Posts for April 28th 2010

recipes

Pineapple, Mango, and Jalapeno Salsa

From Sarah Kerr Pineapple, Mango, and Jalapeno SalsaIngredients1/2 pineapple, cut into 1/4 inch cubes 1 mango, cut into 1/4 inch cubes 1-2 medium green jalapenos (adjust heat amount to your personal taste), small dice 1 1/2-2 small red onions, small dice 1 red bell pepper, small dice 2-3 large tomatoes, small dice 2-3 ripe but firm avocados, diced 1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.

Pineapple, Mango, and Jalapeno Salsa

Pineapple, Mango, and Jalapeno Salsa Recipe 2010-04-28 16:35:20

Ingredients

1/2 pineapple, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 mango, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1-2 medium green jalapenos (adjust heat amount to your personal taste), small dice
1 1/2-2 small red onions, small dice
1 red bell pepper, small dice
2-3 large tomatoes, small dice
2-3 ripe but firm avocados, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocados and fruit. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Refrigerate to chill the salsa. The acidic juice from the pineapple will keep all the ingredients fresh and colorful. Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips.

Makes about 4 cups.

Travel

Step Back in Time at the Original Pike Place Market Starbucks

This past weekend, I had the privilege of flying out to Seattle to visit Starbucks headquarters and learn more about the company's practices, from coffee bean to cup.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of flying out to Seattle to visit Starbucks headquarters and learn more about the company's practices, from coffee bean to cup. Fittingly, my journey started with a drop-in at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market, the bean boutique where it all began.

Although the store moved a block south in 1977, I imagine its look didn't depart too much from the way it appears today. I didn't stay long, but left with the takeaway that even Starbucks, one of the most recognizable brands in the world, had humble beginnings when it began as a coffee roaster in the Spring of 1971.

Peek around inside the store when you keep reading.

recipes

Pork Soft Tacos

From Everyday With Rachael Ray Pork Soft TacosIngredients2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 small onions, finely chopped 1 pound ground pork 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika Salt and pepper Eight 6-inch flour tortillas One 10-ounce package frozen corn, thawed 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro Juice of 1 lime 8 ounces shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese Directions Preheat the oven to 300°.

Pork Soft Tacos

Pork Soft Taco Recipe 2010-04-28 15:19:05

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
1 pound ground pork
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Eight 6-inch flour tortillas
One 10-ounce package frozen corn, thawed
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
8 ounces shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add half the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the pork and paprika and cook, breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Meanwhile, place the tortillas on 2 baking sheets and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the corn, remaining onions, cilantro and lime juice. Season the salsa to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. To serve, top each warm tortilla with cheese, meat and corn salsa.

Serves 4.

recipes

Spicy Banh Mi

From Vegetarian Times Spicy Banh MiIngredients1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 2 tsp.

Spicy Banh Mi

Vegetarian Spicy Banh Mi Recipe 2010-04-28 15:17:07

Ingredients

1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. honey, agave nectar, or sugar
1/2–1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 cup shredded daikon radish
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1 Vietnamese baguette or 1/2 French baguette, split in half lengthwise
1 Tbs. low-fat mayonnaise
1 tsp. red chile sauce, such as sriracha
1/4 tsp. tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup baked Asian-flavored tofu, thinly sliced, or stir-fried tofu cubes
2 6-inch strips cucumber
6 sprigs cilantro
6 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 lettuce leaves, torn

Directions

  1. Combine vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes in small bowl. Add daikon radish and carrot, and stir to mix. Let stand 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place baguette on baking sheet, and crisp 5 minutes in oven. Cool 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of bread. Sprinkle with red chile sauce and tamari. Fill with tofu, cucumber, and cilantro. Drain carrot-radish mixture, and spread on sandwich.
  4. Top with tomatoes and lettuce, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Press top half of baguette on sandwich, and slice sandwich in half.

Makes 1 sandwich.

Soup

Definition: Oden

I had no idea what oden was when the Blue Ribbon brothers mentioned their love of it.

I had no idea what oden was when the Blue Ribbon brothers mentioned their love of it. Oden is a popular Japanese soup often accompanied by a dipping sauce and enjoyed with sake. Although ingredients vary by region and household, the cold weather dish often calls for tofu, carrots, daikon, fish cakes, potatoes, and eggs to be simmered in a stock made with sake, sugar, and soy sauce.
Source: Flickr User [cipher]

recipes

Double Chocolate Mint Brownies Make My Top 10 List

My sister's favorite dessert is the brownie sundae.

My sister's favorite dessert is the brownie sundae. She's had countless brownie sundaes in her life, but for a recent party in her honor, I decided to put together the best brownie sundae ever. What makes this brownie sundae so spectacular is the double dose of mint and chocolate. There's mint chip ice cream, and the brownies are made with mint dark chocolate. I wanted to top the whole thing with a decadent fudge sauce, but ran out of time. Thus, the sundae is quite simple with just brownie, ice cream, and whipped cream. The simplicity adds to its scrumptiousness, and each bite is perfectly balanced. It's creamy, cool, chocolaty, and minty all at the same time. While you could easily do this sundae with store-bought ingredients, it's wildly rewarding to take the time to make the components from scratch. Between bites, my guests could not stop raving about how good this sundae was. My sister declared it, "one of the top 10 desserts" I've ever made! If you are looking for an impressive finish, I highly recommend the recipe. Get it, after the break.

recipes

Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundaes

From Katie Sweeney Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundaes Ingredients 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mint chip ice cream Chocolate brownies Directions With the whisk attachment on a standing mixer, beat the cream.


Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundaes

Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundae Recipe 2010-04-28 12:53:27

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup sugar


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Mint chip ice cream


Chocolate brownies

Directions

  1. With the whisk attachment on a standing mixer, beat the cream. While whisking, add the sugar and vanilla. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  2. Working quickly, place a brownie square on a plate. Top with several scoops of ice cream and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  3. Enjoy immediately!

Serves 8-10.

Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundaes

Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundae Recipe 2010-04-28 12:53:27

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mint chip ice cream
Chocolate brownies

Directions

  1. With the whisk attachment on a standing mixer, beat the cream. While whisking, add the sugar and vanilla. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  2. Working quickly, place a brownie square on a plate. Top with several scoops of ice cream and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  3. Enjoy immediately!

Serves 8-10.