Monday

7

July 2014

0

COMMENTS

Fresh Fruit and Basil Stuffed French Toast

Written by Rachel, Posted in Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Eggs, Fruit, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Vegetarian

So far, summer has found me kinda obsessed with lemon zest and basil with summer fruit. I love summer produce! (Ahem, lemons are one of the few fruits/veggies that I will buy out of season – I need lemons all the time!)

I just can’t get enough.

I made two different meals today that included them and have more planned for later in the week.

Since it’s summer and all, (even though it’s felt like summer for two months now!) we’re eating all things warm weather inspired. Drinks are summery… salads are, well, in and of themselves summery, so they don’t really need any help there… and French toast is a perfect summer lunch (or breakfast or dinner… you choose).

I made this for one, feel free to double or quadruple the recipe, and share with friends and family. Since it was for one, I just needed a single egg. You can kinda play with the egg mixture depending on how soggy you want the bread to be when it goes into the pan. For my taste, this was just perfect. (Any extra eggs when you’re done: scramble and serve alongside the French toast).

If you don’t like peanut butter, any nut butter will do.

If you don’t like nut butters, can’t eat them, don’t feel like it, you can totally omit this step.

For those that do (me me me!), it’s going on the inside of the stuffed toast… It’s gon’ be good!

The PB is topped with whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand. I used blueberries and peaches. You could use plums, apricots, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries… or in the winter, mix it up and do apples, pears, persimmons… this is a flexible dish.

Lemon zest and basil are sprinkled over the peanut buttery fruited bread that’s still soaking up the egg. Be careful when you flip it over to let the other side soak too, if you left it for too long it may be pretty soggy (cough cough, I did that).

I stood by the window and cooked this up in some coconut oil while I watched the tree branches sway in the summer breeze.

This picture, with the light from the window streaming in, makes me happy.

If you like maple syrup, glug it on. Mmmm syrup.

I squeezed a lemon slice over top. I wanted a bit more citrus. With the basil, berries, peaches, and zest, this French Toast is so bright, light, and cheerful. I just love it!

I didn’t save you any. I’m sorry. You’ll have to make your own. 😉

Happy Eating!

Fresh Fruit and Basil Stuffed French Toast

Recipe Type: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Main Dish, Quick and Easy, Fruit, Eggs, Vegetarian, Herbs

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Serves: 1

Ingredients

1 egg
1 T milk
pinch salt
1 T peanut butter
2 slices bread
1/4 C peach, thinly sliced, divided
1/4 C blueberries, divided
1/4 t lemon zest, divided
1/2 t fresh basil, chopped, divided
1 T coconut oil
maple syrup, for topping
lemon slice, for topping

Instructions

In a shallow bowl, whisk egg with milk and salt.
Spread peanut butter onto one piece of bread. Place un-peanut buttered side down into the egg mixture and top with some of the peach, blueberry, lemon zest, and basil. Top with the second slice of bread. Squish down and flip, so second slice absorbs remaining egg.
Heat skillet. Add coconut oil. When oil is hot, add eggy bread. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for 3-5 minutes more, or until it’s done.
Serve topped with remaining peaches, blueberries, zest, basil, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

3.2.1303

Wednesday

28

May 2014

0

COMMENTS

Simple Summer Salad

Written by Rachel, Posted in Bread, Cheese, Condiments, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Salads, Toasting, Vegetables, Vegetarian

It. Is. Hot.

Weather like this calls for a celebration of all things summer… even if it is only May.

We’re picnicking in our yard, enjoying fresh veggies dipped in homemade hummus, and barbecuing sausage to savor while we watch the Red Sox game.

I don’t really like hot weather, but this sure is fun.

Don’t remind me that I said that in October when it’s still 100 degrees… Actually, I may be over it already… Oh wait, there’s salad, and stone fruit, and watermelon season is soon. I’ll just have to keep repeating those things to myself.

Salad. Crispy, crunchy, wonderful salad.

My salad spinner just plum rolled off the counter and smashed the other week. I have to wash and dry the lettuce by hand. It has become a chore. But, I get to eat salads like this as a result of my hard work, sooooo yeah.

Can I say “plum rolled off the counter”?

You can totally make your own croutons. It’s so easy. I had the oven on anyways (why did I pick the week when it’s one million degrees outside?!). I was working on some dried tomatoes, for a later post. That’s why the oven temp is low. I thought about changing it, and you can, but these turned out great. If you up the temp, decrease the cooking time. Obvious.

Old bread makes great croutons. Not like moldy bread. Like stale bread. If you freeze it, not only do you get to open the freezer and enjoy a blast of cold air on a hot day, but if you want to rub a clove of garlic over the bread, it’s much easier.

Garlic plus olive oil plus salt equals some darn good croutons.

Raw squash is not Tim’s favorite. But, if it’s sliced thin like this he’s cool with it.

Almonds for crunch and protein.

A beautiful new cutting board makes for an excellent salad making station.

Peas add a delicate reminder of spring to this salad. I used frozen, but fresh would be even better (although then there’s no freezer action, so up to you).

I prefer to make my salad dressing from scratch. This one is a simple vinaigrette. There are also some herbs and garlic, and a bit of dijon mustard to help it emulsify. And salt, always need a bit of salt.

Table for two. (Side note: I totally love the new kitchen island that Tim made for me. Just gotta brag about my sweet man sometimes.)

Happy Eating!

Simple Summer Salad

Recipe Type: Main, Salad, Quick and Easy

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 40 mins

Serves: 2-3

A quick and easy salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days.

Ingredients

1 clove garlic
2-3 slices stale bread (frozen is best, for garlic)
1 T olive oil
salt
pepper
3-4 C lettuce, torn
1/4 C peas (fresh or frozen)
20-30 almonds, chopped
1/2 C squash, thinly sliced
parmesan cheese, grated
dressing: 2 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 t dijon mustard
1 t fresh savory, chopped
1 T fresh or 1/2 t dried basil, chopped or crushed
1 t fresh or 1/4 t dried oregano, chopped or crushed
1 clove garlic, minced
to taste salt
to taste pepper
3 T olive oil

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 250F.
Rub a clove of garlic onto the slices of frozen bread. Cut bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bread is crispy, turning once or twice. Let stand and cool.
Whisk together balsamic vinegar through pepper. Slowly stream in olive oil, whisking as you do, creating an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble lettuce, peas, almonds, squash, cheese, and croutons. Top with dressing.

3.2.1303

Monday

14

April 2014

1

COMMENTS

Roasted Asparagus with Almonds and Crispy Bacon

Written by Rachel, Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Meat, Pork, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Vegetables

What a treat spring’s veggies are. Light and flavorful, they seem to bring a breath of fresh air to the table. I love hearty winter veggies, don’t get me wrong. But, there’s just something about those first crisp, slender, bright green asparagus that makes my heart happy.

Especially when they’re topped with bacon and almonds.

What a simply delightful side for your first spring barbecue.

I read in last week’s Abundant Harvest Organics newsletter that asparagus stalks can grow up to ten inches in a day! What!? Imagine if we grew that much in a day… that would be weird. (Now I’m giggling to myself picturing really tall tall tall skiiiiiiiinny people who don’t fit in their houses… oh dear…)

This recipe is an easy one. You ready? Asparagus is tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

I love to roast veggies any time of the year, so that’s what I did with the asparagus.

Favorite.

Things get a little bit crispy and nutty in the oven. This is the best part about roasting veggies. I could probably eat a whole pan by myself.

Thick and delicious bacon compliments the asparagus nicely. It goes into a cold pan, which keeps it from curling too much. I’m not sure about the splattering though… sometimes I cover the pan… baking the bacon also works well.

You could be fancy and wrap the bacon around a few stalks of asparagus to roast it. I thought about it, but then I thought that I’m too ~~lazy~~ practical. Chopping distributes the bacon a little better and takes way less time. But, if you’re in need of some serious bacon, or if you want something a little bit fancier, feel free to experiment.

The bacon and the almonds are chopped up in my version.

This was my Oma’s cutting board. I love having things that were once hers. It makes the fact that she’s gone a little more bearable. I have little pieces of her in the kitchen… that sounds weird… you know what I mean.

Oma means Grandma.

Mine was a fabulous cook.

I think she would enjoy the bacon and asparagus combination. Who wouldn’t?! I wonder, if there are any non-asparagus lovers out there, if they might enjoy it all roasted and topped with bacon and almonds.

Worth a try.

Unless you live with me, a hungry food blogger, who might just devour it all and not save you any… Might.

I want to make this again and again, it’s so good, and so easy. At the end, half a lemon is squeezed over the deliciousness. Make it for a spring brunch, an Easter dinner, or just to eat by yourself as you play Words with Friends with your brother.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Asparagus with Almonds and Crispy Bacon

Recipe Type: Side, Dinner, Vegetables, Pork, Bacon, Roasting, Quick and Easy

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
4 slices bacon
1 T olive oil
salt
pepper
1/4 almonds (I used roasted and salted), chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 425F.
Place bacon strips into a cold skillet. Turn on heat and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Turn and roast 5-8 minutes more, or until they are as crispy as you would like.
Top asparagus with bacon and almonds. Pour lemon juice over.
Serve immediately.

Monday

28

October 2013

0

COMMENTS

Wilted Kale with Walnuts and Bacon

Written by Rachel, Posted in Dinner, Farm to Dinner Party Table, Gluten Free, Meat, Pork, Sides, Vegetables

Wilted Kale with Walnuts and Bacon

Recipe Type: Side, Vegetables, Meat, Pork, Nuts, Stove Top

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

4 slices bacon
1 T olive oil
3 bunches kale, stems removed, sliced into long ribbons
pinch nutmeg
salt
pepper
2 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 C walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Cook bacon. Drain on paper towel. When cooled, crumble and set aside. Discard fat from pan (or reserve a bit for cooking).
Add olive oil (if all bacon fat was discarded), when hot, add kale and some seasonings. Use tongs to turn and mix kale, as it wilts down, add more kale and more seasonings. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until all kale is wilted. Add 2 T balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve topped with walnuts and bacon.

Wednesday

24

April 2013

1

COMMENTS

Strawberry-Balsamic Tart – Episode 64

Written by Rachel, 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

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.

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.

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!

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

Pre-heat oven to 425F. Melt butter.
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.
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).
Meanwhile, roll out pizza crust. Par bake for 5 minutes.
Toss strawberries with 1/2 T melted butter and nutmeg.
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.
Let stand for a few minutes.
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.

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Wilted Kale with Walnuts and Bacon

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Strawberry-Balsamic Tart – Episode 64

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