Red Truck Stollen

Published on December 19, 2014 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

I read the Washington Post everyday and especially on Wednesday, when the Food Section is included. My interest was peaked when I read the article below about the Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton, VA. Since I love to try new recipes, I decided to give this one a try. It sounds like a perfect treat to serve this festive week of Christmas.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/red-truck-bakerys-almond-stollen/14425/

All of the ingredients were easy to find in my local grocery store. I must admit that being a avid bread baker, this was the first recipe I encountered that required a step to make a pre-ferment sponge. The directions were very easy to follow, if you are seasoned baker. I must say, if you are a novice baker, this recipe could be challenge. I highly recommend using a Kitchen Aid Mixer with the dough hook attachment. Don’t let that stop your interest in making this stollen. Give it a try, that is how you learn. I even used a ruler when shaping these loaves, just as instructed. The stollens are absolutely beautiful and delicious. The photos of my stollens are below.

If you don’t have time to make this delicious stollen, you can order them online; check out their website.

http://redtruckbakery.com

Salted Caramel Nut Bars

Published on December 17, 2014January 14, 2015 by carol lou Category: Desserts, Recipes

The combination of salty and sweet is fantastic in this recipe. A great combination of flavors and very easy to make. After a wonderful meal, many times just one small sweet is all you need to finish a meal. I like to serve small bites for dessert and these are perfect. These would pair great with a Tawny Port after dinner.

After making this recipe for my photo shoot, I sent the remaining bars to work with my husband to share. Reviews were outstanding.

Salted Caramel Nut Bars

2014-12-30 04:36:01

Yields 24

A great salted caramel bar.

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 unsalted butter, softened
2 cups salted mixed nuts
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven 350°
Combine flour, brown sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender. Press mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13 pan. Bake 15 minutes, cool 5 minutes.
Chop nuts slightly. Sprinkle over cooked crust. Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and heat over low heat until all of the chips have melted. Drizzle mixture over nuts. Bake 5 minutes. For ease in cutting, cut bars while warm.

https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Broccoli Pasta Salad

Published on December 16, 2014December 30, 2014 by carol lou Category: Recipes

The holidays are coming and there is nothing better than to have a salad prepared and ready to serve. This recipe was handed down to me from my mother, who was a terrific cook. This was one of her favorite salads and is perfect for entertaining. Serve with warm crusty rolls for lunch, serve with grilled meat or fish and you have a dinner entree.

Broccoli Pasta Salad

2014-12-30 04:46:47

Serves 6

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Ingredients

6 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoons sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 # fusilli pasta, cooked and drained
3 cups chopped broccoli, blanched
1 10 oz. package frozen peas, thawed and drained
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 large green onion, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Combine first four ingredients in a small container, mix throughly. Pour over cooked pasta, add remaining ingredients and combine. Serve at room temperature.

https://apassionforentertaining.com/

15 minutes

Published on December 15, 2014January 2, 2015 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

Getting ready for the holidays and entertaining can be a daunting task. This weekend when visiting Philadelphia we stopped at Di Bruno Bros. and I picked up a great assortment of meats and cheeses. One of my go to appetizers is a meat and cheese tray that you can put together in 15 minutes. Below is just a sampling of items I purchased.

Interesting cheeses Rosemary Manchego and Drunken Goat cheese; Fig and Acacia Honey Jam, Hot and Sweet Soppressatas and Pepperoni. I combined these items with things I had on hand; crackers, bread sticks, dried fruits, nuts, fresh rosemary and orange slices.

appetizer ingredients

15 minutes later…

Be creative and add any type of meats and cheeses that you have. I added the fresh rosemary to add color, grapes are also a wonderful addition.

Open a great bottle of wine – let the holidays begin.

Food Finds in Philadelphia

Published on December 12, 2014January 9, 2015 by carol lou Category: Travel, Uncategorized

After exploring the food scene of Philadelphia, I can definitely say it is a great town for foodies.

First stop, Steve’s for a cheesesteak. Leaving the Ritz Carlton we asked the bellman where he would recommend we go for a cheesesteak. He directed us to Steve’s. What a great tip. The sandwich was loaded with thinned sliced steak, perfectly grilled onions, and Cheese Wiz, all piled on a delicious bun. I would highly recommend their sandwich to anyone.

Entertaining Idea
I immediately thought of how I could transform this experience into a fun entertaining experience. Serving cheesesteaks Philadelphia style would be a great entree and very fun to serve family and friends. Adjust amounts to the number of servings you are planning. For one sandwich I would sauté 1/2 cup chopped onions until they are carmelized, in a large cast iron skillet on medium high heat sauté 4 – 6 ounces thinly sliced lean beef seasoned with Montreal steak seasoning in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Heat 1/2 cup of Cheez Wiz. Pile all of the above on a crusty roll, wrap in parchment and serve your guests your version of a Phildelphia cheesesteak. Thinking this would be perfect football viewing food. What fun!

Chip Nut Meringues

Published on December 12, 2014 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

A wonderful cookie for the holidays. When you bite into the cookie, the center is unbelievable. Gooey chocolate and nuts, a wonderful combination. Perfect for gift giving and very easy to make. Store in an airtight container.

Chip Nut Meringues

Preheat oven 350°

With a whip attachment on your mixer

Beat 2 egg whites

Gradually add 2/3 cup sugar

Beat until stiff

Fold in

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of salt

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto foil lined cookie sheet.

Put in oven and immediately turn your oven off. Crack the door open approximately 1 – 2 inches. Leave in the oven for 6 hours. Do not open the open door during this period.

Enjoy!

My Pantry

Published on December 12, 2014 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

There are a few things that you will always find in my pantry. These are items that I usually have more than one on hand. Many are perfect for that unexpected night of entertaining.

Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic
If you are a lover of Gin and Tonic (as I am) this is the best tonic I have tried. You will not be disappointed.

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Crisps and Luxardo Cherries
Both are pretty self explanatory. Dark Chocolate for that chocolate craving and Luxardo Cherries to add to a great cocktail.

Amy’s Organic Soups – Chunky Tomato Bisque

Since childhood, I have had a love for tomato soup. This soup is by far the best tomato soup I have tasted. Wonderful with a grilled cheese sandwich or cut the grilled cheese sandwich into cubes and add as croutons. Childhood memories.

Wickles Pickles
Two words – try them. They are fantastic.

Wausome Wafers
One of the most unique and additive foods I have found. One ingredient, Wisconsin Cheese!
You must try these. When I serve them, everyone is intrigued and want to know how they too can get some. Check out their website, they will ship to you.

Roasted Vegetable Pizza

Published on December 11, 2014 by carol lou Category: Recipes

I created this recipe one day after having an abundance of vegetables. It is the perfect combination of flavors, texture and taste. Try it out, I do not think you will be disappointed.

Vegetable topping
2 cups broccoli florets
1 – 2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half

Place all on a cookie sheet, toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast in a 400° oven for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove and cool.

Pizza Dough
3 cups flour
1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup warm water

Add yeast to warm water and let stand for five minutes.
Place all ingredients in a food processor bowl and process until the mixture forms into a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
or
Place dry ingredients in a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix together until all is combined, knead on a flour covered wooden board until elastic and smooth. If dough is too dry, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough is formed.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Punch down dough and remove dough from bowl; roll or stretch into a 12 inch disk. Place disk in an oiled pizza pan and pat to the edges of the pan. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

Pizza Assembly

Spread dough with 1/2 cup pesto
Place roasted vegetables over the pesto
Top with 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese
Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of pine nuts

Bake 400° for 20 minutes or until browned

Serves 6

Popcorn Soup

Published on December 10, 2014 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

One of the most amazing foods I have tried recently is the Popcorn Soup at Rose’s Luxury in Washington, DC. This restaurant is currently the number one restaurant according to Bon Appetit Magazine. So, we headed to the restaurant and after waiting outside for a little over an hour (no reservations accepted) we were seated at a cozy window seat. You feel like you are having dinner at your grandmother’s house, just delightful. From the vintage drinking glasses to the mismatched silver, the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.

Now to the Popcorn Soup, one of the first things we ordered. It arrived in an oversized shot glass with popcorn floating on the top of the soup. The closest description I could glean was a combination of movie theater style popcorn soaked in cream, strained and heated. Sounds too simple for such a delicious soup. I am sure I missed something in the description because this soup was one of the most wonderful things I have tasted. Just delightful. Instead of trying to recreate this at home, I will head back to Rose’s anytime for this pot of deliciousness. What a treat!

Food Trucks

Published on December 9, 2014 by carol lou Category: Uncategorized

If you have ever passed a food truck and wondered what the excitement is in ordering from a food truck, trust me, stop by and check them out. Recently, we hosted a party and had the event catered by a local food truck. Hands down, it was one of the best parties we have hosted. Fresh hot delicious chicken sandwiches with condiments and hot doughnuts proved to be the perfect casual dinner. Food trucks offer you the ability to host a party and leave the cooking to others. It also is great since all of the service wear is disposable. I highly recommend a Food Truck event in your future. Not having a party? Not a problem.
Food trucks are everywhere and many times post their locations on social media. I am a strong supporter of Food Trucks and their contributions to the culinary landscape.

Accolades to Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken in Washington, DC for their outstanding Food Truck.