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Category: Appetizers & Snacks

Puff Pastry Appetizers

Puff Pastry Appetizers

Italian PinwheelsItalian Pinwheel Appetizers

Roll out the puff pastry a little to flatten it. Spread ⅓ cup tomato paste all over the puff pastry. Layer 4 oz. sliced soppressata on top of the tomato paste, overlapping each piece a little. Sprinkle ½ cup grated pecorino cheese evenly over the entire surface. Starting with the side closest to you, roll the whole thing into a tight roll. Slice the roll into ½-inch-thick pieces. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden brown, 11 to 13 minutes.

Spinach Artichoke Squares

Spinach artichoke SquaresIn a medium sauté pan, heat 1 T. olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 chopped scallions and 1 clove minced garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add 2 cups roughly chopped artichoke hearts and 12 oz. fresh spinach; cook until the spinach wilts, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 8 oz. cream cheese. Roll out the puff pastry a little to flatten it. Cut the pastry into 2½-inch squares. Scoop 2 T. of the filling onto the center of each square and then fold in the edges of the puff pastry. Top each square with 1 T. grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes.

Bacon Cheese Straws

Bacon Cheese StrawsOn a clean surface, sprinkle ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly in a square. Place 1 sheet of puff pastry on top, then sprinkle the dough with another ¼ cup cheese. Use a rolling pin to roll the sheets slightly (from about ¼-inch thick to about ⅛-inch thick). Using a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into long, ½-inch-wide strips. Place a piece of raw bacon on top of each dough strip and press lightly. Hold the dough at both ends and twist it. Repeat with remaining dough strips. Place the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

British Beef Crostini

British Beef Crostini

diy-british-beef-crostini750g piece of beef fillet, from the thin end
1 T. olive oil
1 tsp. English mustard powder
300ml tub crème fraîche
2 T. snipped chives
1 heaped tsp. creamed horseradish
250g Stilton
70g bag rocket leaf
1 baguette, sliced diagonally

Heat oven to 20)C/180C fan/gas 6. Rub the beef with the oil and mustard, then season. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2 mins each side and place in the oven for 10 mins for rare and 12-15 mins for medium rare (you may have to adjust timings if your piece of beef is especially thin or thick). Remove from the oven, cover with foil and leave to cool. Mix together the crème fraîche, chives and horseradish in a small bowl and season to taste. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Just before serving, arrange the beef on a chopping board with the Stilton, rocket and crème fraîche. Toast the bread and serve while still warm. Toast the bread and serve while still warm. Top the crostini with rocket, slices of beef, chunks of cheese and dollops of crème fraîche.

Caramelized Onion Tart with Apples

Caramelized Onion Tart with Apples

2caralemlized onion tart with applesT. olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 red apples (such as Braeburn or Gala), cut into small pieces
kosher salt and black pepper
2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed
1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream

Heat oven to 400º F. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the apples, ½ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper and cook until just tender, 2 minutes. Place each sheet of pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Spread with the crème fraîche, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with the onion mixture and bake until the pastry is crisp and browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Cut into pieces before serving.

Zucchini Bacon Fritters with Basil-Mayo Dipping Sauce

Zucchini Bacon Fritters with Basil-Mayo Dipping Sauce

zucchini bacon fritters with basil mayo dipping sauceFor basil mayo:
1 cup basil
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T. water
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
For fritters:
About 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne
3 medium zucchini, chopped
1/2 fresh jalapeño, stemmed and minced (including seeds)
2 T. finely chopped chives
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup whole milk
6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, finely chopped

Purée basil with mayonnaise, water, and lemon juice in a blender. Transfer to a small bowl and chill until ready to use. Make fritters: Preheat oven to 200°F. Heat 3 inches oil to 350°F in a deep 5-quart pot over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Stir together zucchini, jalapeño, chives, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. Add egg, milk, and bacon to zucchini mixture and toss to coat zucchini. Stir in flour mixture until incorporated. Fry small spoonfuls of batter in batches of about 10, turning occasionally, until golden-brown all over, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Return oil to 350°F between batches. Serve fritters with basil mayo.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Orange Dipping Sauce

Sheet Pan Suppers: Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Orange Dipping Sauce

1;4 C. Panko Breadcrumbs
½ C. Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
Olive Oil Cooking Spray
Grated Zest of one Orange
¼ C. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1 tsp. Curry Powder
Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
½ tsp. Garlic Powder
1 T. Rice Vinegar
1 T. Honey
2 lg. Egg Whites
2 T. Flour
½ tsp. Pepper
1 lb. 21/25 Shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on

Preheat oven to 425 with rack in the center position. Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil. Spread breadcrumbs and coconut evenly on the prepared pan; its fine if they mix; mist lightly with cooking spray and toast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven and allow to cool. Transfer to a bowl and set it aside. To make dipping sauce, whisk together zest, juice, curry powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Pour sauce into an oven proof ramekin and place on the prepared pan. Whisk egg whites until frothy. Add flour, salt and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture and whisk gently until evenly combined. Pat shrimp dry. Dip in egg white, then in breadcrumbs, pressing to coast all over. Place on sheet pan. Repeat with remaining shrimp, arranging them around the sauce. Mist shrimp generously with cooking spray. Bake until coating on shrimp is deeply golden and shrimp are cooked through (they will feel firm when pressed), about 10 minutes. Serve hot with the sauce on the side.

Nana’s Spicy Cheese “Biscuits”

Nana’s Spicy Cheese “Biscuits”

These biscuits are more like flaky, tender crackers. They’re thin and buttery, sharp with cheese and spicy from a generous helping of Tabasco. They go particularly well with carrot potato or Moroccan-spiced tomato soup. Nana’s original recipe calls for two pounds of butter, twelve cups of cheese, 10 teaspoons of Tabasco and six cups of flour — she was always ready to feed multiple armies, it seems. I’ve quartered her original recipe to make everything slightly more manageable, but feel free to follow her lead and double or quadruple the amounts. If you’re, like, really hungry for cheese biscuits.

nana

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 cups shredded sharp cheese (I used half sharp cheddar and half Parmesan)
2 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, blitz the butter and the cheese together, until well mixed and creamy. Add Tabasco and pulse to combine. Add the flour and pulse until well blended. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and, with floured hands, divide it into logs, roughly 1 inch in diameter and 1 to 1 1/2 feet long (you should get 2-4 logs of dough). Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator, about 1 hour (or in the freezer for 30 mins). (Note: unbaked dough logs can be stored, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to 3 months before slicing and baking.) Once the dough has firmed, Slice the logs in 1/2-inch increments with a sharp knife, to make 1/2-inch thick rounds of dough. Place the biscuits on prepared baking sheets, and bake for 30-45 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbling at the edges. Cool biscuits on baking sheets, then store in tightly sealed containers. Baked biscuits freeze well – thaw uncovered at room temperature. Makes roughly 60 cheese biscuits.

Roasted Radishes with Chive Butter

Roasted Radishes with Chive Butter

A roasted radish is one I want to eat. Roasting softens the raw bitterness of these little roots and brings out their depth and sweetness. And radishes with salty butter? A pair as famous as peanut butter and jelly! At least, it is for dapper French children. A few thin slices of baguette would be a nice accompaniment to this simple, elegant, and totally chic appetizer.

2 bunches radishes (about 1½ pounds total), stems trimmed to 1 inch, cutRoasted-Radishes-3 in half lengthwise
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the center position. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the radishes in a large bowl and toss together with the olive oil and salt. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared pan. Place the butter and chives in a 4-ounce ramekin, and place the ramekin on the pan, too. Roast until the radishes are spotted brown and tender and the butter is quite bubbly, 15 to 18 minutes. Serve the radishes warm, dipped in the melted chive butter

Caramelized Shallot Tartes Tatin

Caramelized Shallot Tartes Tatin

tartin4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
12 medium shallots (about 12 ounces), peeled and halved lengthwise
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
All-purpose flour, for rolling
1 pound puff pastry, thawed and chilled
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400° and arrange racks in middle and lower third. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, shallots, and sugar, and toss to coat. Arrange shallots cut-side down on prepared baking sheets. Scrape any remaining sugar mixture onto shallots. On a floured surface, roll puff pastry to a 15″ square. Using a 2 1/2″ round biscuit cutter, stamp out as many circles as possible. If necessary, gently press scraps together and freeze until firm, then reroll and cut out more rounds. Place pastry rounds over shallots, and top each pan with a sheet of parchment and another baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, switching position of pans halfway through. Carefully remove top baking sheets and parchment paper. Return tartes tatin to oven and continue to bake until pastry is golden, 15 to 20 minutes more, switching pans again halfway through. Working quickly, using a spatula, invert tartes tatin onto a serving platter. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, boil balsamic vinegar until reduced to 2 Tbsp., about 5 minutes. Dot tartes tatin with Gorgonzola and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

The Best Beef Sates in Singapore

The Best Beef Sates in Singapore

1 1/2 pounds rib-eye steak (about 1/2 inch thick)singapore
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce or soy sauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil Singapore Cucumber Relish (optional, recipe follows), for serving Fried Garlic Peanut Sauce (optional, recipe follows), for serving

Cut the steak, including the fat, into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a nonreactive mixing bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, coriander, turmeric, cumin, pepper, fish sauce and oil. Let the beef marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 2 hours. Drain the cubes, discarding the marinade. Thread the beef onto bamboo skewers, leaving the bottom half of each skewer bare for a handle and 1/4-inch exposed at the pointed end. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to grill. Heat the grill to high. Brush and oil the grill grate. Arrange the sates on the hot grate, with the aluminum foil shield under the exposed ends of the skewers to keep them from burning. Grill until cooked to taste, 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium rare.

Singapore Cucumber Relish

2 Kirby (pickling) cucumbers, or 1 medium-size cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
1 shallot, minced (2 to 3 tablespoons), or 1 scallion, both white and green parts, trimmed and minced 1 small hot red chile, such as a bird or cayenne pepper, stemmed, seeded, and minced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper

Cut the cucumber(s) into 1/4-inch dice. Place the cucumber(s), shallot, chile, rice vinegar, and sugar in a mixing bowl and toss gently to mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The relish can be made up to 2 hours ahead.
Fried Garlic Peanut Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 cloves garlic, 3 cloves thinly sliced crosswise and 2 cloves minced
1 shallot, minced
1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and minced, or 2 strips (each 1/2 by 2 inches) lemon zest
1 to 3 small hot chiles, such as Thai chiles or serrano or jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded, and minced (for a hotter peanut sauce, leave the seeds in)
1 tablespoon dried shrimp, minced, or 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, or as needed
2 tablespoons sugar, or more to taste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, or more to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground pepper

Heat the oil in a wok or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic, the shallot, lemongrass, chile(s), and dried shrimp, if using, to the wok and cook over medium-high heat until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter, coconut milk, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, if using (instead of the dried shrimp), lime juice, and 3/4 cup water. Reduce the heat and gently simmer the sauce until it is thick but pourable, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the cilantro during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Just before serving, stir in the fried garlic slices. If the sauce has gotten too thick and pasty, add a tablespoon or so of water. Taste and correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper, and more sugar and lime juice if needed. The sauce should be richly flavored.

Salt-Crusted Shrimp with Potent Lemon-Garlic Dipping Sauce

Salt-Crusted Shrimp with Potent Lemon-Garlic Dipping Sauce

Dipping Sauce:
½ cup best-quality extra-virgin olive oil
Juice from 1 large lemon
Zest from ½ lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 stems fresh oregano
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Shrimp:
16 Jumbo or Collosal shrimp in the shell (or frozen black tiger shrimp)
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup Kosher salt

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Make the Dipping Sauce: Whisk together the oil and lemon. Stir in the garlic. Take the leaves off the oregano stems and leave whole, add to oil mixture. Let sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes to marry the flavors—or make up to 12 hours in advance. Set aside. If desired, devein the shrimp with a “shrimp deveiner” or, using a small sharp knife, make a slit about ¼-inch deep down the backs of the shrimp and remove the vein but do not remove the shells. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil to coat lightly all over. Just before putting on the grill, sprinkle the salt evenly over the shrimp and toss well to make sure each shrimp is thoroughly coated in a crust of salt. Place the shrimp in the center of the cooking grate, 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the shrimp is pink and the flesh is opaque (white). Serve immediately with dipping sauce. Serving Tip: This is my favorite party “ice breaker” appetizer. I place the oil-tossed shrimp in a bowl on a tray with a small bowl of the kosher salt, my tongs, lots of napkins, a platter and the prepared dipping sauce. Once everyone is armed with a cocktail, we hit the deck to start the party. While we are talking, I toss the shrimp in the salt, grill them and place them on the platter. Then the fun begins, everyone takes a shrimp, peels and dips it in the sauce for a fun, casual and interactive appetizer! By the time the shrimp, and our cocktails are gone we are either fast friends or better friends! Alternatively, you can arrange 4 shrimp on each serving plate and accompany with a small ramekin of the dipping sauce but the girls think serving them hot off the grill is sooo much more fun!

 

Kenny’s Wings of Fire

Kenny’s Wings of Fire

kenny4-5 pounds chicken wings or drum sticks, rinsed and dried

Wing Rub:
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground white pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons ground oregano
2 teaspoons Spanish paprika
2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoons ground sage
2 teaspoons ground rosemary

Wing Sauce:
4 tablespoons jalapeño sauce
4 tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce
4 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons liquid from a jar of jalapenos
4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes

Note: Every dry pepper or pepper hot sauce affects a different part of your tongue and throat. Decide what level of tickle is best for you and adjust the recipe accordingly. This is Kenny’s favorite “forehead glistening” combination. Make the rub by combining all spices until they are evenly distributed throughout the rub. Sprinkle wings generously on all sides with the dry rub. Let wings to rest for at 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make the sauce by mixing together all of the sauce ingredients. Place wings directly on the cooking grate. Cook over direct medium heat for 10-15 minutes on each side. Kenny says that the “wings are done when they bounce after being dropped from 6″ above grill,” or when the skin is brown and crisp and the meat has pulled away from the bone. When thoroughly cooked, remove and place in a disposable aluminum pan. Pour the sauce into the pan of wings and stir, thoroughly. Then cover pan with foil and switch to Indirect heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch the wings vigilantly because the sauce will burn easily. Remove pan from heat and remove foil. Stir and enjoy with an ice cold beer.

Basque Beef Tenderloin Crostini

Basque Beef Tenderloin Crostini

Basque Green Sauce:

4 chopped garlic cloves 

 2 bay leaves 

 4 jalapeños (seeds removed if desired, and chopped) 

 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 

 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 

 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves 

 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves 

 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves 

 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil  

In a blender, place garlic, bay leaves, jalapeños, sea salt, and sherry vinegar. Blend until smooth. Transfer purée to a medium bowl. Add parsley, oregano, and basil, and stir to combine. Whisk in olive oil.

crostini

1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 (1 1/2-pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
24 thin slices of an 8-ounce French baguette (about 1/2-inch thick), toasted

Basque Green Sauce

Assortment of fresh herbs and greens, as desired (try arugula, basil, etc.)

In a small bowl, combine orange zest, chili powder, and salt. Rub tenderloin with spice mixture. Set aside for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°.. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it is brown and caramelized, about 4 minutes per side (12–16 minutes total). Transfer skillet to oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 125° for medium-rare (15–20 minutes). Transfer beef to a cutting board to rest for 20 minutes, then thinly slice. Top each baguette slice with sliced beef, about 1 teaspoon green sauce, and, if using, herbs.

Fried Tomatoes alla Romano

Fried Tomatoes alla Romano

6a00d8341c7f3553ef016765ce2197970b-pi2 large red tomatoes, a bit firm
1 ball fresh mozzarella
12 fresh sage leaves
3 thin slices Prosciutto or Bayonne or Serrano ham any dry-cured ham
1 egg
1/4 C. flour
1/3 C. corn meal (polenta)
2 T. olive oil

Cut ham slices in half the short way. Cut 3 1/3 – 1/2″ (1cm) thick slices from each tomato (tossing top and bottom). Slice the mozzarella – one slice for each tomato slice. Get 3 flattish bowls or plates. Put flour in one, corn meal in one and the egg, beaten with a fork in the last. Put a large, nonstick skillet on medium – medium high heat. Add oil and heat. With your fingers (or a tongs) pick up one tomato slice, dip both sides in flour, then egg, then corn meal and place in skillet. Fry 3 – 5 minutes or until brown, turn with spatula and fry for 3 minutes more. After turning place 2 sage leaves, a piece of ham and a slice of mozzarella on top of each tomato, cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes – until cheese just starts to melt. Transfer tomatoes to individual plates and serve.

Goat Cheese and Tomato Triangles

Goat Cheese and Tomato Triangles

0275a79620450fcd53fc9b191bb6e8431 sheet of ready to use puff pastry
1 ripe juicy tomato
100 g goat cheese (I used Sainte Maure)
fresh thyme
extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Heat oven to 220º C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut puff pastry into approximately 10 x 10 cm squares and divide each into two triangles. You can go for any shape you fancy, of course. One detail: don’t “trace” any margin along the sides, we want a rustic look here. Cut tomato into thin slices. Roughly chop goat cheese. Place pastry on baking tray, top with a few slices of tomato, a tablespoon of goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and tomato, decorate with fresh thyme. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the pastry is nicely puffed and golden. Enjoy!

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Straws

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Straws

Sweet-and-Savory-Cheesy-Bacon-Wrapped-Puff-Pastry-Twist-911 package frozen puff pastry,
1 egg, beaten
1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
26-30 pieces thin cut bacon (or 18 pieces of thin cut bacon sliced in half lengthwise)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced (may sub sage or thyme)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. Open one sheet of puff pastry on a cutting board. Brush the surface lightly with some of the beaten egg. Sprinkle with your desired amount of cayenne pepper (I did 1 teaspoon per sheet of puff pastry). Sprinkle surface with 1/2 cup of cheese to evenly cover entire surface. Dust a rolling pin lightly with flour and then roll the rolling pin over the cheese to gently press the cheese into the puff pastry. Cut the puff pastry into long 1/2-inch-wide strips and then take each strip, fold in half and pinch the ends together. Now gently twist each strip several times. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around the twisted pastry and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry and bacon until everything has been used. Add the brown sugar, rosemary, salt and pepper to a shallow bowl or pie plate and toss well. Now carefully take each bacon wrapped pastry one at a time and dip it through the brown sugar mixture, using your hands to coat all over the twist. Place each twist back on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining twists. Bake the twist for 30 to 50 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. My bacon took 50 minutes to cook, but it was on the thicker side. I would start checking them at around 30 minutes and then every 5 to 10 minutes after that to make sure they are not burning. Once the bacon is cooked remove from the oven and allow to cool 5 minutes. Then use a spatula to carefully lift the twists off the baking sheet. Serve!

Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Wontons

Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Wontons

Bacon-Cream-Cheese-Stuffed-Wontons-wmFor wontons
½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 ounce cream cheese, softened
1 whole green onion, sliced thin
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
½ cup water
24 wonton wrappers
vegetable oil for frying

Sauce
2 tablespoon soy, can use low sodium
3 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

In a bowl, combine bacon, cream cheese, green onion, and Sriracha sauce. Mix well. Add approximately, ½ tablespoon mixture in center of wonton wrapper. Dip a brush or your finger in water and moisten edge of wonton. Press to seal. Repeat until all wontons are filled. Heat oil to medium-high. Add a few at the time to the hot oil and fry 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on wire rack or paper towels. Repeat until all wontons are fried. Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy, honey and vinegar. Serve with wontons

Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

Ham & Cheese Pinwheels

ham-and-cheese-pinwheels-recipe

1 package cooked deli meat ham {about 6-8 slices}
1/4 package of Cream Cheese, softened
1 T. mustard
1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (or use your own dough)
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 green onions {sliced}

Unroll crescent roll dough into 1 large sheet, use a rolling pin if needed. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and mustard. Spread mixture onto the surface of the dough. Place ham on top of the cream cheese mixture and then top with mozzarella cheese and green onions. Starting at one side of the dough, roll until you have one large log roll. Using a serrated knife, cut into 1-2 inch sections and place onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 14-18 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Caramelized Onion & Olive Puff Pastry Tart

Caramelized Onion & Olive Puff Pastry Tart

4690303_281271_CarmOnion11 sheet puff pastry
plain flour
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons water
1 cup Kalamata olives
fresh thyme
salt & pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400F, 220C. Roll out the puff pastry so that it fits on a baking tray covered in parchment paper. Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onions on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add water and stir until the onions are golden and soft. Place on top of the puff pastry. Add olives and thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and puffy, about 12 minutes.

Buffalo Hummus

Buffalo Hummus

Buffalo-Hummus-52 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 cup water (or 2 tablespoons water + 2 tablespoons olive oil)
1/4 cup tahini
(optional) 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
4-8 tablespoons hot sauce*, to taste
2 Tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
(optional toppings: olive oil, chopped roasted red peppers, thinly-sliced green onions, extra crumbled blue cheese)

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender (*starting with only 4 tablespoons of hot sauce, if you don’t like much heat). Pulse until combined. Taste, and add more hot sauce to taste, if desired. Serve with your desired dippers, garnished with optional toppings if desired.

Easy Asian Dumplings with Sesame Hoisin Dipping Sauce

Easy Asian Dumplings with Sesame Hoisin Dipping Sauce

35 wonton wrappers
2 cups shredded carrots, roughly chopped
2 cups sliced, shittake mushrooms
4 cups shredded napa cabbage
1 large garlic clove (two if you love garlic like me!)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sirracha (or more, depending on your spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon hoisin
4 tablespoons olive oil

Hoisin Dipping Sauce
½ cup hoisin
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons sirracha

Garnish
½ teaspoon sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced

Easy-Asian-Dumplings-with-Hoisin-Sesame-Dipping-Sauce-8In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over a medium-high heat. Add carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and garlic. Saute 2-3 minutes until veggies start to wilt. Add soy sauce, sirracha and hoisin. Once veggies are completely cooked, set aside to cool. For assembly: Place one heaping teaspoon of filling on the corner of wonton wrapper. Using water, wet the sides of the wrapper. Fold corner over to form a triangle. Seal edges, making sure there are no air bubbles. Fold corers over each other, use water to seal. Repeat for remaining filling. Working in two batches, heat a large non-stick skillet to a medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add dumplings, brown on both sides until crispy and golden. Once brown on both sides, add ¼ cup of water. Cover and let set until water has evaporated, about 30 seconds to 1 minutes. Repeat with remaining batch. For the sauce: Combine all ingredients.

Composed Fruit Salad with Ginger-Lime Syrup

Composed Fruit Salad with Ginger-Lime Syrup

fruitMost fruit salads are served as chunky mixes — appealing to the mouth, yes, but less so to the eye. With a stylish green-and-gold palette, this composed salad is an elegant alternative. A zingy ginger-lime syrup to pour on top makes the flavors sing.

Water
Sugar
Fresh Ginger
Limes
Fresh Fruit: Choose from mangoes, yellow watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, nectarines, golden raspberries, yellow and green kiwi fruit, green grapes, and golden plums.

In a 1- to 1 ½-quart pan, combine 1 ½ C. water, 1 C. sugar, 10 slices unpeeled fresh ginger (each about the size of a quarter), and 5 slices (¼-in. thick) lime. Simmer until liquid is infused with ginger flavor, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 T. fresh lime juice; strain and cool. On a platter, arrange 3 quarts sliced or chopped fruit. Pour syrup into a bowl or glass; garnish with 3 lime slices. Serve with fruit.

Alternatives to Typical Party & Picnic Foods

Alternatives to Typical Party & Picnic Foods

Shrimp Lafayette (instead of chilled shrimp cocktail)

Fill a frying pan with about 1/3 C. of olive oil, add 4 or 5 bay leaves and heat on medium. Add about 2 lb. of raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined, raise the heat a notch and cook until they start turning opaque. Then add a can of beer, a tsp. of corn starch and hot pepper flakes. Cook for another 4 or 5 minutes, then transfer shrimp and the juice to a serving bowl and enjoy.

 

Mediterranean platter (instead of celery, carrot sticks and dip)

On a large serving tray, arrange several slices of pita bread cut into triangles, a pile of broken-up feta cheese, a couple handfuls of shelled, halved walnuts, a few scoops of flavored hummus, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Park a ramekin of olive oil in the middle of it all, and viola.

 

Baked green olives with bacon (instead of a relish tray)

Wrap each pimento or garlic-stuffed green olive in a thin thread of bacon and fasten with toothpicks. Bake on a cookie sheet in preheated 325-degree oven until bacon is cooked (about 10-12 minutes). Arrange on a platter with canned black olives and jarred pepperoncinis.

 

Chicken-stuffed endive leaves (instead of green salad)

Start with two C. of either homemade or store-purchased chicken. Add fresh tarragon, walnuts and finely diced apples to the mixture. Then fill the bottom tip of a dozen or more baby endive leaves with the salad. Arrange the leaves in a star formation on a large platter and sprinkle with dried chives.

 

Pierogis (instead of pasta or potato salad)

Boil one or two dozen of frozen potato-cheese-stuffed pierogis (purchased from freezer sections of major grocery stores) for 5-10 minutes. Drain and transfer into shallow baking pan filled with two sticks of cut-up butter and 2-3 chopped brown onions. Salt and sprinkle generously with black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes in 225-degree oven, occasionally turning the pierogis with an oven spoon. Serve in a wide, shallow bowl with a ramekin of sour cream on the side.

 

Asian pork tenderloin (instead of meat skewers)

Marinate a two-or-three-lb. pork tenderloin overnight in a half-C. each of orange juice and Hoisin sauce, one-quarter C. each of dark molasses and soy sauce, four cloves of minced garlic and dash of salt and pepper. Bake in a roasting pan according to package instructions. Let cool 20 minutes and then roll the meat in toasted sesame seeds before slicing. Serve on a cutting board with sliced baguette or Kaiser rolls.

 

Turkey-cranberry rolls (instead of cold-cut platter)

Spread thin layer of cream cheese over three to five sheets of Lavash bread (from Trader Joe’s), then top with another layer of cranberry sauce, covering only about half of each sheet. Add over the cranberry sauce a thin layer of shaved turkey. Roll each rectangular sheet beginning at one of the shorter edges. Refrigerate one hour. Cut into one-inch-thick pieces and transfer to large plate garnished with parsley sprigs.

 

Smoked turkey asparagus (another alternative to plain cold cuts)

Remove the hard bottoms of a dozen or so asparagus spears and discard. Then blanch the spears in boiling water for about four minutes and let cool. Roll each spear in a slice of medium-thick smoked turkey, arrange onto a platter and serve with aioli, hollandaise or plain.

Garlicky Spicy Eggplant Dip

Garlicky Spicy Eggplant Dip

spicyeggplantdip_22 medium eggplant
2 cloves garlic
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
handful fresh mint
1 tsp hot red pepper flakes
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garam masala
Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by roasting your eggplant. I had roasted mine the day before so unfortunately there are no pictures of that, but if you’re uncertain on what to do it’s very easy. Preheat your oven to 450 F. Put your eggplant on a cookie sheet with a rim as it will release some juice as it roasts. Let the eggplant roast away for about 45 min – 1 hour, turning it over halfway through so that it cooks evenly. You should see some charring where it was sitting on the sheet, and you can tell that it’s done when it has collapsed and juices have started to leak out….in the nicest way possible. Let the eggplant cool down, and then scoop the insides out and into a food processor. If you roast the eggplant long enough you can actually just cut off the top and peel the skin away in one big chunk. Add the two cloves of garlic to the food processor and puree the mixture until you can’t see any white chunks of garlic whirring by you. Peel the mint leaves off of the stems and add this to the pureed eggplant along with the spices and a generous sprinkling of salt. Process this and you’re done!

Zippy Zucchini Fritter

Zippy Zucchini Fritter

2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
4 eggs
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
4 cloves fresh garlic minced
1 tsp. chicken flavored soup base
1/4 tsp. pepper
Oil for frying
Grated Parmesan Cheese for garnish

Squeeze as much water as possible from grated zucchini (leaves about 1 cup). Place all ingredients except oil in a bowl and mix well. Pour oil in a skillet to a 1/8 inch depth and heat over medium heat. Drop batter into hot oil 1 heaping tsp. at a time to make 8 fritters. Fry about 5 minutes on one side, turn, and fry until golden brown on the other side. Sprinkle lightly with additional Parmesan Cheese if desired. Serve hot immediately.

Bacon and Cheese Bread Quiches

Bacon and Cheese Bread Quiches

12 thin slices bread, crusts removed
butter, for spreading
12 slices ham
4 eggs, lightly whisked
½ cup (125ml) milk
1 cup (200g) ricotta
¾ cup (90g) cheddar

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread one side of the bread slices with butter and press into 12 x ½ cup-capacity (125ml) lightly greased muffin tins. Bake for 5–6 minutes or until just golden. Line each bread case with a slice of ham. Place the egg, milk, ricotta and cheddar in a bowl and mix well to combine. Pour the mixture into the bread cases and bake for 10–15 minutes or until cooked through and golden. Makes 12. Tip: You can freeze these quiches for up to 2 months. Place in the fridge to defrost and warm in a low oven.

Yogurt Fruit Bars

Yogurt Fruit Bars

picdatokE1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (6 ounce) package mixed dried fruit, coarsely chopped
1⁄3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup plain fat-free yogurt or 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 large egg
1⁄4 cup apple juice concentrate
2 tablespoons oil
nonstick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add dried fruits and walnuts. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, egg, apple juice concentrate, and oil. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients until blended. Coat a 9 X 13-inch pan with vegetable spray, spread batter in pan. Bake 45-50 minutes or until done. Cool 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into 8 servings. Freeze in individual portions if desired.

Tomato Pizza Squares

Tomato Pizza Squares

2 slices soft bre4754_jpg-20150309013652~q80,dx720y432u1r1gg,c--ad
1/4 cup quick pizza sauce
2 slices fresh tomato, cut into quarters
2 slices cheese, cut into quarters (mozzarella, Monterey jack, etc)
8 small basil leaves

Preheat oven to 180°C conventional (or 160°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each piece into 4 and spread each piece with tomato sauce. Top each piece with tomato and a square of cheese. Place onto a tray and into the oven until the cheese has melted (10-12 mins).  Add a basil leaf to each slice. Cool and wrap in foil.

Mushrooms of the Auvergne

Mushrooms of the Auvergne

262712 medium Mushrooms
3-4 T. Butter
10 leaves fresh Spinach, washed and dried
3 cloves fresh Garlic, minced
3 T. grated parmesan Cheese
¼ tsp. Salt
¼ C. dry White Wine
2 tsp. Water

Wipe mushrooms with damp paper towel to remove surface dirt and discard the stems. In a well-greased casserole, place mushroom caps, tops facing down. In boiling water, blanch spinach for about 3 minutes, wash thoroughly using cold water and drain. Mix well together garlic and butter. Finely mince spinach and mix with garlic butter. Fill mushroom caps evenly with butter mixture and scatter each with Parmesan cheese and salt. Wrap with plastic and chill until ready to bake. Heat oven to 300. To the bottom of casserole, add wine and water and bake for 20 minutes until mushrooms are cooked but still firm. Serve at once when warm and crisp.

Quesadillas with Roasted Poblanos & Onions (Rajas)

Quesadillas with Roasted Poblanos & Onions (Rajas)

40559848bd75cdab4e59113540445f5e2 small fresh poblano chiles
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 large white onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1-1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Four 8-inch flour tortillas
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 oz.)
1/2 cup sour cream

Roast the peppers: Turn a gas burner to high and char the poblanos directly over the flame, turning them with tongs as soon as each side becomes fully blackened, about 6 to 8 minutes per pepper. (If you don’t have a gas stove, you can char poblanos similarly over a hot grill fire or lay them on a foil-lined baking sheet and char them under a hot broiler, turning them with tongs). Immediately after roasting, put the poblanos in a bowl, cover, and set aside to steam and loosen the skins. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin off with your hands or a small paring knife. Pull out and discard the stems and seed clusters. Slice the peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips and put them in a small bowl. Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 150°F (or its lowest setting).

Make the rajas: Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the poblano strips, season with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.

Make the quesadillas: Heat 1/2 tsp. of the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add one tortilla and scatter over it a quarter of the cheese, a quarter of the poblano mixture, and a quarter of the cilantro. When the tortilla smells toasty and the bottom is browned in spots, in 1 or 2 minutes, fold it in half, pressing it with a spatula to flatten it. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with the sour cream on the side.

Artichoke Bruschetta

Artichoke Bruschetta

Toasty baguette slices are topped with a creamy artichoke spread and then broiled until bubbly in this easy appetizer that’s fancy enough for a party…or for a more casual variation, bake it up as a hot dip instead!

1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened Artichoke-Bruschetta-by-Five-Heart-Home-for-Love-Grows-Wild_700pxHoriz
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (14-ounce) can of artichoke hearts (whole, halves, or quarters), drained & chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt
French baguette loaf of bread, cut at an angle into 1/3-inch slices
Fresh chopped parsley or paprika, for garnish

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth. Blend in mayonnaise and chopped artichoke hearts. Mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic salt and beat at high speed until mixture is smooth. Preheat broiler to high. Dollop a generous amount of artichoke mixture on each baguette slice and spread all the way to the edges (which will prevent them from burning). Arrange bruschetta on a baking sheet. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until topping is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley or a light sprinkling of paprika, if desired. Serve hot. Alternatively, the artichoke mixture may be spread in a pie plate or similar baking dish and baked at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly (you may broil for a couple additional minutes to brown the top). Serve as a dip with baguette slices, assorted crackers, or tortilla chips.

Fiesta Stuffed Mini Peppers

Fiesta Stuffed Mini Peppers

Fiesta-Stuffed-Mini-Peppers-512-18 Sweet Mini Peppers (halved and seeded)
8 oz. package of Cream Cheese (softened)
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese or shredded Monterrey jack
1 T. lime juice
1 T. fresh cilantro
½ tsp. garlic salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Wash and slice the peppers in half long ways. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. In another bowl mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, lime, cilantro, and garlic salt. Spoon or pipe the filling into each of the pepper halves. Place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Dukkah (Duqqa)

Dukkah (Duqqa)

An Egyptian condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables for an hors d’Å“uvre.

¾red-earth-dukkah cup whole blanched almonds
¾ cup hazelnuts
½ cup (scant) coriander seeds
¼ cup cumin seeds
6 T. sesame seeds
Olive oil
Crusty bread slices

Bake nuts at 300º until golden, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Bake coriander and cumin on another small sheet until aromatic, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to processor; cool. Toast sesame on same sheet about 3 minutes; cool. Blend spice mixture and sesame in processor to coarse powder; transfer to medium bowl. Coarsely grind nuts in processor; mix into sesame-spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon oil onto plates. Dip bread into oil and dukkah.

Herb & Spice Crisps

Herb & Spice Crisps

spicecrispsPhyllo Dough, thawed, kept moist under damp towel
Butter, Melted
White Wine
Salt
Various fresh herbs
Spices

Mix liquid butter and white wine at a ratio of 1:1. Cut the dough sheets in squares of approx. 23 cm by 17 cm. Put some of the butter-and-wine-mixture on one half of the sheet. Place small leaves of herbs at the edge of the sheet and salt the coated side. Put the dry half of the dough sheet on the coated half and press both together. Coat one third of the sheet again with the butter mixture and fold it. Now again coat the half of the sheet with the mixture and fold for the last time. Press the sheet layers together and coat the herbal outside of the bar with butter.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees C with circulating air and bake the bars for approx. 3 to 4 min. on each side. Start with the butter-coated, herb side facing down. When the bars turn golden, remove them from the oven and carefully wipe remaining oil with a kitchen paper from the bar’s surface. If you want the bars to be extremely thin, cut the sheets only half as wide as specified above and omit the first folding step.

Pancetta and Parmesan Tassies

Pancetta and Parmesan Tassies

8 Tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted but737872ter
4 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 extra large egg
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice, cooked and drained
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Cayenne pepper to taste

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the flour; beating on low speed until blended. Shape the mixture into 24 balls, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour. Lightly grease the wells of a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. Place the dough balls into the cups, pressing on the bottom and up the sides to form a cup; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375º F. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, egg, and salt. Evenly sprinkle the cooked pancetta into the pastry cups; top with 1 teaspoon of parmesan. Evenly drizzle half-and-half mixture over cheese and sprinkle with chives. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Carefully remove the tassies from the muffin pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool briefly. Serve warm with cayenne pepper to taste. Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350º F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Pepper Jelly Palmiers

Pepper Jelly Palmiers

1 pepper-jelly-palmiers-sl-x(17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Parchment paper
1 cup plus 2 T. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly

Roll 1 pastry sheet into a 12- x 10-inch rectangle on lightly floured parchment paper. Sprinkle with half of cheese, 3 Tbsp. chives, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Roll up pastry, jelly-roll fashion, starting with each short side and ending at middle of pastry sheet. Wrap pastry tightly with parchment paper. Repeat procedure with remaining pastry sheet, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Freeze pastries 1 to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove pastries from freezer, and let stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Cut each roll into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake, in batches, 20 minutes or until golden. Microwave pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute. Spread 1/2 tsp. pepper jelly onto each palmier. Serve immediately.

Fried Garlic Cheese Sticks

Fried Garlic Cheese Sticks

tumblr_mq7wg1qs0g1sw6uino1_4001-½ pounds Monterey Jack cheese
30 cloves fresh garlic
4 cups peanut oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups French bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley
1 small jar Marinara sauce or homemade Marinara sauce

Slice cheese into 30 slices, about ¼-inch thick. Peel garlic and slice each clove lengthwise into about 6 ovals. Heat oil in deep, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic ovals and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, being careful not to burn or brown cloves. Remove slices as they float to surface and are light brown in color. Drain on paper towels. Reserve oil for cheese. Mince garlic and mix with Italian seasoning. Spread half the cheese slices evenly with garlic mixture. Press remaining cheese slices on each to make 15 bars. Dip flour coated pieces into egg, and then into bread crumbs mixed with parsley. Be sure to cover sides. Reheat oil to medium-high heat and fry cheese in oil a few pieces at a time until lightly browned (takes about 2 minutes). Skim particles from oil as they accumulate. Drain cheese on paper towels and keep warm until they are all fried. Serve with toothpicks and Marinara sauce for dipping. Makes about 30 pieces

Burrata Crostini

Burrata Crostini

½burrataovenroas_1355515167 C. Baby Arugula
4 oz. Cherry Tomatoes
¼ lb. Buffalo Mozzarella Ball
2 T. Ricotta Cheese
¼ C. Heavy Cream
2 French Baguette ( 12 Slices each )
Black Pepper
¼ C. Kosher Salt
Kosher Salt, to taste
2 T. Canola Oil
1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 qt. Water

You can use store-bought burrata if you can find it. Often, burrata is expensive and has a very short shelf life. This homemade version is a good alternative. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella. The burrata is best if left to set overnight. Allow to chill for at least 2 hours. Also make the oven-roasted tomatoes the day before if you can, then assemble just prior to serving.

A recipe for 4 should require 20-24 crostini.

Line sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut tomatoes in half and place on prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove mozzarella from refrigerator. If it is not already in slices or smaller balls, cut cheese into 2 inch pieces. Allow to come to room temperature. Slice each baguette crosswise into 1/4 inch thick pieces to measure the indicated amount, or 6 slices per person. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place tomatoes in oven and roast for [30-40 minutes]. Tomatoes should start to dry out and become shriveled. Add water and salt to medium saucepan and bring to 190 degrees. Remove salt water from heat and add mozzarella balls. Allow to sit for 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs if water is too hot and remove 1 ball at a time from the pot. As each ball is removed, the cheese should be soft enough to easily pull into strings. Cut each string into thumbnail-sized pieces and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add cream and ricotta to mixing bowl with cheese curds. Mix to combine. Mixture should resemble cottage cheese. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Transfer tomatoes to small mixing bowl; cover and chill while burrata is setting. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add canola oil and warm. Prepare a plate with layers of paper towels. Set plate near the stove for the toasted baguette. Once oil is hot, add the baguette slices. Oil should sizzle when you add the bread. Do not crowd the pan. Cook until the crostini are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Only cook one side. Transfer to the plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while warm. Assemble no more than an hour prior to serving so crostini stay crisp. Layer crostini with a leaf of arugula and a teaspoon of burrata, and garnish with a tomato. Place burrata crostini on serving tray. Enjoy!

Blueberry-Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars

Blueberry-Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars

BlueberryEnergyBarsPlatedsquare1 C. sliced almonds
1 C. rolled oats
1/3 C. pumpkin seeds
¼ C. flaxseeds
2/3 C. muscovado or dark brown sugar
½ C. honey
4 T. unsalted butter
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 C. puffed rice cereal (I used Kashi 7 Whole Grain Honey Puffs)
½ C. dried blueberries
½ tsp. lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread the almonds, oats, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds on the sheet and bake until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, honey, butter and salt to a boil over moderate heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved and a light brown caramel forms, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. Drizzle the caramel all over the nut-and-oat mixture. Stir in the puffed rice, blueberries and lemon zest until evenly coated. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, extending the paper over the side. Scrape the cereal mixture into the dish and spread into an even layer. Cover the mixture with a second sheet of parchment and press down to compress it. Let stand until firm, about 2 hours. Discard the top piece of parchment. Using the overhanging paper, lift out the cereal square and transfer it to a work surface. Cut into 12 bars and serve. To store, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and eat within a few days or freeze.

dunkin’ veggies and dips

dunkin’ veggies and dips

Keep the Beat Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Family MealsLow-fat blue cheese dip:

¼ C. reduced-fat blue cheese crumbles
¼ C. fat-free sour cream
2 T. light mayonnaise

Honey mustard dip:
¼ C. honey
2 T. brown mustard
2 T. fat-free evaporated milk
1 T. fresh parsley, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 T. fresh chives, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)

Tuscan white bean dip:
1 T. olive oil
1 T. garlic, chopped (about 3 cloves)
2 T. onions, chopped
1 C. low-sodium cannellini beans, rinsed
¼ C. low-sodium chicken broth
1 T. fresh parsley, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 tsp. fresh oregano, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or ¼ tsp. dried)

Vegetables:
5 C. assorted raw vegetables, rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces as needed, such as baby carrots, celery sticks, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or cherry tomatoes

Combine ingredients for any (or all) of these three dips separately, and set aside (see note below). Arrange vegetables on a platter, and serve with choice of dip.

Baked Apple Chips

Baked Apple Chips

2 cupAppleChips1s sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup plus 4 T. fresh lemon juice, divided
1 medium red apple
1 medium Granny Smith apple
1 medium yellow apple

Preheat oven to 200˚. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper; set aside. In a large non-stick sauté pan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, water, honey, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Bring mixture to a boil, and cook until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat, and cool mixture to room temperature. Fill a large bowl with cool water, and add the remaining 2 T. lemon juice. Cut the apples crosswise into very thin round slices (about 1/16-inch thick) with a manual V-slicer; after slicing each apple, place slices in the water-lemon juice mixture. Remove apple slices from water, and dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dip apple slices, a few at a time, in the cooled syrup, and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove, letting excess syrup drip off, then place slices on the prepared baking sheets; repeat with remaining apples. Bake for 1 hour, or until apples are dry. Turn oven off, and leave apples in the oven for an additional hour. Carefully remove apple slices from the baking sheets, and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.