Celery Root Remoulade

Celery Root Salad is a good accompaniment to scallops.

David Liebovitz had a good simple recipe:
https://www.davidlebovitz.com/celery-root-remoulade-celeri-rem/

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbs Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 Tbs lemon juice

1 lb celery root

Peel the celery root and grate. Mix other ingredients and add to celery root. Refrigerate for 1 hour then serve

2020 07 18

Scallops Provencal

Here's Ina Garten's recipe for Scallops Provencal. It's simple but so good.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/scallops-provencal-recipe-1948016

1 lb Sea Scallops

2 Tbs flour

4 Tbs butter

1 shallot, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

Lemon

1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley

Rinse scallops and dry. Mix flour, salt & pepper and coat scallops.

Melt butter on medium high and add scallops. Don’t overcrowd. Cook 3 minutes on each side.

Remove scallops from pan and add shallot and garlic. Saute. Add white wine and scallops. Cook until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with parsley, squeeze lemon and serve over Israeli couscous.

2020 07 18

German Chocolate Cake

Sally's Baking Addiction also has a good recipe for German Chocolate Cake:
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/german-chocolate-cake/

I skipped the buttercream frosting. The cake is already sweet enough.

I liked the cake--it's a dense chocolate cake--so good!

Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp espresso powder

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature

3/4 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature

1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature (substitute with 1/2 tsp lemon juice and milk)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup hot water or coffee

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients except hot water or coffee. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir. Add hot water or coffee and mix well. Pour evenly into cake pans.

Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool.

Coconut Pecan Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

8 oz evaporated milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

While cake is baking, make filling. Melt butter and add brown sugar and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until boiling then whisk constant for 5 minutes until mixture is thickened. Add vanilla, coconut and pecans and stir until combined. Cool. It will thicken as it cools. Stir before filling.

Assembly

Remove cakes from pans. Place 1st layer on plate right side up and spoon half of the filling mixture on top. Smooth. Place 2nd layer of cake upside down and spoon remaining filling on top.

Refrigerate at least 45 minutes before slicing or it might fall apart.

2020 07 17

Tabbouleh

Ina Garten has a great tabbouleh recipe.

1 cup bulghur wheat

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/4 cup good olive oil

3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (1 bunch)

1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (1 bunch)

1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place the bulghur in a large bowl, pour in the boiling water, and add the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir, then allow to stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Add the mint, parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper; mix well. Season, to taste, and serve or cover and refrigerate. The flavor will improve if the tabbouleh sits for a few hours.

2020 07 04

Easy Pretzels

Like everyone else, I've been experimenting with bread products.

I found this 30-minute pretzel recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction:
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/30-minute-whole-wheat-pretzels/comment-page-1/

Don't skip the egg wash at the end or you end up with a dry-looking pretzel.

I added cheese on top of some of the pretzels to create a cheesy pretzel.

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 pkg (2 1/4 tsp) yeast

1 Tbs sugar

1 tsp salt

3 3/4-4 cups flour

1 large egg, beaten

Coarse salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper. If using parchment paper, spray with oil.

Dissolve yeast in warm water and add sugar. After mixture is bubbly, add salt and flour. Add enough flour so dough is not sticky. 

Knead for a few minutes. Divide into 12 sections. Roll into long rope and shape to resemble pretzel.

You can boil the pretzels in 9 cups water mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda for 20-30 seconds. This step is not necessary.

Dunk the pretzel in beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt on top. 

Bake for 10 minutes then broil for 5 minutes to give it a brown top.

2020 06 14

BBQ Shrimp a la Pascale's Manale

I love the BBQ shrimp from Pascale's Manale in New Orleans. Now that travel is limited, I found a pretty good substitute.

1 lb large shrimp, heads on

5 tsp Manale Spice

2 tsp minced garlic

3 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp Louisiana hot sauce

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup white wine

1 Tbs unsalted butter

Manale Spice:

1 Tbs black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp basil

In a large skillet, add shrimp, Manale Spice, garlic, Worcestershire and hot sauce, stirring constantly. Pour olive oil in then white wine. Stir to blend thoroughly.

Cook over high heat for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add butter, cook an additional 2 minutes until butter is thoroughly melted.

2020 06 14

White Bean, Lime and Avocado Dip

White Bean, Lime and Avocado Dip.

2 ears corn, cooked and cut off cob

1 can white bean, rinsed and drained

1/2 medium red onion, minced
2 ripe avocados, diced

2 Tbs fresh lime juice
2 Tbs white vinegar
2 Tbs olive oil

3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

3 oz crumbled feta cheese, if desired

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate. Serve on Ritz crackers or as side dish.



2020 06 06

Ahi Tuna Poke

Ahi Tuna Poke

1 pound Ahi tuna loin cut into 1/2 inch dice 

1 tsp grated ginger 

3 Tbs soy sauce 

1 tsp toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Juice of half lime

Avocado, diced

Marinate tuna with ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil for 2 hours. Before serving, add lime juice and sesame seeds. Add avocado.



2020 06 06

Tuna Casserole

Another comfort food is Tuna Casserole. This was the first thing I learned how to make when I was young.

Tuna Casserole

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can milk
4 slices Kraft American cheese (you can substitute whatever you like but I like the creaminess of the processed cheese)
2 cans tuna (drained)
1 large can black olives, sliced
10 oz package wide egg noodles
Crumbled potato chips

Boil the noodles according to package instructions.

Blend cream of mushroom soup and milk in pan. Add cheese and melt. Add tuna, black olives and drained noodles.

Pour into buttered casserole dish. Top with crumbled potato chips. Bake at 350 degree for 20 minutes.



2020 05 31

Bacon Shortbread Cookies

I saw a recipe with bacon in chocolate chip cookies and wondered if it'd be good in my Easy Shortbread Cookies. These are my new favorite cookies!

Bacon Shortbread Cookies

1 stick salted butter (softened at room temperature)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
4 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1 cup flour

Mix butter and sugar until fluffy then add bacon. Add flour and mix until dough forms.

Turn out on parchment paper and roll into log. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Slice cookies and place on parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes.



2020 05 31

Rice Crispy Treat

I love Rice Krispy Treats. They are so comforting. I love chewy ones so I have to be careful not to overcook the marshmallow and butter. As soon as it's melted, I'm done.

Rice Krispy Treats

4 Tbs butter
10 oz marshmallow
6 cup Rice Krispy

Melt butter in pan and add marshmallow. Stir until melted. If marshmallows are jumbo, cut in half before adding to pan. Jumbo marshmallows take longer to melt and it starts to caramelize.

Remove from heat and add Rice Krispy. Blend well.

Turn out onto greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Press to even but don't pack. Allow to rest for 10 minutes then slice and enjoy.



2020 05 20

Cincinnati Chili

Many years ago, I was introduced to Skyline Cincinnati Chili. It was so good, I found a recipe for it. This recipe is from the Chunky Chef.

Skyline Cincinnati Chili

5 cups water

6-oz can tomato paste

1/2 oz baking chocolate

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or less)

3/4 tsp salt

2 Tbs apple cider vinegar

1 1/4 lb lean ground beef

Add the water to a large pot. Add tomato paste and chocolate and cook on medium heat. Mix with whisk until all ingredients are blended. Add rest of ingredients, including ground beef. Mix up beef. Heat on high until boiling then lower temperature to low and cook for an hour. Cool, place in refrigerator. Skim fat layer.

Serve over spaghetti and call it 2 way. Add cheese and it becomes 3 way. Onion or beans make it 4-way. Onion and beans make it 5 way.

2020 05 19

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

I love soft ginger cookies. These are delicious--full of flavor, crispy on the outside, soft & chewy on the inside.

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

(adapted from Food Network)

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup molasses

Large egg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Sift flour with rest of dry ingredients. Set aside.

Cream butter with sugar until pale yellow color. Add the molasses and egg. Mix well.

Add dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.

Using a tablespoon ice-cream scooper, measure dough. Form into ball and roll in sugar. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

2020 05 14

Boquerones

We have such good memories of the pintxos in San Sebastian. One of our favorites were boquerones (Spanish anchovies in vinegar). They're not quite like the salty ones you find here.

This was an easy way to serve them. Boquerones and sun-dried tomatoes on a cracker. Simple and delicious.

2020 05 12

Thai Baby Back Ribs

I found this recipe for baby back ribs in The Great Ribs book. It is so tasty.

Thai Baby Back Ribs

2 sides baby back ribs

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbs. finely minced ginger

8 serrano peppers, minced

¼ cup minced cilantro sprigs

1 Tbs grated lime zest

Juice of 3 limes

1 cup hoisin sauce

½ cup wine vinegar

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup honey

2 Tbs. dark soy sauce

2 Tbs cooking oil

Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs.

Combine the remaining ingredients and stir well.  Place the ribs and ½ the sauce in a ziplock bag.  Marinate, refrigerated, for at least 15 minutes.  Reserve the remaining sauce to serve as a sauce.

Grill the ribs until cooked through.

2020 05 12

Shrimp & Grits

When we visited Charleston a few years ago, I loved the shrimp & grits. Every restaurant made it a little differently.

Shrimp & Grits

4 1/2 cups water 

1 tsp salt

Pepper to taste

1 cup stone-ground grits 

2 tablespoons butter 

2 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

6 slices bacon, chopped 

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 

1 green bell pepper, chopped

14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes

1 large clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chopped parsley 

Add shrimp shells to water and boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain shells and discard. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.

Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; remove from skillet and drain well. In grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Remove from skillet. Add remaining ingredients and saute for 3 minutes.

Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately. 

2020 05 11

Twice Baked Potatoes

This is how I make twice-baked potatoes.

After baking the potatoes, I scoop out the inside, leaving a 1/4 inch layer on the skin. I add hot milk, butter, a container of Boursin cheese, cheddar cheese, sliced cooked bacon and salt & pepper to taste. Add extra cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted. Delicious!

2017 01 02

Easy Shortbread Cookies

There was a NY Times recipe for pretzel shortbread cookies. It was complicated and I found another on Bigger Bolder Baking. This is such an easy recipe and so good! I tweaked it a little and got pretzel shortbread cookies.

Pretzel Shortbread Cookies

1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour, sifted
10 small pretzel sticks, chopped

Beat the butter with the powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla then flour until blended. Add the pretzel sticks.

Place dough on parchment paper and roll. Refrigerate for 1 hour then slice.

Bake at 350 degrees 16-18 minutes.



2020 04 30

Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies

Somebody forwarded me this recipe for Doubletree Hotel's signature chocolate chip cookies. It tastes pretty close to the real thing.

Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 lb butter, softened (2 sticks)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Pinch of cinnamon

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice. Scrape down bowl. Add flour, oats (I pulse them in a food processor), baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add chocolate chips and walnuts.

Using an ice-cream scoop, portion dough and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Bake cookies for 20 minutes until edges are brown.

2020 04 30

Adobo Stir Fried Rice

I used the leftover rice and sauce from the Adobo Chicken to make this fried rice.

Adobo Stir Fried Rice

2 Tbs oil
2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup adobo sauce
1/2 cup diced pineapple
Cilantro


Heat oil and add rice, adobo sauce and pineapple. Stir fry until liquid is absorbed. Garnish with cilantro leaves.



2020 04 12