Caviar Tart Saturday, Apr 26 2008 

Appetizer and Seafood , olga 3:06 pm

ABOUT:

From Gourmet Magazine

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup sour cream
8 hard-boiled large eggs, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
7 oz black lumpfish caviar

DIRECTIONS:

Put 1/2 cup sour cream in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl, then let drain, covered with plastic wrap and chilled, 3 hours.

Stir together remaining 1/4 cup sour cream, eggs, onion, butter, dill, zest, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon chives until combined well.

Invert bottom of springform pan (so that turned-up edge is underneath for easy removal of tart) and close side of pan around bottom. Spread egg mixture evenly in pan with offset spatula, smoothing top. Cover surface with plastic wrap, pressing gently, and chill until firm, at least 3 hours.

Spread drained sour cream evenly over egg mixture with offset spatula.

Gently spread half of caviar on several sheets of paper towels to absorb excess cuttlefish ink. Carefully lift caviar from paper towels and spread on top of egg mixture (be careful not to smash caviar). Repeat method with remaining caviar. Serve cut into wedges and sprinkled with remaining chives, if desired.

 

Cauliflower Gratin Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Vegetables , , olga 7:10 pm

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups milk
1/4 small onion, studded with 1 clove
1 small bay leaf
1 small sprig fresh thyme
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch florets (about 7 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 generous cup finely grated Gruyere cheese (about 3 ounces)
1 teaspoon Cognac or brandy
Pinch of cayenne
4 gratings of fresh nutmeg
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Butter a 1 1/2 quart gratin dish and set it aside.

Make the sauce. In medium sauce pan, heat the milk with the onion, bay leaf, and thyme to just below the boiling point. Set aside. In another medium pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat, and then sift in the flour. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure-8 motion, until it lightens in color, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

Gradually whisk the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.

While the sauce simmers, bring a medium pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and add the cauliflower. Cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Arrange the cauliflower, florets-side up, in the buttered gratin dish.

Strain the sauce and season it with a teaspoon salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne to taste. Whisk in the cheese, 1 tablespoon of the butter, and the Cognac until smooth, taking care not to over mix. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. In a medium bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the butter to coat evenly. Sprinkle the top of the cauliflower with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the top of the cauliflower gratin is golden brown and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot.

 

Deep Fried Artichoke Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Italian and Vegetables , , olga 7:04 pm

ABOUT:

Fried artichokes have long been associated with the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Briefly blanching the artichokes makes it easier to bend the leaves outward into the shape of a flower. From Bon Appetite Magazine.

SERVINGS:

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

3 lemons, divided
12 baby artichokes
Olive oil (for frying)

DIRECTIONS:

Cut 1 lemon in half. Squeeze juice into large bowl; add lemon halves. Fill bowl 2/3 full with water. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, break off dark outer leaves until only pale green leaves remain. Trim end off stem and cut 1/2 inch off top of artichoke; add to lemon water. Repeat with remaining artichokes.

Fill another large bowl with ice water. Blanch artichokes in large saucepan of boiling salted water 10 seconds; transfer to ice water to cool completely. Remove artichokes from water and shake off excess moisture. Gently pry open leaves and press as flat as possible. Invert artichokes onto paper-towel-lined work surface and press to hold leaves open. Drain 30 minutes. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover with plastic and let stand at room temperature.)

Line large baking sheet with paper towels. Add enough olive oil to heavy large saucepan to reach depth of 2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of saucepan with tip submerged in oil. Heat oil over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 350°F. Working with 1 artichoke at a time, firmly grasp stem end of artichoke with long tongs. Submerge artichoke in oil to bottom of saucepan, pressing to keep leaves spread open, and fry until leaves hold shape, about 15 seconds. Release artichoke (it will turn stem side down). Repeat with 3 more artichokes and continue frying until artichoke hearts are just tender when pierced with knife, about 4 minutes longer. Using tongs, remove artichokes from oil; transfer, stem side up, to paper towels, pressing slightly to hold leaves open. Turn artichokes over to drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining artichokes. Sprinkle with salt.

Slice remaining lemons into wedges. Serve artichokes with lemon wedges.

 

Caramel Sauce Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Culinary Basics and Sauce , , olga 6:58 pm

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Brown Sugar
6 Tbsp Butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS:

Heat sugar on high heat in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart or 3-quart saucepan. As the sugar begins to melt, stir constantly with a whisk.

As soon as all of the sugar crystals have melted (amber color), immediately add the butter to the pan. Continue to whisk vigorously until the butter has melted.

Once the butter has melted, take the pan off the heat.

Add the cream to the pan and continue to whisk to incorporate. When you add the butter and the cream, the mixture will foam up considerably. This is why you must use a pan that is at least 2-quarts (preferably 3-quarts) big.

Whisk until caramel sauce is smooth. Let cool in the pan for a couple minutes, then pour into a glass mason jar and let sit to cool to room temperature.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm before serving.

 

Pear Salsa Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Appetizer and Mexican , , , olga 6:54 pm

INGREDIENTS:

2 ripe pears, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 Jalapeño chile, minced
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If the salsa ends up being a little too hot or acidic for your taste, you can temper it by adding some diced avocado.

 

Pork Loin with Fig and Port Sauce Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Entree , , , , olga 6:47 pm

INGREDIENTS:

Sauce:
2 1/2 cups port
1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
8 dried black Mission figs, coarsely chopped
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pork:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon salt, plus additional for seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus additional for seasoning
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1 (4 to 4 1/2-pound) boneless pork loin

DIRECTIONS:

For the sauce: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the first 6 ingredients. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the herb sprigs and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture). Transfer the port mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Blend in the butter. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

For the pork: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl to blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely. Roast until an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, about 45 minutes total.

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium heat, and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

 

Blueberry Lemon Cream Tarts Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Desert , , olga 6:44 pm

SERVINGS:

Makes 4 desserts

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1 1/3 cups blueberries (6 oz)
Confectioners sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F with a baking sheet on middle rack.

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and butter in a bowl with a fork until combined well, then press mixture with your fingers and back of a spoon evenly and firmly onto bottom and up side of each tart pan. (If using ramekins, press mixture 3/4 inch up sides.)

Put tart pans on preheated baking sheet and bake crusts until slightly darker, about 10 minutes, then cool 10 minutes on a rack. (Ramekins will need to cool an additional 5 minutes in refrigerator.) Gently push bottom of each tart pan to loosen crust, then invert crust onto your hand and place on a serving plate. (If using ramekins, leave crusts in ramekins.)

While crusts cool, whisk together brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, then add sour cream mixture and zest, beating until just combined well.

Divide cream cheese filling among tart shells, spreading evenly, then top with blueberries and dust with confectioners sugar.

 

Raspberry Marzipan Tarts Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Desert , olga 6:38 pm

SERVINGS:

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
Crust
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling crust
4 fluted 3-inch tart pans
4 tablespoon uncooked rice or dried beans

Filling
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 teaspoon sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup almond flour (or almond meal)
2 tablespoon 2 percent milk

Fruit
1 tablespoon apricot preserves
2 ounces fresh raspberries (about 28 berries)

DIRECTIONS:
Crust:
Combine butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Beat in egg, then flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until you get a shaggy dough (it holds together loosely, but it’s not smooth or elastic). Dust a surface with flour, transfer dough to surface and, with lightly floured fingers, knead once or twice until a sticky dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 40 minutes. Heat oven to 350°F. Divide remainder into 4 pieces. With lightly floured fingertips, press 1 piece into each tart pan, working dough up the sides evenly. (If dough tears on bottom, smooth dough over hole to close it up.) Prick pastry along bottom with a fork several times. Gently press a small square of foil into each pastry shell (do not press down hard). Top each with 1 tablespoon uncooked rice or dried beans (to prevent pastry from puffing up). Place on a baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Remove foil and rice from each crust; discard. Return crust to oven; cook until golden, about 5 minutes more. Keep oven on.

Filling:
Combine butter and sugar. Beat in yolk, followed by flour, until combined. Beat in milk until incorporated. Divide filling among tart shells and bake until puffed, about 15 minutes.

Fruit:
Heat preserves with 1 tablespoon water in a small sauté pan over low heat until melted, about 3 minutes. Press through a sieve into a bowl. Let cool. Arrange about 7 raspberries on top of each tart. Brush glaze onto raspberries and drizzle remaining glaze over raspberries until covered. Serve immediately.

 

Apricots with Amaretto Syrup Friday, Apr 18 2008 

Desert and Italian , , , olga 6:38 pm

SERVINGS:

Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

10 firm-ripe large apricots
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup Disaronno Amaretto liqueur
6 amaretti (Italian almond macaroons; if paper-wrapped, use 3 packets), crumbled (1/3 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped pine nuts for sprinkling (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Peel apricots with a vegetable peeler, then halve and pit. Finely chop 2 halves and set aside.

Heat butter in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat until foam subsides, then cook sugar, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Stir in Amaretto (be careful; syrup will spatter) and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes.

Working in 2 batches, poach apricot halves in syrup at a low simmer, turning, until almost tender, 5 to 10 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer apricots, hollow sides up, to a platter.

Add crumbled amaretti to syrup and cook over low heat, crushing cookies with back of a wooden spoon, until melted into a coarse purée.

Stir in reserved chopped apricot and gently simmer, stirring, until syrup is deep brown and slightly thickened. Cool syrup slightly.

Spoon syrup over apricots and sprinkle with pine nuts (if using). Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

Tomato Salsa Thursday, Apr 17 2008 

Appetizer and Mexican , , , olga 9:32 pm

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes (from 1 lb to 1 1/2 lb), stems removed, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
1 serano chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced
Juice of one lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: oregano and or cumin to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Start with chopping up 2 medium sized fresh tomatoes. Prepare the chilies. Be very careful while handling these hot peppers. If you can, avoid touching them with your hands. Use a fork to cut up the chilies over a small plate, or use a paper towel to protect your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling and avoid touching your eyes for several hours. Set aside some of the seeds from the peppers. If the salsa isn’t hot enough, you can add a few for heat.

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Taste. If the chilies make the salsa too hot, add some more chopped tomato. If not hot enough, carefully add a few of the seeds from the chilies, or add some ground cumin.

Let sit for an hour for the flavors to combine.

 

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