Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

Monday, 8 December 2014

Delicious Sweetheart Cupcakes

Redlicious Delicious Sweetheart Cupcakes For Your Sweetheart


A couple weeks back we  had been brainstorming some exciting Sweetheart  treats to blog about right here on the website and I remembered  these cupcakes I discovered which had hearts baked on the inside of them. I performed a bit of research and discovered these surprise heart inside cupcakes were totally doable and comparatively simple to make. We gave them a go and I believe they turned out very well! Here’s the way I made them:

Redlicious Suprise Sweetheart Cupcakes

1.  Prepare the Vanilla Cupcake mixture.
2.   Separate mixture into 2 parts: Place one half of the mixture right into a big measuring cup having a  (this is to make pouring the actual mixture into the cupcake container less difficult) or a medium sized dish. Put the rest of it into a different bowl and include red food-coloring up until you achieve your required color. (Hint: We made both red as well as pink variations, however the red turned out to be far better since there ended up being a lot more contrast between the two cupcakes.
3.   Place the cupcake liners directly into a clean cupcake pan.
4.   Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees.

Full Instructions Here at Sweetheart Cupcakes

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Iced Chocolate

Iced Chocolate 

Decadent and perfect for summer, this chocolate drink is perfect for company or just for a summer night.
Serves: 4 servings

Prep time
Cook time
Total time

Ingredients

¾ cup hot water
½ cup super fine sugar
¼ cup good quality unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa
1 teaspoon chocolate extract
1 cup milk
2 cups ice
Club soda
Chocolate Gelato, slightly softened
Fresh mint

Instructions

    Place the hot water, sugar, cocoa and extract in a blender and blend until smooth. Add in the milk and blend to combine. Set aside to cool completely.
    Add the ice to the chocolate mixture. Blend until it is frothy and slush-like, adding more ice if needed.
    Pour a splash of club soda into the bottom of each glass. Fill the glass with the chocolate mixture, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Place a small scoop of chocolate gelato on top. Garnish with fresh mint.

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Light and Airy Fried Bean Cakes

Photo Credit: eatingnigerian

Light and Airy Fried Bean Cakes

A beautiful bean cake that is light and airy nd cooked to crispy perfection with olive oil and onions.

Serves: 30 pieces
Adapted from: eatingnigerian

Ingredients

250 grams Brown Beans or Black Eye Peas
1 Medium Onions (Weighing approx. 150 grams)
200 mls water for blending
¾ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Dry Pepper
2 Egg yolks
3 Egg Whites
Olive Oil for deep frying

Instructions

Wash beans, place in a medium sauce pan with about one liter of water and bring to a boil. Boil two more minutes and take off the heat. Allow to soak for about one hour then wash the beans rigorously this time to peel the beans, using a sieve to strain the beans peel as you wash and until all the beans have been peeled, strained and clean.
Place the beans, onions and about 200 mls of water in a blender or goblet of a food processor and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and mix in salt, pepper and egg yolks.
Place oil for deep frying in a pan on medium heat or turn on a deep fryer. Using a hand whisk or balloon whisk, beat egg whites until stiff. Do not over beat. Carefully fold in egg whites into beans mixture. Using a tablespoon, drop mixture into hot oil and deep fry until golden brown of each side. Place on kitchen paper to drain as much oil as possible and serve.

Roasted Red Pepper Baked Ricotta on Crusty Sourdough Bread

Photo Credit: lifeasastrawberry
Roasted Red Pepper Baked Ricotta on Crusty Sourdough Bread

Delicious roasted red peppers smothered with ricotta cheese that has been infused with herbs and served on a crusty sourdough bread. Yum.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Yield: Serves 4-6
Adapted from:  lifeasastrawberry

Ingredients

1 large red bell pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp. chopped shallot
2 clove garlic, chopped and divided
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1.5 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 stick butter
1 loaf crusty french or sourdough bread, sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

First, roast the pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes until skin is wrinkled and charred. Remove pepper from the oven, place in a small bowl, and immediately cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Let sit until it's cool enough to handle, about a half hour. Remove the stem, peel off the skin, and remove the seeds. Chop roasted pepper and set aside.
In a medium skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. of the olive oil over medium heat.
Add shallot and 1 clove chopped garlic to oil and sauté 2 minutes until shallot is translucent.
Add chopped roasted red pepper, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook for 2 minutes until balsamic vinegar is fragrant and mixture has softened.
Transfer red pepper mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add remaining olive oil and blend until smooth. Taste and re-season if necessary. Set aside.
Spoon ricotta cheese into a small baking dish (I used a 4" cast iron skillet). You don't need to smooth it out unless you really want to - I like leaving it a bit uneven so that the finished dish looks more interesting!
Pour red pepper sauce over ricotta. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is heated through.
While the ricotta bakes, prepare the crostini. In a small saucepan (or in the microwave) melt butter with remaining garlic.
Lay bread slices out on a baking sheet. Brush each piece of bread with butter and garlic mixture. Bake at 400 until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes.
Top baked ricotta with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately with crostini.

Shrimp Sweet Potato Mousseline with Parmesan Cheese

Photo Credit: homeatsix

Shrimp Sweet Potato Mousseline with Parmesan Cheese

Tasty shrimp with fresh sweet potato served in a phyllo dough with parmesan cheese and garnish.

Prep time:15 mins
Cook time:10 mins
Total time:25 mins



Adapted from: homeatsix
Serves: 24

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes
¼ yellow onion, chopped
1 cup cooked shrimp (+ ½ cup for garnish)
1 clove garlic
½ tsp salt
green onion for garnish
6 sheets phyllo dough
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 tbs grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan
Add chopped sweet potato and cook over medium heat until fork tender, remove from heat
Over medium heat, sautee onions and garlic until softened, remove from heat
Meanwhile, prepare phyllo cups by laying sheet on large surface and brushing with oil
Sprinkle each layer with finely chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese before adding new layer
Repeat until 3 sheets are layered
Using a sharp knife, cut sheets into 12 squares
Carefully, line lightly grease mini-muffin tins with layered phyllo and press to fill
Blind bake for 5 minutes and remove from oven
Add cooked sweet potato, onion, garlic, and shrimp to food processor and mix until smooth
Salt to taste
Pipe mixture into phyllo cups and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden, watching carefully so that phyllo doesn't burn
Garnish with green onion and shrimp
Serve warm or cold

Cheese Wontons with Monterey Jack Cheese

Photo Credit: showmetheyummy

Cheese Wontons with Monterey Jack Cheese

I love the crunch of potato chips the taste of melted cheese so what could be better than wontons filled with melted cheese.

Crispy, crunchy on the outside and filled with hot, gooey melty cheese! What could be better?
Adapted from: showmetheyummy

Ingredients

1 package wonton wrappers
1 (1 lb) block Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Start with one wonton wrapper, brush it with water (you can just use your finger like below too if you don't have the real fancy brush), and place another wrapper directly on top of it. Press down on it firmly all over so they stick together.
Then slice your cheese, I think Monterey Jack works the best for these, into ¾ - 1 oz cubes.  I put 4-5 cubes in each Wonton, it should fill it up pretty well once folded.
Dip your pointer finger in water, and brush the outside edges with water. No need to be stingy, the water helps the wonton adhere to itself.
Take opposite corners of the wonton and bring them together.
Pinch tightly and repeat with the other two opposite corners.
Make sure the seams are firmly pinched together (really... make sure they're stuck together well) and then place the whole wonton into your hand and gently squeeze out any excess air.
Check to make sure there are no holes, pockets, or loose seams in the wonton wrapper, as the cheese will melt out! Repeat this process with as many wontons as you'd like.
Now you're going to grab a saucepan (I don't suggest using a frying pan for this, it's too messy and dangerous) and place about an inch worth of vegetable oil in it on medium high heat until it's 325 degrees Fahrenheit. I use a candy thermometer to make sure I stay in the 325-350 range.
Place your wonton(s) carefully in the hot oil and cook until golden brown. The cooking time will vary depending on how many you're cooking at once. It took me about a minute for two wontons, and we flipped them about half way through. Tipping the pan, so the oil can fully submerge the wonton helps to cook them faster, and you don't have to flip them! You'll be able to tell when they're ready, just look for a nice golden color! I would suggest testing one at a time, until you feel comfortable on the amount of time it takes to get a golden, crunchy outside, with a gooey cheese center!
Also, make sure you're keeping an eye on the oil temperature, because you may need to adjust the heat level as you're going to maintain 325 degree F oil.
After the wontons are done, place on a paper towel to drain excess oil and serve immediately with that really awesome honey mustard that's been waiting in the fridge.

Notes

The best thing about this recipe is that you can make just one, or make enough for a crowd! 1 (1 oz) cube of cheese = 1 wonton wrapper. 1 (1 lb) block of cheese = 1 package wonton wrappers.

If you really don't feel like frying, these can be baked at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, flipping over halfway through the cooking time!

Durban Curry Buns with Lime Zest

Photo Credit: cookbooks365

Durban Curry Buns with Lime Zest


Fresh curried lamb with lemon zest, ginger and garlic served on crusty rustic bread with tomato and chopped kale and a hint of cilantro for garnish.

Adapted from: cookbooks365

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless lean lamb, preferably from the leg, cubed
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
2–3 curry leaves or grated zest of ½ lime
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1½ teaspoons minced peeled ginger
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
4 teaspoons Durban masala, or 4 teaspoons mild curry powder plus
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
4 medium red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
¼ cup water
Kosher salt

For Serving

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped kale
¼ cup chopped tomato
3 loaves crusty rustic bread, or 6 Kaiser rolls or large brioche buns
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Massage the lamb with the garam masala and leave it on the counter until you need it.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the onion, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and curry leaves. Cook until the onion is light golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, ginger, garlic, Durban masala, and turmeric. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes cook down, about 10 minutes.
Add the lamb and cook for another 10 minutes. Stir in the potatoes and water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan partway, and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked, about 30 minutes. Taste and add salt as needed.

To Serve

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over high heat. When it’s almost smoking, add the kale and sauté, stirring, just until it starts to wilt, about 2 minutes. Add to the stew, along with the ¼ cup chopped tomato.
Split the bread and pull out some of the soft insides (fold it into the stew, if you’d like). Spoon the curry into the hollowed-out loaves of bread, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Photo Credit: cookbooks365

Notes

Durban masala is a mix of coriander, cumin, and fenugreek seeds, urad dal (Indian black lentils), peppercorns, chile powder, and paprika. If you’re lucky enough to have a South African market near you, buy some. You can also find recipes online.

Look for fresh curry leaves— which add a warm, slightly bitter, slightly citrusy flavor—in specialty or Indian markets. They freeze beautifully.

Monday, 27 October 2014

Pumpkin Protein Bars with Maple Syrup

Photo Credit: foodfanatic

Pumpkin Protein Bars with Maple Syrup

Healthy pumpkin protein bars with pecans and maple syrup. Easy to make and easy to eat.

Adapted from: foodfanatic

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
3/4 cup egg whites, about 6 egg whites
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup truvia
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, plus 2 teaspoons
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, spraying with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin, egg whites, maple syrup and vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, stir together the protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
Add the protein powder into the mixture, along with the quick oats and stir until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with maple syrup.
Bake until the center feels set and pulls away from the side, about 35-40 minutes.
Let cool completely at room temperature and slice into bars and serve!

Notes    

Bars can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days and then refrigerated.

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Bars with Rolled Oats (sugar free, gluten free, vegan)

Photo Credit: dessertswithbenefits

No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Bars with Rolled Oats (sugar free, gluten free, vegan)

A very easy no bake peanut butter fudge protein bar that is homemade and healthy with lots of rolled oats that are good for cholesterol. Peanut butter also has good levels of reservatrol that is also found in grapes and red wine.

Adapted from: dessertswithbenefits

Ingredients


128g (1/2 cup) Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar/salt/oil added)
1 cup + 2 tbs Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
10 packets Truvia*
40 drops Stevia Extract*
1/8 tsp Salt
96g (1 cup) Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, blended to a flour
168g (8 scoops) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder** (I used SunWarrior)

Instructions

Line an 8" brownie pan with wax paper or parchment paper both ways and set aside.
In a medium-sized stand mixer bowl, add the peanut butter and almond milk and stir (don't use a whisk attachment. If you feel like getting an arm workout, skip the stand mixer and use a spoon and your arm!).
While the mixer is stirring, add the Truvia, stevia and salt. Still mixing, add the oat flour. Once the oat flour has fully mixed in, add the protein powder. Mix until all the protein powder is incorporated.
Take the bowl off the stand mixer and fold the mixture with a rubber spatula to form a giant PB dough ball. Dump into the prepared pan and flatten with the spatula (or if you're fancy, a pastry roller). Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, slice into bars and store in the fridge. If you are the on-the-go type, wrap each bar in parchment paper and tape to close, that way you can easily grab them out of the fridge.
Photo Credit: dessertswithbenefits

Notes

*If you don't have stevia, add ~6 more packets of Truvia (or to taste). If you don't want to use Truvia, omit it and increase the stevia to 1 tsp.

**8 scoops = 1+1/4 cups packed. Do not use whey protein powder in this recipe, it will be gooey and will not solidify unless you freeze it.

Feel free to add some chopped peanuts to the mix! Or maybe even add dried fruit or mini chocolate chips as well :)

This recipe is: no bake, sugar free, high protein, gluten free and vegan!

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Jalapeno Avocado and Bean Dip with Cumin and Cilantro

Photo Credit: ifoodreal

Jalapeno Avocado and Bean Dip with Cumin and Cilantro

This is a healthy chunky jalapeno, avacado and bean dip with a hint of cummin and cilantro. This is a super easy dish to make.
Adapted From: ifoodreal

Ingredients


15 oz can chickpeas or white beans, drained & rinsed
1 large avocado, pitted & skin removed
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1/2 lime, juice of
1 tbsp jalapeños, seeded & chopped (use 1/2 tbsp for kid friendly & more or with seeds to taste)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
Handful cilantro
1/2 cup corn (if using frozen thaw beforehand)

Directions

Add all ingredients, except corn, to a food processor and process on Low until well combined but still chunky. It took me about a few minutes and you might have to stop and scrape the contents off the walls of the food processor bowl.
Now it's time to taste and adjust spiciness with extra jalapeños if desired. Add corn and pulse a few times until combined. Serve with your choice of organic or non-GMO tortilla chips. My favourites are Way Better Snacks, RW Garcia and Que Pasa.
Storage Instructions: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I haven't tried to freeze it.

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Ginger Garlic Roasted Broccoli with Taco Seasoning

Photo Credit cookwithmanali

Ginger Garlic Roasted Broccoli with Taco Seasoning

Broccoli with Garlic & Ginger and a refreshing taco seasoning with lemon and olive oil. Easiest side dish! And its vegan!
Serves: 1-2
Adapted from : cookwithmanali
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  20 mins
Total time:  25 mins

Ingredients

1 small broccoli head, that has been cut into florets
¾ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 big chopped garlic cloves
1 inch chopped ginger
¼ teaspoon taco seasoning
½ teaspoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon pepper
salt, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 F degrees.
Line a baking sheet with silicone mat. Set aside.
Cut broccoli into florets of medium size.
Wash broccoli and dry thoroughly. Use kitchen towel to pat dry the florets. They should be completely dry.
In a pan heat olive oil on medium heat, add chopped garlic and ginger and saute for 1-2 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and transfer garlic-ginger with the oil into a bowl.
Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper and taco seasoning and mix till all broccoli is coated with oil.
Spread on baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping once in between.
Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and serve immediately.

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Sweet Potato Chips with Thyme and Orange Zest

Photo credit: feedmeseymourblog

Sweet Potato Chips with Thyme and Orange Zest

Sweet potatoes baked with olive oil, orange zest, and lightly coated with thyme. Easy and delicious!
Adapted from: feedmeseymourblog
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp orange zest
1-2 tsp freshly chopped thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.
    Combine olive oil and orange zest in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush half the olive oil mixture onto the baking sheets.
    Lay sweet potato slices onto the baking sheets. Brush the potato slices with the remaining oil.
    Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper evenly on top of your potato slices.
    Roast for 20-25 minutes or until crisp. Allow to cool completely or eat warm!


Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Crispy Potato Wedges with Paprika and Garlic

Photo Credit: visualheart

Crispy Potato Wedges with Paprika and Garlic


Potatoes cut into wedges and baked to crispy perfection with a coating of garlic, paprika, black pepper and olive oil. Easy side dish.
Adapted from: visualheart

Ingredients:

5 Medium Russet Potatoes
¼ cup Olive Oil
¼ tsp Sea Salt
¼ tsp Garlic Powder
¼ tsp Paprika
¼ tsp Black Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Wash and dry potatoes, cut in half and then in quarters to create wedges.
Place in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes and then dry with paper towel. This step allows the potatoes to become more crispy when baked. In a bowl combine potato wedges, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and olive oil until they are coated evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place your potatoes making sure they aren’t overlapping. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Check them halfway through as you may way to flip them over.

Serve with ketchup or garlic mayo and enjoy!
Photo Credit: visualheart