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Entries Tagged as 'fruit'

Mini Strawberry Chocolate Tart with Whipped Goat Cheese & Basil Micro Greens

5.19.2013

Let’s talk about micro greens. Do you eat them? Do you grow them? To be perfectly honest, I had not had much experience with them before this spring. After planting my two gardens, I was still left with tons of seeds until I rememberd an article my Grandma sent me a few months back about using extra seeds to make micro greens. The process is simple and only takes between 7 and 14 days to grow. So while you are sitting around waiting for those tomato plants to produce fruit three months down the road, you could have already harvested six rounds of micro greens!

For this recipe, I used basil micro greens which complimented the strawberries wonderfully. It tasted like summer in every bite. I’ve found the basil micro greens to be the most flavorful so far but the swiss chard is the prettiest. With tiny strips of pink, yellow, and red…it’s hard to resist not topping everything with them. If you are into the idea of making your own micro greens, check out Claire’s post on it here or hop on over to Organic Gardening for their step by step tutorial.

Also, on the topic of new things, I was at the farmer’s market earlier today and my friend mentioned how her boyfriend eats the strawberries with the stems on. I immediately asked if she had told me he wasn’t supposed to do that and she laughed. She then went on to tell me that although it’s not standard, it’s in fact totally okay to eat the stems and that she has no right telling him not to do it. I didn’t believe her. After much research (aka – hopping on my iPhone), I discovered that I was completely wrong. MIND BLOWN. AND…this was a game changer! I loved sliced strawberries but they are so much more beautiful whole. Hence the reason i kept them whole in this recipe…you can totally dig into the ENTIRE strawberry. BUT, if that is too weird for you (it’s okay, I totally understand) then feel free to chop the strawberries into thin slices or chunks.

If you’d like to just make one regular pie size version instead of two miniature, just double the recipe below.

Mini Strawberry Chocolate Tart with Whipped Goat Cheese & Basil Micro Greens

Makes 2 mini tarts (double recipe to make a standard pie size) / Gluten-Free

For the crust:

1 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

For the filling:

1.5 ounces of goat cheese, at room temperature
2 Tablespoons greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon maple syrup

About 1 1/2 cups strawberries
handful of basil micro greens (or regular basil if you can’t find micro greens)

To make the crust: Whisk together the almond flour and salt. Add in the maple syrup and coconut oil and whisk until a crumbly dough forms. Divide the dough in half and press the dough into two miniature pie pans (or a regular size pie pan if you doubled the recipe). Use a fork and pierce the dough all over. Stick in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 15 minutes or until it starts to brown. Remove from oven and let cool before adding toppings.

In a blender or food processor, combine the goat cheese, yogurt, and maple syrup. Spread into an even layer on the tart crusts.

Top with strawberries and basil micro greens.

Strawberry Rhubarb with Ginger Crumb Pie [Vegan]

5.12.2013

I had making a pie on the mind all week. I don’t get this urge very often (mostly because making a pie for two is just plain irresponsible) but decided to let myself indulge this time. My original thought was a blueberry basil pie but I was going to be open to whatever the farmer’s market would supply me. The only fruit I ended up finding at the market were strawberries and I knew I had to get them. They were petite and had the irresistible rustic appearance that wild strawberries often times have. This led to an internal struggle though…what other flavor combination would I use with strawberries? There was no basil at the market so that was out. I knew that rhubarb was the right choice (being in season and because strawberry rhubarb makes everything taste like a fruit roll up – in a good way) but I didn’t want to admit it at first. The ground breaking culinary discovery that rhubarb and strawberries were made for each other happened long before VV came around. What would make my pie different from the 100 million other recipes out there?

After racking my brain & running through every spice and herb imaginable in my head, it clicked. Ginger. Ginger had become my BFF over the winter (when I was constantly warding off a cold with Ginger Lemon Tonics). I immidetely imagined a gingerly zing hitting the tongue moments after the strawberry rhubarb kicked in for a second layer of flavorings. And you know what? I was right. I am SO glad I was right. Thank you, ginger. Strawberry Rhubarb pies will never be the same.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Ginger Crumble

Adapted from Vegan Pie in The Sky

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening
4 Tablespoons ice water
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

For the Filling:

2 1/2 cups rhubarb, cute into 1/2 inch chunks
3 1/2 cups strawberries, cut into 1/2 in chunks (fresh or frozen)
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1/3 cup Earth Balance (or other vegan butters or regular butter if not wanting to make vegan)

For the crust: Combine the sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter (or your clean hands) cut in the shortening to the mixture until coarse crumbly dough as formed.

In another small bowl, combine the ice water with the vinegar. Drizzle 1/3 over the water over the flour mixture and stir. Drizzle another 1/3 over the mixture and stir again. Drizzle the rest of the water over the dough and form a soft dough ball. If the mixture hasn’t come together, add another tablespoon of ice water. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Let sit in the fridge for an hour.

For the filling / crumb: Combine all the filling ingredients in a bowl and set aside. For the crumb, combine the flour, sugar, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Drizzle in the butter with one hand and swish around the mixture with a spatula with your other hand. Mix until large crumbles form.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll the dough out on floured parchment paper (this will help you transfer it to your pie to the pan). You’ll want to make a 12″ circle with the dough. Quickly flip the dough into your pie pan and remove parchment paper. Add filling over dough and then spread the crumble evenly over the top.

Cover with aluminum foil and poke a few holes to let steam escape. Bake for 20 minutes and then lower heat down to 350 degrees. Remove foil and let cook for another 30 minutes or until the topping has browned.

Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.

CHIMICHURRI Ramps Bread with Lemon Thyme Butter

4.25.2013

I came across ramps for the first time at the farmer’s market two weeks ago. The nice man who sold them to me explained that they are a type of mild wild garlic and grow in the early spring. The first recipe I tried was a Lemon Risotto from The Kitchn and I was instantly hooked. I went back the next week and picked up another bundle.

This time around I wanted to create my own recipe. When researching ideas, I came across chimichurri and knew I had to try it. Chimichurri is an Argentina sauce that is usually lathered all over meat. If you’ve ever read ‘The Butcher and The Vegetarian’ than you probably can recall the wonderful ways she described chimichurri. She spoke of it making her dizzy from the fresh flavors and needing more. That was enough for me to know I wanted to try it.

But…my adventures with chimichurri didn’t stop there. After lathering it on anything in sight, I wanted to also cook with it. Traditionally it’s rubbed on meat…which isn’t an option for me so I decided to do something completely different – through it in the loaf of bread I had planned to make anyways! And dayuuum…. not only was it beautiful with streaks of green running through it but the bread was soft and so flavorful that you could eat the whole thing plain. Or make some simple lemon thyme butter to dab on top.

Chimichurri Ramps Bread with Lemon Thyme Butter

Chimichurri:

1 bunch of ramps (about 10 stalks)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 red pepper flakes
dash of pepper

For the bread:

1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons yeast
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup shredded parmesan

For the butter:

6 Tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
Zest from half of an organic lemon

To make the chimichurri: Rinse the ramps and cut off the roots and any rough tips. Slice into big chunks. Place all ingredients in a food processor (or blender) until a smooth paste forms. Lather all over slices of baguette or roasted veggies or proceed and make delicious bread out of it…

To make the bread: Combine the warm water and yeast in the large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. Next, add in the flour, salt, and olive oil and mix until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for ten minutes (you can also do this in a stand mixer with a bread attachment – sadly, my mixer gave out on me last month so I’m going old school). Transfer kneaded dough to an oiled bowl and cover with a clean dish towel. Let rise in a warm place for an hour.

Next, turn the dough out onto floured surface and roll into a rectangle (about 18 by 12 inches). Top with the chimichurri. Roll the long side of the dough towards you and pinch the ends closed (the same way you roll cinnamon into cinnamon rolls). Slice down the middle lengthwise, twist both pieces, and use the two parts to bread the bread by twirling around each other. Transfer to a greased baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 and bake for roughly 25 minutes or until golden on top.

To make the thyme lemon butter: Mash the lemon zest, softened butter, and thyme together. Serve soft or wrap in parchment paper and stick in the fridge until firm.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Angel Food Cupcakes with Brandied Strawberries

4.20.2013

If you are a regular around here you may have noticed my usual ‘Searchable Saturday’ post missing these last two weeks. I am currently re-vamping that weekly column and will hopefully have it back in the coming weeks. To hold you over until it’s back, feel free to find my weekly inspirations over on Pinterest.

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I learned all my baking techniques backward. Instead of learning the basics right off the bat – I dove right into vegan baking after moving into my first kitchen. This means I can whip up a Vegan Chia Latte cupcake like no one’s business but often times still feel lost when trying to make a traditional cake…like one that involves 4 sticks of butter and 3 pounds of powdered sugar (do people actually put that much butter in a single recipe?!).

I’ve begun working backwards and am try to get a grasp on as many aspects of baking as possible (branching out from vegan and gluten free). So, while wondering through the bakery section of my co-op the other day, I realized I’ve never made angel food cake from scratch. It’s something that has always been so easily accessible to me going up that I never really gave a thought to where it came from. Perhaps from a box? Or from the grocery store bakery? But what about homemade – had I ever really had homemade angel food cake? I was beginning to doubt I had. And something needed to be done about it.

I began doing research (AKA searched google) and discovered my challenge for making angel food cake would be whipping the egg whites until ‘soft peaks formed‘. I had read that term before and only accomplished it one other time – when making The Butterscotch Roll Up Cake for this little blog’s birthday. I remember being SUPER intimidated by this term and watching many youtube videos before trying it myself. I had successfully accomplished making those ‘soft peaks’ but had pretty much steered clear of any recipe with this step in it since. However, the rest of making angel food cake seemed SO simple with its few ingredients and minimal steps that I knew I could shy away no longer.

In the end, the soft peaks term was nothing to fear. I used this handy visual guide from TheKitchn to make sure my egg whites were whipped properly and boom – the cupcakes turned out light and fluffy! Oh, and delicious. The chocolate chunks sank to the bottom because of the light batter but it made an amazing angel food sandwich – with dark chocolate on the bottom, boozy strawberries on top, and angel food cake in the center.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Angel Food Cupcakes with Brandied Strawberries

Brandied Strawberries:

1/2 pint strawberries, sliced
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 Tablespoon brandy

For the cupcakes:

3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
1/2 cup all purpose flour
5 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 dark chocolate chunks (or regular chocolate chips)

For the frosting:

1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons milk

Slice the strawberries and place them in a bowl with the brown sugar and brandy. Cover and place in the fridge while you prepare everything else (try to let them sit in their for at least an hour).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and slightly grease a 12 muffin pan.

In a small bowl, combine the flour and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Set aside.

Add the 5 egg whites to your stand mixer bowl and beat until foamy. Next, add the cream of tartar and salt and turn the mixer up to high. Gradually add in the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and then vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form.

Next, fold in the flour mixture in three additions. Try to keep the batter as light and fluffy as possible and doing it in three additions will help not to weigh it down. Keep folding until everything is incorporated.

Transfer batter to the prepared muffin tins and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You can tell they are done if the center is browned and bounces back slightly when you touch it.

Remove from heat and transfer to a cooling rack (I’ve read that you should place them face down on the cooling rack so they don’t sink – I didn’t have a problem with them sinking but would recommend you do this step just in case).

To make the frosting: Use a mixer to beat the butter until creamy. Next, add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beatings on medium speed. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Drain the strawberries of any excess sugar liquid (or reserve it to drizzle on top).Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them and top with brandied strawberries.

Blueberry Thyme Soda

4.12.2013

I’m obsessed with my Soda Stream. Like more than anyone should ever be with a kitchen appliance. I was on the fence about getting one since it seems like such a unnecessary expense but I’ve never looked back. I use it more than my oven, more than my blender, more than my crock pot, and more than my coffee makers – how is that for an ‘unnecessary expensive’? I’ll even go as far to say that I drink less sugary juice and alcohol because I’d rather have a big glass of carbonated water.

In the end, my need to give up every other drink is both a relief and boring. I’ve spent my whole life being the most indecisive person all of my friends and family know. I’m not sure why picking an ice cream flavor is the end of the world for me – but sometimes it can feel like it. I sometimes wonder if that is why I secretly like being a vegetarian. I only have to scan restaurant menus for the tiny ‘meat-free section’ and can pick between 3 options instead of 30. That’s the relief part.

The boring part is well…exactly how it sounds. I’m not exactly ‘bringing all the boys to the yard’ with my amazing drink selections. And sometimes I feel unprepared when having people over and all I have to offer is water. Making my own ‘soda syrups’ was my answer to this problem. These syrups are not like the ones I make for cocktails (see Rosemary Lemonade or Blueberry Limeade Cocktail) and are more like the subtle flavor you would get from a flavored sparkling water (AKA a La Croix). I sweetened this with honey instead of sugar for a mellow flavor that also make your water look beautiful (without all those ‘natural flavorings’ – whatever those are).

Also, I should note that if you don’t have a soda stream that you can certainly just pick up a liter of sparkling water at the grocery (probably for 50 cents or less) and still give this recipe a go.

Now here’s to hoping spring sticks around along enough for me to whip this up again this weekend for some friends!

Blueberry Thyme Soda

1 pint blueberries, slightly mashed
1 cup water
1 spring thyme
3 teaspoons honey*
1 liter of sparkling water

In a small sauce, combine the mashed blueberries, water, and thyme. Bring to a boil and stir in the honey. Let simmer for about ten minutes. Remove from heat and look come to room temperature (or stick in the fridge overnight for a more intensive flavor).

Strain the blueberry mixture and discard the pulp/thyme sprig. Add the blueberry syrup to sparkling water and garnish with more thyme sprigs.

*Use agave to make vegan

Blueberry Basil Peach Fizz

3.13.2013

And here is the cocktail recipe I promised to go along with the Basil Blueberry Infused vodka. It’s simple with the shining ingredients being the garnish. But that’s the way I like my cocktails. Feel free to smash the blueberries a little bit if you like a little chunk in your drink. This drink will probably be even better in a few months when berries start to become in season. I should have waited…but I’m impatient. Ah well.

Also. The whole peach and blueberry combination is my all time favorite. Try it with a Cobbler Cake or in this cocktail. It’s delicious. Heck, it may even replace your favorite strawberries and banana. Or mango and orange. It’s pretty amazing. You won’t be disappointed.

Blueberry Basil Peach Fizz

1 ounce blueberry basil infused vodka
1 cup soda water (more or less depending on how strong you like your cocktail)
2 basil leaves
small handful blueberries
1 slice of a peach
Ice

Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Then pour 1 ounce of infused vodka and soda water over it. Top with blueberries and basil leaves. Stick peach slice on rim of glass. Enjoy!

Basil Blueberry Infused Vodka

3.10.2013

This is less of a recipe and more of a kitchen experiment. It involves letting vodka absorb the flavors for up to a weeks time. And involves sip tasting everyday. And adjusting the ingredients throughout the week. It involves playing with flavor combinations and getting use to what ingredients absorb into the alcohol quicker than others. It involves patients and curiosity. And, of course, a love for cocktail mixing.

The fascination with mixing my own cocktails started last summer with simple syrups. A simple syrup is, as stated in its name, ridiculously simple to “simmer” up. But you know what else I discovered is as simple to make? Rosemary simple syrup. Blueberry simple syrup. Cranberry simple syrup. The options are literally endless.

So after I had mastered the simple syrup, I was ready to move onto more DIY ways to make my own cocktails unique. I tampered with the idea of making my own bitters (after reading articles such as this one and several books from the library) but the ingredients were obscure and I never did get around to ordering the supplies (one day!).

And after many months of my cocktail making desires being dormant, I stumbled upon infused alcohol. I was out at dive bar where our friend was playing a show and noticed a bunch of jars behind the bar filled with fruits, herbs, and flowers. I questioned the bartender who was reluctant to give me too many details (perhaps he thought I was a spy from their competing bar next door) but what I did get out was that they were filled with alcohol and being infused for the next 4 days. In my slightly tipsy state, immediately upon returning home, I questioned google about what could have possibly been going on in those jars and how I could try it out. I came to the conclusion that they were making infused alcohols and couldn’t wait to try it myself.

This is the first of two I’ve tested. I also have a ginger blood orange rum that still needs another day or two (more on that in the coming days – hopefully). I have a delicious cocktail recipe I served with this vodka but you’ll have to wait for that. Can’t give you guys too much in one post!

Make sure to experiment with your own flavor profiles! Try light colored alcohols to absorb the flavors quicker and think of your favorite herb , spices, and fruit combinations. If the first round doesn’t work out, don’t give up. Experimenting is all about playing around and it may take a few times to get to a flavor you are proud of. The infused alcohol will take anywhere from a few days to a week – all herbs and fruits release flavors at different amounts of time so be patient and sample your alcohol often.

Basil Blueberry Infused Vodka

1 pint blueberries, rinsed
handful of basil
1 cup vodka

Transfer 1/2 the blueberries to sealable jar or container. Slightly smash them open so the flavors can be released. Muddle the basil leaves with a mortar and pestle (or use your hands to rip the leaves apart). Place in jar with the blueberries and add vodka. Seal jar and stick in the fridge for up to a week. Check daily and add more blueberries or basil depending on the desired flavor. [I ended up adding the entire pint of blueberries by the time the week was over but didn't add anymore basil].

Strain using a small mesh strainer or coffee filter. Serve in cocktails or by itself.

Song of the day:

Citrus Pisco Negroni

2.13.2013

I don’t have a very sophisticated palette when it comes to alcohol. When sampling something, I would know the difference between red and white. Between gin and vodka. And between spiced rum and whiskey. That is about it. It’s not by choice…I love the idea of knowing how to tell where a wine is from based on the type of grapes that were used. Or being able to predict how old a whiskey is based on the bite it gives. It’s just not a skill that I have activity seeked out [ yet? ].

So I was pretty excited when Wyatt received a nice bottle of Pisco as a birthday gift (Thanks, Ma!). Pisco?! What’s that you ask? It’s a Chilean (or Peruvian) grape brandy that is usually clear or yellowish in color. How sophisticated does that sound? I can already sense my alcohol knowledge expanding as I type this.

We’ve tried a couple cocktail recipes and this one is by far my favorite. It’s very alcoholic yet mild tasting (if that makes sense). I like to add a splash of sparkling water because I’m a wimpy drinker (which my Mother likes to remind me every time we have a family gathering. Thanks, again, Ma..) and I like a bit of fizz in my cocktail. Wyatt prefers the drink without the water so feel free to adjust depending on how strong you like your cocktails.

Whip these up for guests next time you feel like showing off to your guests. “Ohh, I just can’t get over how much I’ve been into this Peruvian grape brandy lately…”

Citrus Pisco Negroni

Serves 2

6 Tablespoons Pisco
1/4 cup Campari
1/4 cup sweet vermouth
8 drops orange bitters
sparkling water, optional
cherries, for garnish
Orange peel, for garnish

Add Pisco, Campari, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a shaker. Shake well. Fill 2 glasses with ice and add Pisco mixture. Add a splash to sparking water and garnish with cherries and an orange peel.

‘Detox Affair’ Juice

1.28.2013

EVERYONE in my office is sick and it makes me crazy paranoid. I feel like I can’t even go to the bathroom without fearing that I’ll catch the plague. I know it’s not a big deal but being sick really brings me down (as it does most people, I’d assume). And it makes me feel like I “lost” – I know that sounds crazy but I try so hard to take care of myself and my body. It just seems like my body would be telling me ‘Nope. You failed!”. Arg, shut up body and keep absorbing that Emergencee (Vitamin C tablet) I fed you an hour ago!

Anyhow, I know what you are thinking… “A Juicing Recipe, REALLY? How trendy are you?!”. But guess what…I live in the middle of the Midwest and Juice Bars have not taken over yet. Most people don’t even juice around here [yet] so, technically, I am still ahead of you, Midwest!

Also, I’m not here to tell you that juicing will change your life. Or that you should go on a juicing cleanse. Or that you should spend your entire paycheck (which I would probably have to) in order to juice 4 times a day. In fact, I don’t even know if I’m that crazy about juicing yet. I mean there is soooo much fiber that is lost in the process and it seems like a good chunk of the fruit / vegetable is wasted.

Soooo…if I’m so skeptical then why do I do it? Well, for one, I LOVE green smoothies but can’t seem to handle / bring myself to enjoy the heaviness / texture / cold of them in the dead of winter. With juicing, it’s light and packed full of flavor and easy to down in 5 seconds. Plus, I have x10 more energy in the morning if I start with this drink.

This is what I call my ‘detox affair’. I usually whip it up if I wake up feeling a sore throat coming on, drink a little too much the night before, or am having mad anxiety about getting the plague.

Interested in learning more about juicing? I find this post and this post to be particularly helpful.

Wash everything and make sure to use organic produce. Peel the citrus and core the apple. Stick everything through a juicer. Perfect for one big glass or two small ones.

Something to juice to:

Caramelized Banana Scones with Whiskey Chocolate Drizzle

1.22.2013

If you follow VV on facebook then you heard me lusting over scones yesterday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE scones and am always finding new inspiration for flavor combinations. Last time I made those [drool] Dark Chocolate Raspberry Espresso Scones and this time I continued with the chocolate /// fruit theme. We’ve got chunks of sugary and melt-in-your-mouth caramelized banana s topped with boozy dark chocolate drizzle. Think of these as a fantastic mix between your favorite morning banana pancakes (you know that texture – where the bananas start to caramelize on the bottom of the pancake) and that chocolate covered banana that you always crave after watching Arrested Development. Oh.. and then throw a warm and flaky scone into the mix [and maybe some coffee on the side]. BOOM. So amazing.

Caramelized Banana Scones with Whiskey Chocolate Drizzle

basic scone recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen

2 bananas, peeled and cut into chunks + 1 Tablespoon sugar + 1 Tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar + more to sprinkle on top
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
1/4 cup milk
1 egg

For the drizzle:

2.5 ounces dark chocolate
1/4 cup milk (+ a few more tablespoons to thin it to desired consistency)
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons whiskey

Start by caramelizing the bananas: Melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium low in a small skillet. Roll the bananas in the tablespoon of sugar and transfer to skillet. Let the bananas caramelize until they start to brown and break down but remove from heat before they become mushy.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Use your hands or a pastry knife to incorporate the butter until a coarse dough as formed. Mix in the egg and milk until just incorporated (don’t overmix!). Fold in the bananas and transfer dough to a floured surface. Flatten dough and make an inch thick dough. Cut the dough into 6 pieces (like a pie!) and transfer to a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and cook for 30 minutes or until firm.

To make the drizzle: In a double broiler, melt the chocolate, milk, and sugar. Whisk constantly until everything is combined and remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature and whisk in the whiskey. If too thick to drizzle, add a little milk (a teaspoon at a time) until your desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over warm scones.

Track of the day:

Wake up with Mascarpone: Breakfast Bowl & Breakfast Sandwich

1.10.2013

Usually when I purchase mascarpone, I use it up in one sitting by making a fruit dip or smothering on top of cookies. However, this time I’ve been savoring it by throwing a tablespoon or two into pretty much ever meal. Pasta? Sure, why not!? Granola. Yes, please! blondies? Why not dip them in mascarpone? It’s been wonderful to open up the fridge and wonder “what can I douse in mascarpone today?”.

This intention has caused the creation of two delicious, quick breakfasts. I am the type of person who wakes up 20 minutes before she has to leave for work and needs a breakfast FAST. The first one is an indulgent twist on my usual morning granola and yogurt. And the second is a bit more YOLO (do you say that? I don’t actually say that…I just could not think of a better describing word. Thank you mainstream media for RUINING MY VOCABULARY).

Let me elaborate a bit more on my contrast between these two breakfasts. I have a [wonderful] boyfriend who is so skinny that you could probably see threw him when he turns to the side. This really irritates me when we eat 80% of the same foods (the other 20% is him getting a side of fries when I get a side salad) and it’s like he is getting skinnier as I am getting bigger! This is good in the aspect that it strives for me to constantly eat better as to not become the husky one in this relationship. But, at the same time and out of frustration, it also makes me want to down an entire jar of nutella when he is not looking. So this week’s breakfasts have consisted of ‘Morning bebe. Here is a big bowl of Granola / Mascarpone / Fruit that I made us for breakfast” and “Oh, you aren’t awake yet? Well I’m downing this Nutella / Ciabatta / Mascarpone sandwich before you get up” [I mean the Nutella has been in that cabinet for far too long...it could go bad soon! I'm only eating this as to not waste food...maybe...no, not really].

So, whether you are feeling like treating yourself or giving your body a good foundation for the day, one of these breakfasts should satisfy your needs. I’d suggest you whip up a batch of your own mascarpone so you can have yummy, creamy breakfasts to look forward to all week as well!

Mascarpone Breakfast Bowl

1 cup homemade granola (I used my pumpkin granola but use whatever you like)
1/4 cup fresh mascarpone
1/2 vanilla bean
drizzle of honey
fresh fruit

Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrap out the seeds. Discard the pod and transfer seeds to small bowl with the mascarpone. Whisk until combined and then pour in granola. Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.

Mascarpone Breakfast Sandwich with Nutella & Fresh Fruit

1 slice ciabatta bread
2-3 Tablespoons Nutella or any hazelnut spread
2-3 Tablespoons fresh mascarpone
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Fresh fruit

Slice the ciabatta bread in half and spread the Nutella on one side and the mascarpone on the other. Sprinkle the cinnamon on both sides and spread a single layer of bread. Fold the two pieces into each other and set under the broiler for a minute (or until your desired warm/crispiness is achieved). Eat immediately [preferably before anyone else sees you or else you may have to make more].

Daily dose. Why wake up slowly? Let’s get this day going:

Honey Ginger Lemon Tonic

12.18.2012

So, all anyone is posting about right now is Christmas. Which is awesome. I LOVE Christmas and kind of wish I was posting the awesome homemade gifts I made for everyone. Unfortunately, I am not… because I am sick and cannot bring myself to think about all the 10000xxx things I still need to do before Christmas. All that is currently on my mind is getting more lemons from my local co-op (which seems soooo far away right now)….

Within my four years of college, I had the fortunate (and at times, unfortunate) experience of living with 12 different people. This exposed me to many different eating patterns, traditions, methods of cooking, and ideologies about ‘what is healthy’. I’ve lived with people who ate too much, who didn’t eat, who ate pills for meals, who wouldn’t eat carbs but loved downing a tub of ice cream, and who believed in only eating out. Living with people… you see them at their highs and lows. At one point or another, I probably saw every single one of these people sick, depressed, drunk, excited, and exhausted. Everyone has different ways of dealing with emotions; although I’ve lived with a few who thought that sprite was the answer to any sickness (no, thanks!) or a greasy pile of french fries would cure any upsetting ailment, I’ve stuck by one of my roommates method. She lives by the idea that if you catch your cold or flu coming on early enough, it could be prevented with a whole lot of orange juice and a honey lemon tonic.

Since living with her, I’ve adapted her tonic slightly by adding ginger (which helps boost the immune system) and it’s fantastic (well..as fantastic as anything is when you are sick). The taste is not overpowering (am I the only one who hates the taste of EVERYTHING when I’m sick?), the hot water is soothing on your throat, and the ginger/honey/lemon juice are helping you to kick that cold.

Honey Ginger Lemon Tonic

Serves 1

2 cups of water
2 lemon slices
1/2 inch of ginger, roughly chopped
~2 teaspoons of honey

Add water and ginger into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and squeeze the juice from the lemon slices in to the water (then throw the slices in). Let simmer for about 3 minutes and then remove from heat. Add the honey to your favorite mug (add more if you like it sweet) and transfer the water mixture to the mug. Drink warm so the water can soothe your throat.

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

12.12.2012

So I curated (doesn’t that sound so much more important than planned?!) 90 percent of my family’s Thanksgiving dinner menu this year. The only thing I did not pick out was the Wild Rice Stuffing which my aunt made. And it was probably my favorite thing that was served that day. I don’t really have much experience with wild rice and I was blown away by the added texture it gave to the stuffing.

And so this experience made we realize I want more wild rice in my life which led to me making these stuffed squashes. And let me tell you….this stuffed acorn were great but I probably ended up eating 50% of the wild rice mixture before I could even get around to sticking it in the acorns. It was chewy and savory and sweet (thanks to the maple syrup!) and oh so addicting. I’m already dreaming of quick winter salads that are really just a healthy (throw the term ‘salad’ at the end of anything and it becomes guilt-free) way to talking about this wild rice mixture!

Anyhow, this is great as a side dish or even as a main vegetarian entree at your next dinner party (which, according to The Kitchn, are dead these days)!

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Serve 2 as a side. Adapted from My Daily Morsel

1 acorn squash, sliced in half
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup wild rice
2 cups vegetable stock (I used my own from this recipe)
2 scallions
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries (or any dried fruit), chopped
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Juice from half an orange
salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet and place squash cut side down. Cover the squash with tin foil and roast for 40 minutes or until cooked all the way through.

In the meantime, prepare the inside. Heat oil over medium in a large saucepan. Add onions and saute until soft (about five minutes). Next, add in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, wild rice, and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until all the stock has evaporated/ been absorbed (about 20 to 25 minutes).

Remove from heat and fold in the pecans, scallions, cherries, maple syrup, and orange juice. Season with salt and pepper. Once the acorn squash is finished cooking, stuff with the wild rice mixture and enjoy warm!

Muesli Bread

10.23.2012

I know I push making homemade staples on you guys (see: DIY ketchup, Vegetable Broth, Pumpkin Granola, etc etc etc) but I only do it with the best intentions in mind. It’s healthier, you know exactly what is going into your body, and it often times taste better. I totally get that you aren’t going to always have time to make everything from scratch but you really should make some time now and then to make homemade bread. It may sound unnecessary when you can walk down the street and pick up a loaf for 4 dollars but let me tell you…nothing compares to homemade bread. There is something so satisfyingly addicting about fresh, steamy, buttered bread hot out of the oven. It’s more addicting than that chocolate you sneak after dinner… than that giant triple espresso latte your body tells you it needs in the morning…this stuff is probably more addicting [and healthier] than crack [although I have no real life experience to testify this - sorry!].

Anyhow, cooler weather means we can turn our oven on for more than 20 minutes without fainting..or worse yet, feeling guilty about having it on. It means we stay in doors more [unless you are a skier...then you are gearing up for your most busy season. Luckily, my brother go the skiing bug in my family so I can safely say I prefer the indoors during the cooler months] so we have more time to prep the dough, we have more excuses to heat the house by turning the oven up, and we have more reason to “carb-up” [probably not a word but I'm using it] so our bodies can use those calories to keep us warm. Okay, maybe I am over exaggerating a bit…it is still 60 degrees out there but when you are dealing with something as amazing as fresh bread, you NEED to extend the bread season as long as possible. So put your slippers on, turn that oven up, and start shivering so your body can crave those carbs!

Last “bread season” I tackled Garlic Naan, Breadmaker Jalapeno Cheese Bread, Pretzel Bread, Fall Focaccia, and Oatmeal Honey Buttermillk loaves (my personal favorite) – to name a few. This season, I am starting it off with this breakfast Muesli Bread! I am really gonna have to go big this season because this bread is already one of my favorites! Not only is it gorgeous to look at but it’s bursting with flavor from the nuts, seeds, and dried fruit! We ate this for breakfast with a thin layer of butter and strawberry preserves…oh. my. goodness. I wish breakfast could be this indulgent all the time!

Muesli Bread

adapted from Minimalist Baker

1 1/2 cups warm water
3 1/4 cups flour + more for dusting
1/2 Tablespoon salt
3/4 Tablespoon fast acting yeast
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried cherries (or any dried fruit you’d prefer)
1/4 cup almonds, chopped

In a small measuring cup, combine the warm water and yeast and set aside (this will give the yeast a few minutes to ‘activate’ and start foaming). Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the water mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined (this will either take a sturdy spatula or maybe even your hands…the dough will be very sticky).

Once the dough has formed a ball, place in an oiled bowl and cover with a towel. Look sit for 1 hour in a warm spot and then transfer to the fridge for an hour.

Once the dough is ready, remove from the fridge and transfer to a floured counter top. Knead the dough a few times and then add in the almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cherries. Knead until everything is incorporated (try to keep the add-ins as much in the middle as possible because they tend to burn if they are sticking out on top).

Transfer dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with flour. Adjust your oven racks so there is one on the lowest spot and then one in the middle. Place a metal or cast iron (NOT GLASS) pan on the bottom shelf and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Let dough rise for about 20 minutes or until the oven has preheated. Stick the dough into the preheated oven and pour a cup of warm water into the metal pan (it’ll steam – don’t worry! It’s suppose to!) and cook for about 30 minutes.

Remove from oven once the top is browned and serve warm with butter // jam.

Persimmon Pudding

9.30.2012

Persimmon pudding + vanilla bean ice cream = !!!

Last Sunday I attempted to go apple picking at a nearby orchard with Wyatt and a few friends. Although all the apples had already fallen from the tree, we had an enjoyable time checking out the tiny orchard shop filled with homemade dips, vintage candies, fresh produce, and more. As we were exploring, I came across a random cooler in the back corner labeled ‘persimmon pulp’. I had never heard of a persimmon before and was rather embarrassed when I sloppily tried to pronounce it only to be corrected by a nearby friend. He continued to tell me that his parents have a persimmon tree, they made pudding out the fallen fruit every year, and he had even made a short video about the process.

So… as a learning experience to myself (and perhaps you!), I purchased a container of the pulp and stick it in my fridge for later use.

And thus, later came this morning when I thawed the pulp and whipped up my first ever batch of pudding! If those pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple crisp tasted like Fall then this taste like Thanksgiving [am I allowed to use events as describing words for flavors? well, I just did]. It’s loaded full of nutmeg and cloves and has a similar texture to pumpkin pie filling. Oh man, it’s so yummy!

I followed this video by my friend David Woodruff to make my own amazing persimmon pudding and I suggest you should too:

Sweet Berry Tart

4.05.2012

You can probably expect to see a lot of baking posts in the next month. Things are winding down with school which means stress is at an all time high as I finish this chapter in my life and begin to prepare for a new one. This entire year has been a game of decision making and I am constanly hoping I make the right ones. The time is nearling where I will begin to see where my decision takes me and I feel like I have been holding my breath waiting. In the meantime, I’ve turned to yoga and baking to cure my anxiety.

This tart was influeced by how beautiful I thought the Galette was that we made the other month and this could almost be considered a sweet spin on that recipe (although I am going to continue to call it a tart because I have a diffferent “sweet spin” in mind that I plan to recreate for a sweet Galette ASAP- stay tuned for that!).

Anyways, this tart did turn out beautiful and absolutely delicious! I have become a big fan of these “free form” type crusts instead of the traditional because I just love the rustic look it gives to the pies; it just gives off more of a home cooked feel than standard pies that mimic the same kind you purchase in the store.

For the crust:

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces
3 tbsp ice water

Filling:

1 pint strawberries
1 pint blueberries
2 tbsp cornstarch
dash of lime juice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg + 1 tsp water, beaten together

1 tsp strawberry jam
1 tsp water

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Using your hands, rub the butter into the dry mixture until it all resembles coarse sand. Then, add in the ice cold water and form a ball of dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 5 minutes or until chilled.

To make the filling, combine the berries, cornstarch, sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Let sit while you roll out the dough to help make a thick syrup.

Take the dough out of the freezer and use a rolling pin to make a 12 inch circular crust. Scoop the filling into the mixture and make sure to leave an inch or two empty to fold over. Next, fold over the edges and brush them with the egg/water mixture.

Cook for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 375 and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the berries have softened and the crust has browned.

Combine the teaspoon of jam and water together and crush on top for a nice glaze.

Serve with ice cream or whip cream.

Make sure to share with your puppy and roommates!

Bakery Style Berry Muffins

3.28.2012

And so continues my desire for summer food! This recipe is great though because it’s like a fake summer recipe…you use frozen berries so that they hold their shape and color while you fold them into the batter. It’s great because you can go into this recipe knowing that it will turn out fantastic regardless of what season it is.

I had to race out of bed this morning in order to get a picture of these fluffy muffins before my roommates gobbled all of them up. These muffins are “bakery style” so they puff up way past the top of the tin and stay super moist and flavorful because of the yogurt in them (and smell up the whole kitchen with berry baking goodness!)

This recipe is adapted from Isa’s Vegan Brunch; it’s one of the first recipes I discovered when diving into vegan baking and it really hooked me. I believe strongly in the idea that vegan baked goods stay moist longer and manage to pack more flavor with their slightly dense texture. I suggest this recipe (and Isa!) for anyone who does not have much vegan baking experience but is ready to learn!

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup natural cane sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup soy greek yogurt (I used blueberry flavored and it turned out great!)
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups frozen mixed berries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tin.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yogurt, milk, and oil. Use a spatula to mix everything together until a smooth batter forms. Fold in the berries.

Scoop the batter into the muffin tins (just the 12- it should fill most of each tin so that they will rise to be big, bakery style muffins). Bake for 23 to 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Serve with butter or eat them by themselves for the rest of the weeks breakfast!

Mixed Berry Grunts

3.24.2012

I don’t know what the proper name of this dish is called; I’ve heard grunts or dumplings or just plain old stove top cobbler. Whatever it is, it’s amazing. I looooove cobblers but when I discovered that I could make a version that has doughy dumplings drenched in fruity sugar…I was sold. I made a vegan version last summer which you can find here.

It’s like we skipped most of winter and now we are skipping spring and heading straight for summer. This is totally throwing my body off and the summer vibe is making my body crave fruity desserts. But it’s not fruit season yet (is it still March?) and my blueberry bush has just started blooming so what’s a girl to do? Well, I marched (in the form of walking my puppy) right to the store and picked out the freshest berries I could find. The pickens’ were slim with lots of impersonator fruits that we all know have traveled thousands of miles and were picked weeks ago but I did manage to find a batch of delicious looking strawberries and a batch of blackberries (sorry Kroger, I don’t like my blueberries shriveled and decrepit).

Don’t hesitate to make this vegan by substituting Almond/Soy milk for the milk, sugar cane for the sugar, and Earth Balance instead of butter!

Mixed Berry Grunts

1 pint of strawberries (about 2 cups)
2 cups Blackberries (or blueberries or raspberries)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

In a large saucepan, combine the fruit, sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for about ten minutes so that a sugar starts to form. Next, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and stir it often.

While waiting for the mixture to simmer, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Next, melt the butter into milk in a tiny saucepan. Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients and stir into a thick dough.

Scoop heaping tablespoons full of the mixture into the simmering fruit to make dumplings. Then cover with a lid and let simmer for another 20 minutes.

The dumplings should double in size and the fruit should be drenched in a syrup. Serve warm with yummy ice cream on a sticky [March] summer [spring] evening!