Month: August 2022

Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Aioli
August 30, 2022

Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Aioli

Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Aioli are one of our favorite summer dinners. I start this dinner by baking some fresh salmon. While the salmon bakes, I make pickled cabbage and a chipotle aioli. Finally, I fill flour tortillas with the salmon, the cabbage, and the …

seafood
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by Sharon
Cajun Shrimp and Corn Alfredo
August 29, 2022

Cajun Shrimp and Corn Alfredo

Cajun Shrimp and Corn Alfredo is one of our favorite summer seafood dishes. I start this dish by making cooking onions and peppers until they’re tender. Then, I add in Cajun seasoned Gulf shrimp, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Finally, I stir in fresh corn, …

seafood
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by Sharon
Blueberry Topped Butter Cake
August 28, 2022

Blueberry Topped Butter Cake

Blueberry Topped Butter Cake is one of our favorite summer desserts. In fact, of all the desserts I’ve made this summer, this is my absolute favorite. I start this dessert by baking up an easy Tahitian vanilla butter loaf cake. Then, I make a sweet blueberry sauce, and whip up some vanilla whipped cream. We like this cake for several reasons. First of all, I like that this is a relatively small cake. Since, I have a small family and we just can’t eat huge cakes. Secondly, I like that I can make this entire dessert in about an hour and a half. And I like that I can slice and serve the cake before it’s entirely cool. Finally, we all love the buttery cake, the sweet berries, and the fluffy whipped cream.

The Equipment I Used

  • An Electric Mixer- You’ll need this to make the cake.
  • A Loaf Pan- Use an 8×4 loaf pan.
  • Parchment Paper- Use this to line the bottom of the pan.
  • A Food Scale- For perfect baking results, weigh your flour and sugar.
  • A Sifter- Use this to sift together your dry ingredients.
  • A Piping Bag- I used a piping bag with a star tip to pipe on the whipped cream. But you can just use a spoon.

The Ingredients Needed for Blueberry Topped Vanilla Cake

  • Baking Spray- Used a good quality baking spray to spray your pan. I bought mine at Williams-Sonoma.
  • Butter- I used Kerry Gold Irish unsalted butter. Make sure your butter is very soft.
  • Vanilla- I used Tahitian vanilla, but you can use any pure vanilla extract.

How I Made my Cake

  • First, I made the cake. Be sure to blend everything together very well.
  • Next, while the cake baked, I made the whipped cream.
  • And I made the blueberry sauce.

If you like blueberries, you need to try this scrumptious Blueberry Topped Vanilla Cake.

Blueberry Topped Vanilla Cake
Blueberry Topped Butter Cake
Blueberry Topped Butter Cake

Blueberry Topped Butter Cake

A Tahitian Vanilla Butter Cake Topped with Blueberry Syrup and Vanilla Whipped Cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices

Equipment

  • 1 8×4 loaf pan
  • an electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Tahitian Vanilla Butter Cake:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened (112g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp. Tahitian vanilla extract or any pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cups whole milk buttermilk, room temperature

For the Blueberry Topping:

  • 2½ cups blueberries, divided
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp. cornstarch

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Tahitian Vanilla Butter Cake: First, Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the pan with baking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray the pan again.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl and set it aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, with the paddle beater attached cream together the butter and sugar. Beat them for five minutes until the mixture is fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla. Beating well after each addition.
  • Add half the flour mixture, then half the buttermilk. Add the rest of the flour mixture, and the rest of the buttermilk. Scrape the bowl down after each addition.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for ten minutes. Use a knife to loosen the sides of the cake from the pan and remove the cake from the pan. Cool about 15 minutes to serve warm. Or, cool completely, if you prefer. Slice and serve with the Blueberry Topping and the Vanilla Whipped Cream.

For The Blueberry Topping:

  • Put 1½ cups of the blueberries, the sugar, water, and cornstarch in a three-quart saucepan. Bring it to a boil and simmer for three minutes. Stir in the rest of the berries.

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:

  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, with the whisk attachment on, start beating the cream on low heat. Start on low and gradually increase the speed to high. When the cream starts to thicken add the vanilla and sugar. Beat until the cream is fluffy. I used a piping bag with a star attachment to pipe on the cream, but you can just spoon it on.
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dessert
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by Sharon
Lemon Chicken Cobb Salad
August 23, 2022

Lemon Chicken Cobb Salad

Lemon Chicken Cobb Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this Cobb salad by roasting seasoned chicken breasts. Then, I chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on top of romaine lettuce. Next, I add on hard boiled eggs, crisp …

chicken
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by Sharon
Minty Melon Mixed Salad
August 18, 2022

Minty Melon Mixed Salad

Minty Melon Mixed Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by making a zesty Lemon Mint Vinaigrette. Next, I tossed together arugula, cantaloupe, honeydew, mint, carrots, pistachios, and goat cheese. Finally, I drizzled the vinaigrette all over the salad. We …

vegetables
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by Sharon
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
August 17, 2022

Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad

Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by making the candied pecans. Then, I make a sweet Strawberry Vinaigrette. Finally, I toss them all together with fresh strawberries, blueberries, red onions, and goat cheese. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this whole salad in just about fifteen minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this salad ahead of time. I like to candy the pecans and assemble the salad early in the day and add the dressing right before serving. And, lastly, we all love the creamy goat cheese, crisp greens, sweet pecans and sweet berries in this salad.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Salad Spinner- I use this to dry my salad greens. If your lettuce is wet the dressing won’t cling to them.
  • A Big Bowl- Use this to toss the salad and dressing all together.
  • A Food Processor- I use this to make the Strawberry Vinaigrette.

The Ingredients Needed for Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad

  • Pecans- I like to use halved pecans when I can find them. Otherwise, I use chopped pecans.
  • Strawberries and Blueberries- I try to find the freshest and most beautiful berries.
  • Goat Cheese- I store my goat cheese in the freezer, so it doesn’t go bad.
  • Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Strawberry Jam- I used the Stonewall Farms brand of jam.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar- I like this because it’s nice and mild. You can find it in the vinegar or Asian section of your market.

How I Made my Salad

  • First, I made the vinaigrette. Process the ingredients until the jam is broken up and combined with everything else.
  • Next, I candied the pecans. Be sure to watch them so that they don’t burn.
  • Finally, I tossed all the ingredients together.

If you like berries you need to try this quick and easy Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad.

Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad

Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad

Spring greens topped with strawberries, candied pecans, red onions, goat cheese, blueberries, and a Strawberry Vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups sliced strawberries
  • 4 cups Spring greens
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup blueberries

For the Candied Pecans:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar

For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. strawberry jam

Instructions
 

  • First, make the Strawberry Vinaigrette: Process the jam in the food processor until it's smooth. Then, combine the jam with the rest of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shake it to combine everything.
  • Also, make the candied pecans: Heat a medium skillet on medium heat and melt the butter and brown sugar together. Add the pecans and stir them until the pecans are toasty and coated with the sugar. Let them cool on a wax paper lined plate.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the greens, strawberries, red onions, blueberries, goat cheese, pecans, and as much dressing as you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
Keyword salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
vegetables
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by Sharon
Iced Strawberry Lemonade Muffins
August 16, 2022

Iced Strawberry Lemonade Muffins

Iced Strawberry Lemonade Muffins are one of our favorite summer treats. I start these muffins by stirring up a rich lemony batter. Then, I fold in strawberries and bake the muffins until they’re golden and toasty. Finally, I drizzle the muffins with a creamy lemony …

breads
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by Sharon
Vanilla Blueberry Swirl Cake
August 15, 2022

Vanilla Blueberry Swirl Cake

Vanilla Blueberry Swirl Cake is one of our favorite summer desserts. I start this cake by mixing up a vanilla cake batter. Then, I fold in blueberries and swirl in blueberry jam. Finally, I serve the cake with ice cream and fresh berries. We like …

dessert
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by Sharon
Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes
August 11, 2022

Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes

Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes are one of my family’s favorite desserts. I start this dessert by baking buttery shortcakes. Then, I split the shortcakes and fill them with sweetened sliced strawberries and vanilla whipped cream. I like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dessert in just about thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that this dish is fancy enough to serve to company but is easy enough to make on a weekday. Thirdly, I love that this dessert uses our fresh local summer strawberries. And, lastly, we all love the buttery biscuits, billowy whipped cream, and sweet strawberries.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Pastry Blender- I used this to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. You could also use two knives or your hands to do this.
  • An Electric Mixer- I used this to beat my whipped cream.
  • A Biscuit Cutter- I used a four-inch biscuit cutter. I bought mine at Williams Sonoma
  • A Baking Sheet- Use a flat shiny baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper- I use this to line my baking sheet

The Ingredients Needed for Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes

  • Strawberries- Use the best berries you can find. I really prefer organic berries.
  • Butter- I always use Kerry Gold Irish butter.
  • Flour- I used King Arthur Flour.
  • Buttermilk- Use whole milk buttermilk.

How I Made my Strawberry Shortcakes

  • First, I made the shortcakes. It’s important to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the butter is the size of small peas. Also, be sure to not overmix the dough.
  • Next, I whipped my cream. I like to start my mixer on a low speed. As the cream thickens, I increase the speed.
  • Finally, I carefully split the biscuits and add the berries and the cream.

If you like strawberries, you need to try these divine Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes.

Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes
Sweet Summer Strawberry Shortcakes

Berry Shortcakes with Mascarpone Cream

Shortcake Biscuits filled with strawberries and whipped cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 7
Calories 435 kcal

Equipment

  • electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Biscuits:

  • 3 cups all purpose flour (360g)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 10 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut in half inch pieces (140g)
  • 1 cup full fat buttermilk, plus two tablespoons, divided

For the Vanilla Whipped Cream:

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

To Assemble the Shortcakes:

  • 1 Quart strawberries, sliced, and mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the butter is the size of peas. Set aside two tablespoons of buttermilk. Using a fork, gradually stir in a cup of buttermilk. Try and stir as little as possible. On a floured board, pat the dough into a one-inch-thick rectangle. Using a four- inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits. It's okay to reroll the dough but try to handle the dough as little as possible. Place the biscuits on a heavy, parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with two tablespoons of buttermilk and sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar. Bake them about 15 minutes or until they're light brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • For the Strawberries: Mix the strawberries with the sugar.
  • Make the Vanilla Whipped Cream: In the bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat together all the ingredients until the cream is fluffy. Start on low and gradually increase the speed to high. I used a piping bag with a star attachment to pipe on the cream, but you can just spoon it on the biscuits.
  • Split the biscuits and layer on the strawberries and vanilla whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal
Keyword Dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
dessert
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by Sharon
Summer Corn and Steak Salad
August 11, 2022

Summer Corn and Steak Salad

Summer Corn and Steak Salad is one of our favorite summer dinners. I start this dish by making a fresh summer salad filled with steamed corn, farm stand tomatoes, baby arugula, and queso fresco. Then, I cook some tender and tasty rib eye steaks. Finally, …

beef
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by Sharon