table. This is a great way to serve something really warm in the winter. But they would also work in the summer using a chilled soup.

Soup
1/4 Cup (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
5 large carrots, thinly sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons dill seeds/ or dill weed
4 cups chicken broth

Pesto
1 cup packed coarsely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons olive oil

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, onion and dill seeds and saute until onion is soft, about 10 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and puree the soup in a blender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine fresh dill, pine nuts, and olive oil in blender. Blend until well blended- mushy.
Pour a shot of soup with a dollop of pesto on top!

 Posted by at 8:36 pm
Feb 152007
 
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Recently I celebrated my birthday and a very dear friend of mine made me a birthday cake. Now, for about two years she has talked to me about her Apple Cake with Carmel Frosting, telling me how delicious it is. Two years was a long time to wait, but this year for my birthday I finally got to try it. I’m so glad I did because it was as good as she had promised. I asked her for the recipe so I could share with everyone and luckily for all of us, she agreed. Thank you Eliza!

Cake

2 1/3 Cups Flour

2 Cups Sugar

2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda

¾ Teaspoon Salt

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

¼ Teaspoon Cloves

¼ Teaspoon Nutmeg

4 Cups Chopped, Peeled Apples

½ Cup Soft Shortening

½ Cup Chopped Walnuts

2 Eggs

Frosting

1/3 Cup Butter

½ Cup Brown Sugar

3 Tablespoons Milk

1 ½ Cups Powder Sugar

¼ Teaspoon of Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

Preheat Oven 325

Cake

Combine flour, sugar, soda, salt and spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. (You can use an electric mixer with the recipe but easily can be done spatula or wooden spoon.) Add Apples, Shortening, Nut and Eggs, beat until well combined. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Frosting

Melt Butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar melts add milk and bring to a boil. Pour into a mixing bowl and let cool (about 10 minutes) add powder sugar and vanilla. Beat until spreading consistency, adding additional powdered sugar if necessary. Spread evenly over Apple Cake.
Eliza and I definitely think the frosting recipe should be doubled.

 Posted by at 7:35 pm