Reaching for the ‘clouds’ for the New Year!

Well hello to everyone… yes I realize it has been quite a while since my last posting, but there were many obstacles that prevented me from having the time to focus. Hopefully this will be a new blogging beginning for the New Year!
With 2015 finally upon us and an annual Holiday get-together with our friends approaching tonight, I felt this would be the best time to kickstart everything into motion.
Starting with ‘what can I bring’ to our amazing hostess, the words ‘how about dessert’ was music to my ears! After thinking about something out of the norm, I settled on a triple layered hazelnut mocha pavlova, with a hazelnut liquor cream filling…
It all started yesterday by roasting hazelnuts [the amount is your choice, but I went with six ounces] in the oven and also melting milk and dark chocolates [another six ounces] over simmering water. Both were set aside to cool…
While the nuts and melted chocolates cooled, six egg whites were whipped with a pinch of kosher salt until soft peaks formed, from there the sugar began to slowly get added until the whites became glossy and stiff. Once stiff peaks were evident, vanilla and almond extracts were added and the mixer then turned off. The chopped hazelnuts and a cup of chocolate chips were gently folded into the shiny pillowy mixture, as well as the cooled, melted chocolate to create a lovely marbled wonder.
Poured onto three parchment drawn discs and spread out, it was then into the 225*F oven for two and a half hours. Once cooked, the door was opened and the pavlova’s left to cool completely.
For the whipped filling, I beat cream and some hazelnut liquor until firm. This boozy filling was spread on each layer and stacked. The pavlova tier was popped into the refrigerator to ‘set-up’ overnight and then this edible beauty was dressed with some shaved dark chocolate on top before packing up and heading to the party!
The end result… crisp exterior with a slightly chewy center and a creamy delight to hold everything together… a total favorite!
What will I bake next???

-R

B-L-Totally Awesome!

So this past holiday weekend was a full-on baking extravaganza, chock full of bread loaves, buns and crumbles… The loaves and buns were whipped up using one of my favorite British cookbooks.
Since there was an abundance of homemade Sherston loaves in the house, I decided to slice up some heavenly chunks and do classic BLT’s for dinner!
After toasting up these lovely slices, a smear of mayo acted as the glue for building up these hearty sandwiches! Thick rings of juicy red tomatoes, crisp and cool leaves of romaine, along with salty, applewood smoked bacon brought this masterpiece together…
The juicy tomatoes oozed their gorgeous, sweet nectar and dripped down my lips as I savored each and every bite! Since one sandwich disappeared so suddenly, I am not embarrassed to say that an additional BLT made its way onto my plate and then into my belly…

at a low simmer…
-R

hands off my buns!

For a nod to the upcoming Easter holiday, I decided to whip up a batch of hot cross buns… these spicy orbs of golden delight take a bit of time to prepare, but the outcome is entirely worth the effort!
The standards for creating these little heartbreakers are flour, sugar, salt, some mixed spices [pumpkin pie spice works as well], yeast, butter, an egg, whole milk, water, raisins, currants, as well as lemon and orange zest!
Everything for the dough is combined in the mixer, minus the fruits and zests… After a good ten-twelve minutes of kneading in the mixer, the fruits and zests are added in until incorporated. Once combined, a layer of plastic wrap covers the dough and it’s off for a nap in a warm spot until the dough rises in volume…
The dough, once risen, is separated and rolled into mounds, then set aside to rise again. As soon as they have risen the second time, a cross is piped along the tops of each bun and it’s off to get baking!
As soon as the buns are golden, a quick brushing of a syrupy glaze is gently slathered over each to finish off these treasures!
Warm out of the oven with a spread of butter or preserves [or hell both] is the best way to enjoy… guaranteed these don’t make it until Sunday!

at a low simmer…
-R

the big day, full of big flavors!!

The last few days have been filled with preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday… numerous runs to the market, prep work of some appetizers, as well as the big important part… the turkey!
The appetizers were endless… fresh mozz and tomato, stuffed mushrooms, marinated artichokes, along with a variety of others…
The main course was equally as vast! A nineteen pound turkey that was seasoned with my special ingredients [as well as ALOT of butter], fluffy stuffing, sautéed carrots, mashed potatoes, various sweet potato dishes, brussel sprouts, cauliflower sautéed in garlic and oil, as well as quite a few more…
After a quick cleanup and resting period, it was time for dessert… where oh where was one to put these?? Homemade pumpkin pie, coconut custard, a pecan cheesecake, cakey pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, cream puffs and an apple pie…
Stuffed is not a word to describe exactly how I’m feeling now, but once a year it’s acceptable and allowed!

at a low simmer…
-R

crisp and delicious!

After another Saturday full of decorating for the upcoming Halloween holiday, the decision of what would end up on our plates, bit more importantly… in our bellies!
One can only deal with Chinese takeout or pizza that much [I mean don’t get me wrong, I am a lover of good Chinese and a fantastic bottle of wine] but tonight I wanted something a bit lighter, full of intense flavor and still satisfying…
A chef salad was the perfect way to go! Crisp and cold lettuce tossed gently with red onions, green olives, hot peppers, plump grape tomatoes and rolled provolone, ham and turkey in an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing…
Mmmm what a perfect decision that was and some leftover to have alongside tomorrow nights dinner!! I just love double duty dishes…

at a low simmer…
-R

sometimes bitter can be good!

In order to detox a bit from this past holiday weekend, there was a staple element missing… wine!
So tonight on the menu was a big hearty salad of bitter greens, italian olives, black beans and juicy grilled chicken. The greens were crisp, the beans plump, the olives slightly briny, while the chicken tender and cooked on the grill with just some olive oil spray…
Dining this way is extremely filling, not to mention by mixing things up with meats, poultry or just some crisp veggies, this can make a quick, delicious and healthy meal!
I’m a huge fan of salads to begin with and could eat them all the time! So making them in order to get back on track is a good thing in my opinion…

at a low simmer…
-R