De Ma Cuisine

Snacks Archive

Monday

21

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Written by , Posted in Baking, Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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I’ve never been the best baker. I like to think that it’s because of my lack of skill when it comes to all things science. I got a D in chemistry in high school. Sometimes I wonder, if they’d told me how much I would care about science when I grew up, or if someone had shown me science in action, in the form of different baked goods, if it would have clicked. Maybe not, but I wonder.

So I’m slowly learning about baking. I’m a kinesthetic learner – I learn by doing, so it’s taking some trial and error to figure things out. What comes the most naturally to me when cooking is figuring things out as I go; recipes used for inspiration more than direction. That doesn’t really work with baking. But, I guess I’m learning, because these muffins did.

It helps that I know what the batter should look and feel like. The more I bake the more I know about doughs and batters and the like.

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The stars of this recipe are Asian pears and figs, but any seasonal fruit will do: apples, berries, cherries, persimmons… Use what you love and what you have on hand.

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There are also carrots, but you could use parsnips or summer squash in their place.

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I used whole wheat flour and butter. But, of course, adapt it to suit your family’s needs. You could try a gluten-free flour blend if you’d like, or to make it vegan, use cold coconut oil and substitute flax seeds and water for the egg.

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I love Burroughs Family Farms’ eggs, so that’s what I used today. The yolks are always the most brilliant golden yellow. I just can’t get enough!

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I’m pretty picky about what I eat when it comes to sugar. I’m ok with the occasional treat, but in general, I avoid refined white sugar like the plague. Instead I like to use honey and maple syrup. Combine that with the oats, whole wheat flour, vegetable, and fruit that these muffins contain, and I feel great about them for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack.

I was totally going to add chocolate chips. I even had them out on the counter. Then I forgot. Add ’em if you’d like. You could also add nuts. I’m not crazy about them in baked goods. But, to bump up the protein, or just because you like them, you could add some almonds or walnuts either to the batter, or gently press them into the top before baking.

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I enjoyed these with some homemade butter. They’d been cooling for a little while when I finally got a taste, but were still warm enough to melt the butter just slightly. But even without butter (which is how I ate my second one), they’re absolutely delicious.

Happy Eating!

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Yield: 1 dozen

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 C whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 t salt
  • 1/2 t baking powder
  • 1/2 t baking soda
  • 1/4 t cinnamon
  • 1/4 t ginger
  • 1/2 C cold butter (or coconut oil), cut into small chunks
  • 1 C oats
  • 3/4 C any of the following: Asian pears, pears, apples, parsnips, carrots, squash, persimmons, (grated)
  • 1/2 C any of the following: figs, berries, cherries (pits removed), chopped
  • 1/4 C honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 C maple syrup
  • 1 egg (or use ground up flaxseeds and water)
  • 1 t apple cider vinegar
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • (optional: almonds or walnuts, chopped, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Position the rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat to 350F.
  2. Whisk flour through ginger. Mix in butter with a pastry blender or hands until coarse meal or small (pea sized) chunks remain. Stir in oats through fruit. Set in the freezer while you assemble the wet ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk honey through vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Scoop about 3T of batter into each compartment of a greased muffin pan (should yield 1 dozen). Top with nuts if desired, pressing them gently into the batter. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the center of the muffin springs back when touched.
  5. Remove from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/whole-wheat-pear-muffins/

Monday

7

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Tuna Boats

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dinner, Eggs, Fennel Pollen, Fish, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Low Carb, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Quick and Easy, Sides, Snacks, Vegetables

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There are so many things that you can do with tuna. It makes a fabulous sandwich, one of my favorites. It’s a great addition to pasta, one of my comfort foods. And, it’s good in a boat. Specifically a boat made of veggies.

This is one of those awesome recipes that’s great no matter the season. So I will share one of my favorite ways to make it, and then some mix and match options.

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For this recipe, the stars were hard boiled eggs, shallots, and fresh tarragon. Plus the boats: cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was fabulous.

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I started with the eggs. My method for hard boiling is what my mom taught me: boil water, add 1t white vinegar, add eggs, boil for 15 minutes, cool eggs under cold running water. I like to peel the eggs right away, while they’re still a bit warm. They’re easier to peel.

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After the eggs, the rest came together in no time.

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We loved the cucumber boats, the tomato boats were yummy, but the cabbage boats were our favorite. There was something so perfect about the slightly sweet cabbage that went so well with the tuna and egg mixture.

Since tuna goes with so so many things, it didn’t seem fair to limit the recipe to just a these few ingredients. So here are some mix and match ideas. Mix a little something that you think would taste great together, from each of the five categories, for a quick and easy treat.

Creamy/Liquidy

Mayo, yogurt, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, aioli, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, silken tofu, olive oil, sesame oil.

Herbs

Basil, cilantro, dill, chives, fennel pollen, parsley, Rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon.

Seasonings

Cayenne, paprika, pepper, salt.

Extras

Bacon, arugula, bell pepper, celery, back/white/fava/green beans, capers, chile peppers, hard boiled eggs, garlic, ginger, leeks, lemon zest, red onions, pancetta, scallions, shallots, radishes, tomatoes, salsa, olives.

Serve In

Avocado, cucumber, cabbage, carrots, celery, kale, chard, mixing, lettuce, radicchio, daikon radishes, radishes, fennel, beets, jicama, shiitakes.

Some may be best cooked and scooped out (beets and carrots). They could be served with the veggies at room temperature, or even chilled. Others will just need the seeds or some of the flesh scooped out (any good bits could be mixed with the tuna or saved for later). Those of the leafy variety need just be separated.

And now, here are some combos that I came up with, all of which I can’t wait to try.

French Inspired Tuna, tarragon or basil, hard boiled eggs, and mayo, served in a tomato or cucumber.

Asian Inspired Tuna, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion, chile pepper, and cilantro, served in summer squash, tomato, or cabbage.

Mediterranean Inspired Tuna, olives, olive oil, paprika, lemon zest, parsley, basil, dill, white beans or garbanzo beans, and red onion, served in cucumber, bell pepper, or tomato.

Mexican Inspired Tuna, yogurt, salsa, black beans, cilantro, chile pepper, bell pepper, tomato, and red onion, served in avocado, tomato, or bell pepper.

Italian Inspired Tuna, garlic, rosemary, parsley, basil, thyme, tomato, lemon juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, served in tomato, fennel, bell pepper, or summer squash.

Happy Eating!

Tuna Boats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2-3

Tuna Boats

Ingredients

  • 2 hard boiled eggs
  • 1-2 T mayo
  • 1-2 T plain yogurt
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 T tarragon or basil, chopped or cut in a chiffonade
  • pinch cayenne
  • to taste salt
  • 1 T shallot or red onion, diced
  • 1-5oz. can tuna
  • cucumber, tomato, or cabbage (halved, center scooped out if applicable), for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook eggs (boil water, add 1t white vinegar, add eggs, boil for 15 minutes, drain, pour cool water over, peel right away).
  2. Combine eggs through tuna. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Scoop tuna mixture into cucumber, tomatoes, and cabbage.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/tuna-boats/

Monday

24

August 2015

0

COMMENTS

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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There’s nothing like a chilled melon on a hot summer day. Seriously. Nothing. Give me all of the watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes and I’m a happy gal. I can’t grow them for anything, so thankfully they know what they’re doing at JND Farms.

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I’ve mentioned before that I prefer melon just plain. Super cold, cut into chunks or sliced, that’s my favorite. But, as I’ve also admitted, I’m loving these new ways to eat them too. Melon and Feta Salad? Yep! Watermelon Gazpacho? Absolutely! And now, a smoothie.

For this smoothie I added some frozen peaches and bananas. Fresh would be great too. I just had some in the freezer to use up. Whatever type of fruit, I’d suggest using as ripe as you can find ’em. Super sweet and juicy. Best way to go. If you wanted to switch things up you could also add some greens (like kale, spinach, or chard), berries, other types of stone fruit, pears, apples, or honeydew melon. Use what you have on hand.

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I used cow’s milk, because it’s what we drink. But any kind of milk will do. Coconut, soy, almond, hemp… use what you prefer. Same goes for the yogurt. Any kind will work. Or, to keep it vegan, try some silken tofu.

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Then grab your favorite blender and blend away. I like my smoothies super smooooooth, so I blended long enough that the guy working at the house next door looked over to see what the noise was (during the break he took from whatever noisy machine he was using 😉 ). I also overfilled the blender just a tad. I got a little cantaloupe happy. If I hadn’t had my hand on the lid we may have had cantaloupe colored walls. Whoops. The good thing about making so much is that I made enough for four, so tomorrow’s breakfast is already done.

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Smoothies are a perfect breakfast, full of protein and nutrients. But, they’re also a great snack, or an accompaniment to a meal. I’m thinking that a Dandy Sandi paired with a smoothie sounds yummy. Maybe the extra servings will become lunch.

Happy Eating!

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 3 C cantaloupe, cut into chunks
  • 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
  • 1 C frozen peaches (or fresh), cut into chunks
  • 1 C plain yogurt or silken tofu
  • 1 C milk (any kind)
  • pinch ginger
  • pinch salt
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • Could also add: greens (kale, spinach, chard), berries, stone fruit, pears, apples, honeydew melon

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/cantaloupe-smoothie/

Monday

27

July 2015

0

COMMENTS

Salted Chocolate and Roasted Fig Pudding

Written by , Posted in Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Roasting, Snacks, Vegetarian

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A few years ago I tried to make chocolate sauce for ice cream. As one who rarely makes desserts and who doesn’t bake a lot, the science behind these types of things can baffle me. I ended up with pudding instead of chocolate sauce.

But, it was one of those happy mistakes. Because I ended up with a delicious dessert (which, if you’re wondering, tasted just fine over ice cream).

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Since figs are way early this year, kinda like a lot of our produce, I figured it was time to recreate that pudding, with a figgy twist.

This is one of those times where it’s important to have read through the recipe and have all ingredients prepped in advance. It’s not complicated and the timing doesn’t have to be exact. But, for example, you don’t want to take the time to melt the chocolate, only to have it cool down too much, or for the milk to boil over, or the figs to burn while you get the rest of the ingredients ready. You want to be able to give each step the attention it deserves.

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I took some fresh figs and roasted them. It’s my favorite way to enjoy them. They were tossed with some coconut oil before heading in to the oven.

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While the figs roasted, I melted some chocolate. We aren’t a microwaving house, so I made a double boiler from a medium-sized pot with about an inch of boiling water in the bottom, and a bowl that fit snugly over top and kinda in (without touching the water). This is gentler on the chocolate than cooking it right in the pan over the heat. It just took a few minutes, with a bit of stirring, to go from solid chips to…

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Melty but lumpy goodness, to…

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Smooth and creamy melted chocolate.

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I scraped the flesh from the fig skins. Which sounds like pig skins. Which makes me think of bacon. But we’re not adding bacon. Really. No bacon… Although now I wonder if that would be good.

I digress.

I mashed the figgy goodness and mixed it in with the chocolate. It’s ok if it’s not perfectly smooth. A few chunks of fig are a good surprise when eating this pudding.

P.S. Don’t toss the fig skins. Chop them up and use them to make a fabulous treat: Toast a thinly sliced baguette. Top with cheese (like parmesan, cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, ricotta, or gorgonzola… to name just a few), figs, black pepper, and a drizzle of honey… you could even top it with some bacon if you wanted to.

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I added the chocolate and fig mixture to a milk and honey mixture that had been warming for a few minutes (with it was a pinch of salt and some cornstarch that had been whisked into a bit of water).

Yes, this is getting good.

The cornstarch acts as a thickener. You’ll see it working as things get hotter and hotter. Gone will be the thin and runny chocolate soup. It will be thick and creamy.

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I divided the mixture between 8 ramekins. They’re small portions, but it’s a rich dessert, and I think that small portions are best for desserts. I also don’t have much of a sweet tooth. If you want bigger portions, just use larger ramekins, and less of them. Simple math.

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Those reserved sliced and roasted figs, one went in the center of each ramekin. And then, some flakes of sea salt were sprinkled over it all. This is a situation where a fancier “finishing salt” is great – table salt, not so much, as you want a few medium-sized flakes. For my birthday, Tim got me some Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, which is available at some grocery stores and online. I use them when I want to feel fancy.

If you’re skeptical, I understand. I have been slow to jump on the salted dessert bandwagon. But, after watching an episode of Good Eats, I was convinced to give it a try. The salt brings out the flavor of the chocolate. And it’s not like it’s salty salty, it’s just enhancing the flavor. If you’re unsure, do a little taste test. Take a spoonful of pudding and top it with one or two flakes of salt. Give it a taste. Then try a spoonful of pudding without. Do you notice a difference? I don’t think I’ll be salting my watermelon or apples anytime soon, but chocolate and salt have finally convinced my tastebuds that they’re good friends (Tim, I know, I know, you were right).

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The last step before setting them in the fridge for an hour or so (to not only cool, but thicken and set) was to add a sprinkle of cinnamon. Once again I’ll ask you to trust me and do this. You can leave off the salt and cinnamon and your dessert will be fine, it will even be good. But, let’s elevate it to great. And then we’ve got a pudding that can be served at a dinner party, as a fancy birthday dessert, or a sweet way to end a holiday dinner.

I may have eaten most of a bowlful before it even got into the fridge. And remember, I don’t have a sweet tooth.

Happy Eating!

Salted Chocolate and Roasted Fig Pudding

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Total Time: 48 minutes

Yield: 8

Serving Size: 3-4 oz.

Salted Chocolate and Roasted Fig Pudding

Ingredients

  • 8-10 figs, halved
  • 2 figs, sliced in four
  • 1 t coconut oil, melted
  • 6 oz (about 1 C) good quality chocolate (around 46% cacao)
  • 1 T cornstarch
  • 1/4 C cool water
  • pinch salt
  • 3 T honey
  • 2 C milk (any kind, full fat)
  • cinnamon, for topping (optional)
  • flakes of sea salt, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
  2. Toss figs with coconut oil. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, flip sliced figs (leave halved ones cut side down), and roast for about 5-10 minutes more. Remove from pan and cool. Scrape fig flesh from skin and set aside.
  3. Make a double boiler (or use a real one) by heating a pot with about 1" water. When it boils, turn it down to a simmer and place a glass bowl that just fits over the top and into the pot, but doesn't touch the water. Add chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Add figs and mash into chocolate.
  4. Whisk cornstarch with water.
  5. Let an ice cube melt in the bottom of a clean pot (this keeps the milk from scalding). Add the cornstarch mixture, salt, honey, and milk and warm slowly, over medium heat, stirring occasionally. When it's warm (after about 2-4 minutes), whisk in the chocolate and fig mixture. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, gently whisking or stirring with a wooden spoon almost constantly until it has thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and pour into 8-4 oz. ramekins. Gingerly set one fig slice on top of the pudding, and sprinkle with cinnamon and a few flakes of sea salt. Cool for about 10 minutes on the counter, then cool completely in the refrigerator (about 1 hour). Serve when they're completely cooled and set.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/salted-chocolate-and-roasted-fig-pudding/

Monday

13

July 2015

0

COMMENTS

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian

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When I get a watermelon that’s as perfectly ripe and sweet as the one that came in our Abundant Harvest Organics box today, I have a really hard time not eating the entire thing in one sitting. I like to slice the melon in half and just eat with a spoon. If I can stop myself, I like to save the center for last, because it’s the best.

But, if you can resist, here’s a fun way to eat watermelon… in soup!

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It’s a cold soup though, don’t worry. It’s called a Gazpacho. Traditional gazpachos often consist of raw veggies and have a tomato base. But, there are many variations, including this simple watermelon one.

Since everything will be blended up, you don’t have to be too careful about how the watermelon is cut. I figured large chunks would work just fine. The seeds of a watermelon are edible (and some say they’re even good for you), but I don’t like to eat them. They ruin the texture for me. I don’t even like chunks in my ice cream. Tim says that’s weird, but I’m fine with my choices. If you want to leave the seeds in and blend them up, that’s fine with me.

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Watermelon pairs well with things like orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, so I added a little bit of each.

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It also tastes great with some refreshing mint. I added about 15 smallish leaves. You could add way more or way less, depending on how minty you want it. Basil would be another great addition (along with or in place of the mint). If you don’t want to add the herbs that’s fine. But, they add a cool, fresh burst of flavor.

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If the melon is already chilled, you can consume immediately. If not, pop it into the fridge for an hour or so before serving. You could serve it as a gazpacho, just on its own. You could add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. You could freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it in place of ice or frozen fruit in smoothies or summer drinks, or just pour it into a glass and drink it.

If you have cantaloup or honeydew melon on hand, they’d be a great addition, or could be used in place of the watermelon.

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I don’t really like change, especially when it comes to my favorites. That’s why I prefer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, I love to re-watch Gilmore Girls, and I think watermelon is best served super freezing cold, halved and eaten with a spoon. But, with change comes learning new things and growth, so I’m ok with it (ahem, in moderation). I will bravely taste a new dish at Thanksgiving, try watching a new show, and I will, for the first time ever, branch out and do something different with watermelon. And I will enjoy it.

Happy Eating!

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 - 3 C watermelon (or cantaloupe or honeydew or mixture of all 3), seeds removed, cut into large chunks
  • 2 t balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 t maple syrup
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C orange juice
  • 10 to 12 large or 15-20 small mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Then either: Chill and serve as a gazpacho.
  3. Freeze in an ice cube tray for summer drinks and smoothies (use in place of ice cubes or frozen fruit).
  4. Make into a sorbet in an ice cream canister (freeze according to manufacturer's directions).
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/watermelon-and-mint-gazpacho/