I was watching a movie and had a hankering for some popcorn, but didn't have any microwave kind! So I looked up this recipe and it worked perfectly! This recipe makes 2 very large servings. I found this recipe from www.simplyrecipes.com.
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp grape seed or canola oil
1/3 cup high quality popcorn
1 3-quart saucepan
2 Tbsp of butter (or more to taste)
salt to taste
Directions:
1. Heat the oil on medium-high heat in saucepan. Salt oil.
2. Put 3-4 kernels in the pan with oil and cover.
3. When kernels pop add the rest of the 1/3 cup of popcorn to the pan. Cover and remove from heat and count to 30 seconds.
4. Return the pan to heat. The popcorn should start popping soon. Once it is popping, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth across the burner. Try to keep the cover slightly ajar to let the steam out. Once the popping has a few seconds between pops, remove the cover and dump all the popcorn in a deep bowl.
5. Melt butter in the empty pan and mix in with popcorn. Enjoy!
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Link to original recipe:
Popcorn from Scratch
The purpose of this blog is to share the recipes I've tried at home with my family and friends. I hope to inspire more people to cook and bake with quality ingredients from quality sources (hopefully local). It is a great hobby!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Rocky Mountain Cupcakes
This was my last recipe of 2012!!!! I started with cupcakes so I decided to end with one. This recipe is from the book: "1001 Cupcakes, Cookies and other tempting treats". The recipe below makes 10 cupcakes.
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten
heaping 1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp cream or milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
3oz mini marshmallows
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
2 oz milk chocolate, or semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with 10 paper liners.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat together until light and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift the flour and the cocoa together and fold into the mixture. Spoon the batter into the paper liners.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and springy to touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make the buttercream place the butter and cream in a bowl and beat together. Gradually sift in the sugar and cocoa powder and beat until smooth. To decorate, pipe the buttercream on top of each cake to form a peak in the center. Mix the marshmallows and walnuts together and divide among the cakes, then press down lightly. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, and heat until melted. Drizzle over the tops of the cakes and let set.
Terri's Rating: 7/10
Jason's Rating: 8/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Nutrition:
550 calories
34g fat (19g saturated)
140mg cholesterol
250mg sodium
58g carbohydrates
3g fiber
42g sugar
6g protein
Image by Jason Hedlund
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten
heaping 1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp cream or milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
3oz mini marshmallows
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
2 oz milk chocolate, or semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with 10 paper liners.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat together until light and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift the flour and the cocoa together and fold into the mixture. Spoon the batter into the paper liners.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and springy to touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make the buttercream place the butter and cream in a bowl and beat together. Gradually sift in the sugar and cocoa powder and beat until smooth. To decorate, pipe the buttercream on top of each cake to form a peak in the center. Mix the marshmallows and walnuts together and divide among the cakes, then press down lightly. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, and heat until melted. Drizzle over the tops of the cakes and let set.
Terri's Rating: 7/10
Jason's Rating: 8/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Nutrition:
550 calories
34g fat (19g saturated)
140mg cholesterol
250mg sodium
58g carbohydrates
3g fiber
42g sugar
6g protein
Stuffed Mushrooms with Pecans
My mother found this recipe on Southern Living website. We made them together! The recipe makes about 8 servings.
2 medium leeks, dark green parts removed, washed thoroughly and thinly sliced
16 oz fresh mushrooms, washed with stems removed
1 tsp salt, divided
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Place mushrooms, upside down with stem end up and salt. Then turn caps over so the stem end points down on a cooling rack. Place the rack over a foiled covered jelly roll pan.
3. Bake the mushrooms at 350F for 15 minutes.
4. Saute leeks, shallots, and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Transfer mixer to a large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and next 3 ingredients, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt until well combined. Spoon 1 heaping tsp leek mixture into each mushroom cap. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!
Jason's Rating: 7/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Terri's Rating: 6/10
Nutrition:
130 calories
9g fat (2g saturated)
10mg cholesterol
360mg sodium
6g carbohydrates
1g fiber
1g sugar
6g protein
Image by Jason Hedlund
Ingredients:2 medium leeks, dark green parts removed, washed thoroughly and thinly sliced
16 oz fresh mushrooms, washed with stems removed
1 tsp salt, divided
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Place mushrooms, upside down with stem end up and salt. Then turn caps over so the stem end points down on a cooling rack. Place the rack over a foiled covered jelly roll pan.
3. Bake the mushrooms at 350F for 15 minutes.
4. Saute leeks, shallots, and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Transfer mixer to a large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and next 3 ingredients, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt until well combined. Spoon 1 heaping tsp leek mixture into each mushroom cap. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!
Jason's Rating: 7/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Terri's Rating: 6/10
Nutrition:
130 calories
9g fat (2g saturated)
10mg cholesterol
360mg sodium
6g carbohydrates
1g fiber
1g sugar
6g protein
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Cheddar and Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This recipe is from my new book: "Holiday Entertaining" that I got from my friend PJ. We brought the dip to a party. This dip serves 8-10 people.
Ingredients:
2.5 cups shredded cheddar
3/4 cup roasted red peppers packed in olive oil, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp minced shallots
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground white pepper (we used black)
Directions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cheese, roasted red peppers, sour cream, heavy cream, and shallots and process until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Add the salt and pepper and pulse a few times just to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. The dip can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Transfer to serving bowl and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!!
Jason's Rating: 5.5/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Nutrition:
115 calories
9g fat (7g saturated)
30mg cholesterol
250mg sodium
2g carbohydrates
0g fiber
1g sugar
6g protein
Image by Jason Hedlund
Ingredients:
2.5 cups shredded cheddar
3/4 cup roasted red peppers packed in olive oil, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp minced shallots
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground white pepper (we used black)
Directions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cheese, roasted red peppers, sour cream, heavy cream, and shallots and process until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Add the salt and pepper and pulse a few times just to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. The dip can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Transfer to serving bowl and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!!
Jason's Rating: 5.5/10
Beth's Rating: 7/10
Nutrition:
115 calories
9g fat (7g saturated)
30mg cholesterol
250mg sodium
2g carbohydrates
0g fiber
1g sugar
6g protein
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Chocolate Truffles
I've never made truffles before and was a little intimidated, but this recipe was super easy. I made two kinds of truffles. Each batch makes 18-24 truffles. I got the recipe from the food network magazine. It had a "mix and match" type layout that I'll replicate here.
1. Make the ganache: Chop 12 ounces good-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and put in a heatproof bowl. Bring 1 cup heavy cream, 1 Tbsp butter and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat; pour over the chocolate and let sit until completely melted, about 10 minutes. Stir with a rubber spatula or whisk until smooth. (If necessary, microwave in 20-second intervals until the chocolate melts.)
2. Choose a flavor: Whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract, or 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp of one of these extracts: Almond, Orange, Cinnamon, Mint, Raspberry, or Cherry.
3. Add a mix-in (optional): Stir in up to 1/4 cup of 1 of these: Brewed espresso, strong brewed tea, liquor ot liqueur, peanut, almond or hazelnut butter, or shredded coconut.
4. Chill the ganache: Stir the ganache until smooth and shiny, then pour into a shallow baking dish and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Pick a coating: Roll Tbsps of the ganache into 18-24 balls, then roll in any of the following ingredients: crushed cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, crushed nut brittle, or crushed toffee bars. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until film, at least 1 hour or overnight. (To make these in advance, roll into balls but do not coat; cover and freeze up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before uncovered, then roll in coatings.)
Recipe 1 we tried:
dark Chocolate
orange extract
triple sec
rolled in cocoa powder
Recipe 2 we tried:
semisweet chocolate
peanut butter
rolled in crushed oreos
Beth's Rating: 9/10
Jason's Rating: 9/10 (dark) and 8/10 (semisweet)
Nutrition:
60 calories
6g fat (3g saturated)
15mg cholesterol
25mg sodium
3g carbohydrates
0g fiber
2g sugar
0g protein
Image by Jason Hedlund
1. Make the ganache: Chop 12 ounces good-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and put in a heatproof bowl. Bring 1 cup heavy cream, 1 Tbsp butter and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat; pour over the chocolate and let sit until completely melted, about 10 minutes. Stir with a rubber spatula or whisk until smooth. (If necessary, microwave in 20-second intervals until the chocolate melts.)
2. Choose a flavor: Whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract, or 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp of one of these extracts: Almond, Orange, Cinnamon, Mint, Raspberry, or Cherry.
3. Add a mix-in (optional): Stir in up to 1/4 cup of 1 of these: Brewed espresso, strong brewed tea, liquor ot liqueur, peanut, almond or hazelnut butter, or shredded coconut.
4. Chill the ganache: Stir the ganache until smooth and shiny, then pour into a shallow baking dish and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Pick a coating: Roll Tbsps of the ganache into 18-24 balls, then roll in any of the following ingredients: crushed cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, crushed nut brittle, or crushed toffee bars. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until film, at least 1 hour or overnight. (To make these in advance, roll into balls but do not coat; cover and freeze up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before uncovered, then roll in coatings.)
Recipe 1 we tried:
dark Chocolate
orange extract
triple sec
rolled in cocoa powder
Recipe 2 we tried:
semisweet chocolate
peanut butter
rolled in crushed oreos
Beth's Rating: 9/10
Jason's Rating: 9/10 (dark) and 8/10 (semisweet)
Nutrition:
60 calories
6g fat (3g saturated)
15mg cholesterol
25mg sodium
3g carbohydrates
0g fiber
2g sugar
0g protein
White Cheddar Gougeres, Apple Pulp, Prosciutto and Sage
I found this recipe in my food network magazine. I think most of my recipes I've found from this magazine. Of all the sources I found, the food network magazine/website are the best! This appetizer took a little time to prepare, but everyone loved it! The recipe below makes 8 servings (3-4 gougeres per person).
Ingredients:
For the gougeres:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
For the filling and toppings:
6 honey crisp apples
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
pinch of ground cloves
1 Tbsp orange blossom honey (we used normal honey)
juice of 1 lemon
olive oil, for frying and drizzling
1 bunch sage, leaves only
10-15 sliced prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
Fleur de sel and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Prepare the gougeres: Preheat the oven to 425F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, salt and 1 cup water. Stir over high heat until the butter melts completely, then remove the pan from the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth, then transfer to a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed and add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, Beat in the grated cheese.
2. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag, or use two wet spoons to drop neat 1-Tbsp mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1-inch apart. Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden and crisp. When done, turn off the oven and let the gougeres dry out in the oven with the door ajar to keep them nice and crisp.
3. Cook the apples for the filling: Peel the apples and discard the core; cut into 1/2-inch dice. Melt the butter in a large saute pan over high heat. When foaming, add the spices. They will toast instantly and become fragrant; add the apples and saute for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Add 2 Tbsp water, the honey and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced and the apples are tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Set a clean saute pan over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the pan; when hot, fry the sage leaves until crisp and almost transparent, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Add the prosciutto pieces to the same pan in a single layer (work in batches, if necessary). Cook for 1 minute on each side to crisp them up. Drain on paper towels.
5. To assemble, carefully tear off the top third of each gougere and spoon in some warm apple filling. Top with a sage leaf and a piece of prosciutto and season lightly with fleur de sel. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
Jason's Rating: 9/10
Beth's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz: 9/10
PJ: 10/10
Grace: 10/10
Erica: 9/10
Luke: 8/10
Nutrition:
400 calories
24g fat (14g saturated)
175mg cholesterol
700mg sodium
28g carbohydrates
4g fiber
15g sugar
14g protein
Image by Jason Hedlund
Ingredients:
For the gougeres:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar
For the filling and toppings:
6 honey crisp apples
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
pinch of ground cloves
1 Tbsp orange blossom honey (we used normal honey)
juice of 1 lemon
olive oil, for frying and drizzling
1 bunch sage, leaves only
10-15 sliced prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
Fleur de sel and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Prepare the gougeres: Preheat the oven to 425F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, salt and 1 cup water. Stir over high heat until the butter melts completely, then remove the pan from the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth, then transfer to a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed and add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, Beat in the grated cheese.
2. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag, or use two wet spoons to drop neat 1-Tbsp mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1-inch apart. Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden and crisp. When done, turn off the oven and let the gougeres dry out in the oven with the door ajar to keep them nice and crisp.
3. Cook the apples for the filling: Peel the apples and discard the core; cut into 1/2-inch dice. Melt the butter in a large saute pan over high heat. When foaming, add the spices. They will toast instantly and become fragrant; add the apples and saute for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Add 2 Tbsp water, the honey and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced and the apples are tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Set a clean saute pan over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the pan; when hot, fry the sage leaves until crisp and almost transparent, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Add the prosciutto pieces to the same pan in a single layer (work in batches, if necessary). Cook for 1 minute on each side to crisp them up. Drain on paper towels.
5. To assemble, carefully tear off the top third of each gougere and spoon in some warm apple filling. Top with a sage leaf and a piece of prosciutto and season lightly with fleur de sel. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
Jason's Rating: 9/10
Beth's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz: 9/10
PJ: 10/10
Grace: 10/10
Erica: 9/10
Luke: 8/10
Nutrition:
400 calories
24g fat (14g saturated)
175mg cholesterol
700mg sodium
28g carbohydrates
4g fiber
15g sugar
14g protein
Mint-Infused Chicken with Pomegranate Yogurt
This was a unique chicken recipe from the book: "Mastering the Grill". I don't use pomegranate very often so this was fun! The recipe below makes 4 servings.
Ingredients:
Marinade:
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp chopped green olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
1 pomegranate
1 scallion, roots trimmed thinly sliced
1 cup plain yogurt (we used greek)
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
oil for grill grate
1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Directions:
1. Put the marinade and the chicken in a zip-lock bag press out the air, seal the bag, and massage the liquid into the meat. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours. Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling.
2. Cut the pomegranate into quarters from stem to blossom end. Remove the seeds from the pale membranes. Put half the seeds in an airtight container and reserve for another use (they can be frozen for up to 3 months). Set aside 2 Tbsp of the remaining seeds for garnish. Put the rest of the remaining seeds in a food processor and puree until the juice and seed separate, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Strain the juice into a medium bowl (you should have 3-4 Tbsp juice). Whisk in the scallion, yogurt, honey, salt and pepper.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high (450F) direct heat.
4. Brush and oil the grill grate, then grill the chicken until no longer pink and the juices run clear (about 170F), 5-7 minutes for side. Keep covered during grilling. If the grill has a temperature gauge, it should stay around 450F. Discard the marinade.
5. Serve the chicken with the pomegranate yogurt, and garnish with the reserved pomegranate seeds and mint or parsley, if using.
Jason's Rating: 8.5/10
Beth's Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan's Rating: 8/10
Nutrition:
210 calories
6g fat (1g saturated)
100mg cholesterol
900mg sodium
13g carbohydrates
0g fiber
12g sugar
26g fat
Image by Jason Hedlund
Ingredients:
Marinade:
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp chopped green olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
1 pomegranate
1 scallion, roots trimmed thinly sliced
1 cup plain yogurt (we used greek)
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
oil for grill grate
1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Directions:
1. Put the marinade and the chicken in a zip-lock bag press out the air, seal the bag, and massage the liquid into the meat. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours. Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling.
2. Cut the pomegranate into quarters from stem to blossom end. Remove the seeds from the pale membranes. Put half the seeds in an airtight container and reserve for another use (they can be frozen for up to 3 months). Set aside 2 Tbsp of the remaining seeds for garnish. Put the rest of the remaining seeds in a food processor and puree until the juice and seed separate, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Strain the juice into a medium bowl (you should have 3-4 Tbsp juice). Whisk in the scallion, yogurt, honey, salt and pepper.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high (450F) direct heat.
4. Brush and oil the grill grate, then grill the chicken until no longer pink and the juices run clear (about 170F), 5-7 minutes for side. Keep covered during grilling. If the grill has a temperature gauge, it should stay around 450F. Discard the marinade.
5. Serve the chicken with the pomegranate yogurt, and garnish with the reserved pomegranate seeds and mint or parsley, if using.
Jason's Rating: 8.5/10
Beth's Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan's Rating: 8/10
Nutrition:
210 calories
6g fat (1g saturated)
100mg cholesterol
900mg sodium
13g carbohydrates
0g fiber
12g sugar
26g fat
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