Category: Recipes


Jun
2012

Coconut Pancakes

categories: Recipes

I love all things coconut, especially during the summer.  I also love all things pancake – so when I saw this recipe for sweet and salty coconut pancakes posted on G+ I just had to try it.

Coconut milk is used in the pancake batter to give it coconut flavor.  But what really makes these pancakes stand out is the coconut syrup made with maple syrup, coconut milk, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt to bring in that Thai flavor combo of sweet and salty (like coconut sticky rice, or salted caramel).

These are some seriously tasty pancakes.  Really.  Make them.  Right now. (more…)


Jun
2012

No-Cook Strawberry Ice Cream

categories: Recipes

Fresh ripe strawberries, sugar, cream, and a little lemon juice – that is all you need to make this creamy summer treat.  And in this recipe there is no cooking involved, so the flavor of the fresh strawberries comes through really well.

No-Cook Strawberry Ice Cream
adapted from Gourmet

1 lb strawberries, trimmed, halved if large
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups heavy cream

Coarsely mash strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and salt using a potato masher in a large bowl. Let stand, stirring and mashing occasionally, 10 minutes.

Transfer half of strawberry mixture to a blender and purée with cream until smooth. Return strawberry cream to bowl with remaining strawberries and chill, stirring occasionally, until very cold, 3 to 6 hours.

Freeze mixture in ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to firm up.

Ice cream keeps 1 week.


Jun
2012

Phyllo Wrapped Salmon with Pea Salad

categories: Recipes

In my ever-continuing quest for salmon recipes, I came across this one for salmon topped with goat cheese and baked inside phyllo dough – yum!  Who wouldn’t want to eat that?  I wanted something pretty light to balance out the dish, so I decided on a fresh pea, feta, and prosciutto salad that was great as a side, but also good enough to eat on its own. (more…)


Jun
2012

French Toast Dessert Panini

categories: Recipes

I am a little bit behind on posting, so to tide you over until I can get myself organized I will show you this super simple and and super tasty snack/dessert.  All you have to do is spread one slice of bread with peanut butter and another with Nutella, then top with some banana and strawberry slices.

Press the slices together and dip each side of the sandwich into a combination of beaten egg, milk or cream, and a little cinnamon.  Cook in a hot pan with melted butter and you are done!  Great for a late night snack, or breakfast with the kiddos – enjoy.


May
2012

Food ‘n Flix – Sideways

categories: Recipes

This is my second month to be a part of the Food ‘n Flix bloggers’ circle (see here for my first month).  This month is hosted by Tina at Life in the Slow Lane at Squirrel Head Manor; and she has chosen the movie Sideways to be our inspiration.

Sideways is a movie about friendship, relationships, happiness, and most of all – WINE.  Set in Napa Valley, vineyards and wineries provide the background to the film and wine almost becomes a character itself.

I wanted to make something that would feel like it belonged in Napa Valley, and that would pair well with wine.  I thought about coffee rubbed pork with a wine sauce, or braised ribs, but eventually I settled down on something simple and fresh – Focaccia with grapes, rosemary, pine nuts, olive oil, and sea salt served with fresh homemade ricotta. (more…)


May
2012

Captain America Jello Mold

categories: Recipes

Avengers Assemble!  We hosted an Avengers movie marathon to celebrate and prepare for the release of the new flick.  I thought that it would be the perfect time to try out a recipe from the super cool Jelly Shot Test Kitchen Blog.  This boozy, layered jello mold in red, white, and blue was perfect to represent everyone’s favorite goody-two-shoes – Captain America.  It would also be great for any upcoming 4th of July celebrations. (more…)


May
2012

Vegan Chocolate Stout Brownies

categories: Recipes

These brownies contain no dairy and very little fat, but they are still super tasty and moist!

Here are all the ingredients you will need, including the secret weapon – black beans.  These are pureed and stand in for the oil and eggs.  But fear not – you can’t even taste them! (more…)


May
2012

Creamy Chicken and Pasta

categories: Recipes

This is a pretty decadent dinner, but sometimes we need a little comfort (and a lot of cream).  “Melt in Your Mouth” Chicken is topped with seasoned mayonnaise and baked to make it juicy and flavorful.  Creamy Lemon and Chive Farfalle is surprisingly light – with the gentle flavors of white wine, shallot, lemon, and chives. (more…)


May
2012

Classic New York Cheesecake

categories: Recipes

Creamy, rich, decadent cheesecake topped with sour cream and luscious cherries – yes please!

Press buttered graham cracker crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a spring form pan (normally 9-inches, but all I have is 10).  By the way, they now sell pre-crushed graham crackers in the baking isle! (more…)


May
2012

Spring Orzo Dishes

categories: Recipes

I was looking for a light (but filling) Spring side dish and stumbled upon this recipe for a Zucchini and Orzo Salad with Feta – perfect!  It was so delicious and refreshing that I ended up eating it by itself for lunch instead of pairing it with salmon like I had intended.

But I did still need a side for the salmon, and I had extra orzo and some Mascarpone that I needed to use up.  So I made this Creamy Mascarpone Pasta with Peas and Chives – yum! (more…)