Posts

Showing posts from May, 2014

Gingerbread Waffles

Image
I was really excited to try these because of the ingredients and because the comments section was filled with glowing praise (I got the recipe off annies-eats.com), but I wasn't a fan. I would give them a 5. They weren't crispy, which I like in a waffle, and I couldn't really taste the spices. If I make these again, I'll probably double the spices or I'll serve it with apple butter instead of the cinnamon whipped cream. Gingerbread Waffles Yield: depends on the size/shape of your waffle iron Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ¾ tsp. salt 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground cloves 4 large eggs 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup milk ½ cup sour cream 3 tbsp. unsulfured molasses Directions In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.  Whisk to blend.  In a medium bowl, combine the...

New Orleans Beans and Rice

Image
I forgot to take a picture of this when it was spooned all nicely into a bowl, so this is more of an afterthought. This had good flavor, but was a bit dry because I didn't follow the instructions like I should have. You're supposed to soak the beans, which helps create a sauce, and I just used canned beans, so I only have myself to blame. Plus, I didn't have scallions, I used brown rice instead of white (white soaks up more of the sauce), and bought the wrong kind of parsley. Overall, it actually worked out pretty good considering I botched it up so badly, but this has the potential to be great if done correctly. As it was, Jared and I both gave it a 6. We also sprinkled Cajun seasoning on top, which was a a great addition. I got the recipe from my Fine Cooking magazine. 1 lb. (2-1/2 cups) dried Anasazi beans I used 2 cans of red beans  1 Tbs. pure olive oil 6 oz. fully cooked andouille or other spicy smoked sausage, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inc...

Chocolate Truffle Tart

Image
Now that my 3-month spell of morning sickness is finally over, I am back to trying new recipes. This one is a winner. Jared gave it an 8 and I gave it an 8.5. I got it off of annies-eats.com and thought it was really rich and decadent. I added a homemade caramel sauce on top, which the recipe didn't call for, but this made it extra good. Also, I don't have tart pans, so just cooked this in a regular pie plate and it turned out fine. Chocolate Truffle Tart Yield: about 10-12 servings INGREDIENTS For the tart shell: 1 large egg yolk 1 tbsp. heavy cream ½ tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup (5 oz.) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the work surface ¼ cup (¾ oz.) Dutch-process cocoa powder 2/3 cup (2 2/3 oz.) confectioners’ sugar ¼ tsp. salt 8 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes For the filling: 12 oz. good quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped I used Callebaut 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 1 cup heavy cream 1 tbsp. liqueur, such as Kahl...

Cream Cheese Brownies

  My friend Lisa served these at a book group, and they were fantastic. I have no picture because I have only eaten them and I didn’t get a picture before I ate it. I give them an 8.5. Cream Cheese Brownies 2 cubes butter 2 cups sugar Cream these together, and then add 4 eggs. Cream. Add 4 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate (this is about 4 wrapped squares). Add 1 cup flour. Put this in a 9x13 pan Then, in a separate bowl add softened brick of low-fat cream cheese, 1 egg, and 1/3 cup sugar. Add 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips. Glop evenly over the top, and then fold into batter with a fork. Bake at 325 for 50 minutes, until the cream cheese will brown and brownies crack.

Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Tomatillo Guacamole

Image
This is another recipe from Fine Cooking magazine, and it was really, really good. I like it better than my other black bean burger recipe, but I think the guacamole is what makes this dish so fantastic. John used ranch dressing because he is allergic to guacamole, and he wasn’t as big of a fan. I give these an 8,and have noted my changes below in bold. For the burgers 1 cup lower-salt chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 cup quinoa (white, red, or black), well rinsed 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil; more as needed I used less oil to pan fry these, probably 1/4 cup 1 small fresh poblano chile, finely chopped 4 scallions, thinly sliced 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed I used a bit more, probably an additional half cup 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro It could use a bit more, but not much 1/2 cup plain panko 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 tsp. mild pure chile powder, such as ancho 1/4 tsp. ground cumin Kosher salt 6 English muffins, toasted I thin...

Quinoa and Mushroom Risotto

Image
  My picture might sucks, but this was really great. I give it an 8. It came from Fine Cooking magazine, and I have noted my changes below in below. 2 Tbs. unsalted butter I used half olive oil 4 oz. fresh mushrooms (any variety), trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 1 cup) I used cremini, and added way more than this Kosher salt 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal I used 4 scallions 1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped 2 oz. snow peas, sliced 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal (about 1/2 cup) Freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbs. olive oil 2 cups quinoa, preferably white, well rinsed 1/2 cup dry white wine I left this out and substituted broth 4 cups lower-salt vegetable or chicken broth; more as needed 1/3 cup crème fraîche I used sour cream instead, but needed probably 3/4 cup 1/2 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/2 cup using a rasp grater) 2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley I put this in, but I’m not the hugest fan of parsley, so I cou...