No Bake Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake

I mentioned in my Blueberry Chia Seed Jam post that you’d see it pop up in a recipe shortly, and here it is! This No Bake Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake is a great make ahead dessert that’s a beautiful end to a barbecue or summer dinner party.

No Bake Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake

If you’re not familiar with icebox cakes, they are layered frozen cakes traditionally made with whipped cream and chocolate wafers. This Bon Appetit version incorporates some of my favorite flavors, blueberries and lemon, to create a beautiful Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake!

This isn’t a cake that involves much precision or patience, and looks pret-ty darn good even when giving off that “homemade” vibe, like mine does. You also don’t need any special tools – just a 9×5 loaf pan, some plastic wrap, and a hand mixer. An offset spatula would also come in handy if you have one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz) container mascarpone, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • the zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream (leave in the fridge until ready to use)
  • 1 cup lemon curd, divided
  • 16 graham crackers, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups Blueberry Jam (like this Blueberry-Chia Seed Jam), divided
  • 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

Continue reading No Bake Blueberry Lemon Icebox Cake

Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

This Blueberry Chia Seed Jam is an awesome “beginners” jam recipe, because it doesn’t use any pectin; the chia seeds add as the thickener.

In fact, you just might have all of the ingredients you need for this recipe already in your house!

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh blueberries
  • the juice and zest of 4 lemons
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

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Farro with Vidalia Onion and Asparagus

Note: I was sent a box of Vidalia onions to make this post for Farro with Vidalia Onion and Asparagus. Opinions are mine alone.

I’m still working through my box of Vidalia onions. No complaints here, they are incredibly versatile! These sweet onions are perfect for low and slow cooking that allow the sugars to caramelize and develop another layer of flavor.

I know it’s difficult to even see the Vidalia onions in the final photos of this Farro with Vidalia Onion and Asparagus, but I promise you, they are the star of this dish — their flavor is in each and every bite, and results in one of the best sides I’ve made in a long time!

This recipe for Farro with Vidalia Onion and Asparagus from Trisha Yearwood is definitely a keeper. Plus, it comes together pretty easily!

Ingredients:

  • drizzle of olive oil

Continue reading Farro with Vidalia Onion and Asparagus

French Onion Soup

 Note: I was sent a box of Vidalia onions to make this post. Opinions are mine alone.

When I first received a box of Vidalia onions, I knew I had to make French Onion Soup. The sweetness of the onions, especially after caramelizing, is perfect for this recipe.

French Onion Soup is a favorite of mine. Who doesn’t love comforting soup with a bunch of bread and cheese goodness on top?

My version below is adapted from a recipe I found on Food Network.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Vidalia
  • 4
  • 1/4 cup sherry
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

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Sauteed Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Note: I was sent a copy of The Freds at Barneys New York Cookbook for review. All opinions are mine alone.

The Freds at Barneys New York Cookbook is the definitive cookbook by the celebrated chef and managing director (Mark Strausman) of Freds at Barneys New York, one of New York’s most beloved restaurants with locations in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Barneys New York, with its flagship store on Madison Avenue, is a world-famous cutting-edge fashion destination, and a true New York phenomenon. And since 1996, Barneys’ restaurant Freds at Barneys New York–named after found Barneys Pressman’s son Fred–has been offering in food what Barneys offers in fashion: a luxury destination that provides a level of personal service second to none, where the food keeps their celebrity clientele coming back for more.

In The Freds at Barneys Cookbook, Strausman invites you into the kitchen of this restaurant institution and teaches you how to bring a piece of New York chic into your own home. The cookbook is filled with awesome recipes from the restaurant, such as Belgian Fries or Estelle’s Chicken Soup, Mark’s Madison Avenue Salad or Chicken Paillard, Traditional Bolognese (or Vegan!) or Cheese Fondue Scrambled Eggs, and commemorates all of the delicious recipes Freds has served over the years at the Madison Avenue, Chelsea, Beverly Hills, and Chicago locations.

This recipe for sauteed hen of the woods mushrooms caught my eye. I love mushrooms, especially hen of the woods mushrooms. Also known as maitake mushrooms, these mushrooms have a feathery texture but pack some hearty flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound hen of the woods mushrooms
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups baby arugula
  • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 6 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • Shaved slices Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

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Spicy Cucumber Salad

Note: I was sent a bottle of Chabé® Sambal Chili. All opinions are mine alone.

We are big fans of spicy foods in my house. So whenever I am given the opportunity to try a new hot sauce or paste, I always jump at the chance.

Since the moment this little bottle of Chabé® Sambal Chili entered my home, my husband has basically put it on everything. Sambal is a hot sauce or paste made with chili peppers found in Southeast Asian cooking. Chabé® Sambal Chili’s secret formula uses fresh chilies, garlic and a unique artisan technique that adds an explosion of heat and flavor to just about anything you add it to. It’s fairly thick and is incredibly flavorful, so a little bit goes a long way. What I really like about this sambal is that it has a balanced heat — you get the hit of spiciness up front, but it has a hint of sweetness toward the end.

The story of Chabé® Sambal Chili begins in the late 1900’s in the lush islands of Indonesia. The founder’s late grandfather developed one of the earliest recipes for sweet soy, a flavorful base ingredient that was once only available to the locals & chefs in Southeast Asia. Passionate about introducing more sauces that boast indigenous ingredients of Java and share a rich culture with the world, the founder launched a 50-year-old family recipe of Chabé® Sambal Chili. A flavor-rich, savory & sweet blend of fiery Cayenne and Bird’s Eye chili peppers, harvested from the tropical, mountain-side farms of Indonesia, combines with fresh garlic and tropical spices.

source: https://www.chabechili.com

This Spicy Cucumber Salad really shows off the flavors of Chabé® Sambal Chili, and would be awesome as a side at a barbecue. It’s also great as a snack!

Ingredients (makes 4 servings, multiply as needed):

  • 8 mini seedless cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chabé® Sambal Chili
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
  • pinch red pepper flakes, for garnish

To make, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then chop crosswise into bite-sized pieces.

Add to a medium-sized mixing bowl along with the scallions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts. Toss to combine.

In a separate bowl, mix together the Sambal Chili, toasted sesame oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and garlic cloves.

Pour the mixture over the cucumber mixture, tossing to combine.

Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Add to a serving bowl and top with more chopped scallions, cilantro and peanuts. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top, and serve.

I really love spicy cucumbers. The crunch of the cucumbers with the spicy dressing is just so satisfying!

The Sambal Chili is the start of this dish. It complements the freshness of the cucumbers nicely. The peanuts add another layer of crunch and flavor as well.

You can make this ahead of time, just keep in mind the longer it sits the more time the sauce has to soak into the cucumbers.

This Sambal Chili clearly has a permanent home in my fridge. You can pick up your own bottle on the Chabé® Sambal Chili website.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 mini seedless cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chabé® Sambal Chili
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
  • pinch red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then chop crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Add to a medium-sized mixing bowl along with the scallions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts. Toss to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the Sambal Chili, toasted sesame oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and garlic cloves.
  4. Pour the mixture over the cucumber mixture, tossing to combine.
  5. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
  6. Add to a serving bowl and top with more chopped scallions, cilantro and peanuts. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top, and serve.
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Feta Dip

I’m on a bit of a feta kick at the moment. I absolutely love French feta, which is a bit more mild and creamier than the more tangy, crumbly version most people associate with feta cheese.

When I came across a recipe for Feta Dip, I loved the concept, and knew French Feta would be perfect for it.

This dip is a nice alternative to the normal dips found at parties. The flavors are similar to tzatziki; serve with toasted pita or pita chips.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz French feta
  • 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 8 oz  cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • the juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup chopped deseeded cucumber
  • 1/2 cup multi-colored cherry tomatoes, quartered

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Creamy Snap Peas with Feta

Some nights, you just want to sauté or grill up a protein and have a quick go-to side to make a nice meal without much effort.

So it’s always nice to have a few awesome sides in the rotation, like this recipe for Creamy Snap Peas with Feta.

This recipe for Creamy Snap Peas with Feta would be perfect with a Greek-inspired protein — salmon, chicken, or even lamb.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces trimmed fresh sugar snap peas
  • 1/4 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
  • the zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese

Continue reading Creamy Snap Peas with Feta

Creamy Avocado Soup

My husband and I have had some fairly heavy (but delicious) food recently. So this weekend, I was in search of something a bit lighter for lunch that would still fill us up, like this creamy avocado soup.

This chilled Creamy Avocado Soup recipe from Cooking Light fit the bill! The soup is bulked up a bit with silken tofu, romaine lettuce, and peas to go along with the avocados.

In fact, it has half of your daily fiber and 9 grams of protein in one serving. And yet, it feels so light!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12-oz.) pkg. silken tofu, drained
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 3 ripe avocados, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

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Spinach Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Well. The weather refuses to act like spring.

But I’m sick of waiting for spring to arrive to make delicious spring food!

So this recipe for Spinach Lemon Ricotta Pasta has spring ingredients that are still comforting in chilly weather – spinach with a lemony ricotta sauce over fettuccine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 (5 oz bags) baby spinach
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • the zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper, to taste

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Vegan and Gluten Free Peanut Crunch Brownies

A lot of people are pretty wary of vegan and gluten free baking. It seems like it would be difficult, but it’s surprisingly easy! Vegan baking can also be rich and decadent, like these oh so fudgy Peanut Crunch Brownies.

This recipe for Peanut Crunch Brownies is adapted from Heather Saffer’s well-named cookbook Crazy Easy Vegan DessertsHeather Saffer, founder and CEO of Dollop Gourmet, has been featured on Shark Tank and Cupcake Wars for her delicious vegan desserts that can be enjoyed by anyone. I was sent a review copy and have loved paging through the recipes, they really are crazy easy!

The cookbook begins with a review of some dairy free and gluten free alternatives that can be used in baking.

 

So let’s dig into this recipe for Peanut Crunch Brownies, because, well, it’s delicious!

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gluten free flour (I used almond flour)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2/3 cups vegan chocolate chips
  • 2 ( ~3 oz) dark chocolate bars, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted salted peanuts

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Colcannon

I realized this weekend as I was making some of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day foods that I have not written a post on Colcannon!

Colcannon is mashed potatoes with sautéed greens mixed in, typically either cabbage or kale.

 

It’s pretty awesome Irish comfort food in my opinion. It’s so engrained in Irish cooking that it even has it’s own song!

Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?

This version uses shallots, leeks, and kale, but this recipe can easily be adapted to incorporate any green you prefer.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs russet potatoes (4-5 potatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, divided
  • 1 leek, chopped
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 4 cups chopped lacinato kale
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • thinly sliced scallions, for garnish

Continue reading Colcannon

Frozen Mango Daiquiri

About this time every year, I start wishing for warmer weather. And yet, this time every year, we tend to get one more winter storm to prove that it’s not quite spring just yet.

So, given that it’s still freezing in Philadelphia, I decided to make a frozen cocktail, a Frozen Mango Daiquiri, that can help me pretend it’s nice and warm outside.

This is a fairly traditional frozen daiquiri, although I added in some cinnamon to complement the mango.

I used frozen mango chunks to make this, so it’s a super easy recipe.

Ingredients (makes 2 servings):

  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mango chunks
  • 4 oz white rum
  • the juice of 3 limes, plus more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar, plus more for rimming the glasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • lime wedge, for garnish

Continue reading Frozen Mango Daiquiri

Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting

I make more frosting (and desserts!) than I probably should. Luckily, I have friends, family, and coworkers more than willing to help me out with my baking experiments, and this recipe for Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting is definitely a favorite!

I love making fun frosting flavors, like cinnamon cream cheese, vegan peanut butter, key lime, and bourbon-orange cream cheese. But, my absolute favorite frosting is, and always will be chocolate.

So it’s about time I shared my ultimate chocolatey buttercream frosting!

The secret to this frosting is a hint of coffee to really enhance the chocolatey flavor. I use Nielsen Massey’s Pure Coffee Extract to bring out the best chocolate flavor.

Ingredients (makes enough for 12 cupcakes):

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 (16 oz box) confectioners sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon coffee extract
  • 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed

Continue reading Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting

Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole

Last weekend, we were invited to a potluck brunch for a friend’s birthday. I wanted to bring a savory breakfast dish that would work well for a crowd.

With the big game this weekend, my mind went to making a breakfast version of spinach artichoke dip. I live in Philadelphia, so I clearly had to make a green dish too!

This Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole is packed with spinach, artichokes, bell peppers, onions and cheese. The result is a flavorful dish that can feed up to 12.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichokes hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1  teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Continue reading Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole

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