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Appetizers, Breakfast, Eggs, Recipes, Sandwiches, Sauces, Veggies

Pimento Cheese

July 2, 2018

Pimento Cheese Appetizer

Pimento cheese is a divine dish, known in the American South as Carolina caviar, Southern pâté or caviar of the South.  There are numerous ways to enjoy it whether it’s right out of the bowl spread on crackers and crunchy vegetables, or melted and drizzled over scrambled eggs or nachos.  Pimento cheese makes a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich and I can’t imagine a better spread on a warm, buttery biscuit or over a grilled burger.

Pimentos

Jarred pimentos are mild, sweet and vibrantly red.

Grated Sharp Cheddar

Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos are the three main ingredients.  To add a little depth to my pimento cheese, I add a bit of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire, and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper.  Louisiana-style hot sauce is another common addition. Next time I will add some of our homemade pickled jalapeños. Freshly grated cheese is a must for this recipe.  Pre-grated cheese has added ingredients to prevent it from clumping and getting moldy.  These ingredients greatly affect its melting quality and taste.  So get out your grater, it will take just a few minutes if that, to grate a block of cheese.

Pimento Cheese Eggs Benedict

Melted pimento cheese makes a fabulous sauce for Eggs Benedict.  I also like to drizzle it over soft scrambled eggs.

Pimento Cheese Nachos

Nachos!  I came across the idea to use pimento cheese on nachos from South Carolina’s curiously named “Garden & Gun” web site (named after a 1970s Charleston disco called the Garden & Gun Club).  This turned out to be the best cheese sauce for nachos.  Once melted, it is easy to drizzle over the corn chips and other toppings.

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

Pimento Cheese
 
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Ingredients
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (not light)
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard, such as Coleman's
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons diced pimentos
  • 1½ teaspoons finely chopped parsley
  • 8 ounce block of sharp cheddar, finely shredded
Preparation
  1. Combine mayonnaise, dry mustard, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, pimentos and parsley in a medium bowl. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Refrigerate pimento cheese in an airtight container until ready to use.
  2. Spread on crackers and vegetables such as cucumbers and bright peppers for a lively and delicious party appetizer. To use over eggs or nachos, heat pimento cheese in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly so that the mixture does not separate.
  3. Pimento cheese will keep for 5 days or so.

 

Bread, Breakfast, Dinner, Fruit, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sandwiches

Avocado, Tuna & Pickled Red Onion Toast

May 4, 2018

Tuna, Avocado & Pickled Onion Toast

Our “winter” months bring us superb avocados from our Green Gold and Sharwil trees.  They both produce fruit with creamy, rich interiors.  At times the trees are so heavy with fruit the branches must be propped up. And, for several months we have far more avocados than we can eat, but they don’t go to waste. There are many evenings and early mornings when I make big batches of guacamole to take to work and share with our neighbors.  Other favorite avocado dishes are pesto, pan-seared tuna with avocado, and fish tacos with avocado crema and of course avocado toast. I call this version deluxe avocado toast. Pickled red onions and tuna in olive oil along with those delicious Castelvetrano olives make for a fine and satisfying meal.

Green Gold Avocados

The Green Gold avocado is probably my favorite.  The tree is a heavy bearer of rich and creamy fruit that never turns brown even when made into guacamole.

Pickled Red Onions

The pickled red onions are slightly tangy, a perfect, colorful addition to the avocado toast.

Ortiz Tuna

Ortiz Tuna in Olive Oil

Being a big fan of tuna, I have tried many different brands over the years.  For salad nicoise and toast, tuna in olive oil is the only way to go.  Ortiz and As do Mar are both excellent tuna options.  These days they are readily available on-line for purchase.

Tuna, Avocado & Pickled Onion Toast

Avocado, Tuna & Pickled Red Onion Toast
 
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Avocado Toast adapted from Cooking Light magazine Pickled Red Onions from A Farmgirl's Dabbles blog
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • For the pickled onions:
  • ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ⅛ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch of allspice
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • For the avocado toast:
  • 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
  • 2 large pieces country sourdough bread or 4 pieces whole wheat bread
  • 1 tablespoon Vegenaise (or regular mayonnaise)
  • Maldon sea salt or other flaky salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (4 ounce) can tuna in olive oil (Ortiz recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley torn into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons pitted Castelvetrano olives, coarsely chopped
Preparation
  1. Place onions in a small bowl. Bring vinegars, sugar and salt to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat and add the allspice and red pepper flakes. Pour vinegar mixture over the onions and let cool completely. Store in a jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  2. Toast bread until nicely browned. Spread Vegenaise over the toasts. Divide avocado slices between the toast and mash gently with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Top evenly with tuna, pickled onions, parsley, almonds, and olives.Season again with salt and pepper. Serve right away.

 

Breakfast, Dessert, Lactose Free, Recipes

Cream Cheese Scones

April 24, 2018

Tart Cherry Cream Cheese Scones

Scones have now become one of my favorite pastries.  They don’t require planning ahead and can be made in less than an hour from start to finish.  And though many think of a scone as a breakfast treat, I very much enjoy them as a dessert warmed and topped with a pat of Earth Balance Buttery Spread.  What sets these scones apart, is the rich flavor from the cream cheese. This creates a very tender and moist crumb.  The house is filled with wonderful aromas as they bake.  Having tried numerous recipes I can now say that I can’t imagine a better scone than this one.

Tart Cherries

The original recipe calls for dried apricots.  I have made the scones with apricots and cherries. Both versions are excellent so use what’s readily available or make a double batch, half with cherries and the other half with apricots.  These scones freeze well.

Apricot Cream Cheese Scones

Turkish Apricots

Turkish apricots are soft and sweet which makes them ideal for baked goods and for snacking.

Tart Cherry Cream Cheese Scones

Cream Cheese Scones
 
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Adapted from King Arthur Flour
Author:
Serves: 14
Ingredients
  • 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (390 grams)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (99 grams)
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
  • 1 (8 ounce) container cold Green Valley lactose free cream cheese (or regular cream cheese)
  • ½ cup (8 tablespoons) cold Earth Balance Buttery Sticks (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped dried cherries or diced apricots (150 grams)
  • ¼ cup lactose free milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 - 2½ tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • sparkling sugar for garnish, optional
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
  3. Cut in the cream cheese and butter, using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers, until the chunks of butter are the size of peas. Stir in the cherries or apricots.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together the milk, egg and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir with a fork until the dough is evenly moistened.
  5. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and fold it over several times, until it holds together. Pat the dough into a ¾" thick rectangle. Cut the dough in to 14 squares or 16 for smaller scones. Bake on the middle rack for about 13 minutes, until the tops are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove scones to a cooling rack and cool completely.
  6. Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet easy enough to drizzle over the scones with a spoon. Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle or brush glaze over the tops and immediately sprinkle on the sugar if using.

 

 

 

Breakfast, Dinner, Eggs, Lactose Free, Recipes

Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Omelet for Two

December 26, 2017

Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Omelet

During a recent visit by our kids and grandkids, we all went out for brunch at Roy’s Humble Market Kitchin in Wailea. The menu featured a beautiful “Makahiki” omelet which included mushrooms, spinach, and white cheddar among its ingredients.  It was so tasty, we were inspired to make our own version at home.

Cremini Mushrooms

Lately the cremini mushrooms at our local Whole Foods market have been particularly gorgeous. I can’t seem to pass by the bin without buying a few to bring home.  Creminis are meatier and have a more complex flavor than white mushrooms.  They hold up nicely and there is very little moisture when sautéing them which makes them perfect for an omelet.

Fresh Spinach Leaves

The beauty of this omelet comes from the layer of spinach that covers the bottom of the pan before the eggs go in.  Once slightly wilted, pour the eggs evenly over the spinach.  All of this takes place on low heat, and a lid for your pan is essential.  Use foil if you don’t have a lid for your pan.

Spinach & Egg

Once the eggs have mostly set, pile on the sautéed mushrooms and cheese.  My first choice is yogurt cheese, which is naturally lactose free however I sometimes use sharp cheddar.  I find that yogurt cheese melts wonderfully. It is stretchy, gooey, melted perfection.

Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Omelet

Add the mushrooms and cheese to one side of the omelet then fold over the other side on top of the filling.  Slice in to two portions and serve!

Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Omelet

 

Spinach. Mushroom & Cheese Omelet for Two
 
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Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced thin
  • 4 teaspoons Buttery Sticks, divided (or regular butter)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for mushrooms and eggs
  • 4 extra-large eggs, whisked and seasoned lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ounce fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 ounce grated cheese (or more if you prefer)
Preparation
  1. Melt 2 teaspoons Buttery Sticks over medium heat in a 10-inch pan. Sauté mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes. Season lightly with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Transfer to a small bowl.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Wipe out the pan and add remaining 2 teaspoons Buttery Sticks swirling to distribute around the bottom and sides of the pan. Lay spinach leaves in the pan, overlapping as necessary. Cover pan and wilt spinach. This will take less than 30 seconds.
  3. Pour eggs over the spinach. As the egg mixture starts to cook, gently lift the edges with a spatula and tilt the pan to allow more of the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Once the eggs have slightly set in the center, distribute the mushrooms evenly over one side of the omelet. Sprinkle cheese over the mushrooms. Fold the other half of the omelet over the filling. Cover the pan and allow cheese to melt for 30 seconds or so. Slide the omelet on to a plate and slice in half. Serve with crispy bacon, sausage or ham.

 

Breakfast, Eggs, Lactose Free, Recipes, Rice Dishes

The Perfect Egg

October 11, 2017

Eggs on Toast

Over the years eggs have come in and out of favor with nutritional science.  Throughout all these ins and outs, they have remained one of my favorite foods. Now in good standing, eggs are recognized as a nutritious multi-purpose food. They are very inexpensive and can be prepared in numerous ways.  Fried, boiled, poached, scrambled, and steamed. They are delicious served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  I especially like eggs that have perfectly set whites with jammy yolks. This 6 1/2 minute egg achieves that ideal. The egg is steamed in a bit of water for exactly 6 1/2 minutes.  What you end up with is a beautiful egg that can be served in multiple ways.  Here I show you just a few of my favorite ways to eat this perfect food.

Egg on Rice served with Kimchi

Besides being fond of eggs, I also love all types of rice.  A perfectly cooked egg atop steaming rice is divine.

Eggs on Avocado Bacon Toast

When avocado season comes around, we toast John’s homemade country sourdough bread and top it with avocado, bacon and eggs. This is one of my favorite meals for lunch.

Eggs on Toast with Maldon Sea Salt & Parsley

The simplicity of a perfectly cooked egg on good bread can’t be beat.  Toast the bread, dab on some butter, and sprinkle Maldon sea salt over the egg.  A scattering of fresh parsley adds a wonderful fresh note to the egg toast.

The Perfect Egg
 
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Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 extra-large eggs (cold from the refrigerator)
  • flaky sea salt such as Maldon
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • toast or rice to serve with eggs
Preparation
  1. Bring ¾-inch of water to a boil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan with a tight fitting lid.
  2. Once the water begins to boil gently lower the eggs into the pan with tongs. Lower the heat to medium (water should still be boiling) cover the pan and start your timer. Six minutes and 30 seconds!
  3. Once the timer goes off, remove the eggs immediately and run under cold water for a minute or so to stop them from cooking further. Peel and serve the eggs on toast or rice. If you prefer to save the eggs for later, chill eggs in an ice bath for a few minutes as soon as they are removed from the pan. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

 

Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, Fruit, Lactose Free

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins

September 9, 2017

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins

One of my favorite uses of the nutritious blueberry is in muffins. They are one of the easiest breakfast (or dessert) snacks to make.  All you need is a bowl for the dry ingredients and a measuring cup for the wet ingredients. Combine the two, fold in the blueberries and your batter is ready.  In less than 20 minutes you’ll have warm, crispy topped muffins with just the right amount of blueberries.  These are delicious split down the center, toasted and served with a pat of butter.

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins

The sparkling sugar ensures the muffins have a perfectly crisp top that is not only a delight to eat but also gives the muffins that certain je ne sais quoi. Bob’s Red Mill decorative sparkling sugar works perfectly.

Blueberries

Muffin Liners

It’s best to use liners in your muffin tin to ensure that the muffins won’t stick to your pan.  Liners also mean easier clean up.

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins

These are beautiful muffins with crackly and crispy tops.  If by chance you have any leftover muffins, store them in the freezer in a heavy-duty plastic bag. They will keep well for more than a month.

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins

 

Crisp Sugar Topped Blueberry Muffins
 
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Author:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all purpose-flour
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup lactose free milk (or regular milk)
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 4 tablespoons Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, melted and cooled for 5 minutes (or regular salted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) fresh blueberries
  • Sparkling sugar such as Bob's Red Mill Simply Sweet Decorative Sparkling Sugar
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Line muffin tin with muffin/cupcake liners.
  3. In a large bowl whisk to combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. In a 2 cup measuring cup, measure ½ cup milk. Add ¼ cup canola oil, melted Buttery Sticks, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk ingredients together.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into bowl of dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Fold in blueberries. Divide batter between a 12 cup paper-lined muffin tin. Sprinkle each muffin with ½ teaspoon of sparkling sugar.
  6. Bake for 18 - 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool muffins in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.

 

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