Archive for June, 2007

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Honey-Mustard Chicken with Plums

Ingredients:
-1 pound chicken tenders
-1/2 cup honey-Dijon dressing
-4 ripe plums, each cut into 8 wedges
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F
2. Cut four squares of heavy-duty foil
3. Toss all ingredients, plus 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a medium bowl
4. Put a quarter of chicken mixture in the middle of each foil square
5. Fold foil over [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Poultry by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Berry Tarts

Ingredients:
-1 tub (8 oz) strawberry cream cheese spread
-1 box (2.1 oz) frozen baked mini fillo dough shells, at room temperature
-1 pint ripe strawberries, rinsed
1. Spoon cream cheese spread into a pastry bag fitted with a start piping tip
2. Pipe into fillo shells
3. Slice each of 15 berries about 3 times from tip almost to top
4. [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Cranberry Nut Bars

Ingredients:
-2 eggs
-1 cup sugar
-1 cup flour
-1/3 cup butter, melted
-1 1/4 cups fresh of frozen cranberries
-1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease an 8-inch baking pan
3. Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl until thick
4. Gradually add sugar, beating until thoroughly blended
5. Stir in flour and butter; blend well
6. Add cranberries and [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Cranberry Kiss

Ingredients:
-6 ounces Cranberry Juice Cocktail
-1 ounce orange juice
-Club Soda
-orange wedge, garnish
1. Pour cranberry juice cocktail and orange juice into a glass with ice
2. Top with club soda
3. Garnish with orange wedge

No Comments » - Posted in Refreshments by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Banana-Oat Muffins

Ingredients:
-2 mashed ripe bananas
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 egg
-1/2 cup milk
-3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
-2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
-1/2 cup quick cooking oats
-1/4 cup sugar
-1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Combine bananas and next 4 ingredients (through vanilla) in a medium bowl; mix well and set aside
3. Lightly [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Shrimp & Asparagus Salad

Ingredients:
Dressing:
-1/3 cup olive oil
-2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
-1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves
-1 tablespoon chopped shallot
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salad:
-20 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
-2 cups sliced asparagus
-1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
-1/2 English cucumber, chopped
-1/2 avocado, peeled and diced
-4 cups mixed salad greens
1. Fill a large pot with water, and bring to a boil
2. Meanwhile, [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
-2 1/2 tablespoons strawberry vinegar (recipe follows)
-3 tablespoons olive oil
-8 cups baby spinach
-1 1/2 cups strawberries, cut lengthwise into thick slices
-1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted and cooled
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/8 teaspoon pepper
1. Whisk together vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking well
2. Put [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Mini Cupcakes with Strawberry Glaze

Ingredients:
-1 cup Mascarpone cheese, softened
-2 egg whites
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1 box white cake mix
-1 cup water
-1/3 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Special equipment: 4 mini muffin tins and 48 mini muffin paper cupcake liners
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Line the 4 mini tins (48 muffins) with paper liners
3. [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Chocolate Cookies with Pine Nuts

Ingredients:
-1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
-1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-Pinch salt
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-3/4 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped
-1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F
2. Combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

Balsamic Chicken With Fresh Mozzarella

Ingredients:
-10 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
-1 (16 fl oz) bottle balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
-2 tomatoes, sliced
-2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
-1 bunch fresh basil leaves
-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Place chicken in a shallow dish
2. Pour the dressing over it, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 12 to [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Poultry by Svetlana

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

White Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup sugar, divided
-1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
-1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
-1 cup flour
-4 packages (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
-2 packages (6 squares each) BAKER’S Premium White Baking Chocolate, melted
-4 eggs
-2 cups raspberries
1. Preheat oven to 300°F
2. Beat 1/4 cup of the sugar, the butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla in small [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

Mocha Berry Parfaits

Ingredients:
-1 tablespoon Cream Cheese, softened
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1/4 teaspoon brandy extract
-1 teaspoon Instant Coffee, dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water
-1/3 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
-1 square BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, finely grated, divided
-1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries)
1. Mix cream cheese, sugar, brandy extract and dissolved coffee in small bowl with wire whisk [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

Raspberry-Chocolate Jelly Roll Cake

Ingredients:
-4 eggs, separated
-3/4 cup sugar
-1 tablespoon vanilla
-3/4 cup cake flour, sifted
-3/4 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
-1 cup raspberry jam, stirred well
-1 cup chopped chocolate

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. In a small bowl beat egg whites until stiff but not dry and set aside
3. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until light
4. Gradually [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 28th, 2007

Shrimp Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:
-6 medium bell peppers, cored
-1 lb. cooked salad shrimp
-1/2 cup chopped celery
-2 cups cooked rice
-4 tablespoons fresh dill

1. Core bell peppers
2. Mix shrimp, celery, rice and fresh dill in a bowl
3. Spoon into peppers and bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees
4. Serve warm

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes by Svetlana

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Easy Oreo Truffles

Ingredients:
-1 package (18 oz.) Oreo Chocolate (or any other flavor) Sandwich Cookies, divided
-1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
-2 packages (8 oz. each) BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using [...]

1 Comment » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Easy Chocolate Eclairs

Ingredients:
-2 cups cold milk, divided
-1 package (4-serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
-1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whipped Topping, thawed
-22 Honey Maid Honey Grahams
-4 squares BAKER’S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
-1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1. Pour 1 3/4 cups of the milk into large bowl
2. Add dry pudding [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Sunday, June 24th, 2007

Cranberry Cappuccino Biscotti

Ingredients:
-2 1/3 cups flour
-1 cup sugar
-3 tablespoons cocoa
-2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
-1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 eggs
-2 egg whites
-1 tablespoon vanilla
-1 (6 oz) package Craisins Sweetened Dried Cranberries
-3/4 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
1. Preheat oven to 325ºF
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl
3. Combine eggs, egg whites and vanilla [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Chicken Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
-1 tablespoon chopped, drained drained sun-dried tomatoes
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1 garlic clove, minced
-4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
-1 cup chopped tomato
-1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
-1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
-6 pitas, cut in half
-3 cups mixed baby greens
1. Combine vinegar, sun-dried tomato oil, sun-dried tomatoes, black [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Poultry by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Spanish Style Halibut

Ingredients:
-1 slice smoked bacon
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-4 skinless halibut fillets
-2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
-1 (6 oz) package fresh baby spinach
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp
2. Remove bacon from pan, and crumble; set aside
3. Combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Shrimp & Lemon Skewers

Ingredients:
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-3/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
-1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
-1/8 teaspoon salt
-1/8 teaspoon black pepper
-3 garlic cloves, minced
-40 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-16 lemon slices
-parsley sprigs, for garnish
1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large zip-lock plastic bag
2. Add shrimp to bag; seal
3. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes
4. [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Seafood by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Jello Layers

Ingredients:
-4 cups boiling water
-1 package (8 oz serving size) Jello Brand Berry Blue Flavor Gelatin
-1 package (8 oz serving size) Jello Brand Strawberry Flavor Gelatin
-2 cups cold water
-1 cup blueberries
-1 tub (12 oz) Cool Whip Whipped Topping
-1 cup strawberries, sliced
1. Stir 2 cups of boiling water into each flavor of dry gelatin mix in separate [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Asian Chicken, Noodle, and Vegetable Salad

Ingredients:
-6 ounces uncooked rice noodles
-2 cups cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast
-1/2 cup carrots
-1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
-1/3 cup chopped green onions
-1/4 cup canned sliced water chestnuts, drained
-1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
-1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-2 tablespoons soy sauce
-1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
-2 tablespoons [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Lobster Wraps with Lemon Mayonnaise

Ingredients:
-1/4 cup mayonnaise
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
-1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
-1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
-3/4 cup chopped tomato
-4 lobster tails; cooked and chopped
-4 whole wheat tortillas
-8 lettuce leaves
1. To prepare lemon mayonnaise, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, chives, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; stir well
2. Combine lemon mayonnaise, tomato, and lobster; stir [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Sandwiches/Wraps by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Grilled Cheese with a Twist

Ingredients:
-8 slices white bread
-2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-8 slices plum tomatoes
-1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1. Place 4 bread slices on a work surface; arrange 1/2 cup cheese on each slice
2. Top each slice with 2 tomato slices and 1 tablespoon basil
3. Top with remaining 4 bread slices
4. Heat a large nonstick skillet over [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Sandwiches/Wraps by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Salad with Citrus Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients:
-8 handfuls mixed salad greens
-2 medium oranges, separated into pieces
-1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
-1/2 cup sliced red onion
-1/3 cup Citrus Parmesan Dressing (recipe follows)
-1 avocado, thinly sliced
1. Wash and dry salad greens well and place them in a large bowl
2. Add oranges, almonds and onion
3. Toss well with the Dressing
4. Add the avocado and toss [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Grilled Salmon & Tomato Salad With Creamy Dill Dressing

Ingredients:
Salad:
-1 head torn Boston lettuce
-1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges
-1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-4 salmon fillets, skinned
-1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
-ground black pepper
Dressing:
-1/2 cup buttermilk
-1/4 cup sour cream
-1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
-1 tablespoon cider vinegar
-1/2 garlic clove, minced
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper
1. Prepare grill
2. While waiting for grill [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Cashew Clusters

Ingredients:
-9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
-1/2 cup Craisins Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries
-1/2 cup cashews

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler
2. Remove from heat and cool slightly
3. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and nuts
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet, makes about 16 clusters
5. Let harden at room temperature or chill in refrigerator

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Ingredients:
-1/2 packet (1 teaspoon) unflavored gelatin powder
-1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
-1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
-1 cup plain yogurt
-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
-1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
-4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
-2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
-1 tablespoon sugar
-Freshly grated lemon zest, for serving
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Cranberry, Crabmeat & Cream Cheese Appetizers

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
-1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
-1/4 cup minced crab meat
-2 tablespoons green onion, white and green parts, sliced
-15 individual mini-phyllo shells, thawed
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF
2. Place cranberry sauce in a small mixing bowl; beat with a fork or wire whisk until smooth
3. Combine cream cheese, crab meat and [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Chocolate Almond Clusters

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
-24 individually wrapped caramel candies
-1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
-4 to 6 tablespoons cream, room temperature, divided
-1 cup white chocolate chips
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Lightly grease the mini-muffin tins with vegetable oil spray
3. Place 1 teaspoon of slivered nuts in each of the muffin cups
4. Unwrap the caramel [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Bruschetta with Peach Salsa & Melted Brie

Ingredients:
-2 cups chopped peeled peaches
-3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
-1/4 cup chopped onions
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
-1 tablespoon sugar
-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-dash of black pepper
-1 (8 oz) Fresh bread baguette, cut into thin slices
-4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small pieces

1. Preheat broiler
2. Combine first 7 ingredients; set aside
3. Arrange bread slices on a [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Peach-Tomato Salsa

Ingredients:
-3 firm yellow peaches
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-3 ripe tomatoes
-1/2 red onion
-1 tablespoon cilantro, coarsely chopped
-12 tablespoons olive oil
-6 tablespoons sherry vinegar
-2 tablespoons honey

1. Cut the peaches and tomatoes into half-inch cubes, chop cilantro, finely chop onions
2. Blend any oils and fruit juices or vinegars together before combining with other ingredients.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Dips/Salsas by Svetlana

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Baby-Greens Salad with Grapefruit

Ingredients:

-1 large grapefruit
-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-1 tablespoon dijon mustard
-1/2 teaspoon sugar
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 cup, olive oil
-1 pound mixed baby greens or mixed salad greens

1. With knife, cut peel from grapefruits
2. Holding grapefruits over small bowl to catch juice, cut sections from grapefruits between membrane
3. Place grapefruit sections on plate
4. In large bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Tuesday, June 19th, 2007

Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:
-1 lb. peeled shrimp (leave tails on)
-8 tablespoons olive oil
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-3 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian parsley
-6 tablespoons white wine

1. In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat
2. Add garlic and shrimp
3. Cook stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink
4. Stir in parsley and wine
5. Serve immediately

No Comments » - Posted in Seafood by Svetlana

Tuesday, June 19th, 2007

Spinach Pizza

Ingredients:
-1 large garlic clove, crushed
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 bag fresh spinach
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1 store bought Pizza Crust
-6 ounces Mozzarella cheese
-8 ounces Feta cheese
-2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F
2. In a medium skillet over low heat, cook the garlic in the oil for 1 minute
3. Stir in the [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Pizzas by Svetlana

Monday, June 18th, 2007

Cauliflower Radish Salad

Ingredients:
-5 cups cauliflowerets
-4 tablespoons sliced green onions
-2 cups thinly sliced radishes
-7 tablespoons olive oil
-7 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
-3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
-black pepper to taste
-salt to taste

1. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower, radishes, onions, parsley, dill, salt and pepper
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and lemon juice
3. Pour [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Sunday, June 17th, 2007

Spinach Salad

Ingredients:
-8 ounces fresh spinach
-1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
-1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
-1/2 cup Craisins Dried Cranberries
-2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds

Dressing:
-1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
-2 tablespoons orange juice
-1 teaspoon orange zest
1. Wash and clean spinach
2. Tear into bite-size pieces and place in a serving bowl
3. Add half of the cheese and onion; toss
4. Combine [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads by Svetlana

Sunday, June 17th, 2007

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Drink
-3/4 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries)
-1 (6 oz) container yogurt
-1/2 banana, cut into slices
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender
2. Blend for a few seconds on high speed, until all ingredients are combined
3. Pour into a tall glasses

No Comments » - Posted in Smoothies by Svetlana

Sunday, June 17th, 2007

Hazelnut Cookies

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
-1 1/2 cups flour
-10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
-2 ounces cream cheese
-2/3 cup sugar
-1 large egg
-pinch of salt
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-3/4 cup Nutella
1. In a food processor, finely grind the hazelnuts with 1/2 cup of the flour
2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the butter, cream cheese [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Sunday, June 17th, 2007

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
-10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
-1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
-1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, ground
1. Warm the cream in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until hot and bubbling around the edges, about 4 minutes
2. Put the chocolate in a medium bowl and pour the cream over it
3. Let sit [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Sunday, June 17th, 2007

Berry Creme Fraiche Cake

Ingredients:
Cake:
-2 1/2 cups flour
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
-2 cups sugar
-4 large eggs
-1 cup buttermilk
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-1/2 cup poppy seeds

Crème fraîche berry filling:
-1 cup blueberries or blackberries
-1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
-2 cups creme fraiche (you can make it at home, recipes follows)
-2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
-1 [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cakes, Desserts by Svetlana

Saturday, June 16th, 2007

Garlic Shrimp Salad

Ingredients:
-1 lb medium cooked shrimp
-1 bunch asparagus cut into 1 inch lengths, discarding bottom fourth
-2 fresh tomatoes
-4 medium cloves garlic, pressed
-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-small head of romaine lettuce, chopped
-2 oz crumpled goat cheese
-salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Dressing
-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-1 teaspoon honey
-salt [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Salads, Seafood by Svetlana

Friday, June 15th, 2007

Granola with Fresh Berries

Ingredients:
-3 cups store bought granola
-1 cup fresh blueberries
-1 cup fresh raspberries
-2 sliced bananas
-2 tablespoons sliced almonds
-2 cups low fat milk
1. Divide granola into 4 bowls
2. Top with fruit and milk

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Friday, June 15th, 2007

Yogurt Scones

Ingredients:
-2 cups (215g) flour
-1/8 cup (30g) sugar
-1/8 cup (30g) unsalted butter, room temperature
-1 tablespoon baking powder
-1/2 cup (125ml) plain yogurt
-2 tablespoons milk
-1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruits
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
3. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar and baking powder
4. Add in the [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Cookies, Desserts by Svetlana

Friday, June 15th, 2007

Avocado & Salmon Sandwich

Ingredients:

-2 small avocados
-1 tablespoon lime juice
-Freshly ground pepper to taste
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
-4 whole-wheat bread slices
-2 salmon fillets, cooked
-2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1. In a small bowl, mash the avocados, with the lime juice, pepper and dill
2. Toast the bread slices and spread with the avocado mixture
3. Top bottom half with a few slices [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Sandwiches/Wraps by Svetlana

Friday, June 15th, 2007

Mascarpone Trifle

Ingredients:
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 lemon, zested and juiced
-16 ounces mascarpone cheese
-1 store-bought pound cake, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
-1/2 cup creme de cassis liqueur
-2 cups quartered strawberries (you can use raspberries instead)
-Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar with the lemon juice
2. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Friday, June 15th, 2007

Lemonade

Ingredients:
-3 cups fresh lemon juice, about 20 lemons
-3 cups Basil Simple Syrup, recipe follows
-3 cups sparkling water
-Ice
-Lemon twists, for garnish
1. Mix lemon juice, Basil Simple Syrup, and water together in a pitcher
2. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve
3. Pour over ice filled glasses and garnish with a lemon twist
Basil Simple Syrup:
-1 bunch fresh [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Refreshments by Svetlana

Thursday, June 14th, 2007

Mozzarella and Tomato Crostini

Ingredients:
-1 French baguette, cut into diagonal 1/2 inch slices
-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-4 cloves garlic, halved
-6 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
-1 bunch fresh basil, julienned
-1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1. Preheat the oven’s broiler
2. Brush the slices of bread lightly with olive oil, and place on a baking sheet
3. Toast under the broiler for [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Appetizers by Svetlana

Thursday, June 14th, 2007

Easy Berry Parfait

Ingredients:

-3 cups assorted berries (blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries)
-1 (10 oz) frozen pound cake, cubed
-1 cup Crème Fraîche
1. Take four wine or parfait glasses and make layers (cream, pound cake, berries, cream)
2. Cover and store in the refrigerator before serving

No Comments » - Posted in Desserts by Svetlana

Thursday, June 14th, 2007

Salmon Fillets with Spinach Stuffing

Ingredients:
-4 salmon fillets, about 5 ounces each
-10 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
-2 tablespoons basil & garlic pesto
-1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
-1 tablespoon pine nuts

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Make a slit two-thirds of the way through the center of each fillet
3. Season each fillet with salt and pepper
4. In a bowl, combine [...]

No Comments » - Posted in Main Dishes, Seafood by Svetlana