by admin on December 26, 2009
My 2010 has already been zooming by. What about yours? While trying to focus on 10 in 2010 I have not been in the kitchen as much. Rest assured, that is changing and I have many new recipes to share in the coming days.
Here is one I made during the holidays but it is perfect year round – White Chocolate Lemon Biscotti. Biscotti is the perfect side to a cup of coffee. These also make a pretty gift to bring to a friend.
Lemon Almond Biscotti
adapted from a recipe by Giada de Laurentis
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest (from about 3 to 4 lemons)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped whole almonds
18 ounces white chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs with an electric mixture until pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Mix in the lemon zest and then the flour, and beat until just blended. (The dough will be sticky). Stir in the almonds. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough evenly into 2 equal mounds and place on the prepared baking sheet. With moist hands, space the dough evenly apart and form into 2 (9 by-3-inch) logs. Bake for 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes. Using a serrated knife, cut the logs crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick diagonal slices. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the same baking sheet. Bake until the cookies are pale golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely.
Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the pan does not touch the water. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip the end of each biscotti in the chocolate. Transfer the dipped biscotti to a wire rack, set over a baking sheet, until the chocolate has hardened. Store in an airtight container.
by cheri on December 26, 2009
I hope all of you had wonderful holidays. We had a big Prime Rib dinner with all the trimmings. It was a great evening with family. In the morning my mom and I joined my brother and his family to watch the kids open presents. It was fun to watch their anticipation. We played Lego Rock Band and laughed a great deal.
There are so many recipes I tried out but never posted before the craziness of the holidays kicked in. I loved this granola. I eat it alone as a snack or with greek yogurt and fresh berries. It would make a great hostess gift.
I am enjoying a quiet in the aftermath of Christmas. This time of year always makes me reflective. How about you? What is on the top of your list for next year? [click to continue…]
by cheri on December 19, 2009
A little over a year ago, a great new Italian restaurant, Canaletto’s opened in Fashion Island. Fashion Island is that great outdoor shopping center in Newport Beach. The restaurant is modern, noisy and bustling.
It is part of the Il Fornaio organization. They have a great wait staff and every dish I have tried has been great. We had a birthday celebration in their private room off the back but I like sitting in the main area.
One of my favorite things to order is a risotto that has tomato, arugula and mozzarella in it. It is juicy from the tomatoes and has a creaminess from the cheese.
Last week I decided to make my own using some leftover Burrata Cheese. I added roasted tomatoes and a bit of garlic. I wish I could serve you a bite right now and let you taste it. The flavors burst in your mouth. [click to continue…]
by admin on December 19, 2009
In the midst of the Christmas craze I was craving a home cooked meal. Between work, Christmas programs and festivities I hit a wall and decided to hole up at home. I had noticed a chicken dish by Emeril on Good Morning America the week before and for once had everything I needed.
This dish was so simple yet such a great meal. The skin became the perfect crispy and yet the meat was tender and so juicy. It was perfection in 30 minutes.
Crispy Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic-Thyme Butter
From the Kitchen of Emeril Lagasse
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients
One 3 1/2- pound chicken, halved, with the breastbone, backbone
and first two digits (tips) of the wings removed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season the chicken halves on both sides with the salt and white
pepper. Set a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat, and when
it is hot, add the olive oil. Swirl the skillet to coat it
evenly, and then lay the seasoned chicken halves, skin side down,
in the skillet. Sear until golden, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the chicken is
nearly cooked through and the skin is crispy, about 17 minutes.
Turn the chicken over and continue to roast, skin side up, until
it is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
While the chicken is roasting, combine the butter with the garlic
and thyme in a small bowl, and stir well to blend.
As soon as the chicken is removed from the oven, spread the
garlic butter over the skin and serve immediately.
by cheri on December 15, 2009
I decided it was time to serve up some Christmas cookies here at Adventures In The Kitchen. Like every family we have our family favorites. Our Pecan Tootsies are at our family gatherings every year. Last year I discovered Orange Madeleines and Ginger Creme Sandwiches.
This year I tried the Chocolate Hazelnut BIscotti’s in one of GIada’s cookbook. She uses Nutella, which is one of my sister-in-law Joy’s favorite things. They are very crisp and nutty and are a perfect treat to serve with a warm, hot cup of coffee. [click to continue…]
by cheri on December 11, 2009
Today I give you foodie crack. I am warning you these are terribly addictive. You need to make extra because you will eat a few before they make the serving plate.
Last weekend I brought these to my good friend Carol’s annual Christmas party. One partygoer ate more than half of them. He commented on how additive they were asked what was inside. I thought I would die laughing when I said they were dates, he said oh, I hate dates. The empty plate told a different story.
Just remember I warned you.
As an extra I am including the Pecorino Crackers I served alongside. Super easy to make a have just a hint of heat halfway through the bite. [click to continue…]
by cheri on December 6, 2009
This is one of my new favorite tarts. I made this for Thanksgiving and feel in love with it, as did my family. It is a perfect holiday dessert.
The mixture of creamy, buttery caramel, the tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the almonds is wonderful. The tart is pretty studded with the red of the cranberries.
I used the pastry dough from Nancy SIlverton but I confess I continue to struggle with my tart dough. I still have lots to learn in that arena. I do not always get the same consistency and am learning what makes the perfect dough. For now, I struggle, roll and learn the art of patching! [click to continue…]
by cheri on December 5, 2009
I have to confess I had never tried Panna Cotta until now. This recipe kept calling to me. The Apple Cider with Ginger cookies seemed to scream fall.
I loved the contrast of the cold apple cider gelee with the cream panna cotta. The Ginger cookies were crisp and spicy.
Food is my expression of love to others. I cook for the people that are most dear to me. I love to see people experience new tastes and flavors. It makes me smile.
This dessert would be the perfect ending to a small dinner party. Hopefully in this holiday season you find the time sit around the table with those you love. They will love you a bit more after the first bite. [click to continue…]
by cheri on November 29, 2009
Has anyone noticed that the eighties seem to be back. From the hair to the leggings I see my college days everywhere I look. I’m not sure that is an era I want to revisit. Every time I contemplate leggings again I just think about Flashdance and walk on by. Though I did buy jeans with holes and my little nephew couldn’t figure out why anyone would do that. But that is a story for another day.
A few weeks ago I took a look at the New York Times and there was potato skins headlining the Food Section. Now back in the day of leggings and big hair we would hang out a TGI Friday’s for happy hour. They were home to the Potato Skins and everyone was loving them in those days. [click to continue…]
by cheri on November 26, 2009
Today is Thanksgiving and is always a time to reflect on what we are most grateful for. I remember as a little girl being so excited and the anticipation leading up to going to my grandparents. Both my great grandmothers or Nana’s as I called them and my Papa Wells were around through my junior high years.
Up until I was 7 years old I was an only child and only grandchild so let’s just assume I was well doted on. I loved the big meal and sitting around the table talking. The pretty china that would have been laid out and the food so lovingly prepared.
Today I will go to my aunts and share a meal we have all contributed to. I look forward to hearing my niece and nephews as their simple thoughts of thankfulness.
I am bringing a Cranberry Caramel Tart and Pumpkin Soup. Pumpkin Soup seems like the perfect way to start the meal. It is warm and comforting to the soul.
I am so thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for a job in a year where many have struggled to find work. I am thankful my new little dog Max and the laughter he brings me. I am thankful for each of you taking the time to visit my blog and let me share my love of food and cooking.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Oh, and I almost forgot Sharon won the cookbook! Thank you to everyone who participated. I wish each of you a blessed day!
[click to continue…]
