Nov 8, 2011 |
Recently I posted my recipe for Asparagus Wraps (click here).
The recipe calls for basting with olive oil. I wish I could make my own. But since I can’t, I’m happy to do the next best thing: I infuse store-bought Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) with my own herbs.
In a 16 oz. vinagrette bottle (or, in my case, if the bottle breaks, use a canning jar), combine 12 ounce EVOO, and whichever fresh herbs you like. I combine crushed black pepper with fresh chopped oregano, fresh chopped parsley, fresh chopped basil, and fresh chopped chives. I also add one fresh crushed clove of garlic. Shake lightly, cap tightly, and let sit for 4 – 7 days before using.
Olive oil is a great addition with balsamic vinegar and other spices to make bread dipping oils. It can be a light salad topping. It can be cooked into foods for an extra Italian flavor. It can be a great meat baste. You can even use it for extra flavor in recipes that call for heating cooking oil in a pan such as sautes.
However you choose to use your olive oil, you’re certain to enjoy the wonderful taste it brings to your table!
Nov 3, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
It’s a new month, which means a new Thursday Theme for my recipes. Since November tends to bring with it an abundance of busy-ness and activities, I thought perhaps Party Foods would be nice. Simple recipes you can make for gatherings, potlucks, open houses, or just because!
Today’s recipe was inspired when I took my daughter to visit family in Las Vegas about five years ago. We stopped at a snack bar and I delighted in this wonderful blend of Italian flavors, seasonings and salty pretzel goodness.
Since we had no such snack vender back home, it was up to me to recreate the taste. I did the best I could and you know what? I think I did pretty well!
Taste for yourself:
INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg – active yeast
1-1/2 Cup warm water
1 tsp salt
1 TBS sugar
3 – 4 Cups flour (more or less)
Pepperoni slices
Shredded cheese
Pizza or marinara sauce
I egg
1 TBS water
1 TBS Kosher salt
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour, mix well until you have a stiff dough, not sticky. Roll dough out onto a clean, dry floured surface, to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch strips. Down the middle of each strip, spoon 1 TBS sauce. Place pepperoni on sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold over then twist into pretzel shape.
Beat egg and 1 TBS water. Glaze each pretzel. If preferred, sprinkle more shredded cheese and Kosher salt on top of pretzels.
Line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place pretzels of foil. Bake at 425 for approximately 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Oct 29, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
This recipe was inspired one rainy afternoon while I watched Paula Deen on The Food Network. They sure have some great eats on that network! I was trying to think what I could make with my last roll of phyllo dough, and I caught a glimpse of her sautee’ing asparagus. Voila! Another recipe was created.
Phyllo dough is essentially easy to work with, but it is delicate. It’s important to follow the directions on the box to keep it from drying out.
I recommend preparing your asparagus ahead of time, assembling your ingredients in order of use, and preheating the oven while you wrap. It doesn’t take long to get into the rhythm of sprinkling and rolling, and soon you’ll have two pans full of some delicious snacks!
To prepare the asparagus, take one stalk and bend the end (not the tip) until you find where it snaps. This is place you want to cut all your asparagus. If you don’t, when you eat the ends it will be stringy and chewy. (In other words, gross!)
INGREDIENTS:
2 bunches asparagus
2 sticks butter, melted
1 roll phyllo dough, room temperature
Parmesan cheese
Italian Seasonings
other seasonings (I prefer Lowrey’s Salt Free 17 Seasonings)
Olive Oil
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and assemble your ingredients within easy reach. Cut the dough lengthwise, into two long strips. Gently baste the top sheets with melted butter and sprinkle with cheese and seasonings. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when basting or you’ll rip the dough.
Take one or two asparagus stalks (depending on how thick they are) and lay the end so it matches up with the edge of the dough. The tip will stick out from the other edge. Gently roll. The phyllo dough may stick to itself. If this happens, delicately separate the rolling layer from the one underneath it.
Place the asparagus wraps on a nonstick cookie sheet. Since the phyllo dough crisps but does not expand, you can place them close to each other without worrying they’ll stick.
Gently baste the wraps with olive oil and sprinkle the tops with cheese and seasonings.
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 14-15 minutes, until the phyllo dough is golden brown. Best when served warm.
Oct 26, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frittata is basically a baked omelet. You can add whatever ingredients and seasonings you like. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, dinner or snack. You can add salsa or marinara, depending on the ingredients. This is my favorite blend:
INGREDIENTS:
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
3/4 cup shredded 4-cheese blend
1/2 cup chopped or mini pepperoni
1/3 cup diced tomatoes
1/3 cup diced green chilis
1/3 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 large onion
Salt, pepper, oregano, and other Italian seasonings to taste
Mix all ingredients together. If you like, you can mix this the night before and store in an airtight container in the fridge. If you make it ahead, be sure to remix all ingredients thoroughly before cooking.
Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mix into pan. Bake according to the pan size below. Cook thoroughly, until toothpick or knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
MINI MUFFIN PAN: Fill mini cups 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 16-17 minutes. (This is my favorite way to make these for party gatherings, once cooled they are a scrumptuous finger food.)
REGULAR MUFFIN PAN: Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 30-33 minutes.
9 x 9 GLASS BAKING DISH: Pour entire mix into dish. Bake for approximately 40-42 minutes.
