Thursday, 28 July 2011

Easy Zucchini Bread

Keeping with my American recipe, and my American background I’ll stick to calling this bread what I’ve known it as my whole life. Why make the change to courgette? This is a delicious bread that’s great for after dinner, snack time, or even dessert. I’ve cut down on some of the calories and fat by substituting the oil with cranberry and apple sauce. This keeps the moisture in the bread and helps it cook. Alternatively you can substitute the white sugar with a sugar substitute to further decrease the calorie count. Makes 1 loaf, but easily doubled for two.



Ingredients:
1 ½ c flour (I use half whole wheat, half white flour)
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
2 small eggs
½ c apple sauce
¼ c cranberry sauce (jar or can works)
1 c white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c grated zucchini
½ c sliced almonds ~50g

To start:
Sift together all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon.
Next combine eggs, sugar, vanilla, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, grated zucchini and almonds.
Slowly mix together the flour until completely incorporated.

To finish:
Pour in a greased loaf pan and put into a 350F (180C) oven, and cook for about 45min-1hr.

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Cous Cous Stuffed Peppers

I love peppers, who doesn’t love peppers? I have to say they’re one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients that I use in almost every dish that I make. With one red pepper containing loads of vitamins along with your daily requirement of vitamin c they’re something more people should consider using, unless of course you’re allergic. The peppers along with tomatoes belong to a family called the nightshades. They’re known to cause some uncomfortable side effects and some people stay away from this class of vegetable. But if you try this recipe it would make an excellent starter, side dish, or even a main meal with a salad.



Ingredients:
3-4 Peppers varying in colour
1 c whole wheat cous cous (non-whole wheat is fine)
2 c vegetable stock
1 celery stalk
Half onion
2 cloves garlic
1 Can chopped tomatoes
Handful Mozzarella for melting on the top (use as much as you prefer)
½ tsp. oregano
½ tsp. basil
½ tsp. red chili flakes
½ c fresh flat leaf parsley
Pinch Saffron (optional)
5-6 pieces of sun dried tomato (optional)

To Start:
Dice: celery, onion, garlic, parsley, sun dried tomato. Set aside.
Make the stock.

Next:
In a bowl place the cous cous and all the diced vegetables on top including the saffron.
Pour the hot stock over the cous cous and cover tightly with cling film. Let this sit untouched for 10-15 minutes.

To Finish:
In a baking dish, arrange your peppers. I like to cut them in quarters because they can be quite big.
When the cous cous is done remove the cling film and carefully scoop into pepper shells.
When the peppers are completely full and the cous cous is gone, pour the chopped tomatoes all over the top.
Sprinkle with the oregano and basil, top with the mozzarella.
Cover tightly with foil and bake at 200C (400F) for about 45 minutes or until they’re softly roasted.
You can opt to take off the foil the last few minutes of baking and get a nice colour on the mozzarella.

Monday, 25 July 2011

Comfort Soup - Chicken Tortilla

I'm constantly bringing traditions from home into my new life here, this is one of my favourite recipes, and I had the chance to make it again a couple of weeks ago when my husband got sick. Shortly thereafter I found myself ill as well, so the big pot helped soothe my soul. Although a lot of people like chicken noodle soup as a cure for the soul's aches and pains, I enjoy the Tex-Mex twist and familiar flavours of home. Make sure you have a big stock pot to cook this in. Keep it handy in the freezer for a colder autumn day and it'll will guarantee come in handy to cure what ails you.

Ingredients:
400g (12-15oz) on the bone drums or chicken thighs
3 ribs of celery
1 medium green pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 can tomatoes chopped
2 medium onions
50-100g (2 large handfuls) coriander (cilantro)
½ American long grain rice (not the easy cook stuff either!)
½ tsp. cumin
1tsp salt
Garlic powder
1 tsp. pepper
4pts water

To start:
Chop celery, one onion, pepper, and clove of garlic.
Heat the water in a stock pot, and add chicken, chopped celery, onion, pepper and garlic. Season liberally with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. When it has reached a boil, turn down to a simmer for about 30-40 minutes.
When the chicken is falling off the bone remove and set aside on a plate to cool.

Continue:
Bring the water back up to a boil.
Dice and add another onion.
Re-season with garlic powder, and salt and pepper as needed.
Add the rice, and can of tomatoes.
Take the meat off the bones and remove it back to the pot, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is done.

To finish:
Add the cilantro the last five minutes of cooking.
Serve with Tortilla chips and shredded cheese, garnish with avocado.

Friday, 22 July 2011

Wine and Dine Lamb Shanks

So this is the recipe I talked about making last weekend. It came out just as I expected it, delicious succulent meaty and juicy. The meat could not have fallen off the bone more delicately and it was exactly what the doctor ordered in my house. Although this isn’t going to be on my weekly menu as I’ve got a very strict restriction on meats, it will definitely be a wonderful treat throughout the winter months. This recipe serves 2 as I cooked it for two, but if doubled it would be just as good for 4 people, enjoy! Note: I can’t stress enough, to cook this dish you need an oven-proof casserole, or else you’ll be melting your cookware!



Ingredients:

2 Lamb Shanks
3 fat carrots
6 small-medium potatoes (3 per person)
1 yellow onion
1 red onion
6 garlic cloves (whole, the more the merrier)
2 c lamb stock (one lamb stock cube)
2 glasses of red wine
4-6 tomatoes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
¼ c flour
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp. light oil

To Prep:
Take a dinner plate out and put the flour on the plate.
Lay the lamb shanks on the flour and hit them with salt and pepper, then roll them in the flour. Setting aside leaving them to rest and get the chill off.
Peel and chop the carrots into large chunks.
Clean the potatoes.
Chop the onions in to large chunks as well.
Peel the garlic but do not chop.
Dice the tomatoes but set aside.

To cook:
Heat the casserole dish with the oil.
When hot lay the shanks down and brown on all sides for about 10 minutes.
Add the carrots, potatoes, garlic, rosemary, thyme sprigs, garlic, and give a few turns in the pan.
Add the stock, wine, and tomatoes last.
Bring to a boil and put into an 180C oven for about 1 ½ - 2 hrs. It’s worth the wait.

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

According to Gina: Everyone Has a Role in Using a Casserole

Over the past weekend I was just in the shop getting a few things and I decided I wanted to try my hand at a very meaty and potatoes dish, so I had my eyes on a bone on piece of something to cook. I stumbled across lamb shanks. I’ve never cooked lamb shanks before but I had a good idea of what to do with them, and instantly started my mind going. They were so big I didn’t know how to even cook them. I have several shallow casserole dishes, that to be honest aren’t even worthy of cooking a proper casserole or lasagne in, too shallow and messy, especially for this mighty bone of a job. My husband is putting up with me running around the store chucking things in the basket that I might need, herbs, spices, flavours running through my head, how do I make it fast? How do I make it easy? Two things that never escape my mind while running around juggling ingredients. Trying to decide what you’re going to put in something to make it taste just exactly as you taste it in your head takes a toll on the ‘ol hubby following around. The bit that has his attention at high, is the lamb shanks he’s carrying around in the basket.
As I’m going through the flavour profile that I want, which is always simple and fresh, I’m still thinking on what I’m going to cook these ginormous shanks in! What will fit the potatoes, and carrots I want to add, plus all the delicious jus! And then I pass it…the aisle with all of the home ware on it. Mind you it’s not a great aisle, and it’s just my local supermarket, but it just crossed my mind to go and peek to see if they had anything applicable.
Usually I’m picky about my home wares. I like to buy things that are going to prove to be quality and have multiple uses. I would never buy one single thing with the intention of using it for one thing. I stumbled upon this huge cream coloured casserole dish and almost exactly what I wanted, minus the trendy posh ‘Le Cruset’. Who needs a logo when you can see right in front of you, that the £29.99, solid cast iron casserole that could take someone’s foot off if dropped, wasn’t all you ever wanted? It was nearly half the price of a high priced one but with all the same materials. Cast iron speaks for itself ladies and gents; if it looks sturdy and good then it probably is good, no matter where you purchase it.
In my recent acquisition of new parts for my well-oiled kitchen, I attained some ceramic pots from France that is the most adorable addition to my kitchen. I received them as a birthday present and have tried them out only as soufflé pots but when I get a blow torch it’s on for crème brulee. Seems that I have the French theme going on in my kitchen right now, what am I going to make next, a coq au vin? All that I know is that my mind is on cooking, and getting the right pots gets me excited to make the best food I can make, and make it profitable! What you use in your everyday life should reflect in your cooking. If you hate your utensils then get new ones and find a peace with the food that you create and be the master in your kitchen! Look out for my lamb shanks and soufflés.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Carne Guisada (Ghee-SA-tha)

I grew up with this recipe as a very big staple in our meal regime. We would eat this at least two times a month, with tortillas and fresh Spanish rice and refried beans just like mom would make it. But I know perfectly well that it’s not easy cooking like your mom or grandma but I decided to try my hand at it anyway, to remake this classic Tex-Mex recipe. Note: This goes excellent with my Simple Spanish Rice. Serves 4.

Ingredients:
400-500g (14-16oz) cubed beef
½ onion
½ green pepper
1 chili
½ tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp. flour
2 c water
1 beef stock cube
Freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp. tomato puree
1 tbsp. olive oil

To start:
Dice the beef if not in cubes.
Slice onion, pepper, chili, and garlic.
Prepare the stock 1 cube to 2c water.

To cook:
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan.
Throw the beef, onions, pepper, chili and garlic in. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until meat browns.
Add the flour and spices, and cook for a further 5 minutes, being careful not to burn the flour.
Add half the stock and tomato puree and stir, add as much stock as you need to get to the thickness you like (I start off with half the stock to make sure it doesn’t get too thin).
Simmer on the hob for about 15-20 minutes until meat is completely cooked through and tender.
Serve with tortillas and my Simple Spanish Rice.

Monday, 18 July 2011

Sea Bass and Broad Bean Foil Packets

This is a technique that’s very easy to use, and maybe one that some people forget to use, I know I did. I was tired of just oven baking a fish and constantly watching it to make sure that the fish was getting done without overcooking, and then I just remembered that I could wrap individual portions into parcels and bake in the oven at a set time and the steam and moisture would cook and keep moist whatever was in the packet. You could really use your imagination with this as any vegetable can go inside with whatever seasoning you like. This is my recipe and it serves the two of us but since it’s in parcels you just adjust the ingredients as needed.



Ingredients:
2 sea bass fillets
1kg broad beans (prepared- see below)
½ punnet cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 lemon
1 handful parsley leaves
2-3 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2-3 fresh basil leaves per packet
Tin foil

To prepare the Broad beans:
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Shell all the broad beans.
Blanch them for 3-5mins in boiling water.
Take them out and put in cold ice water to stop the cooking process.
Peel the outer layer of skin off the beans to reveal a bright green bean, set aside.

Note: This is a timely but rewarding process; you could easily skip it and try this recipe with any other type of bean, such as French.

To making the packet filling:
Quarter all tomatoes and add to a bowl. (Smash the tomato out a bit so the juices come out)
Chop garlic, parsley finely and add to bowl.
Next lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and broad beans and mix thoroughly.
Set aside and let sit 5 minutes.

Build the packet:
Lay out sheets of foil big enough to double over and fold in the packet contents securely without any air getting free.
Lay down the fish pour a portion of the tomato, broad bean mixture on top and secure tightly.

Bake at 200C or 400F for about 20-30mins.

Thursday, 14 July 2011

Cauliflower Mash-up

This recipe was adapted from the typical meat and potatoes approach to dinner. I wanted to try and lighten it up to where I didn’t have to feel so weighted down after a meal by potatoes. I decided to try the cauliflower and now we have it every time. It’s really a great side dish as well even if you don’t want to replace the potatoes.

Ingredients:

1 large head of cauliflower
3 cloves garlic
2 leeks (or just use half a small onion or omit)
2-4 tbsp. cream
Salt/pepper

To start:
Cut florets off the cauliflower, cutting around the bitter core.
Smash the garlic.
Slice and clean thoroughly the leeks, and if using onions just chop them.
Toss everything in a steamer and steam for about 10 minutes or until everything is very soft.

To finish:
When everything is soft, blitz in a food processor or hand held blender with the cream. Salt and pepper to taste.
My suggestion is to serve immediately with a hot steak and marinated mushrooms.


Note: Although this is really easy, I suggest you use a steamer to cook the cauliflower, rather than boiling it because it prevents a watery texture. If you have to boil it, use a paper towel to make sure it’s completely dry when you begin to mash.
If you don’t have a food processor or a handheld blender, you could put some elbow grease into it and mash it up with a potato masher. Enjoy!

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Marinated Veggies Are Happy Veggies

This is a good and very simple marinade for any vegetable and it holds up well with high heat and can be used to sauté or grill vegetables, although I prefer grilling. After moving here I’ve been faced with a lot of hurdles regarding cooking. I used to use my favourite HEB zesty light Italian dressing as a marinade, but after seeing the selection of salad dressings I’ve had to revert to my creativity for answers regarding marinating vegetables. You can make this ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Ingredients:
¼ c olive oil
Juice of one lemon
½ red onion
3 garlic cloves
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Couple handfuls of any herbs (I use parsley and sage, but coriander, basil etc will do)
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
½ red pepper

Dice up garlic, pepper and onion into a fine dice, and mix everything together until incorporated (My trick is use a jar and just shake it all up when you’ve added all the ingredients).
Ideally marinade your veg an hour or two before cooking, although overnight wouldn’t hurt.

Suggestions of Veg: Mushrooms, corn on the cob, zucchini (courgettes), eggplant (aubergine), onions, peppers etc..

Monday, 11 July 2011

Easy Ceviche

Ceviche is something that associates its origin with Latin cuisine but has lent a helping hand to a lot of different occasions. Ceviche traditionally is made by cooking raw fish by citrus fruit; lemons, limes, oranges. I tend to make mine with pre-cooked shrimp, squid, or whatever I have, takes out some of the risk. Ceviche is excellent and makes a great starter or a great addition to a table of nibbles at a party. There are a few basic methods of whipping up one, and a variety of versatile ingredients to add. It’s good fun, low in fats, and just a good addition to a your normal chips and dips snack session or as a posh starter to a meal. This recipe can serve 4 as a starter, or several more as on a table. Remember, nothing has to be exact; it’s all about how you like it. So season, and add as little or as much as you want of any ingredient.

Ingredients:
250g pre-cooked prawns/shrimp ( ½ lb.)
1 large hass avocado
2 juicy limes (we want about ¼ c liquid)
1 lemon
6-10 cherry tomatoes
2 handfuls of coriander
Quarter of red pepper
Half red onion
Salt

To Start/Finish:
Dice onion, red pepper, coriander, tomatoes and avocado and add to a large bowl.
Dice the prawns a little to stretch them out, add to bowl.
Add citrus to bowl.
Season with salt to your liking.
Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Thursday, 7 July 2011

Catch-up on Life Chicken Cacciatore

So this dish is traditionally an Italian stew, but I just happened to have these ingredients and jazzed it up with a few spices and it really is the simplest one pan meal for a family. I made mine and served it on wholegrain rice to give it an extra burst of nutrition. Serves 4.

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 red pepper
½ yellow pepper
1 medium onion
150g mushrooms (chestnut and button)
1 can chopped Italian tomatoes
2-3 cloves of garlic
½ -1 tbsp. olive oil
1 glass of white wine
½ tsp. oregano
¼ tsp. basil
½ tsp. red chili flakes
Salt/pepper
Garlic powder
Pinch of chicken bouillon cube

To start:
Heat a pan with some of the oil, while it’s getting hot salt, pepper, garlic powder one side of the chicken breast.
When the oil is hot lay the seasoned side down, and season the side flipped up.
Let those brown in the pan for about 4-5 minutes per side.

To Continue:
As the chicken breasts are browning in the pan, slice the peppers, onion, mushrooms, garlic.
Open the cans pour the glass of wine.
Set seasonings aside.

To finish:
When the chicken has cooked 4-5 minutes per side and is nicely browned, remove from pan and set on a plate. Set aside.
Add a dab more oil to the pan to get hot, when hot add the onions and peppers and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until you can see them getting tender.
Next add the mushrooms and garlic and sauté until they start to get tender.
Pour the glass of wine into the vegetables and boil until the liquid has been reduced by half or so.
When reduced add the can of chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes and pinch of bouillon cube.
When the pan is at a boil return the chicken breasts and juice on the plate back to the pan and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes with a lid on. Serve over rice when done.

Monday, 4 July 2011

Drunken Whole Wheat Bread 'n' Butterless Pudding

This is the most adaptable throw it together thing you can make. You cannot mess this one up! Just get your feel for the ingredients and add an extra bit of milk, take away some bread, and voila you have a delicious anytime sweet treat, I made mine with a leftover loaf of whole wheat bread, and soy milk which adds to the fibre, also adds less fat and calories with the soy milk.



Ingredients:
¼- ½ loaf of day old bread
1 ½ - 2 pints milk, or soy milk
4 large eggs
½ c brown sugar
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch nutmeg
½ c raisins or sultanas soaked in Cointreau or amaretto (if you’re naughty)

To Start:
Slice the bread and dice it into 1 inch cubes, and leave them in the casserole dish you’re going to cook the pudding in, you want to dry it out and make sure it’s stale before you put it in the custard.
You can leave it out all day if you’d like. But 1-2hrs should be good.

For the pudding mix:
In a large bowl mix the milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg until the mixture is completely incorporated.
Next add the drunken raisins and about ½ of the liquor if you soaked them.

To Finish:
When your bread is stale and ready to be combined with the pudding mix, add the bread pieces slowly to the custard and press it down and make sure it all gets soaked in, and that there are no dry pieces of bread. Extra liquid is ok but you want to make sure that there is enough liquid to soak into each piece of bread, so by doing it slow you might not need all of your bread.
Pour back into your casserole, and make sure any extra liquid is all poured on top of the bread.
Bake for 40-50 minutes at 160C or ~350F.
This can be served with custard over the top or ice cream if you dare.