Adapted from a cooks.com recipe for fluffy cooked icing.
Combine 1 cup milk with 5 T white flour. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat, till thickened.
In a separate pan combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 t salt and 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium low heat. Heat and stir till sugar melts.
Combine sugar and milk mixtures.
Add 1/2 cup shortening and 1/4 t each orange extract and vanilla extract.
Beat until fluffy.
20 December 2007
15 December 2007
Pepper Raisin Bread
-improvised some weeks ago
To your favorite sourdough bread recipe, add some sugar or honey, golden raisins, and a generous quantity of coarsely ground black pepper. Fabulous.
To your favorite sourdough bread recipe, add some sugar or honey, golden raisins, and a generous quantity of coarsely ground black pepper. Fabulous.
12 December 2007
Cranberry Oat Bars
-The Washington Post, December 12, 2007
* 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
* • 3/4 cup sugar
* • Finely grated zest of 1 medium orange (about 2 teaspoons)
* • 1 1/2 cups flour
* • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick-cooking or instant)
* • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon salt
* • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Directions:
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking oil spray, then line the pan with a double thickness of aluminum foil so that the foil extends beyond 2 opposite ends of the pan. Fold the overhang down to form handles. Lightly grease the foil with the spray.
For the filling: Combine the cranberries, sugar and orange zest in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the filling has thickened and reduced to about 1 cup. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until well combined; the mixture will be crumbly. Press half of the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread the cooled cranberry filling on top. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the filling and gently press into an even layer. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is evenly browned. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Run a knife around the 2 inside edges of the pan to release the bars from the sides. Lift up on the foil handles to remove the bars from the pan. Using a large, sharp knife, cut into 16 bars. Cool completely before storing.
* 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
* • 3/4 cup sugar
* • Finely grated zest of 1 medium orange (about 2 teaspoons)
* • 1 1/2 cups flour
* • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick-cooking or instant)
* • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon salt
* • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Directions:
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking oil spray, then line the pan with a double thickness of aluminum foil so that the foil extends beyond 2 opposite ends of the pan. Fold the overhang down to form handles. Lightly grease the foil with the spray.
For the filling: Combine the cranberries, sugar and orange zest in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the filling has thickened and reduced to about 1 cup. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until well combined; the mixture will be crumbly. Press half of the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread the cooled cranberry filling on top. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the filling and gently press into an even layer. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is evenly browned. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Run a knife around the 2 inside edges of the pan to release the bars from the sides. Lift up on the foil handles to remove the bars from the pan. Using a large, sharp knife, cut into 16 bars. Cool completely before storing.
Coconut-Lime Thai Snowballs
-The Washington Post, December 12, 2007
* 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
* • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
* • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
* • 1/4 teaspoon salt
* • 2 cups flour
* • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (medium shred)
For the coating
* • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (medium shred)
* • 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
* • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
* • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted
Directions:
Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
For the dough: Combine the butter and sugar in the large bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand-held electric mixer); beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the lime juice and beat to combine. Stop the motor and fold in the lime zest, salt, flour and coconut, mixing well.
Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough between your palms into 1-inch balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets (the cookies will spread slightly); bake for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are puffy but not browned; the bottoms will be just golden. Cool on the baking sheets for no more than 5 minutes.
For the coating: Meanwhile, combine the coconut, confectioners' sugar, lime zest and sifted cornstarch in a quart- or gallon-size resealable plastic food storage bag. While the cookies are still warm, add 3 to 4 to the bag at a time and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
When ready to serve, sprinkle additional confectioners' sugar and lime zest atop each cookie, if desired.
* 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
* • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
* • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
* • 1/4 teaspoon salt
* • 2 cups flour
* • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (medium shred)
For the coating
* • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (medium shred)
* • 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
* • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
* • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted
Directions:
Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
For the dough: Combine the butter and sugar in the large bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand-held electric mixer); beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the lime juice and beat to combine. Stop the motor and fold in the lime zest, salt, flour and coconut, mixing well.
Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough between your palms into 1-inch balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets (the cookies will spread slightly); bake for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are puffy but not browned; the bottoms will be just golden. Cool on the baking sheets for no more than 5 minutes.
For the coating: Meanwhile, combine the coconut, confectioners' sugar, lime zest and sifted cornstarch in a quart- or gallon-size resealable plastic food storage bag. While the cookies are still warm, add 3 to 4 to the bag at a time and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
When ready to serve, sprinkle additional confectioners' sugar and lime zest atop each cookie, if desired.
Caramel Swirl Hunks
-The Washington Post, December 12, 2007
* 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* • 3 cups packed light brown sugar
* • 1/3 cup sugar
* • 4 large eggs
* • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
* • 1 cup quick-cooking oats (not instant)
* • 4 cups flour
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* • 1/2 teaspoon salt
* • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels or chopped chocolate
* • 1 13.4-ounce can dulce de leche
Directions:
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 13-by-9-inch pan and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Beat the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl for several minutes, until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and oats, mixing to combine. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then add the chocolate morsels and mix to distribute evenly. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Top with dollops of dulce de leche and use a knife to swirl or smear it into the batter. Bake for 38 minutes, or until the batter is set. (If it seems browned around the edges but wobbly in the center, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until set.
Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes. Cover and refrigerate or freeze for at least 1 hour, then cut into squares as desired.
* 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* • 3 cups packed light brown sugar
* • 1/3 cup sugar
* • 4 large eggs
* • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
* • 1 cup quick-cooking oats (not instant)
* • 4 cups flour
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* • 1/2 teaspoon salt
* • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels or chopped chocolate
* • 1 13.4-ounce can dulce de leche
Directions:
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 13-by-9-inch pan and place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Beat the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl for several minutes, until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and oats, mixing to combine. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then add the chocolate morsels and mix to distribute evenly. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Top with dollops of dulce de leche and use a knife to swirl or smear it into the batter. Bake for 38 minutes, or until the batter is set. (If it seems browned around the edges but wobbly in the center, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until set.
Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes. Cover and refrigerate or freeze for at least 1 hour, then cut into squares as desired.
Apricot-Pistachio Bars
-The Washington Post, December 12, 2007
* 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
* • 1/2 cup sugar
* • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* • 4 large eggs
* • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
* • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* • 1 teaspoon apricot brandy (optional)
* • 1 1/4 cups flour
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
* • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
* • 2 cups coarsely chopped dried apricots
* • 1/2 cup dried currants
* • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped unsalted, lightly toasted pistachios
For the icing
* • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
* • 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-by-15-inch baking pan with 1 teaspoon of the butter.
For the dough: Combine the remaining 2 sticks of butter and the sugars in the large bowl of a stand mixer or a hand-held electric mixer; beat on medium speed for several minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the orange zest, vanilla extract and apricot brandy, if using; beat to mix well.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, mace, apricots, currants and pistachios in a medium bowl, stirring to mix well. Use a spatula to stir the flour-spices mixture into the butter-sugar mixture and blend well. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for about 15 minutes.
For the icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar and orange juice in a large bowl and whisk to a medium-firm consistency. Spread over the still-warm, uncut bars in the pan and let stand until the icing sets. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
* 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
* • 1/2 cup sugar
* • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* • 4 large eggs
* • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
* • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* • 1 teaspoon apricot brandy (optional)
* • 1 1/4 cups flour
* • 1 teaspoon baking powder
* • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
* • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
* • 2 cups coarsely chopped dried apricots
* • 1/2 cup dried currants
* • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped unsalted, lightly toasted pistachios
For the icing
* • 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
* • 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-by-15-inch baking pan with 1 teaspoon of the butter.
For the dough: Combine the remaining 2 sticks of butter and the sugars in the large bowl of a stand mixer or a hand-held electric mixer; beat on medium speed for several minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the orange zest, vanilla extract and apricot brandy, if using; beat to mix well.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, mace, apricots, currants and pistachios in a medium bowl, stirring to mix well. Use a spatula to stir the flour-spices mixture into the butter-sugar mixture and blend well. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for about 15 minutes.
For the icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar and orange juice in a large bowl and whisk to a medium-firm consistency. Spread over the still-warm, uncut bars in the pan and let stand until the icing sets. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
23 September 2007
Fresh Pineapple Upside Down Cake
-Gourmet, 2000
ingredients
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 fresh pineapple, halved lengthwise, cored, and peeled
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2/3 cup well-shaken buttermilk
preparation
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
Sift together flour, baking powder and soda, and salt into a bowl. Cut pineapple crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wedges.
Butter a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep) lightly on side and generously on bottom of pan using 1/2 stick butter. Sprinkle all of brown sugar evenly over bottom and arrange pineapple over it, starting in center of pan and overlapping slices slightly.
Beat together remaining stick butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, then add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour and mixing just until batter is smooth.
Spread batter evenly over pineapple and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in pan on a rack, then invert cake onto a plate and remove pan. Cool to room temperature.
ingredients
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 fresh pineapple, halved lengthwise, cored, and peeled
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2/3 cup well-shaken buttermilk
preparation
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
Sift together flour, baking powder and soda, and salt into a bowl. Cut pineapple crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wedges.
Butter a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep) lightly on side and generously on bottom of pan using 1/2 stick butter. Sprinkle all of brown sugar evenly over bottom and arrange pineapple over it, starting in center of pan and overlapping slices slightly.
Beat together remaining stick butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, then add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour and mixing just until batter is smooth.
Spread batter evenly over pineapple and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in pan on a rack, then invert cake onto a plate and remove pan. Cool to room temperature.
21 September 2007
Sweet Potato-Date Cookies
improvised today!
1 large sweet potato
1 stick salted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 egg
1 1/4 cups ww flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons candied ginger, chopped
1/3 cup dried pitted dates, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Nuke the sweet potato for 4 minutes on high. Cool and mash with butter, sugar, syrup and egg. Mix in remaining ingredients. Flatten golf-ball size mounds on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. These don't spread and they rise very little.
Notes: To make it more like a traditional cookie, use a small sweet potato and add another 1/2 stick of butter and a little more flour and increase the baking soda to 1/2 teaspoon.
Other stuff that would be nice in this cookie: pecans, walnuts, flaxseed, dried apple, chopped tart apples, other sweet warm spices (e.g cinnamon, cloves)
1 large sweet potato
1 stick salted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 egg
1 1/4 cups ww flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons candied ginger, chopped
1/3 cup dried pitted dates, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Nuke the sweet potato for 4 minutes on high. Cool and mash with butter, sugar, syrup and egg. Mix in remaining ingredients. Flatten golf-ball size mounds on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. These don't spread and they rise very little.
Notes: To make it more like a traditional cookie, use a small sweet potato and add another 1/2 stick of butter and a little more flour and increase the baking soda to 1/2 teaspoon.
Other stuff that would be nice in this cookie: pecans, walnuts, flaxseed, dried apple, chopped tart apples, other sweet warm spices (e.g cinnamon, cloves)
19 September 2007
brown sugar and chocolate chip pound cake with maple-espresso glaze
-Julie Hesson, Bon Appetit
ingredients
Cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple extract
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (or more) whipping cream
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
preparation
For cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 12-cup Bundt pan. Spray pan generously with nonstick spray. Dust pan lightly with flour. Mix chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons flour in medium bowl. Sift remaining flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into another medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract and maple extract. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chip mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack and cool completely.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Mixing the chocolate chips with a little flour before adding them to the batter helps the chips stay evenly suspended in the batter and evenly distributed throughout the baked cake (otherwise, they may sink to the bottom).
For glaze:
Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons cream, and espresso powder in medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding more cream by 1/2 teaspoonfuls if glaze is too thick to drizzle. Spoon glaze decoratively over top of cake; let stand at room temperature until glaze is firm, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and let stand at room temperature.
ingredients
Cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple extract
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (or more) whipping cream
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
preparation
For cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 12-cup Bundt pan. Spray pan generously with nonstick spray. Dust pan lightly with flour. Mix chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons flour in medium bowl. Sift remaining flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into another medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract and maple extract. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chip mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack and cool completely.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Mixing the chocolate chips with a little flour before adding them to the batter helps the chips stay evenly suspended in the batter and evenly distributed throughout the baked cake (otherwise, they may sink to the bottom).
For glaze:
Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons cream, and espresso powder in medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding more cream by 1/2 teaspoonfuls if glaze is too thick to drizzle. Spoon glaze decoratively over top of cake; let stand at room temperature until glaze is firm, about 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and let stand at room temperature.
05 September 2007
coconut rum cake
Gourmet | September 2007
-Maggie Ruggiero
ingredients
For cake:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs plus 3 large yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut such as Coco López
For coconut slivers:
1 medium coconut
2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
For icing:
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut
1 tablespoon dark rum
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Equipment: a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep); an adjustable-blade slicer
preparation
Make cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Lightly butter cake pan and line bottom with a round of parchment paper. Lightly butter parchment, then flour pan.
Whisk together flour (1 1/4 cups), baking powder, and salt.
Whisk together whole eggs and yolks, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in flour mixture until combined, then whisk in butter until just combined. Pour into cake pan and rap pan on counter to expel air bubbles.
Bake until golden brown and cake starts to pull away from side of pan, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Invert cake onto rack (discard parchment) and cool 10 minutes more. Generously brush top and side of warm cake with cream of coconut, allowing it to soak in before brushing on more. Cool completely.
Make coconut slivers as cake cools:
Pierce softest eye of coconut with a small screwdriver, then drain and discard liquid. Bake coconut in a shallow baking pan 15 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Break shell with a hammer, then pry flesh from shell with screwdriver.
Thinly shave enough coconut with slicer to measure 2 cups and toss with confectioners sugar, then spread in 1 layer on a baking sheet. Bake until just dry but not golden (some tips may color), 5 to 10 minutes. (Shave and bake remaining coconut with more confectioners sugar to serve on the side, or freeze for another use.) Cool coconut completely. (It will crisp as it cools.)
Make icing:
Beat together cream cheese, cream of coconut, rum, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons cream with an electric mixer until smooth, then beat in confectioners sugar. Icing should be smooth and slightly runny; stir in remaining tablespoon cream if necessary.
Smooth icing over top of cooled cake, allowing some to drip over side, then top with coconut slivers.
Cooks' notes:
Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and soaked with cream of coconut, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cake can be iced 2 hours ahead.
Coconut slivers can be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
-Maggie Ruggiero
ingredients
For cake:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs plus 3 large yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut such as Coco López
For coconut slivers:
1 medium coconut
2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
For icing:
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons well-stirred sweetened cream of coconut
1 tablespoon dark rum
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Equipment: a 9-inch round cake pan (2 inches deep); an adjustable-blade slicer
preparation
Make cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Lightly butter cake pan and line bottom with a round of parchment paper. Lightly butter parchment, then flour pan.
Whisk together flour (1 1/4 cups), baking powder, and salt.
Whisk together whole eggs and yolks, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in flour mixture until combined, then whisk in butter until just combined. Pour into cake pan and rap pan on counter to expel air bubbles.
Bake until golden brown and cake starts to pull away from side of pan, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Invert cake onto rack (discard parchment) and cool 10 minutes more. Generously brush top and side of warm cake with cream of coconut, allowing it to soak in before brushing on more. Cool completely.
Make coconut slivers as cake cools:
Pierce softest eye of coconut with a small screwdriver, then drain and discard liquid. Bake coconut in a shallow baking pan 15 minutes. (Leave oven on.) Break shell with a hammer, then pry flesh from shell with screwdriver.
Thinly shave enough coconut with slicer to measure 2 cups and toss with confectioners sugar, then spread in 1 layer on a baking sheet. Bake until just dry but not golden (some tips may color), 5 to 10 minutes. (Shave and bake remaining coconut with more confectioners sugar to serve on the side, or freeze for another use.) Cool coconut completely. (It will crisp as it cools.)
Make icing:
Beat together cream cheese, cream of coconut, rum, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons cream with an electric mixer until smooth, then beat in confectioners sugar. Icing should be smooth and slightly runny; stir in remaining tablespoon cream if necessary.
Smooth icing over top of cooled cake, allowing some to drip over side, then top with coconut slivers.
Cooks' notes:
Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and soaked with cream of coconut, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cake can be iced 2 hours ahead.
Coconut slivers can be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
mustard-crusted tofu with kale and sweet potato
Bon Appétit | September 2007 Makes 4 servings
Anita Sharp
ingredients
1 14-ounce package firm tofu
1/2 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 bunch kale, stem cut from each leaf, leaves thinly sliced crosswise (about 8 cups)
1 small red-skinned sweet potato (yam; about 8 ounces), peeled, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
preparation
Cut tofu into eight 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange on paper towels; drain 10 minutes. Spread both sides of each slice with mustard.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add kale, sweet potato, and lime juice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until potato is tender and kale is wilted, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in another large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu; cover and cook until heated through and crisp, about 2 minutes per side (some mustard seeds may fall off tofu).
Arrange kale and sweet potato mixture on plate. Overlap tofu slices atop vegetables and serve.
Anita Sharp
ingredients
1 14-ounce package firm tofu
1/2 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 bunch kale, stem cut from each leaf, leaves thinly sliced crosswise (about 8 cups)
1 small red-skinned sweet potato (yam; about 8 ounces), peeled, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
preparation
Cut tofu into eight 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange on paper towels; drain 10 minutes. Spread both sides of each slice with mustard.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add kale, sweet potato, and lime juice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until potato is tender and kale is wilted, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in another large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu; cover and cook until heated through and crisp, about 2 minutes per side (some mustard seeds may fall off tofu).
Arrange kale and sweet potato mixture on plate. Overlap tofu slices atop vegetables and serve.
22 August 2007
Baked Stuffed Tomatoes With Goat Cheese Fondue
-Melissa Clark, NYT.com
Time: 20 minutes
2 to 3 large firm tomatoes, or 4 to 6 small firm ones
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons mascarpone
3 tablespoons goat cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 anchovies, finely chopped
1/4 cup panko or other coarse bread crumbs
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. If necessary, slice a very thin layer off bottoms of tomatoes so they will stand upright. Core tomatoes, and carve them out, stopping about about 3/4 inch from bottom and sides. (Do not remove too much, or tomato will collapse when baked.) Season inside of each tomato with salt. In a small bowl, stir together mascarpone and goat cheese.
2. To prepare topping, melt butter with oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and anchovies, and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in bread crumbs, and sauté 2 minutes more. Season with pepper.
3. Fill each hollow with mascarpone mixture. Top generously with bread crumbs. Transfer tomatoes to a baking sheet, and bake until they are slightly blistered and the tops are golden, about 10 minutes.
Yield: 2 to 3 servings.
Time: 20 minutes
2 to 3 large firm tomatoes, or 4 to 6 small firm ones
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons mascarpone
3 tablespoons goat cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 anchovies, finely chopped
1/4 cup panko or other coarse bread crumbs
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. If necessary, slice a very thin layer off bottoms of tomatoes so they will stand upright. Core tomatoes, and carve them out, stopping about about 3/4 inch from bottom and sides. (Do not remove too much, or tomato will collapse when baked.) Season inside of each tomato with salt. In a small bowl, stir together mascarpone and goat cheese.
2. To prepare topping, melt butter with oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and anchovies, and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in bread crumbs, and sauté 2 minutes more. Season with pepper.
3. Fill each hollow with mascarpone mixture. Top generously with bread crumbs. Transfer tomatoes to a baking sheet, and bake until they are slightly blistered and the tops are golden, about 10 minutes.
Yield: 2 to 3 servings.
16 August 2007
Tea-Smoked Chicken Thighs With Pomegranate Glaze
-NYTimes.com
Time: About 30 minutes
2 small oranges or tangerines
2 heaping teaspoons loose leaf tea (both Earl Grey and jasmine work well)
4 to 6 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
2 to 21/2 pounds skin-on chicken thighs
Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
11/2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
Sriracha chili sauce, to taste
2 tablespoons canola oil.
1. Zest one orange and peel other; set zest and peels aside. Cut oranges in half and squeeze juice through wire mesh strainer into a bowl. Reserve juice.
2. Scatter orange peels, tea, star anise and cinnamon around center of bottom of smoker. Cover with drip tray and wire rack. Arrange thighs on rack and season generously with pepper and salt. Place on stove over medium heat and after first wisp of smoke appears, cover tightly with lid. Smoke for 20 to 25 minutes. Shut off heat and rest for 5 minutes with lid on.
3. While chicken is smoking, combine zest, hoisin, pomegranate molasses and sriracha in a small bowl. Add about half reserved juice, more if sauce is too thick. Set glaze aside.
4. Pour oil in a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium high heat. When hot, add chicken, and cook about three minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium low, brush both sides of chicken with glaze, and cook for another few minutes until crisp. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side.
Yield: 4 entrée portions.
Time: About 30 minutes
2 small oranges or tangerines
2 heaping teaspoons loose leaf tea (both Earl Grey and jasmine work well)
4 to 6 star anise pods
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
2 to 21/2 pounds skin-on chicken thighs
Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
11/2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
Sriracha chili sauce, to taste
2 tablespoons canola oil.
1. Zest one orange and peel other; set zest and peels aside. Cut oranges in half and squeeze juice through wire mesh strainer into a bowl. Reserve juice.
2. Scatter orange peels, tea, star anise and cinnamon around center of bottom of smoker. Cover with drip tray and wire rack. Arrange thighs on rack and season generously with pepper and salt. Place on stove over medium heat and after first wisp of smoke appears, cover tightly with lid. Smoke for 20 to 25 minutes. Shut off heat and rest for 5 minutes with lid on.
3. While chicken is smoking, combine zest, hoisin, pomegranate molasses and sriracha in a small bowl. Add about half reserved juice, more if sauce is too thick. Set glaze aside.
4. Pour oil in a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan over medium high heat. When hot, add chicken, and cook about three minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium low, brush both sides of chicken with glaze, and cook for another few minutes until crisp. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side.
Yield: 4 entrée portions.
Recipe: Italian-Style Vegetable Pancakes
-NYTimes.com
Time: At least 30 minutes
About 2 pounds zucchini, eggplant or turnips, peeled if necessary
1/2 onion, peeled and grated
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup flour or plain bread crumbs, more as needed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1-4 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil.
1. Grate vegetables by hand or with grating disk of a food processor. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients except the butter or oil. Mixture should be fairly loose but not liquid; add a little more flour or bread crumbs if necessary.
2. Put butter or oil in a large skillet and turn heat to medium-high. When pan is hot, put large spoonfuls of batter in pan. Cook, turning once, until nicely browned on both sides, 10 to 15 minutes total. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Yield: 4 servings.
Time: At least 30 minutes
About 2 pounds zucchini, eggplant or turnips, peeled if necessary
1/2 onion, peeled and grated
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup flour or plain bread crumbs, more as needed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1-4 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil.
1. Grate vegetables by hand or with grating disk of a food processor. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients except the butter or oil. Mixture should be fairly loose but not liquid; add a little more flour or bread crumbs if necessary.
2. Put butter or oil in a large skillet and turn heat to medium-high. When pan is hot, put large spoonfuls of batter in pan. Cook, turning once, until nicely browned on both sides, 10 to 15 minutes total. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Yield: 4 servings.
Korean-Style Crisp Vegetable Pancake (Pa jun)
-NYTimes.com
Time: 30 minutes
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon corn, grape seed, canola or other neutral oil, more as needed
5 scallions, green parts only, cut into 3-inch lengths and sliced lengthwise
20 chives or 5 chopped scallions
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1 small yellow or green squash, trimmed and grated
1/2 pound chopped shrimp, optional
1 tablespoon rice or white vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar.
1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, eggs and oil with 1 1/2 cups water until a smooth batter is formed. Stir scallion greens, chives, carrots, squash and shrimp, if using, into batter.
2. Place an 8- inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then coat bottom with oil. Ladle in about a quarter of the batter and spread it out evenly into a circle; if first pancake is too thick to spread easily, add a little water to batter for remaining pancakes. Turn heat to medium and cook until bottom is browned, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. As pancakes finish, remove them, and, if necessary, drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy sauce and sugar. Cut pancakes into small triangles and serve with dipping sauce.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Time: 30 minutes
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon corn, grape seed, canola or other neutral oil, more as needed
5 scallions, green parts only, cut into 3-inch lengths and sliced lengthwise
20 chives or 5 chopped scallions
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1 small yellow or green squash, trimmed and grated
1/2 pound chopped shrimp, optional
1 tablespoon rice or white vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar.
1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, eggs and oil with 1 1/2 cups water until a smooth batter is formed. Stir scallion greens, chives, carrots, squash and shrimp, if using, into batter.
2. Place an 8- inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then coat bottom with oil. Ladle in about a quarter of the batter and spread it out evenly into a circle; if first pancake is too thick to spread easily, add a little water to batter for remaining pancakes. Turn heat to medium and cook until bottom is browned, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. As pancakes finish, remove them, and, if necessary, drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy sauce and sugar. Cut pancakes into small triangles and serve with dipping sauce.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Supernatural Brownies
-Adapted from “Chocolate: From Simple Cookies to Extravagant Showstoppers,” by Nick Malgieri (Morrow Cookbooks, 1998); via NYTimes.com
Time: About 1 hour
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, more for pan and parchment paper
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, such as muscovado
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 3/4 cup whole walnuts, optional.
1. Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with buttered parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, or on low power in a microwave, melt butter and chocolate together. Cool slightly. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk eggs. Whisk in salt, sugars and vanilla.
2. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Fold in flour just until combined. If using chopped walnuts, stir them in. Pour batter into prepared pan. If using whole walnuts, arrange on top of batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until shiny and beginning to crack on top. Cool in pan on rack.
Yield: 15 large or 24 small brownies.
Note: For best flavor, bake 1 day before serving, let cool and store, tightly wrapped.
Time: About 1 hour
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, more for pan and parchment paper
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, such as muscovado
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 3/4 cup whole walnuts, optional.
1. Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with buttered parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, or on low power in a microwave, melt butter and chocolate together. Cool slightly. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk eggs. Whisk in salt, sugars and vanilla.
2. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Fold in flour just until combined. If using chopped walnuts, stir them in. Pour batter into prepared pan. If using whole walnuts, arrange on top of batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until shiny and beginning to crack on top. Cool in pan on rack.
Yield: 15 large or 24 small brownies.
Note: For best flavor, bake 1 day before serving, let cool and store, tightly wrapped.
Devil’s Food Cupcakes With Fluffy White Filling and Chocolate Icing
-Adapted from "Vegan With a Vengeance," by Isa Chandra Moskowitz (Marlowe, 2005); via NYTimes.com
Time:
1 hour 45 minutes
FOR THE CUPCAKES:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
3 tablespoons black cocoa powder (see note) or more Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR THE FILLING:
1/3 cup nonhydrogenated margarine, such as Earthbalance
1/3 cup nonhydrogenated shortening
21/2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the chocolate icing:
1/3 cup plain soy milk
4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or confectioners’ sugar
For the royal icing:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons plain soy milk.
1. For the cupcakes: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-muffin pan with paper liners, and spray lightly with nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a mixer, combine the soy milk, oil, syrup, sugar, vinegar and vanilla. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add half the dry ingredients and mix to blend. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix for 1 minute.
2. Use a standard ice cream scoop to fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Turn out onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
3. For the filling: In a mixer, beat margarine and shortening until combined. Add 21/2 cups confectioners’ sugar and beat until very fluffy, about 10 minutes. Taste for sweetness and add remaining 1/2 cup sugar if desired. Add vanilla and beat for 1 minute more.
4. For the chocolate icing: In a small skillet, bring soy milk to a simmer. Reduce heat to very low and stir in the chocolate and maple syrup, stirring until just melted. Turn off heat.
5. For the royal icing: Using an electric mixer or by hand, sift sugar into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon soy milk. Mix, adding up to 1 more tablespoon soy milk until consistency is like stiff toothpaste.
6. To assemble: Prepare two pastry bags, one fitted with a large plain tip, and one with a small writing tip. Fill large-tipped bag with filling, and the small-tipped bag with royal icing. (Instead of pastry bags, thick resealable plastic bags may be used. For filling, cut off one corner of bag so the opening measures a scant 1/2 inch across. For icing, opening should be just large enough to pipe a thin line.)
7. Using your pinkie, poke a hole in center of each cupcake top about an inch deep. Push tip of pastry bag with filling into each hole, firmly squeezing in filling and slowly drawing tip up and out. When all cakes have been filled, wipe off any excess that sticks out from holes; tops of cupcakes should be flat.
8. Place cupcakes on a baking sheet or tray that fits in refrigerator. Rewarm pan of chocolate icing over low heat if necessary, stirring constantly. Dip top of each cupcake into icing, swirling to coat completely. When all cupcakes are dipped, refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes to set. When set, use royal icing to make squiggles across center of each cupcake. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve, up to 1 day.
Yield: 12 cupcakes.
Note: Black cocoa, which gives the cake its characteristic dark color and bittersweet flavor, is available from King Arthur Flour, (800) 827-6836, kingarthurflour.com
Time:
1 hour 45 minutes
FOR THE CUPCAKES:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
3 tablespoons black cocoa powder (see note) or more Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR THE FILLING:
1/3 cup nonhydrogenated margarine, such as Earthbalance
1/3 cup nonhydrogenated shortening
21/2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the chocolate icing:
1/3 cup plain soy milk
4 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or confectioners’ sugar
For the royal icing:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons plain soy milk.
1. For the cupcakes: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-muffin pan with paper liners, and spray lightly with nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a mixer, combine the soy milk, oil, syrup, sugar, vinegar and vanilla. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add half the dry ingredients and mix to blend. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix for 1 minute.
2. Use a standard ice cream scoop to fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Turn out onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
3. For the filling: In a mixer, beat margarine and shortening until combined. Add 21/2 cups confectioners’ sugar and beat until very fluffy, about 10 minutes. Taste for sweetness and add remaining 1/2 cup sugar if desired. Add vanilla and beat for 1 minute more.
4. For the chocolate icing: In a small skillet, bring soy milk to a simmer. Reduce heat to very low and stir in the chocolate and maple syrup, stirring until just melted. Turn off heat.
5. For the royal icing: Using an electric mixer or by hand, sift sugar into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon soy milk. Mix, adding up to 1 more tablespoon soy milk until consistency is like stiff toothpaste.
6. To assemble: Prepare two pastry bags, one fitted with a large plain tip, and one with a small writing tip. Fill large-tipped bag with filling, and the small-tipped bag with royal icing. (Instead of pastry bags, thick resealable plastic bags may be used. For filling, cut off one corner of bag so the opening measures a scant 1/2 inch across. For icing, opening should be just large enough to pipe a thin line.)
7. Using your pinkie, poke a hole in center of each cupcake top about an inch deep. Push tip of pastry bag with filling into each hole, firmly squeezing in filling and slowly drawing tip up and out. When all cakes have been filled, wipe off any excess that sticks out from holes; tops of cupcakes should be flat.
8. Place cupcakes on a baking sheet or tray that fits in refrigerator. Rewarm pan of chocolate icing over low heat if necessary, stirring constantly. Dip top of each cupcake into icing, swirling to coat completely. When all cupcakes are dipped, refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes to set. When set, use royal icing to make squiggles across center of each cupcake. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve, up to 1 day.
Yield: 12 cupcakes.
Note: Black cocoa, which gives the cake its characteristic dark color and bittersweet flavor, is available from King Arthur Flour, (800) 827-6836, kingarthurflour.com
Spicy Peanut Stew With Ginger and Tomato
-Adapted from Terry Hope Romero, via NYTimes
Time: One hour
1 medium-size eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 to 2 jalapeño chilies, seeded and minced
1 onion, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 small (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably roasted
4 cups vegetable stock or water
1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 medium-size zucchini, 6 to 8 ounces, cut in quarters lengthwise, then sliced 1/2 -inch thick
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
Chopped roasted salted peanuts, for garnish (optional).
1.
In a colander, toss eggplant with 1 teaspoon salt; set aside for 30 minutes. Rinse, drain well and set aside. In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne; set aside.
2.
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots and fry, stirring often, until soft, crisp and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallots to a large bowl, leaving oil in pot. Raise heat to high and add eggplant. Cook, stirring often, until lightly browned and just tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with shallots.
3.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add ginger and chilies and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add spices and cook, stirring, 30 seconds more. Add onion and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
4.
Add diced tomatoes, stock or water, eggplant, shallots and a sprinkling of salt. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Place peanut butter in a medium bowl, add one or two ladlefuls of hot soup, and stir until emulsified, then pour mixture back into soup.
5.
Reduce heat to a simmer, add zucchini, cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Let cool slightly and taste; add salt if necessary. Serve in bowls with rice, garnished with cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts, if desired.
Yield: 8 servings.
Time: One hour
1 medium-size eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 to 2 jalapeño chilies, seeded and minced
1 onion, chopped
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 small (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably roasted
4 cups vegetable stock or water
1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 medium-size zucchini, 6 to 8 ounces, cut in quarters lengthwise, then sliced 1/2 -inch thick
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
Chopped roasted salted peanuts, for garnish (optional).
1.
In a colander, toss eggplant with 1 teaspoon salt; set aside for 30 minutes. Rinse, drain well and set aside. In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne; set aside.
2.
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots and fry, stirring often, until soft, crisp and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shallots to a large bowl, leaving oil in pot. Raise heat to high and add eggplant. Cook, stirring often, until lightly browned and just tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with shallots.
3.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add ginger and chilies and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add spices and cook, stirring, 30 seconds more. Add onion and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
4.
Add diced tomatoes, stock or water, eggplant, shallots and a sprinkling of salt. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Place peanut butter in a medium bowl, add one or two ladlefuls of hot soup, and stir until emulsified, then pour mixture back into soup.
5.
Reduce heat to a simmer, add zucchini, cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Let cool slightly and taste; add salt if necessary. Serve in bowls with rice, garnished with cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts, if desired.
Yield: 8 servings.
Spinach Pancakes
-NYTimes.com
Time: 30 minutes
10 ounces fresh spinach, well washed, large stems removed, or 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk or thin yogurt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter, plus unmelted butter for cooking
1 cup sour cream, optional
1 tablespoon minced lemon peel, optional.
1. Put spinach in a covered saucepan over medium heat, with just the water that clings to its leaves after washing; or plunge it into a pot of salted boiling water. Either way, cook it until it wilts, just a couple of minutes. Drain, cool, squeeze dry and chop.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-low heat while you make batter. Heat oven to 200 degrees. In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Place 1 1/2 cups buttermilk in another bowl. Beat eggs into it, then stir in the melted butter. Stir this into dry ingredients, adding a little more buttermilk if batter seems thick; stir in spinach.
3. Place a teaspoon or two of butter in pan. When butter foam subsides, ladle batter onto skillet, making any size pancakes you like. Adjust heat as necessary; first batch will require higher heat than subsequent batches. Add more butter to pan as necessary. Brown bottoms in 2 to 4 minutes. Flip only when pancakes are fully cooked on bottom; they won’t hold together well until they are ready.
4. Cook until second side is lightly browned; as pancakes are done, put them on an ovenproof plate in oven for up to 15 minutes. Mix sour cream and lemon peel together and place a small dollop on each pancake.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Time: 30 minutes
10 ounces fresh spinach, well washed, large stems removed, or 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk or thin yogurt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter, plus unmelted butter for cooking
1 cup sour cream, optional
1 tablespoon minced lemon peel, optional.
1. Put spinach in a covered saucepan over medium heat, with just the water that clings to its leaves after washing; or plunge it into a pot of salted boiling water. Either way, cook it until it wilts, just a couple of minutes. Drain, cool, squeeze dry and chop.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-low heat while you make batter. Heat oven to 200 degrees. In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Place 1 1/2 cups buttermilk in another bowl. Beat eggs into it, then stir in the melted butter. Stir this into dry ingredients, adding a little more buttermilk if batter seems thick; stir in spinach.
3. Place a teaspoon or two of butter in pan. When butter foam subsides, ladle batter onto skillet, making any size pancakes you like. Adjust heat as necessary; first batch will require higher heat than subsequent batches. Add more butter to pan as necessary. Brown bottoms in 2 to 4 minutes. Flip only when pancakes are fully cooked on bottom; they won’t hold together well until they are ready.
4. Cook until second side is lightly browned; as pancakes are done, put them on an ovenproof plate in oven for up to 15 minutes. Mix sour cream and lemon peel together and place a small dollop on each pancake.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Maple Crema
-Adapted from Gina DePalma of Babbo, via NYTimes 02/21/2007
Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus chilling
2 cups pure maple syrup
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
6 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Pinch kosher salt.
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put syrup in 4-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. (Use a large saucepan, syrup will bubble up quite high.) Lower heat to simmer and cook until reduced by about two thirds, 15 to 20 minutes. (Syrup is ready when a few drops on a chilled plate are very sticky when rubbed with your fingers.)
2. Remove from heat and whisk in cream and milk. Return saucepan to heat and bring to low simmer. Meanwhile whisk yolks well with sugar and salt in large bowl. Remove maple cream from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, then very slowly whisk it into the yolks. Strain through a chinois or fine-meshed sieve to remove any lumps of yolk.
3. Arrange 8 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups in a flat-bottomed roasting pan large enough to accommodate them with 3/4 inch of space in between the cups. Evenly divide the custard among the cups; do not fill to the top. Carefully add enough hot tap water to roasting pan to come a third of the way up sides of cups. Cover roasting pan with foil, tenting it slightly so that foil does not touch top of custards.
4. Put pan on middle rack of oven and bake for 35 minutes; rotate pan, then bake another 15 minutes and check for doneness. The custards are done when the centers are set a bit, even jiggly like gelatin. Total baking time will be 50 to 60 minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven, remove foil, and let custards cool in water bath until you can safely pick them up, then let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, until thoroughly chilled.
Yield: 8 servings.
Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus chilling
2 cups pure maple syrup
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
6 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Pinch kosher salt.
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put syrup in 4-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. (Use a large saucepan, syrup will bubble up quite high.) Lower heat to simmer and cook until reduced by about two thirds, 15 to 20 minutes. (Syrup is ready when a few drops on a chilled plate are very sticky when rubbed with your fingers.)
2. Remove from heat and whisk in cream and milk. Return saucepan to heat and bring to low simmer. Meanwhile whisk yolks well with sugar and salt in large bowl. Remove maple cream from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, then very slowly whisk it into the yolks. Strain through a chinois or fine-meshed sieve to remove any lumps of yolk.
3. Arrange 8 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups in a flat-bottomed roasting pan large enough to accommodate them with 3/4 inch of space in between the cups. Evenly divide the custard among the cups; do not fill to the top. Carefully add enough hot tap water to roasting pan to come a third of the way up sides of cups. Cover roasting pan with foil, tenting it slightly so that foil does not touch top of custards.
4. Put pan on middle rack of oven and bake for 35 minutes; rotate pan, then bake another 15 minutes and check for doneness. The custards are done when the centers are set a bit, even jiggly like gelatin. Total baking time will be 50 to 60 minutes.
5. Remove pan from oven, remove foil, and let custards cool in water bath until you can safely pick them up, then let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, until thoroughly chilled.
Yield: 8 servings.
Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins
-Heather Walker via allrecipes.com
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose
flour
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, diced
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. Combine 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons flour over blueberries, and set aside. (This simple trick will keep you from having "purple" batter)
3. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, and stir in vanilla and lemon zest. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Remember, fold gently, don't stir. Spoon batter into prepared cups.
4. Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 5 tablespoons sugar ,and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle over batter in muffin cups.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack. These muffins freeze really well, and re-heat in the microwave successfully. Hope you enjoy!!
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose
flour
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, diced
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. Combine 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons flour over blueberries, and set aside. (This simple trick will keep you from having "purple" batter)
3. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, and stir in vanilla and lemon zest. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Remember, fold gently, don't stir. Spoon batter into prepared cups.
4. Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 5 tablespoons sugar ,and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle over batter in muffin cups.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack. These muffins freeze really well, and re-heat in the microwave successfully. Hope you enjoy!!
Passover Chocolate Torte
-Leah Perez via allrecipes.com
INGREDIENTS:
* 1/2 cup pareve margarine
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 5 eggs, separated
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 1 cup ground almonds
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan with foil. Grease foil.
2. Melt margarine and chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth and let cool.
3. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat whites until stiff; about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat together yolks and sugar until thick and pale; about 1 minute. Blend in chocolate mixture and stir in almonds. Fold in beaten whites, 1/3 at a time, into chocolate until no streaks of white remain. Scrape into prepared pan.
4. Place an 8 inch baking pan with 1 inch of water in it on the bottom rack of the oven (to make the torte more moist).
5. Bake torte on center rack at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until sides begin to pull away from pan and top is set in center. Cover the torte loosely with foil for the last 20 minutes of baking. Note: Don't worry if the cake cracks because the top will be on the bottom later.
6. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes and then carefully remove sides of pan. Invert onto a serving plate and cool completely.
INGREDIENTS:
* 1/2 cup pareve margarine
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
* 5 eggs, separated
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 1 cup ground almonds
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan with foil. Grease foil.
2. Melt margarine and chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth and let cool.
3. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat whites until stiff; about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat together yolks and sugar until thick and pale; about 1 minute. Blend in chocolate mixture and stir in almonds. Fold in beaten whites, 1/3 at a time, into chocolate until no streaks of white remain. Scrape into prepared pan.
4. Place an 8 inch baking pan with 1 inch of water in it on the bottom rack of the oven (to make the torte more moist).
5. Bake torte on center rack at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until sides begin to pull away from pan and top is set in center. Cover the torte loosely with foil for the last 20 minutes of baking. Note: Don't worry if the cake cracks because the top will be on the bottom later.
6. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes and then carefully remove sides of pan. Invert onto a serving plate and cool completely.
14 August 2007
Melissa's light chocolate cake
-Melissa Salmon
1 c sugar
1.5 c flour
1 t baking soda
.5 t salt
3 T cocoa
1 T vinegar
6 T oil
1 t vanilla
1 c sugar
1.5 c flour
1 t baking soda
.5 t salt
3 T cocoa
1 T vinegar
6 T oil
1 t vanilla
Joe Brown's cornbread
1 c APF
1 c cornmeal
1.5 t baking powder
1 t salt
pinch sugar
Mix all these together. Mix together separately:
1 c milk
.25-.33 c oil
1 egg
Combine and bake at 425 for 10-15' (until a fork comes out clean)
1 c cornmeal
1.5 t baking powder
1 t salt
pinch sugar
Mix all these together. Mix together separately:
1 c milk
.25-.33 c oil
1 egg
Combine and bake at 425 for 10-15' (until a fork comes out clean)
13 August 2007
Moist Chocolate Cake
-from Cooks.com
2 c. flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. cocoa
1 c. oil
1 c. hot coffee
1 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
FROSTING:
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 tbsp. milk
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients except black hot coffee. Mix. Add hot coffee. Batter will be thin. Pour into 9x13 pan. Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
When cooled, combine cream cheese, milk and powdered sugar. Frost then serve.
2 c. flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. cocoa
1 c. oil
1 c. hot coffee
1 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
FROSTING:
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 tbsp. milk
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients except black hot coffee. Mix. Add hot coffee. Batter will be thin. Pour into 9x13 pan. Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
When cooled, combine cream cheese, milk and powdered sugar. Frost then serve.
SUPER MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE (VEGAN)
-from Cooks.com
1. 5 cups of all purpose flour (can substitute with wholewheat flour)
3 tablespoons of sifted good quality cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white or vegan brown sugar
0. 5 teaspoon salt (optional)
5 tablespoons canola oil (can substitute with any veg. oil or even olive oil)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cold water
By far the most surprisingly deeelightful cake. This recipe is great for adults and for kids ages 3 and up.
1. Put your flour into mixing bowl, add cocoa, baking soda, vegan sugar and salt and mix well.
2. Make three deep holes in the dry mixture. Into one, pour the oil, into the next, pour the vinegar into the next, pour the vanilla.
3. Pour the water into the bowl, over all of this--- making a great big mess.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until there aren't any more lumps and pour into a 9 inch by 9 inch baking pan, two inches deep, it doesn't even have to be greased.
5. Bake at 350 for about half an hour, test with a fork.
Enjoy this delicious cake. You will be surprised at its moistness and richness!!!!! It can be cooled and iced with your choice of icing or can be enjoyed on its own. The batter can also be used to make cupcakes!!
1. 5 cups of all purpose flour (can substitute with wholewheat flour)
3 tablespoons of sifted good quality cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white or vegan brown sugar
0. 5 teaspoon salt (optional)
5 tablespoons canola oil (can substitute with any veg. oil or even olive oil)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cold water
By far the most surprisingly deeelightful cake. This recipe is great for adults and for kids ages 3 and up.
1. Put your flour into mixing bowl, add cocoa, baking soda, vegan sugar and salt and mix well.
2. Make three deep holes in the dry mixture. Into one, pour the oil, into the next, pour the vinegar into the next, pour the vanilla.
3. Pour the water into the bowl, over all of this--- making a great big mess.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until there aren't any more lumps and pour into a 9 inch by 9 inch baking pan, two inches deep, it doesn't even have to be greased.
5. Bake at 350 for about half an hour, test with a fork.
Enjoy this delicious cake. You will be surprised at its moistness and richness!!!!! It can be cooled and iced with your choice of icing or can be enjoyed on its own. The batter can also be used to make cupcakes!!
03 August 2007
Hot-Milk Sponge Cake
-adapted from BHG New Cook Book, 10th edition
1 c APF
1 t baking powder
2 eggs
1 c sugar
.5 c milk
2 T margarine/butter
dash of salt if using unsalted butter
preheat to 350. Heat milk and butter in saucepan just till butter melts. Beat eggs till thick, gradually add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add flour and baking powder and mix till just combined. Combine wet and dry and mix till just combined. Bake in greased/floured 9" square pan for 20-25 min.
1 c APF
1 t baking powder
2 eggs
1 c sugar
.5 c milk
2 T margarine/butter
dash of salt if using unsalted butter
preheat to 350. Heat milk and butter in saucepan just till butter melts. Beat eggs till thick, gradually add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add flour and baking powder and mix till just combined. Combine wet and dry and mix till just combined. Bake in greased/floured 9" square pan for 20-25 min.
No-Knead Wheat Bread
-adapted from Fannie Farmer 13th edition
note: try this one with a poolish!
2 c hot milk
1/3 c molasses
1.5 t salt
1 pkg dry yeast
.25 c warm water
4 1/3 c whole wheat flour
Mix first 3 and let it cool while dissolving yeast in warm water. Mix all together. Let rise twice. Bake at 375 about 45 minutes.
note: try this one with a poolish!
2 c hot milk
1/3 c molasses
1.5 t salt
1 pkg dry yeast
.25 c warm water
4 1/3 c whole wheat flour
Mix first 3 and let it cool while dissolving yeast in warm water. Mix all together. Let rise twice. Bake at 375 about 45 minutes.
Corn Crisps
-adapted from Fannie Farmer, 13th edition
.75 c water
2 T butter
.5 c yellow cornmeal
.25-.5 t salt
425 degree oven. Boil water and butter in small pan. Stir in cornmeal and salt, mix well. Drop teaspoonfuls onto buttered cookie sheet and bake 10-15 min.
.75 c water
2 T butter
.5 c yellow cornmeal
.25-.5 t salt
425 degree oven. Boil water and butter in small pan. Stir in cornmeal and salt, mix well. Drop teaspoonfuls onto buttered cookie sheet and bake 10-15 min.
Black Bean Soup
-adapted from Fannie Farmer, 13th edition
note: Crock Pot! and add carrots
2 cups dried black beans
water
1 onion, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 ham bone
1.5 c cooked ham chunks
1.5 t dry mustard
2 T lemon juice
salt to taste
Soak and drain the beans. Add enough water to make 2 quarts and cook with onion, celery, ham bone for 3-4 hours or until beans are soft. Remove ham bone and puree or beat by hand. Add cooked ham. Season with remaining ingredients.
note: Crock Pot! and add carrots
2 cups dried black beans
water
1 onion, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 ham bone
1.5 c cooked ham chunks
1.5 t dry mustard
2 T lemon juice
salt to taste
Soak and drain the beans. Add enough water to make 2 quarts and cook with onion, celery, ham bone for 3-4 hours or until beans are soft. Remove ham bone and puree or beat by hand. Add cooked ham. Season with remaining ingredients.
quote from "The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, 13th Edition"
"The easiest way to open a fresh coconut is to fling it onto a cement or rock surface (not the kitchen floor). This is the way the monkeys do it, and they are professionals."
28 July 2007
Sugared Jelly Candies
-Country Living via MSN Lifestyle
you'll need three days to finish the candies. Candies are first dried and cut, then, after 48 hours, they are rolled in sugar. Sanding sugar adds a bit more sparkle than granulated. Yields: 81 one-inch square candies.
INGREDIENTS
For All Flavors:
1 pound Granny Smith apples (about 2 large), quartered and cored
1 pound pears (about 2), quartered and cored
2/3 cup white wine, such as chardonnay
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon powdered pectin
1 cup sanding sugar or granulated sugar
Spiced Jellies:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Raspberry Jellies:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup lemon juice
Lemon Jellies:
Peel and flesh from 1 lemon (pith removed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the fruit: Line the bottom of a square 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil the parchment paper and set aside. Place the apples, pears, and wine in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. For Lemon Jellies, add the peel and flesh from 1 lemon and ginger to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until softened — 15 to 20 minutes. Run the fruit through a food mill, discard the solids, and transfer the mixture to a clean saucepan.
2. Make the candy: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the pectin in a small bowl and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients, depending upon the flavor you are making, to the puréed fruit and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened — about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the sugar-pectin mixture. Increase heat to medium high and continue to whisk until all of the sugar is dissolved — about 2 minutes. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour into the prepared pan. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let sit uncovered for 24 hours or until set.
3. Unmold the jellies: Lightly dust a 12-inch piece of parchment paper with granulated sugar and set aside. Loosen the edges of the set jelly with a knife, invert onto the parchment, and let set for another 24 hours. At this point jellies can be wrapped in parchment paper and plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or until ready to serve.
4. Cut out the candies: Use a knife to cut 1- by 1-inch squares or use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the jelly. Dredge each piece in sanding sugar and transfer to a wire rack to dry — about 24 hours. Store jellies covered with plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
you'll need three days to finish the candies. Candies are first dried and cut, then, after 48 hours, they are rolled in sugar. Sanding sugar adds a bit more sparkle than granulated. Yields: 81 one-inch square candies.
INGREDIENTS
For All Flavors:
1 pound Granny Smith apples (about 2 large), quartered and cored
1 pound pears (about 2), quartered and cored
2/3 cup white wine, such as chardonnay
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon powdered pectin
1 cup sanding sugar or granulated sugar
Spiced Jellies:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Raspberry Jellies:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup lemon juice
Lemon Jellies:
Peel and flesh from 1 lemon (pith removed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the fruit: Line the bottom of a square 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil the parchment paper and set aside. Place the apples, pears, and wine in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. For Lemon Jellies, add the peel and flesh from 1 lemon and ginger to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until softened — 15 to 20 minutes. Run the fruit through a food mill, discard the solids, and transfer the mixture to a clean saucepan.
2. Make the candy: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the pectin in a small bowl and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients, depending upon the flavor you are making, to the puréed fruit and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened — about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the sugar-pectin mixture. Increase heat to medium high and continue to whisk until all of the sugar is dissolved — about 2 minutes. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour into the prepared pan. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let sit uncovered for 24 hours or until set.
3. Unmold the jellies: Lightly dust a 12-inch piece of parchment paper with granulated sugar and set aside. Loosen the edges of the set jelly with a knife, invert onto the parchment, and let set for another 24 hours. At this point jellies can be wrapped in parchment paper and plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or until ready to serve.
4. Cut out the candies: Use a knife to cut 1- by 1-inch squares or use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the jelly. Dredge each piece in sanding sugar and transfer to a wire rack to dry — about 24 hours. Store jellies covered with plastic wrap for up to 1 week.
Jam-Filled Almond Muffins
-Eatingwell.com via MSN Lifestyle
Makes 10 muffins
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup blackberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry jam
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400andamp;deg;F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add buttermilk, orange juice, oil and vanilla; whisk to blend. Add to the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until moistened.
Scoop half the batter into the prepared pan. Mix jam and almond extract; drop a generous teaspoonful into the center of each muffin. Spoon on the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup completely. Sprinkle with almonds, then sugar.
Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly, 15 to 25 minutes. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Makes 10 muffins
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup blackberry, blueberry, raspberry or cherry jam
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400andamp;deg;F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Add buttermilk, orange juice, oil and vanilla; whisk to blend. Add to the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until moistened.
Scoop half the batter into the prepared pan. Mix jam and almond extract; drop a generous teaspoonful into the center of each muffin. Spoon on the remaining batter, filling each muffin cup completely. Sprinkle with almonds, then sugar.
Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly, 15 to 25 minutes. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
18 July 2007
10 Minute Meals by Mark Bittman
-from "101 Summer Express: Simple Meals in 10 Minutes or Less," Mark Bittman, NYT
1 Make six-minute eggs: simmer gently, run under cold water until cool, then peel. Serve over steamed asparagus.
2 Toss a cup of chopped mixed herbs with a few tablespoons of olive oil in a hot pan. Serve over angel-hair pasta, diluting the sauce if necessary with pasta cooking water.
3 Cut eight sea scallops into four horizontal slices each. Arrange on plates. Sprinkle with lime juice, salt and crushed chilies; serve after five minutes.
4 Open a can of white beans and combine with olive oil, salt, small or chopped shrimp, minced garlic and thyme leaves in a pan. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are done; garnish with more olive oil.
5 Put three pounds of washed mussels in a pot with half a cup of white wine, garlic cloves, basil leaves and chopped tomatoes. Steam until mussels open. Serve with bread.
6 Heat a quarter-inch of olive oil in a skillet. Dredge flounder or sole fillets in flour and fry until crisp, about two minutes a side. Serve on sliced bread with tartar sauce.
7 Make pesto: put a couple of cups of basil leaves, a garlic clove, salt, pepper and olive oil as necessary in a blender (walnuts and Parmesan are optional). Serve over pasta (dilute with oil or water as necessary) or grilled fish or meat.
8 Put a few dozen washed littlenecks in a large, hot skillet with olive oil. When clams begin to open, add a tablespoon or two of chopped garlic. When most or all are opened, add parsley. Serve alone, with bread or over angel-hair pasta.
9 Pan-grill a skirt steak for three or four minutes a side. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, slice and serve over romaine or any other green salad, drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
10 Smear mackerel fillets with mustard, then sprinkle with chopped herbs (fresh tarragon is good), salt, pepper and bread crumbs. Bake in a 425-degree oven for about eight minutes.
11 Warm olive oil in a skillet with at least three cloves sliced garlic. When the garlic colors, add at least a teaspoon each of cumin and pimentón. A minute later, add a dozen or so shrimp, salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon and bread.
12 Boil a lobster. Serve with lemon or melted butter.
13 Gazpacho: Combine one pound tomatoes cut into chunks, a cucumber peeled and cut into chunks, two or three slices stale bread torn into pieces, a quarter-cup olive oil, two tablespoons sherry vinegar and a clove of garlic in a blender with one cup water and a couple of ice cubes. Process until smooth, adding water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, then serve or refrigerate, garnished with anchovies if you like, and a little more olive oil.
14 Put a few slices of chopped prosciutto in a skillet with olive oil, a couple of cloves of crushed garlic and a bit of butter; a minute later, toss in about half a cup bread crumbs and red chili flakes to taste. Serve over pasta with chopped parsley.
15 Call it panini: Grilled cheese with prosciutto, tomatoes, thyme or basil leaves.
16 Slice or chop salami, corned beef or kielbasa and warm in a little oil; stir in eggs and scramble. Serve with mustard and rye bread.
17 Soak couscous in boiling water to cover until tender; top with sardines, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil and black pepper.
18 Stir-fry a pound or so of ground meat or chopped fish mixed with chopped onions and seasoned with cumin or chili powder. Pile into taco shells or soft tacos, along with tomato, lettuce, canned beans, onion, cilantro and sour cream.
19 Chinese tomato and eggs: Cook minced garlic in peanut oil until blond; add chopped tomatoes then, a minute later, beaten eggs, along with salt and pepper. Scramble with a little soy sauce.
20 Cut eggplant into half-inch slices. Broil with lots of olive oil, turning once, until tender and browned. Top with crumbled goat or feta cheese and broil another 20 seconds.
21 While pasta cooks, combine a couple cups chopped tomatoes, a teaspoon or more minced garlic, olive oil and 20 to 30 basil leaves. Toss with pasta, salt, pepper and Parmesan.
22 Make wraps of tuna, warm white beans, a drizzle of olive oil and lettuce and tomato.
23 The New York supper: Bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon. Serve with tomatoes, watercress or arugula, and sliced red onion or shallot.
24 Dredge thinly sliced chicken breasts in flour or cornmeal; cook about two minutes a side in hot olive oil. Place on bread with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
25 Upscale tuna salad: good canned tuna (packed in olive oil), capers, dill or parsley, lemon juice but no mayo. Use to stuff a tomato or two.
26 Cut Italian sausage into chunks and brown in a little olive oil; chop onions and bell peppers and add them to the pan. Cook until sausage is browned and peppers and onions tender. Serve in sandwiches.
27 Egg in a hole, glorified: Tear a hole in a piece of bread and fry in butter. Crack an egg into the hole. Deglaze pan with a little sherry vinegar mixed with water, and more butter; pour over egg.
28 New Joe’s Special, from San Francisco: Brown ground meat with minced garlic and chopped onion. When just about cooked, add chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. At the last minute, stir in two eggs, along with grated Parmesan and salt and pepper.
29 Chop prosciutto and crisp it in a skillet with olive oil; add chopped not-too-ripe figs. Serve over greens dressed with oil and vinegar; top all with crumbled blue cheese.
30 Quesadilla: Use a combination of cheeses, like Fontina mixed with grated pecorino. Put on half of a large flour tortilla with pickled jalapenos, chopped onion, shallot or scallion, chopped tomatoes and grated radish. Fold tortilla over and brown on both sides in butter or oil, until cheese is melted.
31 Fast chile rellenos: Drain canned whole green chilies. Make a slit in each and insert a piece of cheese. Dredge in flour and fry in a skillet, slit side up, until cheese melts.
32 Cobb-ish salad: Chop bacon and begin to brown it; cut boneless chicken into strips and cook it with bacon. Toss romaine and watercress or arugula with chopped tomatoes, avocado, onion and crumbled blue cheese. Add bacon and chicken. Dress with oil and vinegar.
33 Sauté 10 whole peeled garlic cloves in olive oil. Meanwhile, grate Pecorino, grind lots of black pepper, chop parsley and cook pasta. Toss all together, along with crushed dried chili flakes and salt.
34 Niçoise salad: Lightly steam haricot verts, green beans or asparagus. Arrange on a plate with chickpeas, good canned tuna, hard-cooked eggs, a green salad, sliced cucumber and tomato. Dress with oil and vinegar.
35 Cold soba with dipping sauce: Cook soba noodles, then rinse in cold water until cool. Serve with a sauce of soy sauce and minced ginger diluted with mirin and/or dry sake.
36 Fried egg “saltimbocca”: Lay slices of prosciutto or ham in a buttered skillet. Fry eggs on top of ham; top with grated Parmesan.
37 Frisée aux lardons: Cook chunks of bacon in a skillet. Meanwhile, make six-minute or poached eggs and a frisée salad. Put eggs on top of salad along with bacon; deglaze pan with sherry vinegar and pour pan juices over all.
38 Fried rice: Soften vegetables with oil in a skillet. Add cold takeout rice, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, peas and two beaten eggs. Toss until hot and cooked through. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
39 Taco salad: Toss together greens, chopped tomato, chopped red onion, sliced avocado, a small can of black beans and kernels from a couple of ears of corn. Toss with crumbled tortilla chips and grated cheese. Dress with olive oil, lime and chopped cilantro leaves.
40 Put a large can of chickpeas and their liquid in a medium saucepan. Add some sherry, along with olive oil, plenty of minced garlic, smoked pimentón and chopped Spanish chorizo. Heat through.
41 Raita to the rescue: Broil any fish. Serve with a sauce of drained yogurt mixed with chopped cucumber, minced onion and cayenne.
42 Season boneless lamb steaks cut from the leg with sweet curry powder. Sear on both sides. Serve over greens, with lemon wedges.
43 Migas, with egg: Sauté chopped stale bread with olive oil, mushrooms, onions and spinach. Stir in a couple of eggs.
44 Migas, without egg: Sauté chopped stale bread with chopped Spanish chorizo, plenty of garlic and lots of olive oil. Finish with chopped parsley.
45 Sauté shredded zucchini in olive oil, adding garlic and chopped herbs. Serve over pasta.
46 Broil a few slices prosciutto until crisp; crumble and toss with parsley, Parmesan, olive oil and pasta.
47 Not exactly banh mi, but... Make sandwiches on crisp bread with liverwurst, ham, sliced half-sours, shredded carrots, cilantro sprigs and Vietnamese chili-garlic paste.
48 Not takeout: Stir-fry onions with cut-up broccoli. Add cubed tofu, chicken or shrimp, or sliced beef or pork, along with a tablespoon each minced garlic and ginger. When almost done, add half cup of water, two tablespoons soy sauce and plenty of black pepper. Heat through and serve over fresh Chinese noodles.
49 Sprinkle sole fillets with chopped parsley, garlic, salt and pepper; roll up, dip in flour, then beaten egg, then bread crumbs; cook in hot olive oil about three minutes a side. Serve with lemon wedges.
50 The Waldorf: Toast a handful of walnuts in a skillet. Chop an apple or pear; toss with greens, walnuts and a dressing made with olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard and shallot. Top, if you like, with crumbled goat or blue cheese.
51 Put a stick of butter and a handful of pine nuts in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until both are brown. Toss with cooked pasta, grated Parmesan and black pepper.
52 Grill or sauté Italian sausage and serve over store-bought hummus, with lemon wedges.
53 Put a tablespoon of cream and a slice of tomato in each of several small ramekins. Top with an egg, then salt, pepper and grated Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees until the eggs set. Serve with toast.
54 Brown small pork (or hot dog) chunks in a skillet. Add white beans, garlic, thyme and olive oil. Or add white beans and ketchup.
55 Dredge skate or flounder in flour and brown quickly in butter or oil. Deglaze pan with a couple of spoonfuls of capers and a lot of lemon juice or a little vinegar.
56 Make a fast tomato sauce of olive oil, chopped tomatoes and garlic. Poach eggs in the sauce, then top with Parmesan.
57 Dip pork cutlets in egg, then dredge heavily in panko; brown quickly on both sides. Serve over lettuce, with fresh lemon, or bottled Japanese curry sauce.
58 Cook chicken livers in butter or oil with garlic; do not overcook. Finish with parsley, lemon juice and coarse salt; serve over toast.
59 Brown bratwursts with cut-up apples. Serve with coleslaw.
60 Peel and thinly slice raw beets; cook in butter until soft. Take out of pan and quickly cook some shrimp in same pan. Deglaze pan with sherry vinegar, adding sauce to beets and shrimp. Garnish with dill.
61 Poach shrimp and plunge into ice water. Serve with cocktail sauce: one cup ketchup, one tablespoon vinegar, three tablespoons melted butter and lots of horseradish.
62 Southeast Asia steak salad: Pan- or oven-grill skirt or flank steak. Slice and serve on a pile of greens with a sauce of one tablespoon each of nam pla and lime juice, black pepper, a teaspoon each of sugar and garlic, crushed red chili flakes and Thai basil.
63 Miso steak: Coat beef tenderloin steaks (filet mignon) with a blend of miso and chili paste thinned with sake or white wine. Grill or broil about five minutes.
64 Pasta with fresh tomatoes: Cook chopped fresh tomatoes in butter or oil with garlic until tender, while pasta cooks. Combine and serve with grated Parmesan.
65 Sauté squid rings and tentacles in olive oil with salt and pepper and garlic; add chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down. Serve over pasta.
66 Salmon (or just about anything else) teriyaki: Sear salmon steaks on both sides for a couple of minutes; remove. To skillet, add a splash of water, sake, a little sugar and soy sauce; when mixture is thick, return steaks to pan and turn in sauce until done. Serve hot or at room temperature.
67 Rich vegetable soup: Cook asparagus tips and peeled stalks or most any other green vegetable in chicken stock with a little tarragon until tender; reserve a few tips and purée the rest with a little butter (cream or yogurt, too, if you like) adding enough stock to thin the purée. Garnish with the reserved tips. Serve hot or cold.
68 Brush portobello caps with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil until tender. Briefly sweat chopped onions, then scramble eggs with them. Put eggs in mushrooms.
69 Buy good blintzes. Brown them on both sides in butter. Serve with sour cream, apple sauce or both.
70 Sauté squid rings and tentacles in olive oil with salt and pepper. Make a sauce of minced garlic, smoked pimentón, mayo, lots of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve with a chopped salad of cucumber, tomato, lettuce, grated carrot and scallion, lightly dressed.
71 Press a lot of coarsely ground black pepper onto both sides of filet mignon or other steaks or chopped meat patties. Brown in butter in a skillet for two minutes a side. Remove steaks and add a splash of red wine, chopped shallots and a bit of tarragon to skillet. Reduce, then return steaks to pan, turning in the sauce for a minute or two.
72 World’s leading sandwich: prosciutto, tomato, butter or olive oil and a baguette.
73 Near instant mezze: Combine hummus on a plate with yogurt laced with chopped cucumbers and a bit of garlic, plus tomato, feta, white beans with olive oil and pita bread.
74 Canned sardines packed in olive oil on Triscuits, with mustard and Tabasco.
75 Boil-and-eat shrimp, cooked in water with Old Bay seasoning or a mixture of thyme, garlic, paprika, chopped onion, celery, chili, salt and pepper.
76 Make a thin plain omelet with two or three eggs. Sauté cubes of bacon or pancetta or strips of prosciutto until crisp. Cut up the omelet and use it and the meat to garnish a green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
77 Sear corn kernels in olive oil with minced jalapeños and chopped onions; toss with cilantro, black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped bell pepper and lime.
78 Cook shrimp in a skillet slowly (five minutes or so) to preserve their juices, with plenty of garlic and olive oil, until done; pour over watercress or arugula, with lemon, pepper and salt.
79 Liverwurst on good sourdough rye with scallions, tomato and wholegrain mustard.
80 Not-quite merguez: Ground lamb burgers seasoned with cumin, garlic, onion, salt and cayenne. Serve with couscous and green salad, along with bottled harissa.
81 Combine crab meat with mayo, Dijon mustard, chives and tarragon. Serve in a sandwich, with potato chips.
82 Combine canned tuna in olive oil, halved grape tomatoes, black olives, mint, lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Serve with pasta, thinning with olive oil or pasta cooking water as needed.
83 Pit and chop a cup or more of mixed olives. Combine with olive oil, a little minced garlic, red pepper flakes and chopped basil or parsley. Serve over pasta.
84 Cook chopped tomatillos with a little water or stock, cilantro and a little minced fresh chili; serve over grilled, broiled or sautéed chicken breasts, with corn tortillas.
85 A winning sandwich: bresaola or prosciutto, arugula, Parmesan, marinated artichoke hearts, tomato.
86 Smoked trout fillets served with lightly toasted almonds, shredded fennel, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon.
87 Grated carrots topped with six-minute eggs (run under cold water until cool before peeling), olive oil and lemon juice.
88 Cut the top off four big tomatoes; scoop out the interiors and mix them with toasted stale baguette or pita, olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs (basil, tarragon, and/or parsley). Stuff into tomatoes and serve with salad.
89 Pasta frittata: Turn cooked pasta and a little garlic into an oiled or buttered skillet. Brown, pressing to create a cake. Flip, then top with three or four beaten eggs and loads of Parmesan. Brown other side and serve.
90 Thai-style beef: Thinly slice one and a half pounds of flank steak, pork shoulder or boneless chicken; heat peanut oil in a skillet, add meat and stir. A minute later, add a tablespoon minced garlic and some red chili flakes. Add 30 clean basil leaves, a quarter cup of water and a tablespoon or two of soy sauce or nam pla. Serve with lime juice and more chili flakes, over rice or salad.
91 Dredge calf’s liver in flour. Sear in olive oil or butter or a combination until crisp on both sides, adding salt and pepper as it cooks; it should be medium-rare. Garnish with parsley and lemon juice.
92 Rub not-too-thick pork or lamb chops with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper plus sage or thyme. Broil about three minutes a side and drizzle with good balsamic vinegar.
93 Cut up Italian sausage into chunks and brown in a little olive oil until just about done. Dump in a lot of seedless grapes and, if you like, a little slivered garlic and chopped rosemary. Cook, stirring, until the grapes are hot. Serve with bread.
94 Ketchup-braised tofu: Dredge large tofu cubes in flour. Brown in oil; remove from skillet and wipe skillet clean. Add a little more oil, then a tablespoon minced garlic; 30 seconds later, add one and a half cups ketchup and the tofu. Cook until sauce bubbles and tofu is hot.
95 Veggie burger: Drain and pour a 14-ounce can of beans into a food processor with an onion, half a cup rolled oats, a tablespoon chili powder or other spice mix, an egg, salt and pepper. Process until mushy, then shape into burgers, adding a little liquid or oats as necessary. Cook in oil about three minutes a side and serve.
96 A Roman classic: In lots of olive oil, lightly cook lots of slivered garlic, with six or so anchovy fillets and a dried hot chili or two. Dress pasta with this.
97 So-called Fettuccine Alfredo: Heat several tablespoons of butter and about half a cup of cream in a large skillet just until the cream starts to simmer. Add slightly undercooked fresh pasta to the skillet, along with plenty of grated Parmesan. Cook over low heat, tossing, until pasta is tender and hot.
98 Rub flank steak or chuck with curry or chili powder before broiling or grilling, then slice thin across the grain.
99 Cook a couple of pounds of shrimp, shell on or off, in oil, with lots of chopped garlic. When they turn pink, remove; deglaze the pan with a half-cup or so of beer, along with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, rosemary and a lump of butter. Serve with bread.
100 Cook red lentils in water with a little cumin and chopped bacon until soft. Top with poached or six-minute eggs (run under cold water until cool before peeling) and a little sherry vinegar.
101 Hot dogs on buns — with beans!
1 Make six-minute eggs: simmer gently, run under cold water until cool, then peel. Serve over steamed asparagus.
2 Toss a cup of chopped mixed herbs with a few tablespoons of olive oil in a hot pan. Serve over angel-hair pasta, diluting the sauce if necessary with pasta cooking water.
3 Cut eight sea scallops into four horizontal slices each. Arrange on plates. Sprinkle with lime juice, salt and crushed chilies; serve after five minutes.
4 Open a can of white beans and combine with olive oil, salt, small or chopped shrimp, minced garlic and thyme leaves in a pan. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are done; garnish with more olive oil.
5 Put three pounds of washed mussels in a pot with half a cup of white wine, garlic cloves, basil leaves and chopped tomatoes. Steam until mussels open. Serve with bread.
6 Heat a quarter-inch of olive oil in a skillet. Dredge flounder or sole fillets in flour and fry until crisp, about two minutes a side. Serve on sliced bread with tartar sauce.
7 Make pesto: put a couple of cups of basil leaves, a garlic clove, salt, pepper and olive oil as necessary in a blender (walnuts and Parmesan are optional). Serve over pasta (dilute with oil or water as necessary) or grilled fish or meat.
8 Put a few dozen washed littlenecks in a large, hot skillet with olive oil. When clams begin to open, add a tablespoon or two of chopped garlic. When most or all are opened, add parsley. Serve alone, with bread or over angel-hair pasta.
9 Pan-grill a skirt steak for three or four minutes a side. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, slice and serve over romaine or any other green salad, drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
10 Smear mackerel fillets with mustard, then sprinkle with chopped herbs (fresh tarragon is good), salt, pepper and bread crumbs. Bake in a 425-degree oven for about eight minutes.
11 Warm olive oil in a skillet with at least three cloves sliced garlic. When the garlic colors, add at least a teaspoon each of cumin and pimentón. A minute later, add a dozen or so shrimp, salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon and bread.
12 Boil a lobster. Serve with lemon or melted butter.
13 Gazpacho: Combine one pound tomatoes cut into chunks, a cucumber peeled and cut into chunks, two or three slices stale bread torn into pieces, a quarter-cup olive oil, two tablespoons sherry vinegar and a clove of garlic in a blender with one cup water and a couple of ice cubes. Process until smooth, adding water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, then serve or refrigerate, garnished with anchovies if you like, and a little more olive oil.
14 Put a few slices of chopped prosciutto in a skillet with olive oil, a couple of cloves of crushed garlic and a bit of butter; a minute later, toss in about half a cup bread crumbs and red chili flakes to taste. Serve over pasta with chopped parsley.
15 Call it panini: Grilled cheese with prosciutto, tomatoes, thyme or basil leaves.
16 Slice or chop salami, corned beef or kielbasa and warm in a little oil; stir in eggs and scramble. Serve with mustard and rye bread.
17 Soak couscous in boiling water to cover until tender; top with sardines, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil and black pepper.
18 Stir-fry a pound or so of ground meat or chopped fish mixed with chopped onions and seasoned with cumin or chili powder. Pile into taco shells or soft tacos, along with tomato, lettuce, canned beans, onion, cilantro and sour cream.
19 Chinese tomato and eggs: Cook minced garlic in peanut oil until blond; add chopped tomatoes then, a minute later, beaten eggs, along with salt and pepper. Scramble with a little soy sauce.
20 Cut eggplant into half-inch slices. Broil with lots of olive oil, turning once, until tender and browned. Top with crumbled goat or feta cheese and broil another 20 seconds.
21 While pasta cooks, combine a couple cups chopped tomatoes, a teaspoon or more minced garlic, olive oil and 20 to 30 basil leaves. Toss with pasta, salt, pepper and Parmesan.
22 Make wraps of tuna, warm white beans, a drizzle of olive oil and lettuce and tomato.
23 The New York supper: Bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon. Serve with tomatoes, watercress or arugula, and sliced red onion or shallot.
24 Dredge thinly sliced chicken breasts in flour or cornmeal; cook about two minutes a side in hot olive oil. Place on bread with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
25 Upscale tuna salad: good canned tuna (packed in olive oil), capers, dill or parsley, lemon juice but no mayo. Use to stuff a tomato or two.
26 Cut Italian sausage into chunks and brown in a little olive oil; chop onions and bell peppers and add them to the pan. Cook until sausage is browned and peppers and onions tender. Serve in sandwiches.
27 Egg in a hole, glorified: Tear a hole in a piece of bread and fry in butter. Crack an egg into the hole. Deglaze pan with a little sherry vinegar mixed with water, and more butter; pour over egg.
28 New Joe’s Special, from San Francisco: Brown ground meat with minced garlic and chopped onion. When just about cooked, add chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. At the last minute, stir in two eggs, along with grated Parmesan and salt and pepper.
29 Chop prosciutto and crisp it in a skillet with olive oil; add chopped not-too-ripe figs. Serve over greens dressed with oil and vinegar; top all with crumbled blue cheese.
30 Quesadilla: Use a combination of cheeses, like Fontina mixed with grated pecorino. Put on half of a large flour tortilla with pickled jalapenos, chopped onion, shallot or scallion, chopped tomatoes and grated radish. Fold tortilla over and brown on both sides in butter or oil, until cheese is melted.
31 Fast chile rellenos: Drain canned whole green chilies. Make a slit in each and insert a piece of cheese. Dredge in flour and fry in a skillet, slit side up, until cheese melts.
32 Cobb-ish salad: Chop bacon and begin to brown it; cut boneless chicken into strips and cook it with bacon. Toss romaine and watercress or arugula with chopped tomatoes, avocado, onion and crumbled blue cheese. Add bacon and chicken. Dress with oil and vinegar.
33 Sauté 10 whole peeled garlic cloves in olive oil. Meanwhile, grate Pecorino, grind lots of black pepper, chop parsley and cook pasta. Toss all together, along with crushed dried chili flakes and salt.
34 Niçoise salad: Lightly steam haricot verts, green beans or asparagus. Arrange on a plate with chickpeas, good canned tuna, hard-cooked eggs, a green salad, sliced cucumber and tomato. Dress with oil and vinegar.
35 Cold soba with dipping sauce: Cook soba noodles, then rinse in cold water until cool. Serve with a sauce of soy sauce and minced ginger diluted with mirin and/or dry sake.
36 Fried egg “saltimbocca”: Lay slices of prosciutto or ham in a buttered skillet. Fry eggs on top of ham; top with grated Parmesan.
37 Frisée aux lardons: Cook chunks of bacon in a skillet. Meanwhile, make six-minute or poached eggs and a frisée salad. Put eggs on top of salad along with bacon; deglaze pan with sherry vinegar and pour pan juices over all.
38 Fried rice: Soften vegetables with oil in a skillet. Add cold takeout rice, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, peas and two beaten eggs. Toss until hot and cooked through. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
39 Taco salad: Toss together greens, chopped tomato, chopped red onion, sliced avocado, a small can of black beans and kernels from a couple of ears of corn. Toss with crumbled tortilla chips and grated cheese. Dress with olive oil, lime and chopped cilantro leaves.
40 Put a large can of chickpeas and their liquid in a medium saucepan. Add some sherry, along with olive oil, plenty of minced garlic, smoked pimentón and chopped Spanish chorizo. Heat through.
41 Raita to the rescue: Broil any fish. Serve with a sauce of drained yogurt mixed with chopped cucumber, minced onion and cayenne.
42 Season boneless lamb steaks cut from the leg with sweet curry powder. Sear on both sides. Serve over greens, with lemon wedges.
43 Migas, with egg: Sauté chopped stale bread with olive oil, mushrooms, onions and spinach. Stir in a couple of eggs.
44 Migas, without egg: Sauté chopped stale bread with chopped Spanish chorizo, plenty of garlic and lots of olive oil. Finish with chopped parsley.
45 Sauté shredded zucchini in olive oil, adding garlic and chopped herbs. Serve over pasta.
46 Broil a few slices prosciutto until crisp; crumble and toss with parsley, Parmesan, olive oil and pasta.
47 Not exactly banh mi, but... Make sandwiches on crisp bread with liverwurst, ham, sliced half-sours, shredded carrots, cilantro sprigs and Vietnamese chili-garlic paste.
48 Not takeout: Stir-fry onions with cut-up broccoli. Add cubed tofu, chicken or shrimp, or sliced beef or pork, along with a tablespoon each minced garlic and ginger. When almost done, add half cup of water, two tablespoons soy sauce and plenty of black pepper. Heat through and serve over fresh Chinese noodles.
49 Sprinkle sole fillets with chopped parsley, garlic, salt and pepper; roll up, dip in flour, then beaten egg, then bread crumbs; cook in hot olive oil about three minutes a side. Serve with lemon wedges.
50 The Waldorf: Toast a handful of walnuts in a skillet. Chop an apple or pear; toss with greens, walnuts and a dressing made with olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard and shallot. Top, if you like, with crumbled goat or blue cheese.
51 Put a stick of butter and a handful of pine nuts in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until both are brown. Toss with cooked pasta, grated Parmesan and black pepper.
52 Grill or sauté Italian sausage and serve over store-bought hummus, with lemon wedges.
53 Put a tablespoon of cream and a slice of tomato in each of several small ramekins. Top with an egg, then salt, pepper and grated Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees until the eggs set. Serve with toast.
54 Brown small pork (or hot dog) chunks in a skillet. Add white beans, garlic, thyme and olive oil. Or add white beans and ketchup.
55 Dredge skate or flounder in flour and brown quickly in butter or oil. Deglaze pan with a couple of spoonfuls of capers and a lot of lemon juice or a little vinegar.
56 Make a fast tomato sauce of olive oil, chopped tomatoes and garlic. Poach eggs in the sauce, then top with Parmesan.
57 Dip pork cutlets in egg, then dredge heavily in panko; brown quickly on both sides. Serve over lettuce, with fresh lemon, or bottled Japanese curry sauce.
58 Cook chicken livers in butter or oil with garlic; do not overcook. Finish with parsley, lemon juice and coarse salt; serve over toast.
59 Brown bratwursts with cut-up apples. Serve with coleslaw.
60 Peel and thinly slice raw beets; cook in butter until soft. Take out of pan and quickly cook some shrimp in same pan. Deglaze pan with sherry vinegar, adding sauce to beets and shrimp. Garnish with dill.
61 Poach shrimp and plunge into ice water. Serve with cocktail sauce: one cup ketchup, one tablespoon vinegar, three tablespoons melted butter and lots of horseradish.
62 Southeast Asia steak salad: Pan- or oven-grill skirt or flank steak. Slice and serve on a pile of greens with a sauce of one tablespoon each of nam pla and lime juice, black pepper, a teaspoon each of sugar and garlic, crushed red chili flakes and Thai basil.
63 Miso steak: Coat beef tenderloin steaks (filet mignon) with a blend of miso and chili paste thinned with sake or white wine. Grill or broil about five minutes.
64 Pasta with fresh tomatoes: Cook chopped fresh tomatoes in butter or oil with garlic until tender, while pasta cooks. Combine and serve with grated Parmesan.
65 Sauté squid rings and tentacles in olive oil with salt and pepper and garlic; add chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down. Serve over pasta.
66 Salmon (or just about anything else) teriyaki: Sear salmon steaks on both sides for a couple of minutes; remove. To skillet, add a splash of water, sake, a little sugar and soy sauce; when mixture is thick, return steaks to pan and turn in sauce until done. Serve hot or at room temperature.
67 Rich vegetable soup: Cook asparagus tips and peeled stalks or most any other green vegetable in chicken stock with a little tarragon until tender; reserve a few tips and purée the rest with a little butter (cream or yogurt, too, if you like) adding enough stock to thin the purée. Garnish with the reserved tips. Serve hot or cold.
68 Brush portobello caps with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil until tender. Briefly sweat chopped onions, then scramble eggs with them. Put eggs in mushrooms.
69 Buy good blintzes. Brown them on both sides in butter. Serve with sour cream, apple sauce or both.
70 Sauté squid rings and tentacles in olive oil with salt and pepper. Make a sauce of minced garlic, smoked pimentón, mayo, lots of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve with a chopped salad of cucumber, tomato, lettuce, grated carrot and scallion, lightly dressed.
71 Press a lot of coarsely ground black pepper onto both sides of filet mignon or other steaks or chopped meat patties. Brown in butter in a skillet for two minutes a side. Remove steaks and add a splash of red wine, chopped shallots and a bit of tarragon to skillet. Reduce, then return steaks to pan, turning in the sauce for a minute or two.
72 World’s leading sandwich: prosciutto, tomato, butter or olive oil and a baguette.
73 Near instant mezze: Combine hummus on a plate with yogurt laced with chopped cucumbers and a bit of garlic, plus tomato, feta, white beans with olive oil and pita bread.
74 Canned sardines packed in olive oil on Triscuits, with mustard and Tabasco.
75 Boil-and-eat shrimp, cooked in water with Old Bay seasoning or a mixture of thyme, garlic, paprika, chopped onion, celery, chili, salt and pepper.
76 Make a thin plain omelet with two or three eggs. Sauté cubes of bacon or pancetta or strips of prosciutto until crisp. Cut up the omelet and use it and the meat to garnish a green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
77 Sear corn kernels in olive oil with minced jalapeños and chopped onions; toss with cilantro, black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped bell pepper and lime.
78 Cook shrimp in a skillet slowly (five minutes or so) to preserve their juices, with plenty of garlic and olive oil, until done; pour over watercress or arugula, with lemon, pepper and salt.
79 Liverwurst on good sourdough rye with scallions, tomato and wholegrain mustard.
80 Not-quite merguez: Ground lamb burgers seasoned with cumin, garlic, onion, salt and cayenne. Serve with couscous and green salad, along with bottled harissa.
81 Combine crab meat with mayo, Dijon mustard, chives and tarragon. Serve in a sandwich, with potato chips.
82 Combine canned tuna in olive oil, halved grape tomatoes, black olives, mint, lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Serve with pasta, thinning with olive oil or pasta cooking water as needed.
83 Pit and chop a cup or more of mixed olives. Combine with olive oil, a little minced garlic, red pepper flakes and chopped basil or parsley. Serve over pasta.
84 Cook chopped tomatillos with a little water or stock, cilantro and a little minced fresh chili; serve over grilled, broiled or sautéed chicken breasts, with corn tortillas.
85 A winning sandwich: bresaola or prosciutto, arugula, Parmesan, marinated artichoke hearts, tomato.
86 Smoked trout fillets served with lightly toasted almonds, shredded fennel, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon.
87 Grated carrots topped with six-minute eggs (run under cold water until cool before peeling), olive oil and lemon juice.
88 Cut the top off four big tomatoes; scoop out the interiors and mix them with toasted stale baguette or pita, olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs (basil, tarragon, and/or parsley). Stuff into tomatoes and serve with salad.
89 Pasta frittata: Turn cooked pasta and a little garlic into an oiled or buttered skillet. Brown, pressing to create a cake. Flip, then top with three or four beaten eggs and loads of Parmesan. Brown other side and serve.
90 Thai-style beef: Thinly slice one and a half pounds of flank steak, pork shoulder or boneless chicken; heat peanut oil in a skillet, add meat and stir. A minute later, add a tablespoon minced garlic and some red chili flakes. Add 30 clean basil leaves, a quarter cup of water and a tablespoon or two of soy sauce or nam pla. Serve with lime juice and more chili flakes, over rice or salad.
91 Dredge calf’s liver in flour. Sear in olive oil or butter or a combination until crisp on both sides, adding salt and pepper as it cooks; it should be medium-rare. Garnish with parsley and lemon juice.
92 Rub not-too-thick pork or lamb chops with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper plus sage or thyme. Broil about three minutes a side and drizzle with good balsamic vinegar.
93 Cut up Italian sausage into chunks and brown in a little olive oil until just about done. Dump in a lot of seedless grapes and, if you like, a little slivered garlic and chopped rosemary. Cook, stirring, until the grapes are hot. Serve with bread.
94 Ketchup-braised tofu: Dredge large tofu cubes in flour. Brown in oil; remove from skillet and wipe skillet clean. Add a little more oil, then a tablespoon minced garlic; 30 seconds later, add one and a half cups ketchup and the tofu. Cook until sauce bubbles and tofu is hot.
95 Veggie burger: Drain and pour a 14-ounce can of beans into a food processor with an onion, half a cup rolled oats, a tablespoon chili powder or other spice mix, an egg, salt and pepper. Process until mushy, then shape into burgers, adding a little liquid or oats as necessary. Cook in oil about three minutes a side and serve.
96 A Roman classic: In lots of olive oil, lightly cook lots of slivered garlic, with six or so anchovy fillets and a dried hot chili or two. Dress pasta with this.
97 So-called Fettuccine Alfredo: Heat several tablespoons of butter and about half a cup of cream in a large skillet just until the cream starts to simmer. Add slightly undercooked fresh pasta to the skillet, along with plenty of grated Parmesan. Cook over low heat, tossing, until pasta is tender and hot.
98 Rub flank steak or chuck with curry or chili powder before broiling or grilling, then slice thin across the grain.
99 Cook a couple of pounds of shrimp, shell on or off, in oil, with lots of chopped garlic. When they turn pink, remove; deglaze the pan with a half-cup or so of beer, along with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, rosemary and a lump of butter. Serve with bread.
100 Cook red lentils in water with a little cumin and chopped bacon until soft. Top with poached or six-minute eggs (run under cold water until cool before peeling) and a little sherry vinegar.
101 Hot dogs on buns — with beans!
11 July 2007
Dark Chocolate Cookies with Sour Cherries
-from Martha Stewart Holiday Cookies
1 ¾ cups flour
1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¼ cup sugar
¾ firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon vanilla
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 ½ cups dried sour cherries, firmly packed (9 ounces)
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until well-combined. Do not overbeat. Fold in the chocolate and cherries with a wooden spoon.
Form balls of dough, each about 1/4 cup; place balls on baking sheet and bake until puffed and cracked, 9-11 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Yield: 3 dozen.
* Dough can be frozen up to one month ahead. Thaw completely before baking
1 ¾ cups flour
1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¼ cup sugar
¾ firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon vanilla
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 ½ cups dried sour cherries, firmly packed (9 ounces)
Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until well-combined. Do not overbeat. Fold in the chocolate and cherries with a wooden spoon.
Form balls of dough, each about 1/4 cup; place balls on baking sheet and bake until puffed and cracked, 9-11 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Yield: 3 dozen.
* Dough can be frozen up to one month ahead. Thaw completely before baking
Pfeffernusen
-from Martha Stewart Holiday cookies
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (I used regular pepper - my peppermill grinds much too coarsely)
3/4 cup ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350º. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place confectioners' sugar in a brown paper bag. (I used a bowl.)
In a medium bowl, combine flour, pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Set aside.
Place butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture; beat until just combined. Pinch off dough in tablespoon amounts; roll into 1 1/4-inch balls. Arrange balls 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. (Dough can be frozen at this point, covered tightly with plastic wrap, up to 1 month).
Bake until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking, about 15 minutes (mine only took 10 minutes). Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Working in batches, place cookies in paper bag; shake until well coated. Let cool completely on wire rack. Store in airtight container.
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (I used regular pepper - my peppermill grinds much too coarsely)
3/4 cup ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350º. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place confectioners' sugar in a brown paper bag. (I used a bowl.)
In a medium bowl, combine flour, pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Set aside.
Place butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture; beat until just combined. Pinch off dough in tablespoon amounts; roll into 1 1/4-inch balls. Arrange balls 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. (Dough can be frozen at this point, covered tightly with plastic wrap, up to 1 month).
Bake until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking, about 15 minutes (mine only took 10 minutes). Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Working in batches, place cookies in paper bag; shake until well coated. Let cool completely on wire rack. Store in airtight container.
Chocolate Crackles
-from Martha Stewart Holiday Cookies
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
1 1/3 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Chop chocolate into small bits. On top of the stove, set a heatproof bowl, or the top of a double boiler, over a pan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate over medium heat. Set aside to cool. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
In the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add the melted chocolate. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk. Mix on a low speed until just combined. Divide the dough into quarters, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
Divide each quarter into 16 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners' sugar, coating thoroughly. Place the cookies on a Silpat-lined baking sheet two inches apart. Bake until the cookies have flattened and the sugar splits, 12 to15 minutes.
Transfer from oven to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
1 1/3 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Chop chocolate into small bits. On top of the stove, set a heatproof bowl, or the top of a double boiler, over a pan of simmering water. Melt the chocolate over medium heat. Set aside to cool. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
In the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add the melted chocolate. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk. Mix on a low speed until just combined. Divide the dough into quarters, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
Divide each quarter into 16 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners' sugar, coating thoroughly. Place the cookies on a Silpat-lined baking sheet two inches apart. Bake until the cookies have flattened and the sugar splits, 12 to15 minutes.
Transfer from oven to a wire rack, and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
-from Martha Stewart Holiday Cookies
Makes 1½ dozen
For the cookies:
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup vegetable shortening
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dark-brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the filling:
2/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
Coarse salt (optional)
1. Make cookies: Preheat the oven to 375º. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a small bowl; set aside.
2. Put butter, shortening, and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add egg; mix until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in half the flour mixture, then the milk and vanilla. Mix in remaining flour mixture.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies spring back when lightly touched, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks using a spatula; let cool completely.
4. Make filling: Put peanut butter and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until smooth. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add confectioners’ sugar; mix until combined. Raise speed to high, and mix until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Season with salt, if desired.
5. Assemble cookies: Spread 1 scant tablespoon filling on the bottom of 1 cookie. Sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Cookies can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Makes 1½ dozen
For the cookies:
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup vegetable shortening
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dark-brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the filling:
2/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
Coarse salt (optional)
1. Make cookies: Preheat the oven to 375º. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a small bowl; set aside.
2. Put butter, shortening, and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add egg; mix until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in half the flour mixture, then the milk and vanilla. Mix in remaining flour mixture.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies spring back when lightly touched, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks using a spatula; let cool completely.
4. Make filling: Put peanut butter and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until smooth. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add confectioners’ sugar; mix until combined. Raise speed to high, and mix until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Season with salt, if desired.
5. Assemble cookies: Spread 1 scant tablespoon filling on the bottom of 1 cookie. Sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Cookies can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Whoopie pies
-Country Living magazine
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the cakes: Heat oven to 375°F. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together and set aside. Beat the butter and 1 cup sugar in medium bowl using a mixer set on medium-high until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Mix the vanilla and milk together and add to batter in thirds, alternating with the flour mixture, until combined. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into each section of a nonstick muffin-top pan and bake until the cakes test clean with a toothpick and are golden around the edges — about 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Release from the pan and cool completely.
2. Make the cream filling: Beat the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar together to firm peaks. Stir in the crystallized ginger. Invert half of the cakes and place about 1/4 cup of cream on each. Spread to about 1/2 inch from the cake edge and top with the remaining halves. Serve immediately or keep chilled for up to 3 hours.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
3 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the cakes: Heat oven to 375°F. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together and set aside. Beat the butter and 1 cup sugar in medium bowl using a mixer set on medium-high until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Mix the vanilla and milk together and add to batter in thirds, alternating with the flour mixture, until combined. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into each section of a nonstick muffin-top pan and bake until the cakes test clean with a toothpick and are golden around the edges — about 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Release from the pan and cool completely.
2. Make the cream filling: Beat the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar together to firm peaks. Stir in the crystallized ginger. Invert half of the cakes and place about 1/4 cup of cream on each. Spread to about 1/2 inch from the cake edge and top with the remaining halves. Serve immediately or keep chilled for up to 3 hours.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls
-NYT, Mark Bittman
16 6-inch rounds rice paper
8 leaves lettuce, washed, dried and torn or chopped
2 cups cooked rice vermicelli, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded peeled carrots
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
32 slices cooked pork or 32 poached or grilled shrimp, split lengthwise in half, or use half pork and half shrimp
1/2 cup fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Vietnamese chili-garlic paste, or to taste, or chopped fresh chilies to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lime wedges.
1. Dip a sheet of rice paper a third of the way into a bowl of hot water for about 2 seconds. Turn it and dip remaining section, then lay on a damp towel.
2. Working on bottom third of rice paper, spread a bit of lettuce, noodles, carrots, herbs and pork and/or shrimp. Fold up bottom edge to cover, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly. Continue with remaining ingredients.
3. Combine fish sauce, sugar, ginger, chili-garlic paste and about 1/4 cup water. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Serve rolls right away, or refrigerate, lightly covered, up to 2 hours. Cut each roll into 2 or 3 pieces, then serve with dipping sauce and lime wedges.
Yield: 16 rolls.
Summer Roll Salad: Omit rice paper; use about 6 cups torn lettuce leaves, 3 cups noodles, and 1 1/2 cups carrots; other ingredients can remain the same. Divide lettuce among 4 plates, then top each with a quarter of the noodles, carrots, herbs and pork or shrimp. Drizzle dipping sauce over all, and serve with lime wedges.
Yield: 4 servings.
16 6-inch rounds rice paper
8 leaves lettuce, washed, dried and torn or chopped
2 cups cooked rice vermicelli, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded peeled carrots
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
32 slices cooked pork or 32 poached or grilled shrimp, split lengthwise in half, or use half pork and half shrimp
1/2 cup fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Vietnamese chili-garlic paste, or to taste, or chopped fresh chilies to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lime wedges.
1. Dip a sheet of rice paper a third of the way into a bowl of hot water for about 2 seconds. Turn it and dip remaining section, then lay on a damp towel.
2. Working on bottom third of rice paper, spread a bit of lettuce, noodles, carrots, herbs and pork and/or shrimp. Fold up bottom edge to cover, then fold in the sides. Roll tightly. Continue with remaining ingredients.
3. Combine fish sauce, sugar, ginger, chili-garlic paste and about 1/4 cup water. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Serve rolls right away, or refrigerate, lightly covered, up to 2 hours. Cut each roll into 2 or 3 pieces, then serve with dipping sauce and lime wedges.
Yield: 16 rolls.
Summer Roll Salad: Omit rice paper; use about 6 cups torn lettuce leaves, 3 cups noodles, and 1 1/2 cups carrots; other ingredients can remain the same. Divide lettuce among 4 plates, then top each with a quarter of the noodles, carrots, herbs and pork or shrimp. Drizzle dipping sauce over all, and serve with lime wedges.
Yield: 4 servings.
02 July 2007
Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad
-eatingwell.com
INGREDIENTS
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 15-ounce can black beans
2 medium tomatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS
Prick sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. Microwave on High until tender all the way to the center, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place in a baking dish and bake at 425 degrees F until tender all the way to the center, about 1 hour.)
Meanwhile, in a medium microwaveable bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, oil, cumin, coriander and salt; microwave on High until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat.)
When just cool enough to handle, slash each sweet potato lengthwise, press open to make a well in the center and spoon the bean mixture into the well. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
INGREDIENTS
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 15-ounce can black beans
2 medium tomatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS
Prick sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. Microwave on High until tender all the way to the center, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place in a baking dish and bake at 425 degrees F until tender all the way to the center, about 1 hour.)
Meanwhile, in a medium microwaveable bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, oil, cumin, coriander and salt; microwave on High until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, heat in a small saucepan over medium heat.)
When just cool enough to handle, slash each sweet potato lengthwise, press open to make a well in the center and spoon the bean mixture into the well. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Roasted Sweet-Potato Salad
-Redbook magazine
INGREDIENTS
4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 thick-cut slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper
3 1/2 Tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, crushed through a press
1 tsp toasted sesame oil or roasted peanut oil
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425F. In a large, heavy roasting pan, toss potatoes, bacon, 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp of the canola oil until evenly coated. Roast 35 to 40 minutes, stirring potatoes every 10 minutes, until potatoes are lightly browned and tender, and bacon pieces crisp. Cool in pan to room temperature.
2. In large serving bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, remaining 3 Tbsp of the oil, lime juice, mustard, garlic, and sesame oil until combined. Add potatoes and remaining ingredients. Gently toss salad with large spoon until evenly dressed, being careful not to smash the potatoes.
INGREDIENTS
4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 thick-cut slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tsp each salt and freshly ground pepper
3 1/2 Tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, crushed through a press
1 tsp toasted sesame oil or roasted peanut oil
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425F. In a large, heavy roasting pan, toss potatoes, bacon, 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, and 1/2 Tbsp of the canola oil until evenly coated. Roast 35 to 40 minutes, stirring potatoes every 10 minutes, until potatoes are lightly browned and tender, and bacon pieces crisp. Cool in pan to room temperature.
2. In large serving bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 tsp each of the salt and pepper, remaining 3 Tbsp of the oil, lime juice, mustard, garlic, and sesame oil until combined. Add potatoes and remaining ingredients. Gently toss salad with large spoon until evenly dressed, being careful not to smash the potatoes.
30 June 2007
Spiced Chocolate-Caramel Buttermilk Shake
-Daniel Patterson, NYT
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Large pinch ground cardamom
Pinch ground ginger
Pinch ground allspice
Pinch ground cinnamon
Large pinch salt
2 cups homemade buttermilk.
1. Place the sugar in a small heavy pan and set over medium-low heat. Without moving the sugar, let it melt and brown around the edges, then tilt the pan to help it brown evenly. When it is deep brown, remove from the heat to cool slightly. Stir in the cocoa, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate small pan, warm 1 cup of the buttermilk, then stir into the caramel. If the sugar seizes, bring it to a simmer, stirring often, until it dissolves.
3. Freeze in a shallow pan or bowl, stirring with a fork occasionally, until frozen into a granita.
4. Using a blender, puree the granita with the remaining 1 cup of buttermilk. Serve immediately. Serves 2.
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Large pinch ground cardamom
Pinch ground ginger
Pinch ground allspice
Pinch ground cinnamon
Large pinch salt
2 cups homemade buttermilk.
1. Place the sugar in a small heavy pan and set over medium-low heat. Without moving the sugar, let it melt and brown around the edges, then tilt the pan to help it brown evenly. When it is deep brown, remove from the heat to cool slightly. Stir in the cocoa, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate small pan, warm 1 cup of the buttermilk, then stir into the caramel. If the sugar seizes, bring it to a simmer, stirring often, until it dissolves.
3. Freeze in a shallow pan or bowl, stirring with a fork occasionally, until frozen into a granita.
4. Using a blender, puree the granita with the remaining 1 cup of buttermilk. Serve immediately. Serves 2.
Orange-Buttermilk Shakes
-Daniel Patterson, NYT
2 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Large pinch salt
1 ½ cups homemade buttermilk (see Note).
1. In a shallow pan, combine orange juice, sugar and salt. Freeze, stirring occasionally with a fork, until frozen into a granita.
2. Using a blender, purée the orange granita with the buttermilk. Serve immediately.
2 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Large pinch salt
1 ½ cups homemade buttermilk (see Note).
1. In a shallow pan, combine orange juice, sugar and salt. Freeze, stirring occasionally with a fork, until frozen into a granita.
2. Using a blender, purée the orange granita with the buttermilk. Serve immediately.
Chilled English Pea-Mint Soup
-Daniel Patterson, NYT
2 cups homemade buttermilk (see Note)
4 cups shelled peas, plus more for garnish
Salt
10 mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper.
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the buttermilk to a simmer and add 4 cups of peas and a large pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring often so that the buttermilk does not boil over. The peas should not be fully cooked and still have a slight bite to them.
2. Transfer the peas and liquid immediately to a blender with the mint leaves and, starting on low speed, carefully blend (holding the lid on firmly with a dishcloth), working up to high speed for 60 seconds.
3. In order to preserve the vibrant color and flavor of the peas, the soup must be cooled immediately. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, then rest the bowl inside a larger bowl full of ice water. Stir continuously until cool, tasting occasionally; you will notice that the soup becomes sweeter as it cools. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until cold.
4. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh peas and freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4.
2 cups homemade buttermilk (see Note)
4 cups shelled peas, plus more for garnish
Salt
10 mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper.
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the buttermilk to a simmer and add 4 cups of peas and a large pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring often so that the buttermilk does not boil over. The peas should not be fully cooked and still have a slight bite to them.
2. Transfer the peas and liquid immediately to a blender with the mint leaves and, starting on low speed, carefully blend (holding the lid on firmly with a dishcloth), working up to high speed for 60 seconds.
3. In order to preserve the vibrant color and flavor of the peas, the soup must be cooled immediately. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, then rest the bowl inside a larger bowl full of ice water. Stir continuously until cool, tasting occasionally; you will notice that the soup becomes sweeter as it cools. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until cold.
4. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh peas and freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4.
Homemade Butter and Buttermilk
-Daniel Patterson, NYT
6 cups organic heavy cream
Salt to taste (optional).
1. Pour the cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk. Tightly cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and start mixer on medium-high speed. The cream will go through the whipped stage, thicken further and then change color from off-white to pale yellow; this will take at least 5 to 8 minutes. When it starts to look pebbly, it’s almost done. After another minute the butter will separate, causing the liquid to splash against the plastic wrap. At this point stop the mixer.
2. Set a strainer over a bowl. Pour the contents of the mixer into the strainer and let the buttermilk drain through. Strain the buttermilk again, this time through a fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl; set aside.
3. Keeping the butter in the strainer set over the first bowl, knead it to consolidate the remaining liquid and fat and expel the rest of the buttermilk. Knead until the texture is dense and creamy, about 5 minutes. Strain the excess liquid into the buttermilk. Refrigerate the buttermilk.
4. Mix salt into the butter, if you want. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Makes about 16 ounces (2 cups) each of butter and buttermilk.
6 cups organic heavy cream
Salt to taste (optional).
1. Pour the cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk. Tightly cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and start mixer on medium-high speed. The cream will go through the whipped stage, thicken further and then change color from off-white to pale yellow; this will take at least 5 to 8 minutes. When it starts to look pebbly, it’s almost done. After another minute the butter will separate, causing the liquid to splash against the plastic wrap. At this point stop the mixer.
2. Set a strainer over a bowl. Pour the contents of the mixer into the strainer and let the buttermilk drain through. Strain the buttermilk again, this time through a fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl; set aside.
3. Keeping the butter in the strainer set over the first bowl, knead it to consolidate the remaining liquid and fat and expel the rest of the buttermilk. Knead until the texture is dense and creamy, about 5 minutes. Strain the excess liquid into the buttermilk. Refrigerate the buttermilk.
4. Mix salt into the butter, if you want. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Makes about 16 ounces (2 cups) each of butter and buttermilk.
28 June 2007
Cold-Brewed Iced Coffee
-from NYT
Time: 5 minutes, plus 12 hours’ resting
1/3 cup ground coffee (medium-coarse grind is best)
Milk (optional).
1. In a jar, stir together coffee and 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and let rest at room temperature overnight or 12 hours.
2. Strain twice through a coffee filter, a fine-mesh sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth. In a tall glass filled with ice, mix equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste. If desired, add milk.
Yield: Two drinks.
NOTE: To make hot coffee, dilute concentrate one-to-one with water and heat in the microwave
Time: 5 minutes, plus 12 hours’ resting
1/3 cup ground coffee (medium-coarse grind is best)
Milk (optional).
1. In a jar, stir together coffee and 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and let rest at room temperature overnight or 12 hours.
2. Strain twice through a coffee filter, a fine-mesh sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth. In a tall glass filled with ice, mix equal parts coffee concentrate and water, or to taste. If desired, add milk.
Yield: Two drinks.
NOTE: To make hot coffee, dilute concentrate one-to-one with water and heat in the microwave
21 June 2007
New Orleans Iced Coffee
-adapted from supermarketguru.com
To make coffee concentrate, steep 1 pound freshly ground coffee in nine cups water in a clean gallon jar for 12 hours, at room temperature or in the fridge. Use one part coffee concentrate to three parts milk or water.
Spicy Sausage and Beans
-from MSN Lifestyle
Start to Finish: 30 min.
Ingredients
• 3/4 pound bulk hot or mild Italian sausage
• 1-1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 cups water
• 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped tomatoes
Directions
1. In a large pot, cook sausage and onion until sausage is no longer pink. Drain off fat. Stir in cinnamon and allspice; cook for 1 minute. 2. Stir in water, kidney beans, and rainsins. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. If desired, garnish each serving with snipped fresh parsley. Makes 4 servings.
Curried Turkey Soup
-from MSN Lifestyle
Start to Finish: 15 min.
Ingredients
• 5 cups water
• 1 3-ounce package chicken-flavored ramen noodles
• 2 to 3 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
• 1 medium apple, cored and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup canned sliced water chestnuts
Directions
1. In a large sauepan, combine water, the flavoring packet from noodles, and curry powder. Bring to boiling.
2. Break up noodles. Add noodles and mushrooms to mixture in saucepan; reduce meat. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Stir in turkey, apple, and water chestnuts; heat through. makes 5 servings.
Ginger Pineapple Punch
-from MSN Lifestyle.
Makes 12 (6-ounce) servings
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: 2 to 24 hours
Ingredients
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 1-liter bottle diet ginger ale, chilled
• Ice cubes*
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
Directions
1. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Strain mixture; discard ginger and pulp. Slowly pour ginger ale into juice mixture. Serve over ice in chilled glasses. Garnish with orange slices.
20 June 2007
Sticky Toffee Pudding
-from Gourmet Quick Kitchen March 2005
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing pan
1 cup self-rising cake flour plus additional for flouring pan
1 cup pitted dates (5 oz), finely chopped
1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour an 8- by 2-inch round cake pan.
Simmer dates in 1 cup water in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, covered, until soft, about 5 minutes. Let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes.
Beat together 1 stick butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in egg until combined. Add flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt and mix at low speed until just combined. Add dates and mix until just combined well.
Pour batter into pan and bake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt remaining stick butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat and stir in remaining cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Boil over moderately high heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/4 cups, 2 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cover.
Transfer pudding in pan to a rack and poke all over at 1-inch intervals with a chopstick. Gradually pour half of warm sauce evenly over hot pudding. Let stand until almost all of sauce is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Run a thin knife around edge of pan. Invert a plate over pudding and invert pudding onto plate. Pour remaining warm sauce over pudding and serve immediately.
Cooks' note:
Pudding, soaked with half of sauce, can stand at room temperature up to 2 hours. Reheat in pan in a 300°F oven 10 minutes. Warm remaining sauce before pouring over pudding.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Lemon Pudding Cake
-from Gourmet April 2003
2 large lemons
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups whole milk
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Finely grate 1 tablespoon zest from lemons, then squeeze 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons juice.
Whisk together flour, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together yolks, milk, zest, and juice in a small bowl and add to flour mixture, whisking until just combined.
Beat whites in another large bowl with an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks. Whisk about one fourth of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly (batter will be thin).
Pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart ceramic gratin or other shallow baking dish and bake in a hot water bath (see Tips, page 156) until puffed and golden, 45 to 50 minutes.
Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
2 large lemons
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups whole milk
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Finely grate 1 tablespoon zest from lemons, then squeeze 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons juice.
Whisk together flour, salt, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. Whisk together yolks, milk, zest, and juice in a small bowl and add to flour mixture, whisking until just combined.
Beat whites in another large bowl with an electric mixer until they hold soft peaks. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until whites hold stiff, glossy peaks. Whisk about one fourth of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly (batter will be thin).
Pour into a buttered 1 1/2-quart ceramic gratin or other shallow baking dish and bake in a hot water bath (see Tips, page 156) until puffed and golden, 45 to 50 minutes.
Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Jalapeno Cheeseburgers with Bacon and Grilled Onions
-from Bon Appétit July 2005
Spicy Ranch Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chile
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Burgers
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Worcestershire-Coffee Glaze
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon instant coffee crystals
2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
16 bacon slices
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
8 hamburger buns or 3- to 4-inch square focaccia rolls, split horizontally
8 lettuce leaves
2 cups coarsely shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Assorted additional toppings (such as tomato and grilled onion slices)
For spicy ranch sauce:
Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
For burgers:
Gently mix all ingredients in large bowl. Form mixture into eight 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick patties. Place on small baking sheet. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
For glaze:
Stir first 5 ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat until coffee is dissolved. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Season glaze to taste with salt and pepper.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Working in batches if necessary, cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Toast buns until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer buns, cut side up, to plates. Place lettuce on each bun bottom. Grill burgers 5 minutes, basting with glaze. Turn burgers, baste with glaze, and grill until cooked to desired doneness, about 5 minutes longer for medium. Press cheese atop each burger and allow cheese to melt. Place some sauce, then 1 burger on each bun bottom. Top each with 2 slices bacon and desired additional toppings. Cover with bun top. Serve with remaining sauce.
Makes 8 servings.
Spicy Ranch Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chile
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Burgers
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Worcestershire-Coffee Glaze
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon instant coffee crystals
2 teaspoons (packed) golden brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
16 bacon slices
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
8 hamburger buns or 3- to 4-inch square focaccia rolls, split horizontally
8 lettuce leaves
2 cups coarsely shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Assorted additional toppings (such as tomato and grilled onion slices)
For spicy ranch sauce:
Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
For burgers:
Gently mix all ingredients in large bowl. Form mixture into eight 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick patties. Place on small baking sheet. Cover and chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
For glaze:
Stir first 5 ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat until coffee is dissolved. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Season glaze to taste with salt and pepper.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Working in batches if necessary, cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Toast buns until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer buns, cut side up, to plates. Place lettuce on each bun bottom. Grill burgers 5 minutes, basting with glaze. Turn burgers, baste with glaze, and grill until cooked to desired doneness, about 5 minutes longer for medium. Press cheese atop each burger and allow cheese to melt. Place some sauce, then 1 burger on each bun bottom. Top each with 2 slices bacon and desired additional toppings. Cover with bun top. Serve with remaining sauce.
Makes 8 servings.
Slow-Roasted Red-Wine Lacquered Salmon Fillet
-from Gourmet June 2007
1 (4-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger
1 cup soy sauce
2 cups dry red wine
1 1/3 cups mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (4 1/2-pound) salmon fillet (preferably wild king; about 1 1/2 inches at thickest point), small bones removed
Accompaniment: lime wedges
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 225°F.
Finely grate ginger on small holes of a box grater into a fine-mesh sieve, then set sieve over a bowl and press on ginger to extract 2 teaspoons juice. Bring soy sauce, wine, mirin, brown sugar, and ginger juice to a boil in a 3- to 3 1/2-quart heavy saucepan. Reduce heat to moderate and briskly simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to about 1 cup, 45 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, then quick-chill by setting bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Stir in lime juice. Reserve 1/2 cup glaze in a small bowl for brushing after roasting.
Line a 17- by 12-inch heavy shallow baking pan with foil and coat foil with oil (1 tablespoon).
Arrange salmon, skin side down, diagonally in pan, then spoon about 2 tablespoons glaze over salmon, spreading it evenly with back of spoon. Let stand 5 minutes, then spoon and spread another 2 tablespoons glaze over salmon.
Roast 15 minutes. Remove from oven and glaze again (use a clean spoon each time), then roast 10 minutes more. Repeat glazing and continue to roast until fish is just cooked through (opaque), 10 to 20 minutes more (35 to 45 minutes total, depending on thickness of fish; check frequently after 35 minutes). Transfer with 2 wide metal spatulas to a platter, then coat with a final layer of reserved glaze (about 2 tablespoons) using a clean spoon. Serve remaining glaze on the side if desired.
Cooks' note:
Glaze can be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before using.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Grilled Chicken Breast with North African Spice Paste
-from Gourmet June 2007
8 (2-inch-long) dried hot red chiles
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
4 large chicken breast halves with skin and bone (about 3/4 pound each)
Special equipment: an electric coffee/spice grinder or a mortar and pestle; a 17- by 12- by 3-inch disposable aluminum roasting pan (if using charcoal)
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking with medium-hot charcoal.
Coarsely grind chiles, spice seeds, garlic, and peppercorns in grinder or with mortar and pestle, then stir together with salt and oil in a bowl to form a spice paste. Rub paste all over chicken.
Oil grill rack, then grill chicken, skin sides down first, over coals, turning over occasionally and moving around if flare-ups occur, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes total.
Move chicken to area with no coals underneath, arranging chicken so that thicker sides are closest to coals, then cover with inverted roasting pan and grill, turning chicken over once, until just cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Cooks' notes:
• Chicken can be grilled on a gas grill. Preheat all burners on high, covered, 10 minutes. Reduce heat to moderately high and brown chicken, skin sides down first, covered, turning over occasionally, about 4 minutes. Turn off 1 burner (middle one if there are 3) and put chicken, skin sides up, above shut-off burner, then grill, covered, without turning, until just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Chicken, rubbed with spice paste, can marinate, covered and chilled, up to 4 hours before grilling.
• Spice paste keeps, covered and chilled, up to 1 week.
Makes 4 servings.
8 (2-inch-long) dried hot red chiles
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
4 large chicken breast halves with skin and bone (about 3/4 pound each)
Special equipment: an electric coffee/spice grinder or a mortar and pestle; a 17- by 12- by 3-inch disposable aluminum roasting pan (if using charcoal)
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking with medium-hot charcoal.
Coarsely grind chiles, spice seeds, garlic, and peppercorns in grinder or with mortar and pestle, then stir together with salt and oil in a bowl to form a spice paste. Rub paste all over chicken.
Oil grill rack, then grill chicken, skin sides down first, over coals, turning over occasionally and moving around if flare-ups occur, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes total.
Move chicken to area with no coals underneath, arranging chicken so that thicker sides are closest to coals, then cover with inverted roasting pan and grill, turning chicken over once, until just cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Cooks' notes:
• Chicken can be grilled on a gas grill. Preheat all burners on high, covered, 10 minutes. Reduce heat to moderately high and brown chicken, skin sides down first, covered, turning over occasionally, about 4 minutes. Turn off 1 burner (middle one if there are 3) and put chicken, skin sides up, above shut-off burner, then grill, covered, without turning, until just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Chicken, rubbed with spice paste, can marinate, covered and chilled, up to 4 hours before grilling.
• Spice paste keeps, covered and chilled, up to 1 week.
Makes 4 servings.
Herb-Grilled Chicken Breasts Thai style
-from Bon Appétit July 1998
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 serrano chili, stemmed, chopped
6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
Combine first 10 ingredients in processor. Process until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.
Arrange chicken in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass dish. Spoon herb mixture over chicken, covering completely. Cover dish; chill at least 2 hours, turning chicken occasionally. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.)
Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
Cut chicken crosswise into thin slices. Transfer to plates and serve. Per Serving: calories, 291; total fat, 9 g; saturated fat, 2 g; cholesterol, 121 mg.
Serves 6.
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 serrano chili, stemmed, chopped
6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
Combine first 10 ingredients in processor. Process until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.
Arrange chicken in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass dish. Spoon herb mixture over chicken, covering completely. Cover dish; chill at least 2 hours, turning chicken occasionally. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.)
Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
Cut chicken crosswise into thin slices. Transfer to plates and serve. Per Serving: calories, 291; total fat, 9 g; saturated fat, 2 g; cholesterol, 121 mg.
Serves 6.
Chocolate Stout Cake
-from Gourmet March 2005
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter plus 2 melted tablespoons
1/2 cup stout such as Mackeson or Guinness (pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
1/2 cup packed soft pitted prunes (6 oz), chopped
3 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened or extra-bitter), chopped
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Special equipment: an 8- by 3-inch ovenproof ring mold or a 6-cup-capacity bundt pan
Accompaniment: stout crème anglaise
Garnish: confectioners sugar
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush ring pan with melted butter and chill 2 minutes, then butter again and chill while making batter.
Bring beer to a boil in a small saucepan and add prunes. Remove from heat and let stand until most of liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate and remaining stick butter together in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl.
Beat together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until thick, about 2 minutes. Add chocolate mixture and beat until just combined. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in prune mixture until combined well. Spoon batter into ring mold and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into middle of cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cool cake in mold on a rack 10 minutes, then invert onto rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter plus 2 melted tablespoons
1/2 cup stout such as Mackeson or Guinness (pour beer slowly into measuring cup; do not measure foam)
1/2 cup packed soft pitted prunes (6 oz), chopped
3 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened or extra-bitter), chopped
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Special equipment: an 8- by 3-inch ovenproof ring mold or a 6-cup-capacity bundt pan
Accompaniment: stout crème anglaise
Garnish: confectioners sugar
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush ring pan with melted butter and chill 2 minutes, then butter again and chill while making batter.
Bring beer to a boil in a small saucepan and add prunes. Remove from heat and let stand until most of liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate and remaining stick butter together in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl.
Beat together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until thick, about 2 minutes. Add chocolate mixture and beat until just combined. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in prune mixture until combined well. Spoon batter into ring mold and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into middle of cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.
Cool cake in mold on a rack 10 minutes, then invert onto rack to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Mojito
-from Bon Appétit January 2001
3 cups (packed) fresh mint leaves
9 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups light rum
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
6 cups club soda
6 cups crushed ice
6 lime wedges
Reserve 6 mint leaves for garnish. Place remaining mint leaves in medium bowl. Add sugar. Mash with wooden spoon until mint is aromatic and oils are released. Add rum and lime juice and stir until sugar dissolves. Strain mixture into pitcher. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; refreigerate.)
Add club soda to pitcher; gently stir. Fill each of 6 glasses with 1 cup crushed ice. Pour mojito over and garnish each glass with 1 mint leaf and 1 lime wedge.
Serves 6.
Lemon-Coconut Bars
-from Bon Appétit April 2004
Crust
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted, cooled
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Filling
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (packed) finely grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar
For crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan with foil, leaving overhang. Butter foil. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in processor; blend 5 seconds. Add coconut and butter; process until mixture resembles fine meal and begins to clump together. Gather dough into ball. Press dough evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Bake crust until golden at edges, about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare filling:
Combine 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon peel, flour, baking powder, and salt in processor. Blend filling until smooth.
Remove crust from oven. Pour filling evenly over hot crust. Return to oven and bake until filling begins to brown at edges and is just set and springy to touch in center, about 30 minutes. Transfer pan to rack; cool lemon bars completely.
Using foil as aid, transfer lemon bars to work surface. Flatten foil edges. Cut into 16 bars. Sift powdered sugar over. (Can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight in single layer in refrigerator.)
Makes 16.
SELF's Better-Body Chili
-from SELF magazine
Makes 4 servings.
1 tbsp canola oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 cups chopped onion
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 lb carrots, cut in 1/4-inch slices
1/2 lb sweet potatoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Self
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add garlic and onion; stir 2 minutes. Stir in spices. Toss in peppers, carrots, and sweet potatoes and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, cocoa, cranberries, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 45 minutes. Ladle chili into bowls; top with egg. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
1 tbsp canola oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 cups chopped onion
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 lb carrots, cut in 1/4-inch slices
1/2 lb sweet potatoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Self
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add garlic and onion; stir 2 minutes. Stir in spices. Toss in peppers, carrots, and sweet potatoes and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, cocoa, cranberries, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 45 minutes. Ladle chili into bowls; top with egg. Serve immediately.
Hollywood Thai Beef Salad
-from SELF magazine
Serves 2
Marinade
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
6 tbsp fish sauce (found in Asian markets)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp cilantro
1 tbsp mint leaves
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Thai (or serrano) chile
2 1/2 cloves garlic
1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
Salad
6 oz flank steak
2 cups Asian vermicelli noodles
1/4 cup diced tomato
2 tbsp enoki mushrooms (found in Asian markets)
1/8 cup thinly sliced red onion
10-12 grapefruit segments
8 cilantro sprigs
4 mint sprigs
Dressing
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp dark sesame oil
2 1/4 tsp fish sauce
1 Thai (or serrano) chile, seeded and minced
1 1/2 cloves garlic
1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped
Mix marinade ingredients in a blender until combined. Pour into a bowl; add steak. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours. Heat grill to medium-high. Cook steak until medium rare, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Cool; slice thin. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Dressing Mix all ingredients in blender until combined. Divide tomato, mushrooms, onion, grapefruit segments, noodles, cilantro and mint between 2 bowls; top with 1/4 cup dressing (or mix together, top with 1/2 cup dressing, then divide). Add steak.
Serves 2
Marinade
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
6 tbsp fish sauce (found in Asian markets)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp cilantro
1 tbsp mint leaves
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Thai (or serrano) chile
2 1/2 cloves garlic
1 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
Salad
6 oz flank steak
2 cups Asian vermicelli noodles
1/4 cup diced tomato
2 tbsp enoki mushrooms (found in Asian markets)
1/8 cup thinly sliced red onion
10-12 grapefruit segments
8 cilantro sprigs
4 mint sprigs
Dressing
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp dark sesame oil
2 1/4 tsp fish sauce
1 Thai (or serrano) chile, seeded and minced
1 1/2 cloves garlic
1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped
Mix marinade ingredients in a blender until combined. Pour into a bowl; add steak. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours. Heat grill to medium-high. Cook steak until medium rare, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Cool; slice thin. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Dressing Mix all ingredients in blender until combined. Divide tomato, mushrooms, onion, grapefruit segments, noodles, cilantro and mint between 2 bowls; top with 1/4 cup dressing (or mix together, top with 1/2 cup dressing, then divide). Add steak.
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