Tag Archives: spicy recipes

Naughty and Nice Gazpacho

 

I am a big fan of the music of Chris Isaak. When I’m creating recipes in my kitchen by the bay, I’m often rocking and dancing around the kitchen listening to his music. If you are not familiar with Chris Isaak, do yourself a favor and check it out.  Chris has just released a great new album called “Beyond the Sun”- recorded at the famous Sun Studios in Memphis. It’s filled with music originally recorded by Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins to name a few. Last year I had the opportunity to meet Chris. I was so worried about what I could possibly speak to him about- and go figure food was a common interest. Chris is a fan of a certain gazpacho soup – one with a little kick in it. This is my version of that recipe. I happen to love to serve shot glasses of cold soups when entertaining and Christmas is no exception. I renamed my soup after Chris – Naughty and Nice Gazpacho and if you have ever seen him perform you’ll know why this is the perfect name!
 
From by the bay wishing you naughty AND nice food memories!
Maryann

blog gazpacho 2

Naughty and Nice Gazpacho

Serves 6

 

Ingredients:

1 28 ounce can whole fire roasted tomatoes ( if you can’t find fire roasted use canned whole plum tomatoes)

1 large roasted red pepper , from a jar packed in olive oil

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper , seeded and chopped

1/2 white onion, coarsely chopped

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

 

Directions:

Place all the ingredients into food processor and process until pureed. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

jalapeno fun!

I love spicy food – therefore , I have a burning love for jalapeno peppers. I like to figure out new ways to use these peppers and I am sharing three today! First up, I mixed my Greek background along with my love for jalapeno peppers to create jalapeno hummus. It has subtle heat and is delicious. You can add dish to start any menu. I serve this hummus with either corn chips or pita chips. Next up are my southern biscuits kicked up with cheddar and jalapeno. This is a perfect basic biscuit recipe that is easy to make and very easy to get creative with. Last up or jalapeno rounds dredged in corn meal and fried. I always keep a jar of jalapeno rings in my pantry. These rings fried up make a perfect appetizer for any one with a burning love. They are also great used to kick up the taste of your favorite burger or sandwich. I suggest you work on trying all three of these recipes soon.

From by the bay wishing you the hottest food memories!
Maryann
blog jalapeno hummus better
Jalapeno Hummus
15.5 ounces Chick Peas / Garbanzos , drained and rinsed
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped jalapeno
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. Serve cold or room temperature with corn chips or pita chips.
blog jalapeno biscuits
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornmeal Biscuits
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, sifted
1/2 cup cornmeal
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno pepper, seeded
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Next mix into the bowl the grated cheese and jalapeno. Slowly stir in the milk until you have a dough that can be kneaded in your hands. If you need more milk add a tablespoon at a time until the dough is formed. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times. Roll dough out to a half-inch thickness and cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter. I use a 2 inch round. Place biscuits on a ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Jalapeno Rounds
6 ounces jalapeno rings from a jar
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup canola oil
Heat oil in a medium size frying pan. Place cornmeal on a plate and dip each ring all over in the cornmeal. Place rings into the hot oil and fry quickly and turn while frying, no more than a minute is needed to brown the rings. Place onto paper towel to drain. Serve immediately.

Best Crispy Baked Hot Chicken Wing Recipe

I may not be a big football fan, but I am a fan of Game Day Food and Super Bowl Sunday. A must have for game day is of course hot chicken wings. I did a lot of recipe testing to find a recipe that delivered super crispy wings without having to fry. This recipe from Bon Appetit delivered on the crispiness and taste without being dry. It’s a perfect game day food and super easy to make.
From by the bay wishing you yummy Game Day memories!
Maryann
BLOG HOT WINGS
CRISPY BAKED HOT CHICKEN WING RECIPE
Adapted from Bon Appetit Test Kitchen
INGREDIENTS
HONEY BUFFALO SAUCE
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup honey
WINGS
3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
1 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°. Set a non stick wire rack inside each of 1 large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Place all ingredients in a large bowl; toss to coat. Place wings on the prepared rack and spread out in a single layer. Bake wings until cooked through and skin is crispy, 45–50 minutes. Remove wings from oven place in bowl, pour sauce on top toss and place back in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes until it starts to brown. Serve immediately.