De Ma Cuisine

This Week’s Feast Archive

Wednesday

8

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

32 – Episode 66

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, This Week's Feast, Thoughts

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I wonder if I can think of 32 (interesting) things that I’ve learned over the years…

1. God is good.

2. My husband is the best man I know.

3. My family is amazing.

4. Dogs are weird and funny creatures.

5. Until you are one, you can’t possibly imagine the love your aunts and uncles have for you.

6. Siblings and cousins make even better friends.

7. You never know how a friendship will start, so be on the lookout. It could be something as simple as an offer of a yellow jellybean from another 5 year old neighbor.

8. It’s important to take in the moments that seem simple and insignificant. Doing the dishes together, watching the Red Sox game, walking the dog.

9. The grass will always be greener on the other side, so appreciate where you are and what you have.

10. Being together is better than having lots of money and wishing you’d spent more time together.

11. Learning to cook is a good idea. Cooking and gardening can be therapeutic.

12. A good picture takes patience.

13. It’s ok to be an introvert.

14. Laughter is essential and can be healing to the soul.

15. Getting a ring from the right man makes all the tears shed in heartbreaks past worth it.

16. Beauty can be found in the darkest, most obscure, even mundane places, and can take your breath away.

17. It’s good to write on paper and read a real, physical book once in a while.

18. Face to face time is valuable, but so is hanging out on the couch and watching TV together.

19. A walk can be the best way to clear your mind.

20. Husbands are great best friends.

21. It’s important to be nice. Remember to say thank you when Husband takes out the trash.

22. Walking through the city streets when there’s a break from the traffic and all you can hear are your footsteps and the dog’s can transform a concrete sidewalk into a serene path.

23. Vacations are essential. Even if they are just closing the blinds and lounging around all weekend, escaping from the world with your favorite person and best dog.

24. Gossipping and complaining isn’t becoming.

25. Success shouldn’t be defined by other’s opinions of what it looks like.

26. Sometimes it’s easier to communicate by writing than talking.

27. Cooking is a form of art.

28. Working at marriage is always worth the effort.

29. If you need to laugh, give the dog a bowl of peanut butter.

30. Parents are as smart as they say they are.

31. Grandparents should be cherished. Always.

32. Growing older is a good thing. But don’t rush the process.

I hope that wasn’t too corny. But, to borrow some words from The Holiday, maybe you like corny. Maybe you need more corny in your life.

It is good to celebrate. So that’s what we’re going to do today! I know I’m going to be spoiled by Husband. And I think we will have more ice cream.

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Happy Eating!

Roasted Berries and Apriums with French Vanilla Ice Cream

Last modified on 2013-05-13 22:43:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

 

Roasted Berries and Apriums with French Vanilla Ice Cream
Recipe Type: Dessert
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 C apriums, quartered
  • 1 C strawberries, halved
  • 1 T butter, melted
  • 3 T orange juice
  • 1-2 T lemon juice
  • 1 T honey
  • 1/8 t cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg (opt.)
  • tiny tiny dash salt
  • your favorite French Vanilla Ice Cream, for serving
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 375F.
  2. Toss fruit with butter. Roast on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Whisk together orange and lemon juices, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Toss fruit with honey mixture.
  5. Serve fruit over top of ice cream.
Notes
This fruit and sauce could also be served for breakfast over Greek yogurt, Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast.

 

Here are some menu planning ideas for you!

Last modified on GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Waterfall Creative, and Molly Jenson.

Wednesday

1

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Polenta with Tomatoes and Savory – Episode 65

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Appetizers, Brunch, Gluten Free, Herbs, Quick and Easy, Sides, This Week's Feast, Vegetables, Vegetarian

PolentaWithTomatoesAndSavory3Right now I can’t stop thinking about the fava beans that we’re going to have with this Polenta for dinner. I’ve been waiting for fava beans since last year.

But this post isn’t about fava beans. So let’s talk about polenta, shall we?

I will admit that when I make polenta, I have a really hard time not eating more than I need to. And it’s one of the few times when I’m happy to jump up and put the leftovers into the fridge, because it means I can sneak some out of the pot and lick the spoon (which I will accidentally forget to thump on the side of the container, leaving a good amount there for me to eat). Yes. Guilty. I love polenta.

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When I read that we were getting Savory in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box, I was intrigued. I think it is a new herb for me (or, it could be one that I hadn’t known how to use in the past, so maybe it just got dried and is sitting in the back of the cupboard in a jar). I must say, I think I like it.

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I like that it goes with A LOT! I went to the Flavor Bible for help and was pleasantly surprised by how many things I could pair it with. Things like basil, fava beans, chicken, cheese, eggs, legumes, meats, rice, salads, tomatoes, and polenta.

When I saw “polenta” I knew what I needed to do. And I knew that it needed to have some tomato on top and that the tomato needed to be slightly roasted.

And so it did. And so it was.

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Happy Eating!! 

Polenta with Tomatoes and Savory
Recipe Type: Side, Vegetable, Vegetarian
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 3 C water
  • 1 C milk
  • 3/4 C cornmeal
  • 1 C cheese, grated (parmesan and gruyère), a bit reserved for topping
  • 1/2 to 1 t salt
  • pepper
  • 1/2 to 1 T savory, finely chopped
  • 4 slices of tomato (could also cut them into small pieces, as a slice is more difficult to eat)
Instructions
  1. Bring water and milk to a boil. Turn heat to medium-low. Add cornmeal, a bit at a time, whisking to combine. Whisk occasionally as it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese, salt, pepper, and savory.
  3. Pour into individual ramekins (or small oven proof bowls). Top with a slice of tomato, a bit more cheese, and a savory leaf.
  4. Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tomato has softened. (I used a countertop convection oven. In the regular oven, keep the door open and an eye on it so it doesn’t burn – cooking time may be shorter.)
Notes
I served this with some Chicken Braised with Tomato and Red Wine, and some Fava Beans with Butter and Savory. It could also be served for breakfast, along with a fried egg and some whole wheat toast. If you don’t like cornmeal, substitute with mashed potatoes, then broil as directed. To re-heat, cover ramekins with foil let stand on the counter for about 15 minutes. Then set in the oven as it pre-heats to 350F. Bake for about 45 minutes, then uncover, top with a little more cheese, and bake 15 minutes more.

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil Company, Waterfall Creative, and Molly Jenson.

Wednesday

24

April 2013

1

COMMENTS

Strawberry-Balsamic Tart – Episode 64

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Appetizers, Baking, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Fruit, Nuts, Roasting, Snacks, This Week's Feast, Vegetarian

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I love to cook. That’s not a secret. I’m better at it than some, much worse than others. I fail and I succeed.

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I made some Fish Tacos the other week. They were a definite fail. But, today, my friends, was a good cooking day because of a little thing called Tart (it might actually be more of a dessert pizza, but I like the word tart, so that’s what I’m calling it).

It surprised me with it’s deliciousness. I love surprises. But, usually culinary ones are more along the lines of “Wow! That’s really gross,” or “Darn, the pan with the sauce for today’s main dish fell on the floor”… You know what I mean?

But this tart, this little Strawberry-Balsamic Tart, is the good kind of surprise.

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Strawberries get all melty and soft when they’re roasted. Reduced balsamic vinegar is syrupy and thick. Pizza crust is thin and crispy. Walnuts are slightly toasted and crunchy. Onions are caramely and sweet. And, maybe the most surprising ingredient, black pepper, adds just the right tiny kick of spice.

Be still my heart.

I can’t stop thinking about this tart.

It was love at first bite.

I ate this on its own for lunch… and had a hard time not eating the entire thing by myself. However, should you want to share, I think it would be great alongside a Spinach Salad topped with Shredded Chicken (use leftover Roasted Chicken), Walnuts, and Strawberries. It could be a brunch food – how about with the Spring Frittata I made a few weeks ago?! Or maybe serve it as an appetizer? Why not?! You could also also also serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and call it dessert.

Ready? Set. Go!

StrawberryBalsamicTart

Strawberry-Balsamic Tart

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 29 minutes

Total Time: 39 minutes

Yield: 4

Strawberry-Balsamic Tart

Ingredients

  • 1 T butter, divided, melted
  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled, and quartered lengthwise
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 1-2 medium onions, sliced
  • 2 T honey
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 C balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pizza crust
  • 1/4 C coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1/4 C raw walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • pinch freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425F. Melt butter.
  2. In a hot, dry skillet, add onions, honey, and salt. Cook over medium-low for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. While onions cook, in a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until thickened and syrupy, about 12-18 minutes (being careful not to let it burn).
  4. Meanwhile, roll out pizza crust. Par bake for 5 minutes.
  5. Toss strawberries with 1/2 T melted butter and nutmeg.
  6. Brush crust with 1/2 T melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar and press into crust slightly (with a spatula or fingers). Top with onions, walnuts, strawberries, and black pepper. Bake for 7-9 minutes (or according to your pizza dough's recipe instructions), or until crust is done.
  7. Let stand for a few minutes.
  8. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. If you can wait that long, serve at room temperature. If not, I totally understand. 😉
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/it-might-be-love-ep64/

Happy Eating!

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Waterfall Creative, Molly Jenson.

Wednesday

17

April 2013

3

COMMENTS

Not Your Average Spinach-Artichoke Dip – Episode 63

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Appetizers, Cheese, Gluten Free, Lunch, Nuts, Potlucks, Sides, Snacks, This Week's Feast, Vegetables, Vegetarian

SpinachArtichokeDip3Today I made dip. It’s not your average Spinach-Artichoke Dip. No way. It’s made with artichokes, walnuts, spinach, and beet greens. There’s a little cheese too. Cheese is always a good addition to dip in my books. I’m totally a fan of creamy dips and sauces. But this time, I exchanged the mayo for balsamic vinegar…

Really, I use the term “dip” loosely. It’s more of a “scoop”, but I don’t know if that works…

If you didn’t blend it, this could be a side dish of wilted greens that you eat with a fork. I’d be ok with that serving option. Or maybe you might want to add some of the water from a pot of cooking pasta and make it into a pasta dish? Be my guest! But, my plan is to scoop it out of a bowl with a cracker or some French bread and call it dinner. Yes, dinner. Or snack, appetizer, lunch, breakfast (alongside a fried egg? Sure, I think so.)…

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I’ll admit that it’s not quite as pretty as one of those creamy Spinach-Artichoke dips. It’s the balsamic that gives it the dark color. Totally worth it.

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Something I didn’t do that I’m regretting: I didn’t add bacon. That would have been a good addition. Great, now not only am I hungry, but I’m hungry for bacon…

Happy Eating!

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4-6

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

  • 2 T olive oil
  • 8-10 artichokes (outer leaves, tip, stem, and choke removed), finely chopped
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 C walnuts, chopped
  • pinch or two coconut palm sugar (or any sugar)
  • 1/2 C balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 to 1 t dijon mustard
  • 1/2 t to 1 t salt
  • pepper
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 3-4 C spinach, torn
  • 3-4 C beet greens, torn
  • 1-2 C cheese, grated (mixture of parmesan and gruyère)
  • crackers, bread, or bagel chips for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet. Add oil. When oil is hot, add artichokes, shallot, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Cook for 3-5 minutes, over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and walnuts. Cook 2 minutes, over medium heat, stirring often.
  3. Add vinegar and reduce down for 3-4 minutes (or less!).
  4. Stir in dijon. Add beet greens and wilt down for 2 minutes, (to help greens wilt down: using tongs, pick up greens and bits from the bottom and turn over). Add spinach and wilt down for 2 minutes, or until all greens are wilted.
  5. Using the chopper attachment of a hand blender (or a food processor), working in batches (if needed), blend the dip to desired consistency.
  6. Stir in cheese.
  7. Serve topped with a little more cheese.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/better-than-average-ep63/

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil, Waterfall Creative, Molly Jenson.

Wednesday

10

April 2013

1

COMMENTS

Today I Learned… – Episode 62

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, This Week's Feast, Thoughts

CreamyCauliflowerSoup5Here are some things I learned today that I kinda wish my now self could go back and tell my this morning self:

When your four year old friend, Clara, suggests that you make soup for your show, do it. No hesitations necessary. It will be a good idea.

When the energy saver lightbulb (you know, the kind that contains mercury) breaks, you don’t need to cry. Just go for a walk and let the apartment air out (then clean it up, obviously, in the safe manner that Husband found online).

The smell of garlic cooking and gruyère broiling can make the day just a little bit better.

When there are leftover pieces of toasted bread with melty, crispy, browned gruyère, it is the best idea to put a few layers of rosemary ham between them and call it lunch.

Taking a break from sorting through photos to rearrange your desk counts as work, even though it’s fun.

If you put the funny nose and mustache glasses on the dog and he refuses to knock them off, laugh as much as you need to. He doesn’t mind. He will take them off later and you can tell him he’s a good boy.

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And, it is always a good idea to eat as much soup as possible.

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This soup is the epitome of simple. Butter and olive oil browns. Cauliflower, spring onion, and garlic cook until they’re tender. Homemade stock is added. Soup is puréed. Bread is toasted and covered with cheese.

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Enjoy, friends. And thanks, Clara, for suggesting that I make soup. I hope you like it as much as I did!

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Last modified on 2013-04-10 22:05:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
It’s like a creamy Cauliflower Soup crossed with French Onion Soup.
Ingredients
  • 1 T unsalted butter
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 2 small heads cauliflower (I had one purple and one white one, use what you have), chopped into small pieces
  • 1 spring onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, diced
  • 4 C vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 t salt
  • 1-2 T fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 C milk
  • 1-2 T lemon juice
  • 3-4 slices toasted baguette (or GF Bagel Chips)/serving
  • 1/4 C gruyère cheese, grated/serving
Instructions
  1. Heat soup pot. Add butter and oil and let it brown, covered (to prevent splattering), over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add cauliflower, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook, covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
  2. Uncover, turn heat to medium-low and add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add lemon juice, remaining salt, parsley, and vegetable stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover and reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until veggies are tender.
  4. Using a hand blender (or regular blender with plug from lid removed and the opening covered with a clean towel), purée soup to desired consistency. Add milk, stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Dish soup into oven-proof bowls or ramekins and top with toasts. Top toasts with a sprinkle of gruyère. Broil in the toaster for 5-10 minutes (in the oven broiler, broil with the door open, paying attention the whole time, it should be a much shorter amount of time).
Notes
The toasts will soak up some of the soup as they broil. If you’d rather, you could toast the bread with the cheese and place it on top of the soup right before serving. Leftover soup makes great pasta sauce.

 

Need some ideas for your week’s menu? Here you go!

Happy Eating!

Last modified on GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil Company, Molly Jenson, Waterfall Creative.