Coconut Crusted Tilapia with Spicy Apricot Sauce

Coconut Crusted Tilapia with Spicy Apricot Sauce

Tilapia:
1 ½ C. Sweetened Flaked Coconut
2 T. Flour
2 T. Creole Seasoning
Salt
4 (4oz) Tilapia Filets
½ C. Flour
1 Large Egg + 1 T. Water
1/3 C. Vegetable Oil

The “Three Bowl Method” is great for breading fish or chicken. You will want to use three different bowls for the flour, egg wash and coconut crust topping.

First bowl - place the ½ cup of flour. Second bowl - mix the egg and water together until blended. Third bowl - add the coconut, 2 tablespoons of flour and Creole seasoning and mix together.

Take each Tilapia filet through the breading process and place on a plate until ready to cook. One filet at a time, you will want to cover with flour, dip in egg wash and press coconut topping on both sides of filet. Repeat process until all four are prepared.

In a large skillet pan, place the oil in pan and heat on medium. Place each filet into the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. After removing from the pan, season with salt.

Spicy Apricot Sauce:
½ C. Apricot Jam
1 T. Brown Mustard
2 t.. Horseradish

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and serve as a dipping sauce.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Ingredients:
3 eggs, separated
1/3 C. Flour
¾ C. Ricotta Cheese
¼ C. Melted Butter, (1/2 stick)
2 T. Sugar
½ t. Salt
2 T. Grated Lemon Zest

Separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg yolks until blended. Add the sugar, salt, lemon zest and stir. Then blend in the melted butter. Lastly add the flour and combine. Fold in the egg whites. Gently stir until there are no yellow or white streaks.

Heat a large two burner griddle pan on medium. Grease lightly with vegetable oil. Use an ice cream scoop to form even pan cakes. Each pancake should be about 3 tablespoons. Cook slowly for about 2 minutes on the first side and 30 seconds to a minute on the second side. To keep the pancakes warm in a 250 degree oven until ready to serve. Makes 10 to 12 pancakes.

Blueberry Compote
2 C. Fresh Blueberries
¼ C. Sugar
1 t. Lemon Zest
1 T. Cointreau
Thickening agent – 1 T. boiling water plus ¼ t. cornstarch

In a small sauce pan, add the blueberries, sugar, lemon zest and Cointreau. Cook over medium for about 5 minutes. You should see the berries begin to break down and a liquid form. In a small bowl add the boiling water and cornstarch and stir well. Add to the berry mixture and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Take off the burner and let the mixture thicken and cool slightly.

Pour desired amount onto pancakes and enjoy!

Arugula, Pear and Stilton Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Arugula, Pear and Stilton Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Salad
8 Cups Arugula
1 Whole Endive with leaves separated
1 Pear
¾ Cup Candied Walnuts
½ Cup Stilton

Dressing
1 t. Lemon Juice
1 shallot, finely minced
2 t. Dijon Mustard
1 t. Honey
4 t. champagne vinegar
¾ Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Combine all of the dressing ingredients into a sealed container and shake well. For optimal flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Candied Walnuts
1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups raw walnut halves

1/4 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Use middle rack in oven. Lay walnuts out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5 minutes. Test for doneness. If not quite toasted enough, toast for 1 or 2 more minutes. Be careful not to burn. Remove from oven and let cool.

Pour sugar into a medium saucepan with a thick bottom. Have walnuts nearby, ready to quickly add to the pan at the right time. Cook sugar on medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon as soon as the sugar begins to melt. Keep stirring until all the sugar has melted and the color is medium amber in color. Add the walnuts to the pan, quickly stirring and coating each piece with the sugar mixture.

As soon as the walnuts are coated with the sugar mixture, spread them out on a non-stick or lightly greased baking sheet. Use two forks to separate the walnuts from each other, working very quickly. Sprinkle the nuts with the salt. Let cool completely.

Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, add the arugula and toss with the desired amount of dressing. Divide among four plates. Slice the pear into small slices; add a quarter to each plate. Evenly distribute the stilton and candied walnuts to the four plates. Serves four.

Blueberry Crumble Bars

Blueberry Crumble Bars

These bars are not for anyone on a diet! Brought these to work for our weekly “Fun Friday” event and they were a complete hit. Try with your favorite jam or preserve flavor.

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 C. (2 sticks) butter, melted
2 C. Flour
½ t. Salt

Filling:
1 ½ C. Blueberry Jam

Crumble Topping:
2 ¼ C. Flour
1 ½ C. Dark Brown Sugar
1 C. (2 sticks) butter, cut into small pieces
¼ t. Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the crust – Melt the butter in the microwave. In a large bowl, add the melted butter to the flour. Stir and it will be a dough consistency.

Spread evenly into a well greased 9 x 13 inch rectangle baking pan. (I use the spray with flour in it.) Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly brown. Remove and cool for about 30 minutes.

To prepare the topping, mix the flour and dark brown sugar. Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the mixture. Use either a pastry cutter or your hands, to cut the butter into the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs.

When the crust is cool, gently spread the blueberry jam over the crust. Pour the crumble topping over the top and spread evenly. Press gently.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool to room temperature, or overnight, before cutting. Recommend using a very sharp knife to get clean cut bars.

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Classic Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

One of my absolute favorite salads of all time is the wedge salad with really good homemade blue cheese dressing. After many tries, I have perfected the blue cheese dressing. You can top with a variety of toppings such as crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, candied pecans or dried cranberries.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients:
½ C. Maytag Blue Cheese
½ C. English Stilton
1 C. Buttermilk
2 T. Olive Oil
1 T. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
½ t. Garlic Powder
¼ t. Salt
6 to 8 Grinds of Fresh Pepper

Let both cheeses come to room temperature. In a medium bowl add the room temperature cheese and smash with a spoon until semi smooth with a few chunks. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir together until combined. Transfer to a container with a tight seal and refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble:
Cut one iceberg lettuce into four wedges. Be sure to remove the core at the bottom from each wedge. Top with the blue cheese dressing, toasted slivered almonds, thinly sliced red onions and some grated hard boiled egg on the side. Accent with fresh ground pepper if desired. Enjoy!

My Last Supper - 50 Great Chefs and Their Last Meals

My Last Supper – 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals

I received this book as a gift from my friend Helen a couple years ago and is a fascinating read if you are a foodie. This book is comprised on the question – “If you were going to die tomorrow, what would you want for your last meal on earth?” Melanie Dunea, acclaimed photographer, took the game many chefs play to the next level and created this beautiful coffee table book and conversation starter. Such chefs as: Gary Danko, Thomas Keller, Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Tyler Florence, Eric Ripert, Charlie Trotter and Jean-George Vongerichten share stories of what their last supper would be. What would your final meal be?

Thought it would be fun to share my answers to “My Last Supper”:

What would be your last meal on earth?
There are so many foods that I love, but it would have to be a combination of my favorites. Start with Fava Bean Crostini with Parmesan, wedge salad with homemade blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon, thin red onion and croutons, then artisan gnocchi with brown butter, parmesan cheese, fried sage and toasted pecans. Dessert would be coffee ice cream with fluffy marshmallow topping and throw in a wonderful creme brulee sampler for good measure. (Whose counting calories at that point????)

What would be the setting for the meal?
It would be in the middle of a vineyard in Napa Valley, with mild weather. A long wooden table with many chairs would be set with white linens, antique flatware, French glasses and simple white dishes.

What would you drink with your meal?
Start with a Veuve Clicquot Champaigne, then a bottle of Joseph Phelps Insignia and Staglin Family Cabernet Estate. Finish the meal with a taste of Dolce from Far Niente.

Would there be music?
Absolutely! Cool cocktail mix from artists like Jem, Kate Voegele, Imogene Heap, Kylie Minogue, and Sara Bareilles.

Who would your dining companions be?
My husband, friends and family!

Who would prepare the meal?
Me, since it would be my last chance to make my mark on the world.

11 Tips to a "Green Kitchen"

Being a responsible global citizen in 2009, means we do what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and make our world a better place to live. I have listed 11 tips for a “Green Kitchen” and they are super simple. You can’t tell from the photo, but I have unplugged small appliances. Next is composting!

(1) Use high-efficiency Compact Fluorescent Lights.
Compact fluorescent lighting is about four to five times more efficient than incandescent lighting. For a high-quality experience, choose lights with a color rendering index of 84 or greater and a color temperature of 3500 Kelvin or greater, and with a quick-start, electronic ballast. Change light bulbs from traditional incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs. If every American did, it would reduce greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars. They use 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, thus saving an average household electrical budget between $12 and $20 a month.

(2) Grow Houseplants
Incorporating a few plants into your decor will purify the air and bring a bit of nature inside. Houseplants consume carbon and emit oxygen, refreshing the room's air constantly. For a complete list of purifying plants, you can find easily at your local nursery, visit them or do a quick google search.

(3) Unplug, Unplug, Unplug
Not using that blender, mixer, toaster or bread machine as much as you thought? Unplug it! Appliances continue to draw energy even when on standby or not in use, so unplugging them can really be a savings, especially that mobile-phone charger.

(4) Paper Towels and Napkins
Imagine if each household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100% recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees. (Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods carries them) If every household in the United States replaced just one package of virgin fiber napkins (250 count) with 100% recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees.

Tips: Three Things You Can Do To Help Save Forests

Buy paper products with recycled content -- especially post-consumer fibers.Look for products that have a high recycled content, including high post-consumer content. Post-consumer fibers are recovered from paper that was previously used by consumers and would otherwise have been dumped into a landfill or an incinerator.

Buy paper products made with clean, safe processes.Paper products are bleached to make them whiter and brighter, but chlorine used in many bleaching processes contributes to the formation of harmful chemicals that wind up in our air and water and are highly toxic to people and fish. Look for products labeled totally chlorine-free (TCF) or processed chlorine-free (PCF).

Tell tissue manufacturers to stop using virgin wood for throwaway products.If a brand you buy for your home doesn't have any recycled content, contact the manufacturer. Tell the company to use more recycled fibers, to avoid sourcing from ecologically valuable forests. Saving forests also helps reduce global warming pollution.

(5) Look for Energy Star lighting and Appliances.
Energy-efficient appliances and lighting save you money and save the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gases generated by energy production at power plants. Energy Star lighting, for example, uses about 66 percent less energy than standard lighting.

(6) Eat Sustainable and Buy Locally

If you grow some of your own food or buy as much locally grown produce as you can, you're more than halfway there in terms of having a green kitchen." When you eat from your own garden, you eliminate the need to use fossil fuels to transport vegetables from a faraway farmer's field to your plate and fresh grown food taste much better. Even growing your own herbs on the windowsill helps; when you buy fresh herbs at the grocery store, you usually end up wasting leftovers and throwing away the plastic package. Organic gardens are highly sustainable.

Support your local farmer’s markets to find the freshest produce and artesian food products. Since they are local, it reduces the shipping and travel time.

(7) Reusable Bags for Grocery Shopping
Each year the United States uses 30 billion plastic and 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring approximately 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil. Cities across the country have begun efforts to ban plastic bags in stores, but everyone can do their part for the environment by keeping a reusable bag handy for shopping trips. Both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s sell reusable bags. Trader Joe’s does a weekly raffle for everyone who brings in their reusable bags. I typically keep them in my trunk, so I don’t forget to bring them into the store.

(8) Eliminate the Plastic Water Bottle
Choose the greener solution by using a reusable bottle and fill it with filtered tap water

(9) Composting
Food waste from your home is just a part of the 30% of waste generated by an average household which can be composted rather than thrown away. When mixed with other materials in landfill sites, green waste has the potential to produce polluting liquids along with methane gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect. Good composting on the other hand can produce valuable nutrients which can be passed back into the earth. All your food waste makes for great composting material so get into the routine of saving it for the compost.

Just because you don’t live on a farm, or even somewhere with a small yard, doesn’t mean you can’t compost. No matter your size of home or land, you can compost easily with a basic kitchen compost bin - even if you live in an apartment in the city. Your local parks or community gardens, or your own potted plants can use the compost.

Basics:
Composting is simply allowing organic matter to decay and return to the soil, rather than tossing it in the garbage.

Composting can reduce household waste (i.e. what ends up in your trash can) but plenty - up to 30% or more.

If you have a yard or even potted plants, compost is the perfect natural soil additive. Composting (adding compost to) your plants will reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and can even be used as mulch.

Items to compost: Produce, veggie and fruit scraps or produce that’s gone bad. Coffee grounds, egg shells, fireplace ashes, yard clippings and cut grass. Bread, pasta and old beans work really well.

(10) Non toxic Cleaning Products
Many common household cleaners today contain potentially dangerous toxins that can lead to illness, fatigue, and disease. In addition they may harm the environment. Numerous manufactures have created “green” cleaners that are safe and effective. If you explore the internet, there are several sites that actually give you “recipes” to create home made cleaning products containing such ingredients as baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar and club soda.

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(11) Recycle

One of the easiest things you can do to have a more "green" society is to recycle. Typically, every garbage company offers recycling. We have three garbage cans that we put out each week - blue (regular garbage), green (lawn cuttings, etc) and brown (recycle). We keep a large plastic box in our pantry and put the week's paper, plastic and other recycleable items in there.

Coho Cabernet Blend "Headwaters" - 2005 - Napa Valley

Coho Cabernet Blend “Headwaters” 2005 – Napa Valley

A delicious new blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot features the best of Napa at an affordable price. Had deep layers of ripe fruit flavors that include blackberry, plums, and a hint of cherry floating across a super silky smooth texture. Hints of caramel toffee shine through with the toasty oak and tannins on the great finish. Recommend decanting 30 minutes prior to enjoying. Enjoy with any meat or hard cheese. This wine should age gracefully over the next 3 to 5 years.

Recommended Food Parings:
Grilled Lamb with rosemary
Roast Pork loin with a mushroom sauce
Gruyere cheese

Costs:
$39.00

Grilled Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

Grilled Asparagus with Romesco Sauce

Ingredients:

1 C. Dry roasted slivered almonds
10 Cloves garlic
1 C. Extra virgin olive oil
2 T. Sherry vinegar
1 t. Red pepper flakes
2 C. roasted red bell peppers

In a food processor, puree the almonds, garlic, oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes until smooth. Add the peppers, replace the top and pulse until sauce is smooth. Add salt to taste. Keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

To prepare the asparagus, wash and cut off woodsy ends. Brush with olive oil and place onto grill for about 4 minutes. Turn every minute. Remove and serve with the Romesco Sauce.

Crostini with Edamame and Parmesan Reggiano

Crostini with Edamame and Parmesan Reggiano

1 ½ C. Shelled edamame
1 C. Parmesan Reggiano – Cut into tiny cubes
1 T. Fresh thyme leaves
Grated zest of one lemon
¼ C. Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
20 Crostini’s (Italian baguette or Pulgiese)

In a large bowl, add the shelled edamame, parmesan reggiano cubes, thyme, lemon zest and olive oil. Toss and add salt and pepper to taste.

Cut the Italian baguette or Pulgiese bread into about 20 slices. If you use Pulgiese bread, you will want to cut each slice in half. Brush with olive oil. Grill for extra great flavor and be sure to watch carefully and flip often until crispy. You can bake or toast in the oven instead of grilling.

To serve, place prepared crostini on a large platter. Top each one evenly with the edamame mixture and enjoy.

*Adapted from a recipe orignally from Tori Ritchie

Chicken Saltimbocca

Chicken Saltimbocca

½ C. Flour
1 t. Ground pepper
1 t. Lowry’s season salt
2 large boneless chicken breast – cut in half lengthwise and pounded slightly
1 T. minced fresh sage leaves plus 4 large whole sage leaves
4 Thin slices prosciutto
3 T. Olive oil
¾ C. Dry vermouth
¾ C. Dry white wine
1 T. fresh lemon juice
4 T. Butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Combine the flour, ground pepper and seasoned salt in a shallow dish. Pat dry with a paper towel, each of the chicken breasts and dredge each one with the flour mixture and shake off excess. Lay the chicken breasts flat and sprinkle with the minced sage and then lay a piece of prosciutto on top of each one, pressing lightly to adhere.

Heat the oil and add the sage leaves for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant and change color. Remove and cool on a plate. Add the chicken breasts prosciutto side down, and cook until light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until light golden brown, about 2 more minutes more. Transfer to a baking dish and keep warm in the oven.

Pour off any excess fat from the pan; add the vermouth and white wine, scraping the brown bits and simmer until reduced about 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Turn the heat up slightly and add the butter, in 1 tablespoon increments and whisk. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the oven and place on platter, spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

12 Cups Chicken stock
4 lb. Ham with hock
1 lb. Bag of dried navy beans
2 Bay leaves
1 Large onion – small dice
8 Grinds fresh ground pepper

Use a large stock pot. Heat the chicken stock until it is boiling. Reduce to medium. Add the diced onions, bay leaves, pepper, navy beans and ham. Simmer over medium for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender.

Remove the ham. Let cool until able to handle. Take the ham off the bone and dice or shred. Add to the soup. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Notes:

I make this soup after a holiday where we have leftover ham.

Great way to use the leftover ham and you can freeze the soup to enjoy a month or two down the road.

The soup tastes even better the next day.

Simple Spice Organization Tip

About 14 years ago, I lived in a 700 square foot “in law” unit. It was an adjustment from the house I shared with two roommates and quickly needed to adjust to the smaller space. I guess that it is the norm, to store your spices in a cupboard and was always a daunting task to find that “right” spice when you need it.

With my new compact living space, I opted to put my plethora of spices in a large drawer and put labels on top of each spice bottle. I even went as far as to alphabetize them, for ease of location. (Okay, for anyone who has watched “Flipping Out” with Jeff Lewis, my “OCD” was showing.)

To this day, I store my spices in a kitchen drawer, since it makes it so easy to find them. Recently went to “The Container Store” and bought a bunch of silver spice containers and re-organized my spice drawer. Highly recommend this option, if you can spare a drawer in your kitchen.

Spinach Casserole

Spinach Casserole

5 T. Butter
3 C. Diced onions
1/3 C. Flour
1 t. Nutmeg
1 ½ C. Heavy cream
1 ½ C. Milk
5 – 10oz. Packages of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
1 C. Grated parmesan cheese
2 t. salt
1 t. freshly ground pepper
¾ C. Grated emmental cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the flour and nutmeg and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and milk until thickened.

Squeeze as much liquid from each package of spinach. Add to the mixture and stir. Add ½ cup of the parmesan cheese and salt and pepper.

Transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with the grated gruyere cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

*Adapted from the Barefoot Contessa

Steven Kent - Lot 541 - Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Blend - Livermore Valley

Lot 541 – Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – Livermore Valley

Lot 541 encompasses many of the beautiful qualities of both its parts – Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The name refers to the fact that the Cabernet Franc was the 41st wine to be made in 2005 in the small lot winery where Steven Kent does all of the production. This wine is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc fro the Ghielmetti Vineyard and 58% Cabernet Sauvignon from the McGrail Vineyard, both located in the historic Livermore Valley.

The Steven Kent Winery was started in 1996 with the planting of the vineyard site and had a mission to create distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon from the Livermore Valley.

Cabernet Franc is quickly becoming one of my favorite varieties. It possess sandalwood essence, red fruits and licorice undertones. First sip of the wine is very supple, owning the Cabernet Sauvignon flavor and texture. On the mid-palate, the wine turns a bit to the red fruit spectrum and show wonderful palate cleansing. The finish is long and nods toward Franc.

We belong to the Collector’s Circle wine club and this is one of the wines from the club. Steven Kent is a wonderful find in the Livermore Valley with great small lot wines and extremely friendly when you visit their winery.

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding

Each Thanksgiving, one of my offices has their annual feast. Joe brings his deep fryer from home to prepare the Turkey in the building’s parking lot. Everyone else brings a side dish. Each year, Deb brings her famous “Corn Pudding”. I have changed the recipe ever so slightly and it is a year round favorite. Served it recently for the Easter Holiday.

Ingredients:
1 stick butter, melted
1 t. garlic powder
6 grinds of pepper
2 beaten eggs
1 can (14.75 oz) Cream style corn
1 can (15.25 oz) Whole kernel corn
8 oz. Crème Fraiche
1 box Jiffy Corn muffin mix

Preheat oven to 350.

Add butter, eggs, garlic powder and pepper into a large bowl. Stir until combined. Add crème fraiche, cream corn and whole kernel corn. Stir well. Add the corn muffin mix and stir until combined and creamy.

Pour into an oven proof dish. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until firm to the touch. Serve immediately.

Sausal - Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Valley - 2003

Sausal Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley – 2003

Sausal is located right next door to Silver Oak. They have been growing grapes in the Alexander Valley fro the past 52 years but selling the majority to Silver Oak. They now keep a tiny portion of their fruit for the production of their own Cabernet. Leo and Rose Demostene purchased the 125 – acre Sausal Ranch in 1956. They planted prunes, apples and Zinfandel. Later Leo replanted the ranch with more Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This amazing value comes from 100% estate grown grapes. The deep garnet color displays aromas of black currants, clove and lavender. Along the tasting journey, black cherries begin to pop with hints of pepper leading to a long finish.

Recommended Food Pairings:
Leg of Lamb
Veal Parmigiana
Aged Cheddar Cheese
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms

Cost:
$34.00

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala

2 medium skinless chicken breasts, (1 ½ pounds total), cut in half lengthwise
½ cup flour
½ t. marjoram, crushed
½ t. salt
½ t. pepper
2 cups sliced mushrooms
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
5 T. butter
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup marsala

Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut in half lengthwise each chicken breast. Between plastic wrap, pound with a mallet each piece working from the center to the edges. Should be about ½ inch thick. Remove plastic wrap. Stir together flour, marjoram, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Lightly press each piece of chicken into the flour mixture.

In a large skillet melt the 3 tablespoons of butter, add mushrooms and green onions. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat and remove from skillet into a small bowl. Add the 2 remaining tablespoons of butter to pan and melt. Add the chicken and cook on medium-high heat for 4 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove chicken and place onto a plate.

Add the mushrooms and onion mixture to pan. Carefully add the chicken stock and marsala. Cook, uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens. Transfer the chicken into the pan and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Ready to serve.

Espresso Sundae

Espresso Sundae

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If you need a last minute dessert or just a pick me up, this is the dessert for you. You can serve in a small bowl as shown or make it fancy by serving in a martini glass for that extra WOW!

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Start first by preparing your espresso. If you have a really great espresso maker, prepare a shot of espresso for each person you would like to serve. A short cut is to purchase "Instant Espresso Coffee" - I buy Medaglia D'oro brand from the grocery store. If you choose the instant route, place 1 ounce of boiling water in a measuring cup for each person you want to serve. Each serving you will add one teaspoon of the instant espresso too. Stir and cool in the refrigerator.

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When ready to serve, add one scoop of really good french vanilla ice cream to the bowl and pour one ounce of the espresso over the ice cream Top with whipped cream and crushed espresso beans.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Ingredients:
½ Cup Butter, room temperature
2 Garlic cloves, minced
Paprika
1 loaf of Ciabatta Bread, sliced in half lengthwise
2 Cups Mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions:
Mix the butter and garlic together
Cut the bread horizontally in half
Spread the butter mixture onto the bread
Bake the bread at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or until lightly browned
Top the bread with the Mozzarella cheese and bake for 5 minutes
Take out of the oven and sprinkle with paprika
Broil the bread for 2 to 3 minutes to toast the top
Slice and serve warm

Mozzarella Crostini with Candied Walnuts, Honey and Fried Rosemary

Mozzarella Crostini with Candied Walnuts, Honey and Fried Rosemary

Ingredients:
1 baguette (20 half inch slices)
3 Large fresh mozzarella balls
40 Candied or toasted walnuts
Honey (squeezable jar)
2 T. Fresh rosemary leaves
Garlic powder
Fleur de Sel
Olive oil (to brush crostini and fry rosemary leaves)

Slice the baguette to have 20 half inch thick slices. Brush each side lightly with olive oil. Place onto cookie sheet. Dust each one with garlic powder. Toast each side under the oven broiler until golden brown. Remove and let cool.

Pat dry with a paper towel each mozzarella ball. Slice the fresh mozzarella into 20, approximately one third inch thick slices.

The candied walnuts can be purchased already prepared from Trader Joe’s or you can candy at home. To candy the walnuts, place in a large skillet with about 1/3 cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt. On medium heat, toss the mixture together and watch carefully until the sugar begins to dissolve. The process goes quickly. Once the sugar is dissolved and a caramel color is present, place onto a cookie sheet or large plate to cool. You can also simply toast the walnuts in the oven at 350 for about 6 to 8 minutes to develop that rich flavor.

For the fried rosemary, place about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. When hot, place the rosemary leaves into the oil. Stir them around and fry for one or two minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel to drain.

To assemble:

Place the sliced mozzarella on each crostini. Put two of the walnuts on each crostini and drizzle with a bit of honey. Put a pinch of the fried rosemary on each crostini. Sprinkle a pinch of Fleur de Sel on each crostini to add that extra punch of flavor.

Mozzarella Crostini with Candied Walnuts, Honey and Fried RosemaryMozzarella Crostini with Candied Walnuts, Honey and Fried Rosemary

Midge's Cookies

Midge’s Cookies

I have enjoyed these cookies since I have been little. The recipe was given to my Mother by a family friend, Midge. Not sure if these cookies ever had a “real” name, but we have always called them Midge’s Cookies. They are light, airy and crunchy.

Ingredients:

½ C. Shortening
1 C. Sugar
1 Egg
1/3 t. Salt
½ t. Baking Soda
2 t. Vanilla
1 ¼ C. Four
1 ½ C. Sugar Pops or Sugar Smacks

Preheat oven to 350. Makes approximately 30 cookies.

In a kitchen aide mixer, or equivalent, cream together the shortening and sugar. Once creamy, then add the egg and mix. Then add the salt, vanilla, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the flour and mix together. Then add the sugar pops last and quickly mix for about 5 to 10 seconds.

Use a one inch ice cream scooper to make perfect round one inch balls. Place on a non-stick cookie sheet and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place onto a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Vanilla Cake with Butter Cream Frosting and Toasted Coconut

Last weekend my Husband and I attended the annual school auction for our Nephews. Every year I bake two cakes to donate to the auction. This year I made a Vanilla Cake with Lemon Curd filling, Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting and topped with Toasted Coconut. The cake went for $150 dollars!

Cake
1 ½ cup butter (stick and a half), softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs, at room temperature
2 ¼ cups self rising flour
1 ¾ plus 1/8th cups all purpose flour
1 ½ cup milk
4 t. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour three 9 x 2 inch round cake pans.

To make the cake: In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one is added. Combine the flours and add slowly until incorporated, alternating the milk and vanilla extract. Divide the batter among the cake pans. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes and then remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
8 cups confectioners sugar, about two 1 pound boxes)
½ cup heavy cream
3 t. vanilla extract

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low and gradually add 4 cups of the powdered sugar and ¼ cup of the heavy cream. Add the remaining sugar and cream. Continue to beat on low speed until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until blended.

Filling and Topping
2/3 Cup Lemon Curd
1 cup toasted coconut

To toast the coconut, place into a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until you begin to see the coconut develop a golden brown color. Watch carefully and stir until you have mostly golden brown coconut.

To assemble

On a plate, put first layer of cooled cake and spread 1/3 cup of lemon curd over the entire layer. Repeat with next layer of cake. Place the third layer on top. Begin with the top and add frosting and spread. Carefully frost the sides of the cake. When the toasted coconut is cooled, carefully place on top of the cake.

Bure 'Majesty Blend' Cabernet - Napa 2006

Bure ‘Majesty Blend’ Cabernet - Napa 2006

Bure Family wine is owned by former pro hockey star Val Bure and his wife, actress Candace Cameron from Full House. He has a passion for wine and wanted to produce small lots of handcrafted wines. The name is pays tribute to his great grandfather who was a master watch craftsman for the Russian Royal Family.

The premier offering of Cabernet Sauvignon from Bure Family is a combination of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot to create a wine that is dense and rich with a strong backdrop of black currant and licorice. This wine delivers a great balance of blueberry, tobacco, cigar and youthful tannins that reveal the wine’s power with mouth coating flavors of various black fruits and vanilla.

This is a rare opportunity to taste a Napa Cabernet under $100 with serious “cult” wine connections. The grapes are sourced from the same “Meteor” vineyard in Napa that Screaming Eagle winemakers use for their own private Cabernet. The winemaker Luc Morlet is most famous for crafting Peter Michael “Les Pavots” Cabernet ($249 per bottle and 97 points in wine spectator). Only 185 cases of this inaugural vintage boutique cabernet were produced.

Cost:
$76.00

Super Simple Flatbread Pizza

When my husband and I were in Boston a few years ago, we stayed at the Westin Copley Place Hotel.. I was there for a user conference for Monster.com and my husband played tourist for two days until my conference wrapped up. We stayed the weekend and explored Boston – what a terrific city. One night we landed at the hotel’s bar and ordered their “flatbread” pizza. It was so tasty, I wanted to recreate it and ever since, I make this quite often.

Lavosh Bread (1 piece 11 x 9)
1/3 Cup Spaghetti Sauce
1 ¼ Cup “Quattro Formaggio” Cheese Blend (Parmesan, Asiago, Provolone and Fontina)
¼ Cup Diced Scallions
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400. On a cookie sheet, place the Lavosh bread piece and spread 1/3 cup of your favorite spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle the Quattro Formaggio over the entire Lavosh bread. Sprinkle the scallions and season with a touch of salt and pepper to taste.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is browning and bubbly. Cut into 6 pieces and enjoy.

Note: Everything is available at Trader Joe’s. I bought their spaghetti sauce in a jar along with the packaged cheese blend. The Lavosh bread and scallions are also available at Trader Joe’s.

Other variations to try:
(1) Capresse Pizza – Use olive oil, garlic powder, four cheese blend and sliced cherry tomatoes
(2) Sweet Italian Sausage, caramelized onions and four cheese blend
(3) Sautéed Mushrooms with thyme and garlic, olive oil and four cheese blend topped with fresh Italian parsley