Posts for July 28th 2010

recipes

Blueberry Hill Cupcakes

From Bon AppétitBlueberry Hill CupcakesIngredientsCupcakes 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup canola oil 2 large eggs 1 cup buttermilk or low-fat yogurt 1 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries, frozen for 4 hours Frosting 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple sugar 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 teaspoons (or more) whole milk 1 cup chilled fresh blueberries Fresh mint sprigs (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 350°F.

From Bon Appétit

Blueberry Hill Cupcakes

Blueberry Hill Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

Cupcakes
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk or low-fat yogurt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries, frozen for 4 hours
Frosting
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons (or more) whole milk
1 cup chilled fresh blueberries
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
  2. Sift flour and next 4 ingredients into large bowl. Whisk melted butter and oil in medium bowl.
  3. Add eggs; whisk to blend.
  4. Whisk in buttermilk, milk, vanilla extract, and peel. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients; whisk just to blend. Stir in frozen blueberries. Divide batter among liners.
  5. Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 23 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to racks; cool.
  6. For frosting: Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Add 4 teaspoons milk. Using electric mixer, beat until well blended and fluffy, adding more milk by teaspoonfuls if dry (small granules of maple sugar will still remain), about 4 minutes. Spread frosting over top of cupcakes.
  7. Garnish cupcakes with chilled berries, and mint sprigs, if desired. Can be made 4 hours ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Makes 24 cupcakes.

recipes

Hibiscus Punch

From GourmetHibiscus PunchIngredients3 ounces of orange juice 3 ounces of pineapple juice 1 1/4 ounces light rum 1/2 ounce Pimm’s Cup No.

From Gourmet

Hibiscus Punch

Hibiscus Punch  Reicpe

Ingredients

3 ounces of orange juice
3 ounces of pineapple juice
1 1/4 ounces light rum
1/2 ounce Pimm’s Cup No. 1
1/4 ounce grenadine
dash of lemon juice
dash of Angostura bitters
dash of egg white

Directions

  1. Shake together all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker for 45 seconds.
  2. Add ice and shake again for 45 seconds.
  3. Strain into a chilled 12-ounce glass and enjoy.
    1. Serves 1.

summer

Summer Vegetable Crepes

From Eating WellSummer Vegetable Crepes Ingredients1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, divided, plus more for garnish 3 tablespoons low-fat milk 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups chopped zucchini 1 1/4 cups chopped green beans 1 cup fresh corn kernels, (from 1 large ear) 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 4 9-inch “ready-to-use” crêpes (Look for them in the produce section of the market or near refrigerated tortillas) Directions Stir sour cream, 1/4 cup chives, milk, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until combined.

From Eating Well

Summer Vegetable Crepes

Summer Vegetable Crepes Recipe 2010-07-28 16:16:02

Ingredients

1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives, divided, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons low-fat milk
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped zucchini
1 1/4 cups chopped green beans
1 cup fresh corn kernels, (from 1 large ear)
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 9-inch “ready-to-use” crêpes (Look for them in the produce section of the market or near refrigerated tortillas)

Directions

  1. Stir sour cream, 1/4 cup chives, milk, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, green beans and corn and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low; stir in ricotta, Monterey Jack, the remaining 1/4 cup chives, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring gently, until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  4. To roll crêpes, place one on a piece of parchment or wax paper (or leave it on the piece of plastic separating the crêpes in the package). Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable-cheese mixture (about 3/4 cup) down the center of the crêpe. Use the paper (or plastic) to help you gently roll the crêpe around the filling. Place the crêpe seam-side down on a dinner plate. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling. Serve each crêpe topped with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sauce and more chives, if desired.

Serves 4.

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A Delicious Addition to the Crystal Light Family

Crystal Light is making a sweet breakthrough in fitness beverages with Crystal Light Pure Fitness.

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definition

Definition: Nepitella

Also known as calaminta, nepitella is an herb that grows wild in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria.

Also known as calaminta, nepitella is an herb that grows wild in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria. The plant's green leaves have a strong, distinctive flavor that's described as a cross between mint and oregano. Nepitella is used on just about anything savory, from roasts to mushrooms.

We spotted it on the menu in San Francisco at new restaurant Zero Zero, where it's being used to add flair to wood-fired pizzas.
Source

Tips

At Your Wedding, Give an Edible Favor

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru.

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. This week Colin suggests a favor that's edible.

I've always been a big believer that the money you spend on your wedding should go towards making the best experience possible for you and your guests. Spend your money on upgrading the chicken stuffed-a-la-something to your favorite chicken dish or offer a premium bar or get that DJ you've always loved.

And, if there's money left over, don't forget the party favor. Not the terrible tchotchke you've been given that went right in the trash. Instead, make it edible. I love the idea of ending the night with a bag of homemade cookies for your guests.

Getting married amongst olive groves? Give your guests bottles of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Thinking about something timely? How about a December 31 wedding? Bagels with some delicious cream cheese will soothe the hangover.

Did you have edible favors at your wedding? Share your experience with us! To get more of Colin's wonderful wedding recommendations, sign up for his newsletter, Colin Cowie Wedding Notes.

Source

News

Food Section Sampler — July 28, 2010

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Canning and Pickling Party — Dessert

Since I'm serving some savory treats at my preserving party, I also plan to offer one sweet treat.

Since I'm serving some savory treats at my preserving party, I also plan to offer one sweet treat. Not just any dessert, but a crumbly, fruity pastry that makes the most of last year's blueberry preserves: blueberry cookie bars. They are simple to put together and if any remain when the party ends, I'll pack them up and offer them as favors to my guest. We'll also be making one sweet jam together: mixed berry jam.

To take a look at these recipes, keep reading.

Vegan

Would You Impose Your Dietary Restrictions at Your Wedding?

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton, is getting married this weekend.

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton, is getting married this weekend. There's been a lot of hype surrounding the event and yesterday more details about her big day surfaced.

She's planning a green wedding — complete with a vegan menu and gluten-free cake. Chelsea's a vegan and allergic to gluten, so it's no surprise that she's made these decisions. While the majority of the dishes are vegan, Clinton is offering one option for carnivores: grass-fed organic beef.

I love her menu selections: she's staying true to her diet and providing a compromise so that all of her guests will be pleased. I know not everyone would do the same. I've heard of weddings where no alcohol or vegetarian meals were served. Where do you stand on the matter?