Month: May 2022

Apricot and Raspberry Salad

Apricot and Raspberry Salad

Apricot and Raspberry Salad is one of our favorite springtime salads. I start this salad by making some sweet, candied pecans. Then, I make a delicious Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette. Next, I toss all this together with spring greens, goat cheese, raspberries, and apricots. We like 

Pulled Pork Tostadas with Pickled Onions

Pulled Pork Tostadas with Pickled Onions

Pulled Pork Tostadas with Pickled Onions is one of our favorite pork recipes. I start this dish by making my tender pulled pork. Then, I make some zesty pickled onions. Finally, I bake the tortillas and top them with the pork, onions, queso fresco, avocado 

Orange Ambrosia French Toast

Orange Ambrosia French Toast

Orange Ambrosia French Toast is one of our favorite breakfast recipes. I start this recipe by making some coconut infused French toast. Then, I make Coconut Whipped Cream, an Orange Ambrosia Compote, and an Orange Ambrosia Salad. We like this breakfast for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this complete breakfast in less than an hour. Secondly, I like that the compote and salad can be made the night before. Thirdly, I like that this French toast is easy enough for an everyday breakfast, but fancy enough for a special brunch. And, lastly, we all love the orange and coconut flavors in this dish.

The Equipment I Used

  • An Electric Mixer- I used this to whip my cream.
  • A Nonstick Skillet- Use this to fry you French toast.

The Ingredients Needed for Orange Ambrosia French Toast

  • Challah- I made my own challah. My recipe is below. You can use a purchased challah. You could also use a brioche or other white bread.
  • Coconut Flakes- Use unsweetened coconut flakes. I used the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
  • Coconut Extract- You can find that in the baking section of your market.
  • Coconut Milk- Use unsweetened coconut milk. I like the Native Forest brand. Be sure to use the full fat version.
  • Oranges- Use naval oranges. I used some Kings River Naval Oranges and they were amazing.
  • Cream- Use heavy cream to make the whipped cream. Don’t use light cream or half and half.

How I Made my French Toast

  • First, I made the Orange Ambrosia Salad. Be sure to get all the pith off your oranges.
  • Next, I made the Orange Ambrosia Compote.
  • Then, I made the Coconut Whipped Cream.
  • Finally, I made the French Toast. Be careful to not burn the French toast.

If you like oranges and coconut, you need to try this yummy Coconut Ambrosia French Toast.

Orange Ambrosia French Toast
Orange Ambrosia French Toast

Orange Ambrosia French Toast

Homemade challah coconut French toast topped with an Orange Ambrosia Compote and Coconut Whipped Cream and served with an Orange Ambrosia Salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American, French
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • an electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Orange Ambrosia Compote:

  • 1 cup peeled and diced orange
  • 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

For the Challah Coconut French Toast:

  • 8 one inch thick slices of challah (recipe below)
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. unsweetened coconut milk
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter

For the Coconut Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. coconut extract

For the Orange Ambrosia Salad:

  • 4 peeled and sliced oranges (with all the pith cut off), cut in ¼ inch slices
  • 1 tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 tbsp. coconut water

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Orange Ambrosia Salad: In a bowl simply stir together the ingredients.
  • Next, make the whipped cream: In the bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat together all the ingredients until the cream is fluffy. I used a piping bag with a star tip to pipe on the cream.
  • Next, make the Orange Ambrosia Compote: In a three quart saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the orange, sugar, and coconut. Bring to a simmer and then turn off the heat. Cover to keep warm.
  • For the French Toast: Beat the eggs with the coconut milk in a bowl.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Dip two slices of bread in the egg mixture, briefly. Don't soak the challah in the eggs. Fry the challah on each side until golden. Add more butter as needed to cook all the challah slices.
  • Top the French toast with the compote and whipped cream and serve with the salad.
Keyword breakfast
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Bread Machine Challah

Bread Machine Challah

An easy and beautiful braided bread machine bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Jewish
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Bread Machine

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • tsp. salt
  • 3 cups flour (360g)
  • 2 tsp. active dry yeast

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 tbsp. water

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients in the order suggested by your bread machine. Set your bread machine for the dough cycle, and let the machine run that full cycle.
  • When the dough is ready, divide it into 3 sections and braid it and place it on a parchment covered baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise 20 minutes.
  • Brush it all over with the egg wash and bake it at 375° for 25 minutes.
Keyword bread
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Chipotle Chicken Tostadas with Pickled Onions

Chipotle Chicken Tostadas with Pickled Onions

Chipotle Chicken Tostadas with Pickled Onions are one of our favorite chicken dinners. I start this meal by braising chicken thighs in a spicy chipotle tomato broth. Then, I shred the chicken and serve it on crispy tortillas. Finally, I top the tostadas with homemade 

Filet Mignon and Parmesan Salad

Filet Mignon and Parmesan Salad

Filet Mignon and Parmesan Salad is one of our favorite main dish salads. I start this salad by cooking some tender and delicious filet mignon steaks. Then, I toss together spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Finally, I top the salad vegetables with the sliced 

Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata is one of our favorite quick and easy dinners. I start this dish by making a creamy tomato sauce speckled with bacon and peas. Then, I toss it with silky fettuccini and top it with creamy burrata cheese. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I love that I can make this entire dish in less than thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that this dish can be made ahead of time. Then, I just reheat it in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love the rich and creamy flavors in this dish.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Dutch Oven- I like to cook my sauce in a Dutch oven, but you can use any four quart or larger pot.
  • A Large Pot- Use this to make your pasta.

The Ingredients Needed for Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

  • Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Bacon- I like the Niman Ranch brand.
  • Tomatoes- My favorite tomatoes to use for this are the Pomi boxed tomatoes. I love these because they don’t contain any citric acid or salt.
  • Nutmeg- Buy the whole nutmeg and grate it yourself. It adds really great flavor.
  • Heavy Cream- This adds the creamy element to this dish. Don’t use light cream or half and half.
  • Oregano- Fresh oregano adds great flavor to this dish. But, you could also use dried oregano, or fresh basil.
  • Lemon Juice- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Fettuccini– I used the DeCecco egg fettuccini.
  • Burrata- I like the Bel Gioso brand.

How I Made my Pasta

  • First, I made my sauce. Be sure to not burn it.
  • Next, I cooked my pasta until it was just al dente.
  • Then, I stirred in the peas and pasta.
  • Finally, I topped each portion of pasta with some parmesan and burrata.

If you like burrata cheese, you need to try this Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata.

Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata
Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata
Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Creamy Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Fettuccini tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with peas and bacon. Topped with Parmesan cheese and burrata.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup diced bacon
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
  • 12 ounces fettuccini
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • tsp. grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp. minced fresh oregano
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 cup cooked peas
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 balls burrata cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a Dutch oven, heat the oil on low heat and cook the bacon and onions until the onions are soft, about 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Cook the fettuccini according to the package directions until al dente in well salted water. Drain well.
  • To the tomatoes, add the heavy cream, nutmeg, and oregano. Simmer three minutes. Then, add the peas and lemon juice. Stir in the fettuccini.
  • Top each portion of pasta with some Parmesan and a ball of burrata.
Keyword pork
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Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce is one of our favorite warm weather dinners. I start this dish by making a delicious marinade for the chicken. Then, I immediately put the chicken on skewers along with vegetables. Next, I bake the skewers in the oven. Finally, 

Easy Banana Cream Pie

Easy Banana Cream Pie

Easy Banana Cream Pie is one of our favorite springtime desserts. I start this dish by making an easy vanilla wafer cookie crust. Then, I make a homemade vanilla pudding. I chill all this overnight. Right before serving, I push banana slices into the pudding. 

Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza

Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza

Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza is one of our favorite springtime pizzas. I start this pizza by making pizza dough in my bread machine. But, I will also link the pizza dough I make by hand. And, I roast some red peppers and braise some artichoke hearts. Next, I top the pizzas with homemade pizza sauce. Then, I top the pizzas with fresh mozzarella cheese and the artichokes and peppers. We like this pizza for several reasons. First of all, I like that all the components of this recipe can be made ahead of time. Secondly, I like that this pizza reheats so well. We like to reheat it in our air fryer. And, lastly, we all love the delicious roasted peppers and braised artichokes.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Scale- For perfect pizza every time, please weigh your flour.
  • A Bread Machine- I used a bread machine to make the dough. But see my by-hand dough below.
  • Two Pizza Stones- If you don’t have a pizza stone, just bake the pizzas on pizza stones.
  • Parchment Paper- I use this to keep the dough from sticking to the peels.
  • A Dutch Oven- Use this to braise your artichokes. Or use a covered casserole dish. Or a baking pan topped with foil.

The Ingredients Needed for Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza

  • Artichokes- Use frozen artichokes. They do not need to be defrosted.
  • Mozzarella Cheese- I like to use fresh mozzarella cheese.
  • Flour- Use all purpose flour. I always use King Arthur brand flour.
  • Yeast- Be sure to use active dry yeast, not quick rising.
  • Sauce- For a short cut, use jarred pizza sauce. I like the Rao’s pizza sauce. Freeze any leftover sauce, fresh or frozen.

How I Made my Pizzas

  • First, I made the pizza dough. You can make this dough a couple days in advance. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
  • Next, I roasted my artichokes and peppers. Be sure to set a timer so these don’t burn.
  • Finally, I rolled out my dough and added the toppings.

If you like artichokes and peppers, you need to try this cheesy and delicious Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza.

Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza
Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza
Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza

Artichoke and Roasted Pepper Pizza

A classic cheese pizza topped with homemade pizza sauce, braised artichokes, and roasted peppers, and mozzarella.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
rising time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 pizzas

Equipment

  • Bread Machine
  • 2 Pizza Stones
  • 2 Pizza Peels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 8 ounces frozen artichoke hearts
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

For the Bread Machine Pizza Dough:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups all purpose flour (360g)
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. active dry yeast

For The Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 box Pomi strained tomatoes or 28 ounces tomato puree
  • 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. sugar
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the pizza dough: Add all the ingredients to your bread machine, in the order suggested by the manufacturer of your bread machine. Select the dough cycle and press start.
  • While the dough is rising, roast the peppers and artichokes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the pepper on a baking sheet and bake for one hour. Put the frozen artichokes in a Dutch oven along with the oil, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cover and bake for one hour. When the peppers are done, remove the seeds and skins and cut them in half inch slices. Also, remove the artichokes from the pot.
  • Also, make the pizza sauce: In a Dutch oven heat the oil on low heat, and add the garlic. Cook for one minute and then add the tomatoes, and the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for twenty minutes. You'll only need two cups of the sauce for the pizzas, but the rest can be frozen.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees, with two pizza stones inside of it.
  • When the dough cycle is done, dump the dough on to a floured board and divide in half. Press or roll the dough in to two twelve inch circles, right on two parchment covered pizza peels. Brush them with olive oil and cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for thirty minutes. Top the dough rounds with about a two cups of the pizza sauce and the mozzarella cheese.
  • Using the pizza peels, slide the parchment and pizzas onto the pizza stones. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pizzas and top them with the artichokes and peppers. Bake for five minutes.
Keyword meatless
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Buffalo Chicken and Mozzarella Pizza

Hand Kneaded Pizza Dough

Pizza dough mixed with a wooden spoon and kneaded by hand.
Prep Time 13 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 pizzas

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees)
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • tsp. active dry yeast
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a measuring cup, stir together the water and honey. Stir in the yeast. Let this mixture sit for five minutes.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and the oil, and stir until it's all combined. Dump it on to a floured board, and knead it for 8 minutes.
  • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, and turn the dough until it's all covered in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour.
  • Divide the dough in half and roll into two circles. Place on two pizza pans, or pizza peels. Brush with olive oil and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for thirty minutes.
Keyword bread
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