De Ma Cuisine

Berries Archive

Monday

23

November 2015

1

COMMENTS

Rustic Persimmon Tart

Written by , Posted in Baking, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

PersimmonTart-5

I’m a sucker for pie crust. But, confession, I’m not actually crazy about pie itself. I just love a good crust. When I make Chicken or Veggie Pot Pie, it’s my favorite part. I make it in big batches and keep it in the freezer for days when I’m in the mood to bake.

PersimmonTart-1

Today, it was time for a tart. I’ve been waiting and waiting for my hachiya persimmons to ripen. Finally, they’re ready. If you’ve ever wondered if you could use a hachiya persimmon before it’s ripe, wonder no more. Just don’t do it. It will make your mouth pucker and get that gross dry feeling that you might not understand if you’ve never experienced it. Trust me, you’re better off heeding my warning. Wait. Until. They’re. Ripe.

You can hasten the ripening process by placing them next to, or in a paper bag with, apples and bananas, which give off ethylene gas. You can also put them in the freezer. Or, just leave them on the counter for a few weeks like I did. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel like a water balloon and you think your fingers are going to break through the skin without even squeezing.

Ready. Ready. Ready.

PersimmonTart-2

While this recipe makes enough filling for two tarts, I saved half for another recipe. But, maybe you want to make two because this would be the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving dinner (you’re welcome), or for breakfast the next day (double welcome).

PersimmonTart-3

It would be a great idea to switch out the ingredients depending on what you have on hand. No persimmons? No problem. Try apple sauce and apple slices. No lemons (or maybe they’re too tart for your taste)? Use oranges. Want to go vegan? Skip the egg wash or try coconut milk. Oh, and use a butter-free crust. Gluten-free? There are lots of GF options these days, so find one at your local market, or visit the Gluten-Free Girl’s site to find out how to make your own.

PersimmonTart-4

I like the rustic look of this tart, otherwise known as a galette. You get to see the pretty filling with the edges folded up all around. Plus, after it cools (yes, let it cool completely before eating), it’s easy to slice up and eat it out of hand. No plates required. That’s winning to me (because the dishes! always with doing the dishes!).

PersimmonTart-7

I topped the tart with a dollop of maple syrup sweetened whipped cream and some pomegranate seeds. The seeds add a juicy burst of flavor that’s the perfect compliment to the flaky crust, and deep, sweet filling.

PersimmonTart-6

Happy Eating! 

Rustic Persimmon Tart

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 8-10

Rustic Persimmon Tart

Ingredients

  • 1 t lemon or orange zest
  • 2 C persimmon pulp (super ripe) (about 2 hachiya persimmons)
  • 1 T orange juice
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • 1/8 t cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
  • pinch salt
  • 2 pie crusts
  • 4 fuyu persimmons (could also use apples, pears, figs, cherries, berries, grapes, or stone fruit), peeled and sliced
  • 2 lemon or small orange, peeled and chopped
  • egg white, (optional), for brushing
  • cinnamon
  • whipped cream (optional), for topping
  • pomegranate seeds, for topping

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
  2. Combine lemon/orange zest through salt. Taste for sweetness.
  3. Roll out pie crusts in a circle on a lightly floured surface. Place on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet (use one with edges in case the filling runs). Spread about 3 T at a time of the hachiya mixture in the center of each crust. Top with some fuyu slices and lemon/orange chunks. Repeat until all of the hachiya mixture and slices are gone. Gently fold the edges of the crust up and around the filling, leaving the center open. Brush crust with egg and sprinkle everything with cinnamon. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden and flaky and filling is hot and bubbly.
  4. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.
  5. Serve topped with whipped cream and pomegranate seeds.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/rustic-persimmon-tart/

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

PearMuffins-7

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.

PearMuffins-1

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.

PearMuffins-2

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

PearMuffins-3

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.

PearMuffins-4

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!

PearMuffins-5

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.

PearMuffins-6

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

17

August 2015

2

COMMENTS

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Written by , Posted in Baking, Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, Vegetarian

BreadPudding-4

Today I’ve come up with a treat for the sweet tooth that’s both dessert and main dish. It’s a variation on a bread pudding, but we ate it for lunch.

BreadPudding-1

It’s sweet, but not too, thanks to the maple syrup. It’s filling enough to be the star, thanks to the eggs and bread. It’s a great way to get some fruit into a dish, thanks to whatever fruit is in season. We’ve got figs and peaches on hand, so that’s what I used.

BreadPudding-2

During the spring and summer the figs and peaches could be swapped out for blueberries, strawberries, or plums. In the cooler months, pears, apples, and persimmons would be perfect. Perfect for any time of the year. If you don’t have fresh fruit, frozen works (just drain it a bit first). You could even add some jam. I used softer figs and frozen peaches, that way they kinda became one with the eggy-bread mixture.

I was thinking that this would be yummy if it was chocolatey. You could add cocoa powder to the egg mixture (hello chocolate and cinnamon!). You could add chocolate chips too. I think figs or berries would be fabulous with chocolate.

Whatever bread you have on hand will be great. Gluten-free, whole wheat, croissants, baguettes… I like to use stale bread, but mostly because I feel bad using fresh bread for something like this.

BreadPudding-3

I filled two 6″ ramekins to make two main dish sized portions. But, you could use smaller ramekins or one larger dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

BreadPudding-5

To serve, I topped with some Greek yogurt and chopped almonds. You could also add some fresh fruit, walnuts, pecans, cream or crème fraîche, or if you’ve got an extra sweet sweet tooth, a drizzle of maple syrup.

Happy Eating!

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 2-4

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Ingredients

  • 1 t coconut oil (or canola)
  • 2 C stale bread (any kind), torn in small(ish) pieces
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 T white vinegar
  • 1 C whole milk (any kind)
  • 1/4 t cinnamon
  • pinch ginger
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 C maple syrup
  • 1 t vanilla
  • 2 C fairly ripe seasonal fruit (berries, figs, stone fruit, apples, persimmons, pears), most chopped, a few sliced for topping
  • toppings (optional): chopped nuts, fresh fruit, plain yogurt, crème fraîche, maple syrup, cream

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  2. Pour vinegar into a measuring cup. Add milk to the 1 C line. Stir and let stand for about 5 minutes (it will thicken slightly and become buttermilk).
  3. Grease two 6" ramekins with coconut oil. Add bread and fruit. Toss.
  4. Whisk together eggs through vanilla. Pour over bread and fruit. Top with sliced fruit. Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until eggs are mostly set and have come to at least 160F. Remove from the oven and let them stand on a cooling rack for 10-20 minutes.
  5. Top with desired toppings.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/bread-pudding-with-seasonal-fruit/

Thursday

31

July 2014

0

COMMENTS

Summer Smoothies

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegetables, Vegetarian

SummerSmoothie-7

At Williams-Sonoma, they’re celebrating Smoothie Week. Are you celebrating too?! Smoothies are a celebration of delicious ingredients that blend up to make a wonderful drink.

We have all these amazing goodies to eat right now. Their flavors are fresh, cheerful, and fun.

It’s the season for light and bright (not to be confused with the child’s toy Lite Brite). For berries, peaches, and fresh basil.

A smoothie seems like the perfect way to collect all of this goodness in one place.

SummerSmoothie-2

Starting with some milk and Greek yogurt. Any kind of milk will do. Same with the yogurt. You could start with just a little bit of milk, and add more later depending on how thick you like your smoothies.

I like them kinda thick.

SummerSmoothie-1

Since I just had two small frozen bananas, I froze half of the berries too. That’s not necessary, but I like a really cold smoothie. Just my preference.

To freeze or not to freeze… it’s up to you.

Any frozen fruit that you don’t use, keep frozen to use in your favorite summer drinks.

SummerSmoothie-4

I haven’t used my blender in about 5 years. I made some tomato soup and didn’t know that you’re supposed to take the plug out of the lid when blending hot liquids… I know now! So I got an immersion/hand blender and have been using it ever since. But this recipe, it needed a blender, because I wanted to make a lot!

SummerSmoothie-3

I added a touch of honey and some lemon zest too. Because I can. Because I’m a little bit obsessed with lemon zest, basil, and fruit right now. It just tastes so gooooood!

SummerSmoothie-5

Chard, for a little extra green. Spinach, kale, even lettuce can also be substituted. It may seem a little crazy to add vegetables to a sweet smoothie, but trust me, then blend right in. 😉

SummerSmoothie-6

You could simplify and make this just a peaches and cream smoothie (with the basil, of course). You could just do berries. You could add more greens… But, I love all that the many ingredients bring to this drink. Not just in taste, but health benefits too. We’re supposed to eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies… this smoothie brings color to the table.

In the fall and winter months, you could choose fruits that are in season, like pears and apples, and change the basil out for mint.

SummerSmoothie-8

SummerSmoothie-9

Make a big batch and share with your friends. Add it to your family’s breakfast. Serve it alongside a special brunch where you’re eating Squash’n Eggs or Fresh Fruit and Basil Stuffed French Toast. Or freeze some for other breakfasts. Pop ’em in to the fridge the night before and they’ll be ready in the morning. Nice and cold, but not so frozen solid… and if they are still frozen solid, they work well as a popsicle on a hot day (you can freeze in a popsicle mold or ice cube tray with toothpicks too).

Happy Eating!

Summer Smoothie
Recipe Type: Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks, Smoothies, Gluten-Free, Kale, Chard, Spinach, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Raw, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients
  • 1 C Greek yogurt (or any yogurt)
  • 1/2 to 1 C milk (any type)
  • 1 C peaches, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 C strawberries, fresh
  • 1/2 C strawberries, frozen
  • 1/4 C blueberries, frozen
  • 1/2 C blueberries, fresh
  • 1 large or 2 small bananas, frozen, broken into chunks
  • 1 T honey
  • 1 C greens (swiss chard, spinach, or kale), roughly chopped
  • 1 t lemon zest
  • 1/2 t fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend to desired consistency (adding more milk if desired).
  2. Freeze leftovers in half pint jars.

 

Thursday

10

July 2014

0

COMMENTS

How To: Fun Drinks with Summer Herbs

Written by , Posted in Cocktails, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, How To, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-15

Oh summer herbs.

Right?!

I mean, I can’t get enough of basil and mint right now. So much so that I’ve planted some in my home garden, since I always seem to run out.

And then there’s lavender. I love the smell, have heard that people enjoy it in food and drinks, so I gave it a try too. (Admittedly, it’s not my very favorite thing to eat. But, I think it adds a nice hint in a drink, when strained… I left things in the drinks for the sake of the photos.)

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-1

Not only do these drinks use some of my favorite summer herbs, but some of my favorite summer fruits.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-2

Herbs, honey, and fruit are muddled together. You know, when you smuush it and bruise the herbs and smash the lemon.

Muddle muddle muddle. Kinda fun to say.

Now for the parade of drinks.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-4

Lemon Basil (or Mint) Spritzer

1 slice lemon + 4 leaves basil or mint + 1 t honey + 1 t lemon juice + soda water

Muddle lemon, basil or mint, honey, and juice. Add soda water. Strain through a sieve (if desired) and serve over ice with a slice of lemon..

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-5

Lavender Lemon Spritzer

1 slice lemon + pinch lavender + 1 t honey + 1 t lemon juice + soda water

Muddle lemon, lavender, honey, and juice. Add soda water. Strain through a sieve and serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-6

Strawberry Ginger Lemonade

1 slice lemon + 4-5 basil leaves + pinch dried ginger + 2 t honey + 2 frozen strawberries +  juice from 1 lemon + soda water

Muddle lemon, basil, ginger, and honey. Strain through a sieve (if desired). Add strawberries, lemon juice, and soda water.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-7

Blueberry Ginger Lemonade

1 slice lemon + 4-5 basil leaves + pinch dried ginger + 2 t honey + 10 frozen blueberries +  juice from 1 lemon + soda water

Muddle lemon, basil, ginger, and honey. Strain through a sieve (if desired). Add blueberries, lemon juice, and soda water.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-8

Lavender Lemonade

1 slice lemon + pinch lavender + 2 t honey + 10 frozen blueberries +  juice from 1 lemon + soda water

Muddle lemon, lavender, and honey. Strain through a sieve. Add blueberries, lemon juice, and soda water.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-9

Blueberry Basil (or Mint) Mojito

1 slice lemon + 4-5 basil or mint leaves + 1 t honey + 10 frozen blueberries +  splash of rum (optional) + soda water

Muddle lemon, basil/mint, and honey. Strain through a sieve (if desired). Add blueberries, rum, and soda water. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-10

Strawberry Basil (or Mint) Mojito

1 slice lemon + 4-5 basil or mint leaves + 1 t honey + 2 frozen strawberries +  splash of rum (optional) + soda water

Muddle lemon, basil/mint, and honey. Strain through a sieve (if desired). Add strawberries, rum, and soda water. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-11

Lavender Cream

pinch lavender + dash vanilla extract + 1 t honey + splash milk or cream + soda water

Muddle lavender, vanilla, and honey. Strain through a sieve. Add milk/cream and soda water. Serve over ice.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-12

Peaches and Cream

4-5 basil or mint leaves + few slices of peach + 1 t honey + splash milk or cream + soda water

Muddle basil/mint, peach, and honey. Strain through a sieve. Add milk/cream and soda water. Serve over ice.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-13

Lavender Strawberry Vin

pinch lavender + 1 t balsamic vinegar + 1 t honey + 2 frozen strawberries + soda water

Muddle lavender, vinegar, and honey. Strain through a sieve. Add strawberries and soda water.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-14

Lavender Blueberry Vin

pinch lavender + 1 t balsamic vinegar + 1 t honey + 10 frozen blueberries + soda water

Muddle lavender, vinegar, and honey. Strain through a sieve. Add blueberries and soda water.

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-16

I didn’t really need to drink all eleven drinks, so I mixed some (the first seven) of them into one drink and saved it for later.

Note: making eleven different drinks, in eleven different cups, without a dishwasher, means washing and drying eleven different cups. Riiiight. Now I know. 😉

Happy Drinking!

SummerDrinksWithHerbs-3