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Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this simple Caprese salad by making a red wine vinegar vinaigrette. Next, I arrange creamy fresh mozzarella and colorful heirloom tomatoes on a platter. Finally, I add fresh basil leaves and cherry 

Lamb Gyros with Cilantro Sauce

Lamb Gyros with Cilantro Sauce

Lamb Gyros with Cilantro Sauce are one of our favorite summer dinners. I start my gyros by mixing together ground lamb and spices. Then, I bake this mixture in a loaf pan. After letting the cooked lamb cool, I slice it thinly and grill it. 

Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche

Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche

Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche is one of our favorite dinners. I start this quiche by making my foolproof butter pie crust. Then, I make the rich cheddar custard quiche filling. Finally, I bake the quiche until it’s golden brown. We like this quiche for several reasons. First of all, I like that it’s easy enough for every day, but fancy enough for company. Secondly, I like that I can serve this cheddar quiche for brunch or dinner. And, lastly, we all love the rich and delicious flavors in this quiche.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Pie Dish- You’ll need a ceramic or metal pie dish to make this quiche.
  • A Food Processor- I use a food processor to make the crust. You could also make the crust in a bowl.
  • A Rolling Pin- You’ll need this to roll out the crust.

The Ingredients Needed for Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche

  • Flour- For the crust, use all- purpose flour. I use the King Arthur brand.
  • Butter- I always use Kerry Gold Irish butter. Be sure to use unsalted butter. And your butter should be very cold.
  • Bacon- Use a good quality bacon.
  • Leeks- Be sure to wash these very well. I like to slice them and then soak the slices in cold water. Drain the leeks and repeat soaking them until the water runs clear.
  • Milk- Be sure to use whole milk.
  • Cream- Use heavy cream. Do not use light cream or half and half. You can, however, use creme fraiche.
  • Cheddar- Use extra sharp cheddar. I like the Cabot brand.
  • Eggs- Be sure to use large eggs.

How I Made my Cheddar Quiche

  • First, I made the pie crust. You may not use all the ice water, so add it slowly.
  • Next, I made the custard.
  • Finally, I baked the quiche until it was no longer runny in the center.

If you like quiche, you need to try this rich and delicious Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche.

Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche
Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche
Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche

Leek and Bacon Cheddar Quiche

Tender leeks, smoky bacon, and extra sharp cheddar cheese all folded into a smooth custard encased in a buttery dough.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • a pie dish

Ingredients
  

For the quiche crust:

  • cups all purpose flour (180g)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 8 tbsp. cold, unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch pieces
  • ¼ to ½ cup ice water

For the quiche filling:

  • ½ pound chopped bacon
  • 1 cup sliced leeks, well washed
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 3 large beaten eggs
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions
 

For the quiche crust:

  • In a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt.
  • Remove the lid and sprinkle on the butter, and then pulse until the butter is the size of small peas.
  • With the food processor running, pour just enough ice water in , just until the dough sticks together when you pinch it. You may not need the whole half cup of water.
  • Empty the dough onto a floured board and gently roll it into a ball and the refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
  • Roll the dough out on a floured board and then lay it in a pie pan. Refrigerate it until you are ready to fill it.

For the quiche filling:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large skillet, fry the bacon until it's cooked through, but not crispy. When the bacon is cooked remove it with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan and cook the leeks until softened.
  • In a 2- quart saucepan, heat the milk until it's almost boiling. Remove it from the heat and let it cool 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream and the cheese and stir until melted. Then, stir in the eggs, salt, and pepper.
  • Fill the pie crust with the bacon and leeks and spread them out in an even layer. Pour in the egg mixture.
  • Bake for 50 minutes, or until the middle of the quiche is not runny.
Keyword pork, quiche
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Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza

Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza is one of our favorite summer pizzas. I start this pizza by making my garlic scape pesto. Since garlic scapes are only available in early summer, I can only make this pesto this time of year. Next, I make pizza dough 

Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Bacon Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese is one of our favorite family dinners. I start this dish by making a creamy white sauce. Then, I stir in the macaroni, extra sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon. Finally, I top the macaroni and cheese with buttery 

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are one of our favorite desserts. I start this recipe by making a chocolate cookie crust. Then, I make a creamy chocolate cheesecake batter. Finally, I top the bars with a sour cream topping and a chocolate drizzle. We like these bars for several reasons. First of all, I like that these bars are fancy enough to serve to guests but simple enough to make any day. Secondly, I like that these bars can be made ahead of time. In fact, I prefer to make them the day before serving them. That gives them time to fully set up before I slice them. And, lastly, we all love how creamy and chocolatey these bars are.

The Equipment I Used

  • An 8 Inch Baking Dish- Use this to bake these bars
  • A Food Processor- You’ll need this to crush up the cookies for the crust
  • An Electric Mixer- Use this to beat up the cheesecake batter

The Ingredients Needed for Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

  • Chocolate Chips- I used Hershey’s dark chocolate chips.
  • Chocolate Wafer Cookies- I usually use Nabisco chocolate wafer cookies. But since I haven’t been able to find them lately, I used chocolate Teddy Grahams.
  • Cream Cheese- Be sure to use a brick cream cheese, not a whipped cream cheese. Use full fat cream cheese.
  • Sour Cream- Use full fat sour cream.
  • Sugar- Use granulated sugar. I always use Domino’s brand sugar.
  • Butter- You should use unsalted butter.

How I Made my Bars

  • First, I made the crust. Be sure to finely grind up those cookies and nuts.
  • Next, I made the cheesecake. Be careful not to overmix the mixture.
  • Then, I made the topping.
  • Next, I drizzled on the chocolate and refrigerated the cheesecake overnight.
  • Finally, I served the bars with whipped cream and strawberries.

If you like cheesecake, you need to try these Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars.

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Creamy chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust, topped with a creamy sour cream topping and a chocolate drizzle.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bars

Equipment

  • 1 small 8×8 baking pan
  • Food processor
  • electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cheesecake:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • 16 ounces brick cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs

For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:

  • ½ cup chocolate wafer cookies
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp. melted butter

For the Sour Cream Topping:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

  • 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil, letting the foil extend over two sides.
  • Begin by melting the chocolate chips for the cheesecake: Put the chips in a small bowl and microwave it, stirring every 15 seconds, until the chips are just melted. Set aside to cool.
  • Next, make the crust: Put the walnuts and wafers in the food processor and process until finely ground. Stir in the sugar and butter. Press the mixture on to the bottom of the pan.
  • Next, make the cheesecake: In an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Then, beat in the sour cream. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the melted chocolate. Do not overmix. Pour the mixture over the crust. Bake 40 minutes, or until the center is just a bit unset.
  • Cool the pan on a wire rack, until the bars are room temperature.
  • For the Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Spread it evenly over the bars.
  • For the Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the chocolate in the microwave, as above. Using a spoon, drizzle on the chocolate. I used any leftover chocolate to drizzle on to the serving plates. Refrigerate four hours or overnight. Peel off the foil and cut into 8 bars.
Keyword Dessert
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Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad

Watermelon Feta and Blueberry Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by making an easy Lemon Vinaigrette. Then, I use a star cookie cutter to cut watermelon stars from thin slices of watermelon. Finally, I toss these all together with 

Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes

Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes

Tahitian Vanilla Ricotta Pancakes are one of our favorite summer breakfasts. I start these pancakes by making a sweet Peach Syrup. Then, I make a fluffy Tahitian Vanilla Whipped Cream. Finally, I make the ricotta pancakes and top them with the syrup, whipped cream, and 

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble is one of our favorite summer desserts. I start this simple dessert by mixing together my blueberries and sugar. Then, I mix up the coconut crumble topping and spread it over the blueberries. Finally, I baked it all for thirty minutes. We love this crumble for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can prepare this dish with just fifteen minutes of hands-on time. Secondly, I like that I can make this dessert with frozen blueberries. That way, with blueberries in my freezer, I can make this dessert any time. And, lastly, we all love the sweet blueberries, the buttery coconut topping, and the creamy ice cream.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Pie Dish- I use a ceramic pie dish to bake my crumble. But you could use any small casserole.
  • A Pastry Cutter- Use this to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. You could also use two knives.

The Ingredients Needed for Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

  • Blueberries- You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. If you use frozen blueberries, be sure to defrost them first. I just put them on a plate and defrost them in the microwave.
  • Cornstarch- You’ll need to mix this with the blueberries to thicken them up.
  • Oats- Use old-fashioned oats not quick cooking. I like the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
  • Coconut Flakes- Use unsweetened coconut flakes. I use the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
  • Butter- Use unsalted butter. It should be cold.
  • Flour- Use all- purpose flour.

How I Made my Crumble

  • First, I mixed the blueberries with the cornstarch and sugar.
  • Then, I made the crumble topping. It’s important to distribute the butter evenly.
  • Finally, I baked the crumble and served it warm with ice cream.

If you like blueberries, you need to make this scrumptious Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble.

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble
Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble
Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

Easy Blueberry and Coconut Crumble

Warm and bubbly blueberries topped with a buttery coconut streusel and ice cream.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1 pint vanilla or blueberry ice cream

For the Crumble topping:

  • ¾ cups all purpose flour (90g)
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 8 tbsp. cold butter, cut in ¼ inch cubes (112g)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter a pie dish, or small casserole.
  • In a bowl, stir together the fruit (defrosted, if frozen), sugar, and cornstarch. Pour this into the pie dish in an even layer.
  • For the Crumble Topping: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, oats, and coconut. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture. Sprinkle this crumble topping on top of the blueberries, distributing it evenly. Bake for thirty minutes. Serve warm and topped with ice cream.
Keyword Dessert
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Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad

Summer Peach and Pecan Salad is one of our favorite salads. I start this salad by making candied pecans. Next, I make a delicious Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette to dress the salad. Finally, I toss all this together along with peaches, grapes, goat cheese, and onions.