Monthly Archives: December 2014

New Year’s Eve Easy Party Snacks

Here’s a couple of my favorite party recipes , easy to use for New Year’s Eve or any party!

From my the bay wishing you Happy New Year’s Eve memories!

Maryann

blog olives 1

Marinated Olives with Orange and Cranberries

Ingredients

1/2 pound green pitted olives, such as manzanilla
1 shallot, minced
1/4 fresh orange cut into 1 inch pieces, with rind
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 teaspoon rosemary leaves
Directions

Bring 1 cup water to boil in small sauce pan. Remove from heat and add cranberries. Let sit 15 minutes and drain and cool in mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

blog bacon date

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Provolone
24 pieces

Ingredients
24 pitted Medjool dates
12 slices bacon
2 ounces provolone cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the bacon slices in half with a scissor. Cut the provolone cheese into 24 small sticks approximately 1” x 1 ¼”. Place cheese into the date. Wrap date with a ½ slice of bacon and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes and turn the dates over and bake for 15 more minutes until the bacon is crispy. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
You can make these with other sharp cheeses such as Manchego, Parmesan or Soft Gorgonzola.

blog pickle grapes

Pickled Grapes with Rosemary and Chiles

Ingredients

6 cups stemmed mixed red and green seedless grapes (about 2 pounds)
2 cups distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
3 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
Leaves from 1 four-inch sprig rosemary
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red chile flakes

Directions

Pack the grapes into 3 pint-size glass containers with lids. Pour the vinegar and 1 cup water into a saucepan, set it over medium-high heat, and add the salt, sugar, garlic, rosemary, and chile flakes. When the mixture starts to simmer, remove the pan from the heat and divide the hot brine among the pints of grapes. Cover loosely and let cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving. The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Reprinted from The Lee Bros. Simple Fresh Southern: Knockout Dishes with Down-Home Flavor by Matt and Ted Lee. Copyright © 2009 Published by Clarkson Potter

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarts

blog curry cashews

Curried Cashews
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups raw whole cashews
Additional coarse sea salt to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Heat olive oil in pan add curry powder, salt, cayenne pepper and cook until fragrant – approximately 1 min.
Add cashews and coat nuts for one to two minutes. Remove from heat and place on baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring once. Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional sea salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

blog shrimp cocktail

Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients
3/4 cup organic low sodium ketchup
3 tablespoons grated horseradish
1/4 teaspoon tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon vodka, optional

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and chill until ready to use. Serve with shrimp, crab or lobster.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Slider

Here is the perfect breakfast treat, a small breakfast slider. These tasty little sweet potato biscuits filled with crispy bacon and  fried egg would be the perfect start to any morning. It works as a quick grab and go breakfast or a relaxing start to the day with the morning paper.  You’ll love these little sliders……maybe try for New Year morning!

From by the bay, wishing you sweet food memories!

Maryann

blog sweet pot slider

Sweet Potato Breakfast Slider

For each slider use one sweet potato biscuit sliced in half ( recipe follows), one fried egg done to your liking, one slice of crisp bacon cut in half. Assemble egg and bacon inside the biscuit . I use the biscuit cutter to make the fried egg the same size as the biscuit.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Makes approximately 12 biscuits

Source: Food Network Magazine, Thanksgiving Issue Volume 4 Number 9 11/2011

3/4 c. cooked mashed sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato)
1/3 – 1/2 c. whole milk, as needed
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut in to small bits

Preheat oven to 425. Grease baking sheet with butter, oil, or cooking spray. In a small bowl whisk together the sweet potato and milk (less up front, and more if needed). Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (or a fork if you don’t have a pastry cutter) until the mixture is a crumbly texture or resemble coarse meal. Add the sweet potato mixture and gently fold to combine. Add the remaining milk a little at a time until all of the flour is moistened. The amount of milk you will need will depend on the moisture of the sweet potato. Sprinkle a small handful of flour on a work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead lightly 2-3 times with the palm of your hand until the dough comes together. Pat the dough out into a 1/2-in thick round. Using a 2 1/2-in round biscuit cutter, cut the dough in to biscuits, Gently reroll the scraps and cut out more biscuits. Place on to prepared baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes or until light golden brown and firm to the touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

blog sw pot 3

Gingerbread Muffins

 

Welcome your holiday with these easy and delicious gingerbread muffins. I can’ t think of a better way to wake up on Christmas morning then to the aroma of these muffins. It’s a special way to start the day. I suggest measuring out all your dry ingredients the night before or in advance and set aside in plastic storage bag until you are ready to make the muffins. It makes for an easy breakfast. The cinnamon and spices will make your home smell of Christmas!

From by the bay, wishing you special holiday food memories!

Maryann

blog christmas muffins

 

Gingerbread Muffins (Feast by Nigella Lawson)

Makes approximately 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 egg
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil
4 tablespoons dark corn syrup (I used light corn syrup and it was still fine)
4 tablespoons molasses

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper muffin cups. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk the egg in another bowl, then add the brown sugars, making sure to break up any lumps.

Add the milk and vinegar to the egg-brown sugar mixture then measure in the oil with a tablespoon. Use the same oily spoon to add the corn syrup and molasses so they don’t stick to it. Whisk the mixture to combine and add to the flour and spices.

Stir until mixed but still fairly lumpy-the mixture may be more runny than you expect for muffins- but you need the dense stickiness of gingerbread, rather than a cakey crumb. Spoon or pour the mixture into the muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes until the tops are dry.

Cranberry White Fudge

Another easy recipe perfect for gift giving or to add to your holiday cookie platter- cranberry white fudge. It uses just a few ingredients, it taste delicious and it’s oh so pretty !!!

From by the bay wishing you fudge filled holiday memories!

Maryann

blog white fudge

Cranberry White Fudge

Adapted from “Nigella Express” by Nigella Lawson

Ingredients

12oz white chocolate, chopped
14oz can condensed milk
1oz butter
pinch salt
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Place the chopped chocolate, condensed milk, butter and salt into a heavy-based pan over a low heat and stir until melted and well combined. Add the cranberries to the melted chocolate mixture and stir well. Pour the mixture into a 9in square tray, smoothing the top with a wet palette knife. Let the fudge cool, then refrigerate until set. Cut into small pieces approximately 1in x 1in pieces. Once cut, the fudge can be kept in the freezer – there’s no need to thaw, just eat straight away.

Top Five Homemade Candy Gifts

Looking for easy food gifts to share with friends and family , look no further and try one of these easy candy recipes!

From by the bay, wishing you a sweet holiday!

Maryann

 

blog toffee 2

Almond Saltine Toffee with Sea Salt

Ingredients
1 sleeve saltine cookies
6 ounces butter ( 1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
12 ounces chocolate chips or buttons
2 tablespoons blanched sliced almonds
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt , such as Maldon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with non stick cooking spray. Arrange the crackers side by side in a single layer on the baking sheet. In a heavy medium size saucepan place the butter and brown sugar. Stir while the butter is melting and then bring to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat and carefully pour over the crackers on the baking sheet trying to cover all the crackers. Place in the oven for about 5 minutes, so the toffee bubbles and spreads across the crackers. Remove from the oven and cover with the chocolate buttons. Put back into the oven for 1 or 2 minutes so the chocolate softens. Remove from oven. Use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly covering the entire surface of the toffee. Take 3-4 saltines and crush them into small pieces. Sprinkle on top of the chocolate while it’s still sticky and soft. Next sprinkle the almonds on top and finally the sea salt. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least one hour, to cool and set. Once set, break into smaller uneven pieces and serve. Store in an air tight container for up to 10 days.
blog pepita brittle

Pepita Brittle

Adapted from “Craft of Cooking” by Tom Colicchio and Smitten Kitchen Blog from 11/1/2008
Makes one 12 x 16 – inch pan

Canola -oil spray
2 cups sugar
1/4 pound unsalted butter
6 tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 pound or 1 1/2 cup shelled raw unroasted pepitas ( pumpkin seeds)
1 1/2 tablespoons Maldon sea salt

Directions
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with Canola oil. Take a large non-stick pot and add sugar, butter, corn syrup and 1 1/3 cups water. Place on high heat melting sugar until the caramel turns amber color, stir occasionally as this is cooking. This might take awhile, it will thicken as it boils before it finally turns amber. At this point add the baking soda and salt, then remove from heat and add the pepitas. Stirring well, then quickly pour onto the baking sheet and spread out evening with a spatula. An alternate method for a smoother brittle is slide the parchment paper out of the baking pan and onto a smooth counter top. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling in, to smooth the brittle and roll it out thin. Once the brittle is rolled out you can remove the top sheet of parchment paper and let the brittle cool and then break into pieces. If you can resist eating this , store in an air tight container.

blog cookie dough truffle 2

Speculoos Cookie Dough Truffles
yield 1 1/2-2 dozen truffles
2 tbs unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup TJ’s Speculoos Cookie Butter (or Biscoff spread, or any other Speculoos spread you prefer)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup ground shortbread cookies
2/3 cup dark chocolate, melted
optional toppings: fleur de sel, cinnamon chips, white chocolate
Directions:
In a medium bowl, beat together butter, cookie butter, vanilla and ground cookies until well combined. Cover and chill for 30min-1 hour.
Roll dough into 1/2 tbs sized balls, and use a fork to dip and fully coat in melted chocolate. Set on parchment paper, and repeat with remaining dough. Freeze for 1 hour to set, then keep in freezer or refrigerator.

blog quin choco 2

Toasted Quinoa Bourbon Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt
Ingredients
8 ounces high quality chocolate melting candy
2 tablespoons ( pre- rinsed) quinoa
2 teaspoons bourbon
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as Maldon

Directions
Place the quinoa in a small skillet over medium heat , shaking the pan gently until the quinoa starts to puff and darken in color – this will take 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a bowl add the melting chocolate and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until smooth. Repeat until another 1 or 2 times until the chocolate starts to melt. Keep stirring to finish melting the chocolate. Mix in the toasted quinoa and bourbon. Pour and spread the chocolate onto the parchment lined tray. You can use an offset spatula to help spread the chocolate into a square about 6 by 8 inch square. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool and harden. Break into pieces to serve.

blog white peppercorn choco

White Chocolate with Pink Peppercorns
Ingredients
16 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
2 teaspoons pink peppercorns, ground
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chocolate in a glass bowl and place in microwave at high for 30 seconds. Remove bowl and stir chocolate with a spatula. Repeat again by placing into microwave for another 30 seconds, remove and stir. Repeat this process until chocolate is melted, which varies althought ususally in total it is 2 -3 times. Stir chocolate until it is completely smooth. Once chocolate is melted add the lemon zest and ground pink peppercorns. Stir well. Pour melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread into a rectangle shape. You can top with some additional pieces of pink peppercorn if you like. Place into the refrigerator to cool. Once cool, break the chocolate into large pieces.

Pimento Mac and Cheese

If you are planning a holiday menu this season, try this update to the classic mac and cheese. This recipe is inspired by the famous pimento cheese served in the South. In fact , some say pimento cheese is the caviar of the South.  The key ingredients include cheddar cheese, pimento, cream cheese and hot sauce.  Well that’s just a step away from making a delicious mac and cheese!  It’s an easy and delicious side to any holiday meal, but especially thinking about that holiday ham !

From by the bay, wishing you some cheesy holiday memories!

Maryann

blog mac and cheese

Pimento Mac and Cheese

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces medium shells
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/4 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pepperdew, chopped

Directions

In a large pot of salted boiling water cook medium shells according to directions until al dente.  Strain and keep aside. In a medium sauce pan warm the milk.  In a large pot ( I use the same pot as I did for the pasta) melt butter . Whisk in  flour mixing into a paste, keep moving for about 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the warm milk stirring to make sure there are no lumps. Whisk until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from heat and add the cream cheese and whisk until melted, then add 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup parmesan cheese. Stir until melted than add the hot sauce, scallions, pepperdew and cooked shells. Mix well and pour into a buttered 2 quart baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted . Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

 

 

 

Brussel Sprout Salad with Walnuts, Dried Cranberries and Parmesan Cheese

Moving past Thanksgiving weekend, here is a wonderful brussel sprout salad to enjoy! Not only is it healthy, it’s a feast for the eyes. You can make it a light main course, or serve through out the season as a perfect holiday side for dinners and parties. It’s easy to make especially if you have a food processor. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser for parties and it’s one of those dishes you can prepare in advance , and it tastes better as the brussel sprouts marinate in the dressing. Add it to one of your holiday menus this season!

From by the bay, wishing you green food memories!

Maryann

blog brussel sprout salad

Brussel Sprout Salad with Walnuts, Dried Cranberries and Parmesan Cheese

Serves 4
Ingredients
1 pound brussel sprouts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons coarsely grated parmesan cheese
fresh ground black pepper and fine sea salt to taste
Directions
Cut off the ends of the sprouts  and clean. Using a food processsor fitted with a slicing blade coarsely shred the brussel sprouts. Place into a large bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients. Toss gently. Add fine sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste and serve.