What's for Supper Tonight

White Choc & Hazelnut Cookies

2011-12-17T09:29:00.001-08:00

Makes 48 cookies

INGREDIENTS

250g (1 Cup) Butter
315g (1 ^1/4 Cup) Castor Sugar
50ml Lemon juice
750 ml (3 Cups) Cake flour
10 ml (2 tsp) Baking powder
100 g Roasted chopped Hazelnuts
100g Chocolate Chunks
Extra for the topping

Method

Heat oven to 180°C

1. Cream butter and sugar till fluffy

2. Add lemon juice and mix well

3. Sift the dry ingredients

4. Slowly add to butter mix and mix between additions.

5. When mixed add the fruit & nuts or choc

6. Roll into small ball sizes and place on baking sheets with wax paper

7. Flatten with a fork dipped in a bit of flour

8. Sprinkle the topping

Bake for 15 min till browning at edge

9. Bake for 15 min till browning at edges

Chicken tray bake

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Following on the tray bake theme here is a versatile recipe for chicken.

The best thing about this recipe is that it is also great on the budget.

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 red onions peeled and quartered

4 cloves of garlic finely chopped

2 lemons washed and chopped int quarters

8 chicken drumsticks or Thighs

15-20 black olives pitted

2Tsp thyme

Salt & pepper

2cups chicken stock

Preheat oven 180'C

Heat oil in oven proof dish and sauté onions and garlic

Remove from heat

Add lemons, chicken, olives, thyme, seasoning and stock

Cover with foil and cook for 30 minutes

Remove foil and cook for a further 30 minutes

This dish can be served with rice or mash potatoes or the starch of your choice. It also goes well with a side salad.

Tray bake dinners

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

These must be the most versatile meals to cook as you can add any of you favorite sausages or chicken.

As a quick week day dinner the are perfect all it takes is planning an a well stocked store cupboard

Here is a recipe to get you started

Vegetable tray bake

300 -400g haloumi or feta sliced

3 cloves of garlic

1 red onion sliced

2 peppers sliced

350g baby tomatoes

150g baby marrows sliced

1410g tin chickpeas drained

1-2tsp paprika

2tsp cumin

1/3 cup oregano leaves

Olive oil

Salt and black pepper

Heat oven to 180'C

Place all the ingredients in a shallow roasting pan

Coat with the olive oil and toss

Season and toss again

Bake for 20-30 min till vegetables are tender and cheese is golden.

Serve

Basic cookie dough

2011-12-08T03:59:00.001-08:00

In the spirit of sharing here is a nice basic cookie dough recipe that can be used in a variety of ways.

180g butter
310g sugar
1extra large egg
Pinch salt
1 extra large egg yolk
380g flour

This recipe will male about 30 cookies
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
- Stir through egg and egg yolk with a wooden spoon
- Sift in flour and salt
- Mix well
- Shape the dough into a ball then flatten into disks, cover with cling film, place in fridge for 30 min
- Preheat the oven to 180'C
- Prepare cookie sheets by greasing them
- Remove cooled dough and roll out on a floured surface 0.5cm thick
- Cut up into any shape and place on baking tray. Gather scraps and do the same.
- Bake for 8 min depending on oven so keep an eye not to burn or under cook.
- Remove from tray and place on cooling rack.

These are the basic cookies now here are some variations
Jam centers
Just cut 1 cookie with a hole, bake as before and cool. Then spread jam on bottom cookie and place the other cookie piece on top.

Colour variations

the basic dough can be divided and food coloring added. Mix well, fool out into sheets and layer on top of each other. This is then rolled up and sliced then baked. Works well with cocoa as a coloring but it would need to be added to the flour stage of the dough.

Variations with added ingredients
Chocolate chips can be added to the basic dough will make a chocolate chip variety.

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Oven Baked Hake in Creamy sauce

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES (FOR INDIVIDUAL BOWLS) AND 40 MINUTES (FOR A BIG OVENPROOF DISH)
SERVES 4
800g hake fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
A handful of Italian parsley, roughly chopped grated zest of 1 lemon
1 ½ cups of crème fraiche
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Grated mozzarella cheese
2tbsp butter
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
1. Season the hake with salt and pepper and divide between four ovenproof bowls or a 1 litre ovenproof dish.
2. Sprinkle the parsley and lemon zest over the fish.
3. Season the creme fraiche with salt and freshly ground black pepper and spoon the mixture over the hake fillets. Mix the breadcrumbs and cheese and sprinkle over, dot with pieces of butter and bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown.

Christmas tree Step by Step

2011-11-16T12:17:00.001-08:00

Follow the recipe in the previous post.

Christmas tree Cookies

2011-11-13T07:13:00.001-08:00

With the Christmas season getting closer I decided to test some cookie ideas. This one is great to make for gifts.

The recipe is as follows:
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
250g cold Butter (2 sticks)
1 egg
3/4 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 180`C (350`F)
Prepare baking sheets with wax paper

Combine flour and baking powder, keep separate
Cream sugar and butter on high speed in an electric mixer. Do not over mix
Add egg & vanilla to sugar mix, mix till combined
Then add the flour to this mixture slowly. Once again mix till combined, do not over mix.
Bring the dough together with your fingers, roll out onto floured wax paper. Be sure not to overwork, it is important to keep the mix cool and not heat up as the butter will melt. If needed place dough in fridge to cool.
You can cut this dough with any cookie cutter.
Place the cookies on baking tray and bake for 10-12 min depending on oven. Keep an eye on them as depending on the thickness they will burn if cooked too long.
Remove from oven an allow to stand on tray for a few minutes. The transfer to cooling rack to fully cool down.
When cooled you can stack them up, dust with icing sugar and tie with a bow or place in cellophane bags.
Enjoy

Salads

2011-11-06T11:50:00.001-08:00

I have the great fortune of living in a very mild climate where we have many sunny days even in winter. So lucky for us we can eat salad every day. And with food fashions favouring healthy eating, I can make a meal of a salad.
I have some very basic recipes and then just work with the seasonal vegetables. It all starts with a base of lettuce.

It can be as basic as some tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives and feta.

I am a huge fan of avocado so any chance I get I will add this to my salads. This salad pictured has some vegetables and croutons and another favourite is corn on the cob or fresh peas, for this salad however I only used baby corn, which is cut up and added.

Enjoy

Frozen bananas......

2011-06-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

I must say I am a fan of bananas, especially cooked bananas. I suppose I am lucky to be able to get a constant supply. What does however happen is that they sometimes over ripen. So here are a few really great ideas to do with frozen bananas...Link

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Waffles .......

2011-05-11T08:27:00.001-07:00

Found a nice recipe for waffles that can be frozen. Perfect for winter months.

Recipe extracted from here

Whole Wheat Waffles (makes 10 waffles)

1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 Large Egg
1/3 Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Accompaniments: maple syrup, honey, or raspberry sauce

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Sift the first 3 ingredients into a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining wet ingredients.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until combined. Do not over mix.
5. Pour 1/2 cup of batter into a greased waffle iron and cook about 3-4 minutes or according to manufacturer’s directions.
6. Serve with desired accompaniments.

*To freeze: Allow to cool, place in a Ziploc bag, label and freeze. When ready to eat, place in toaster oven until heated through or in the oven at 180 degrees and heat for 10 minutes or until heated through.

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A week's menu

2011-05-08T12:19:00.001-07:00

So I am back to menu planning and here is this weeks plan.
Monday - Mediterranean style chicken bake
Tuesday - Ossu Bucco
Wednesday - chicken schnitzel with salad & chips
Thursday - Beef & noodle soup
Friday - Chicken spinach bake
Saturday - steak pie
Sunday - Roast sirloin with veggies with apple crumble dessert.

I will report back on these new recipes and will post the good ones

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Breakfast ideas

2011-03-17T20:45:00.001-07:00

So as it cools in the south of the world, although I must say would not think we are in autumn with the current temperatures, time for warmer breakfasts. I am a huge fan of oatmeal and mostly eat it with dried cranberries, almonds and honey. Here are a few variations

Begin with the steps below, then finish with one of the variations that follow.

Oatmeal 101
In a small pot over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk (cow's, soy, or almond), and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally, until oats are thick, about 5 minutes. If indicated, stir in additional ingredients until warmed through, then pour into a bowl and add suggested toppings:

Blackberry Pie Oatmeal
Near the end of cooking, stir in 1/3 cup blackberries.
Top with: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts, a few more blackberries, and 1 crushed graham cracker

Pumpkin–Cottage Cheese Oatmeal
Near the end of cooking, stir in 1/4 cup canned pumpkin and 1/4 cup cottage cheese.
Top with: toasted sliced almonds and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

Chocolate–Coconut Oatmeal
Near the end of cooking, stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon shredded coconut.
Top with: a few chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon slivered almonds, and a sprinkle of coconut

PB&J Crunch Oatmeal
Follow basic recipe.
Top with: 1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon jam, and a sprinkle of granola

Bacon and Cheese Oatmeal
Follow basic recipe.
Top with: 1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled, 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese, 2 teaspoons maple syrup or balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or rosemary (optional)

Bread Pudding Oatmeal
Cut a slice of fruity bread, such as cinnamon raisin, into cubes. When oatmeal just starts to bubble and thicken, add bread cubes. Stir in 1 tablespoon raisins.
Top with: a pinch each of brown sugar and cinnamon and 1 tablespoon cream

Fluffy Banana Oatmeal
Add a thinly sliced very ripe banana to oats at the start of cooking. As oatmeal bubbles, whip the oats vigorously with a fork until banana slices melt away.
Top with: 2 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts and a drizzle of honey

Cooking tip: The basic version is easily doubled and can be made in advance. To reheat, add a few tablespoons of milk to the oatmeal and microwave 1 minute. Stir, and heat for another minute.

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Creamy chicken with bacon

2011-03-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

A versatile supper dish is a roast chicken, all left overs can be used for many easy quick supper dishes.
I recently made a really nice pasta sauce with leftover chicken.
Here is how to do it, the ingredient portions vary depending on how much of each ingredient you have.
Fry up an onion in a little butter or oil and add some nice chopped bacon. Add a few chopped mushrooms and cook till soft. Add the chicken and fry a little to heat through.
Pour in some cream and mix well lower the heat and simmer but do not allow to cook off.
Season with salt and pepper and some Italian dried herbs. To mellow the taste ad a dash of sherry.
Toss into cooked pasta with a grating of parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately if the sauce is too dry add some milk and stir till it is a smooth sauce.

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Pork loin chops with apple on the Weber BBQ

2011-03-12T10:53:00.001-08:00

This week I am going to try something different on the BBQ.
6 Pork loin chops
2/3 cups white wine
2Tbs oil
2 Tbs honey
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
2 cloves garlic

Apple chutney
3 green apples
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup fruit chutney
15g butter

1. Trim chops
2. Combine oil, wine, honey, cumin and garlic in small jug, mix well.
3. Place chops in non metal dish and pour marinade over.
4. Leave chops to marinade for a few hours or overnight
5. Grill on an oiled grill turning regularly

To make chutney
1. Chop apples into cubes
2. Place in small pan with apple juice, bring to the boil and cook till apples soft
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 7 min
4. Add chutney and butter and stir

Server over cooked chops.

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5 ingredients a weeks recipes

2011-03-11T12:33:00.001-08:00

Have always loved these, great idea for planning need to get back to my recipe planning. Here is a nice one for chicken dishes. The recipes

Enjoy and share you favorite pantry planning tips here.

Festive season recipes

2010-11-30T05:23:00.001-08:00

Time I dusted of the kitchen and got my head into this festive season. I will post my festive recipes here any suggestions welcomed!

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A month of recipes

2010-08-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

Well I have been very proactive this month and have drawn up a list of recipes for the month. Some are tried and tested and others new. I will evaluate and post the recipe and the result of the good ones.

Chicken Broccoli bake - All time favourite
Chicken Mince Shepherds' Pie - Again a family favourite real easy and really yummy
Beef Mince wraps - nice idea for any left over mince
Baked Fish and steamed veggies
Spaghetti Bolognaise - always on my list
Tuna Bake
Chicken pieces and roast veggies
Pork Chops - need to think of an idea here
Steak and baked potatoes, depending on weather veggies or salads
Pork Fillet Stir fry
Baked Pork sausage with veggies
Roast veggies and Pesto pasta
Leek, Chicken & pasta bake
Chorizo and bean fry up - my husband loves anything Chorizo so it will feature a lot
Tomato basil pasta
Chicken noodle soup
Beef vegetable soup
Moroccan chicken
Chicken Pie
Tempura Fish and veggies
Sausage Rolls
Sweet & sour fish
Baked tuna & tomato risotto
Spaghetti & meatballs
Pizza
Short ribs
Chicken butternut & Chorizo
Ratatouille
Frittata - as I write this I can smell it cooking away
Baked beef pasta
Fish Pie - This was a real hit so will definitely share this as it is real easy to make and great the next day if left over which is rare for a fish pie.

Look out for the recipes as the days go by.

How to Make a Soup Without a Recipe (with pictures) - wikiHow

2010-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

How to Make a Soup Without a Recipe (with pictures) - wikiHow

Glossary of Cooking Terms

2010-05-23T04:08:00.001-07:00

Always need to find that obscure term in the cookery book well help is at hand.

Glossary of Cooking Terms

1 Chicken, 17 Healthy Meals, $26 Bucks, No Mayo

2010-04-11T00:40:00.001-07:00

This is a very interesting article and I think I will give it a try and localise it a bit. So come on give it a try in the interest of world hunger. I would love to hear about your ideas you come up with

Here were my rules: (FAB modified)

The budget – for EVERYTHING - was R250.
I had to use as much food already in my pantry as possible. (Which accounted for a lot, and saved me mad dough in the long run.)
Each meal had to feed at least 3 people
Bonus points for leftovers.
The chicken had to be used up within a few days, so it wouldn’t go bad.
The meals had to have reasonable variety, preferably from a range of cuisines. It couldn’t be Chicken with Spaghetti on Day 1, then Chicken with Penne on Day 2.
The meals had to have very little added fat, since the leftover chicken would provide most of it.

Day 1
Marcella Hazan’s Lemon Roasted Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes
2 servings
Chicken consumed: 10 ounces

Day 2
Cooking Light’s Chicken Picadillo with Rice and Black Beans

A Tex mex dish will look at a variety here

Day 3
White Chicken Chili

Day 4
Food Network’s Sesame Noodles with Chicken
5 servings
Chicken consumed: 1 cup

Day 5
Cook’s Illustrated’s Chicken Curry in a Hurry
(recipe at bottom of post)
4 servings
Chicken consumed: 2 cups

1 Chicken, 17 Healthy Meals, $26 Bucks, No Mayo

Lemon herb grilled Chicken with Roasted root vegetables

2010-04-10T11:41:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite BBQ meals is chicken.

Tonight we had lemon herb marinade chicken. To me the secret to nicely done chicken is to give the pieces say 10 minutes in the microwave. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and that you do not over cook on the BBQ which would dry it out.

For the vegetables as it is now Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere I chopped up sweet potatoes, normal potatoes and red onions, tossed in herbs and olive oil. A tip I use to ensure that the veggies are well cooked I par cook the veggies in the microwave for 10 min before further tossing together with the onions and then baking on 180°C for 20min and 200°C for 10 min this ensures that the veggies are nice and tender with a nice crispy shell.

Enjoy

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe

2010-03-14T04:16:00.001-07:00

These look real easy and nice pictures from Savoury Sweet life

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Adapted from the Quaker Oats box

Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugars in a mixer until creamy, approximately 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and continue to mix until the dough has come together. Add oats and raisins until mix until raisins are distributed. Drop by rounded tablespoons or cookie scoop onto cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to remain on cookie sheet for 3 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Easy Chocolate Ganache Recipe | How To Make Ganache | Ganache Frosting | Savory Sweet Life - Easy Recipes from an Everyday Home Cook

2010-03-14T03:30:00.001-07:00

Easy Chocolate Ganache Recipe | How To Make Ganache | Ganache Frosting | Savory Sweet Life - Easy Recipes from an Everyday Home Cook

The Secret to Chocolate Chip Cookies « ModernDomestic

2010-03-04T08:53:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is a baking day so may make some of these.

The Secret to Chocolate Chip Cookies « ModernDomestic

Nice light and fluffy pancakes

2010-02-14T11:17:00.001-08:00

What You Need

Ingredients
2 cups flour
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons butter

Equipment
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer OR whisk
Griddle OR skillet
Spatula or pancake turner
Oven-safe serving dish

Instructions

1. Assemble your ingredients and equipment. Preheat oven to 200.

2. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix with a whisk or mixer attachment.

3. Add the eggs, milk and cooking oil to the dry ingredients.

4. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. It's OK if the batter is a little lumpy. You don't want to over mix.

5. Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the griddle.

6. Pour spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle. Try to keep the pancakes between 2 and 3 inches in width and leave at least 1 inch in between. This batter is quite thick, so it won't spread much once you pour it onto the griddle.

7. When you see bubbles begin to form on the top of the pancakes, it's time to flip them.

8. The second side always cooks faster than the first, so they'll probably only need a minute to finish cooking.

9. Place the finished pancakes on the oven-safe serving dish. Keep them warm in the oven while you cook the next batch.

10. Repeat the process until the batter is finished (adding the remaining butter to the griddle if necessary) and all the pancakes are cooked. Serve.

11. Top pancakes as desired and dig in. We like a little butter and some blueberry maple syrup (stay tuned for the recipe).

12. Repeat until pancakes are all eaten and bellies are full.

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/how-to-make-pancakes-home-hacks-108562

Chicken & broccoli bake

2010-01-05T08:44:00.001-08:00

Planned for my next recipe, another one of my regulars that is always a winner

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Steak, Steamed veggies and Baked potatoes

2010-01-03T08:37:00.001-08:00

I must say having travel around the world I do realise that we are very lucky to have such a great source of red meat at affordable prices. So dinner tonight is grilled steaks on the gas "braai" - griller. These are prepared by rubbing with olive oil and spices and cooked till med rare.

My baked potatoes done in my solar dome which come out light and fluffy with a crispy crust and I serve with garlic butter and some cream cheese.

Added to this we have steamed veggies which consist of a mixture of:

Courgettes
Peas
Carrots
Snow Peas
Tender steam Broccoli

Who needs restaurant food when home cooked is so good.

Cottage pie with grated potato topping

2009-12-29T07:40:00.001-08:00

One of my favourites, easy to make and economical. This recipe can be made with either beef, chicken or pork mince.
Here is a link to the recipe posted before

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Project 52

2009-12-28T21:43:00.001-08:00

So 2010 will be the year I research my recipe book. Wish me luck. I have always had a great love for cookery books and love buying and reading them. Even though I am also a great fan of the new resource that the Internet provides I am still a fan of the printed book.
More details to follow......

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Christmas menu ideas

2009-12-15T03:33:00.001-08:00

So it is the silly season and I have been so busy I have neglected you guys......So what are your plans for Christmas?

My menu so far looks like this

Starters.....to be decided

Main meal

Glazed Gammon

Christmas Chicken ( Not a turkey fan)

Garlic & lemon Roast potatoes

Honeyed Butternut

Sweet braised red cabbage and red onion

Nutty green beans

Desert to be decided.

I will post these recipes with in the week.

Home made Granola

2009-11-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Preheat your oven to 180 °C.

Combine 3 cups of rolled oats,

1 teaspoon cinnamon,

1 cup nuts,

Half cup of honey and a dash of salt.

Place on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown.

Keep it in a sealed container for your snacking pleasure.

Almond Biscotti

2009-10-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

1 cup (145 grams) blanched whole almonds, toasted and chopped coarsely

1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

Preheat oven to 180 °C.
Toast almonds for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool and then chop coarsely. Set aside.

Reduce oven temperature to 150 °C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl lightly beat the eggs and extracts together. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer) combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until blended (about 30 seconds).
Gradually add the egg mixture and beat until a dough forms, adding almonds about halfway through. On a lightly floured surface roll dough into a log about 35 cm long and 8 - 10 cm wide.
Transfer log to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until firm to the touch (log will spread during baking).
Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.

Transfer log to a cutting board and, using a serrated knife, cut log into slices 1.25 cm thick on the diagonal.
Arrange evenly on baking sheet.
Bake 10 minutes, turn slices over, and bake another 10 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

Ok so not really supper but…….

2009-10-29T09:27:00.001-07:00

As the days rush towards the end of the year I find my self starting to prepare. So today we made Biscotti, I will post the recipes and photos a little later when they come out of the oven.

Moroccan Chicken Bake

2009-10-15T12:15:00.001-07:00

Here is the recipe

Serves 4

1 pack chicken braai pack (8 pieces)
Salt and pepper to season
Olive oil to fry the chicken in
1 Onion diced
1 Tbsp Chicken spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp cumin ground
1 can peeled tomatoes chopped
1 can chickpeas
3/4 cup chicken stock
300g baby marrows

Method:

Preheat oven to 190°C
Season chicken
Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken till well browned
Set aside the chicken
Fry onion till soft and add the spices and cook for 1 minute
Add the tomatoes, chickpeas and stock cook through
Place the chicken in an oven proof dish and pout the tomato mix over and bake for 20 minutes
Add the baby marrows and continue to cook for a further 10 – 20 minutes till the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through
Garnish and serve with couscous.

Pink grapefruit & ginger cordial

2009-09-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

A stunning recipe from Delicious days

Squeeze the grapefruits. Peel the ginger and slice it thinly.

Pour the grapefruit juice into a small saucepan, add the sugar and water as well as the sliced ginger. Bring to a boil and let simmer until sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh sieve and refrigerate the strained syrup until thoroughly chilled.

To cut the sweetness, dilute with water and ice cubes to taste.

Pink lemonade with ginger

Recipe Source: own creation

Prep/cooking time: about 20 min. plus chilling

Ingredients (yields about 600 ml):

250 ml pink grapefruit juice (2-3 fruits)

250 g white sugar

250 ml water

fresh ginger to taste (I used 2-3 cm)

Foodblogging - Do’s and Don’ts

2009-09-27T10:15:00.001-07:00

What can I say I am hooked on food blogging. The more I browse through the web the more I find great sites and stunning food photography. This has always been a passion of mine food and good looking food. Only today I was commenting about a cookery book that did not have enough photos! For me photos make the book worth reading as does a great site with photos make great reading. So here’s to all the great food/photo bloggers, you inspire us.

I have started listing the top 50 food blogs on my food webs and blogs site find them here.

Foodblogging - Do’s and Don’ts » delicious:days

Breadcrumb mix’s

2009-09-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

Here are a few recipes for mixes to keep handy.

Lemon-Sage Breadcrumbs
1 loaf (8 ounces) day-old bread, crusts removed and bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
3 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
5 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper

Working in two batches, pulse bread cubes in a food processor to fine crumbs. Stir together breadcrumbs, zest, and sage. Stir in the salt, and season breadcrumbs with pepper.

Almond and Garam Masala Breadcrumbs
Follow recipe for Lemon-Sage Breadcrumbs, using 1/2 cup chopped, toasted sliced almonds and 2 teaspoons garam masala in place of zest and sage.

Coconut-Lime Breadcrumbs
Follow recipe for Lemon-Sage Breadcrumbs, using 1/2 cup toasted, unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 1/2 tablespoons finely grated lime zest (2 to 3 limes), and 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in place of lemon zest and sage.

Parmesan-Oregano Breadcrumbs
Follow recipe for Lemon-Sage Breadcrumbs, using 3 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried) and 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese in place of zest and sage. Decrease salt to 1 teaspoon.

Apple & berry crumble

2009-09-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

Here is the recipe that I have been asked to post as it was such a hit the last time I made it for dessert for friends.

6 Apples

The apples, butter, cinnamon and water ready to be cooked.

The apple mixture cooking.

Crumble mix preparation

The dish before the topping is added.

The mix before going into the oven.

Enjoy.

Cooking Time 35 min

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Melted butter to grease baking plate
6 (1kg) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thickly sliced
220g (1 cup) Caster Sugar
60ml (1/4 cup ) Water
1 Cinnamon stick
150g Frozen berries thawed and drained

Crumble Topping

55g (1/4 cup)Brown sugar
50g unsalted butter
2 cups rolled oats lightly toasted
1/4 cup coconut toasted together with oats

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C
Brush ovenproof dish with the melted butter
Place apples, sugar, water and cinnamon in a pot on the stove. Bring to the boil, then reduce to low heat and allow to simmer for 10 mins till apples have softened.
To make the topping combine the oats and coconut and place on a tray in the heating oven to lightly toast. Then remove and let cool for a few minutes and add the sugar and rub in the butter.
Take the apple mix from the stove and pour into the oven dish.
Scatter the berries over them.
Sprinkle the crumble mix on top of this.
Bake in the heated oven for 35 mins.

5-minute Ice Cream

2009-08-31T11:52:00.001-07:00

Spring is here so why not try making some yummy ice cream

Roast vegetables

2009-08-29T00:35:00.001-07:00

One of my favourite dishes and most versatile is roast vegetables. You can combine several vegetables together.

You need:

Butternut
Onions
Courgettes
Sweet Potatoes
Peppers (Green , yellow or red)
Mushrooms
Feta (optional)
Olives (optional)

Method:

Chop up all the vegetables to similar sizes
Sprinkle with olive oil and spice with dried herbs of choice I like rosemary or oregano
Break up the feta and sprinkle over if using
Remove the stone of the olives and add.
Preheat oven at 220°C and bake uncovered in an ovenproof dish for 30mins stir and toss the vegetables one during the cooking.

You can enjoy this as a side dish or over pasta. I also let it cool and have as a salad wit cold meats

Barbecued Chicken Breast

2009-08-14T02:58:00.001-07:00

These are just divine and a great braai idea.

4 Chicken breast fillets

100g Feta Crumbled

8 – 10 sun-dried tomatoes in oil chopped

60 ml Basil Pesto

4 Kebab sticks

30ml Olive oil

Roberstson Barbecue Spice

Method:

Cut each fillet length ways to create a pocket
Combine all the other ingredients, and stuff the breasts. Secure the openings with the kebab sticks (Use nice long metal ones to ease turning on braai)
Rub each breast with olive oil; and sprinkle with Robertson Barbecue spice.
Grill or braai over moderate heat approx 20 min

To see more recipes by Robertson follow this link

Fresh tomato and Pasta

2009-08-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Serves 4

Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces angel-hair pasta
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted if desired

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, garlic, and oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at least 10 minutes.
Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente; drain, and return to pot. Add tomato mixture, and toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with pine nuts.

Pork Kebabs

2009-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is made with one of the nicest meats that is really good for you.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for grates
1 cup long-grain white rice
1/3 cup honey
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained and coarsely chopped (juice reserved)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pork tenderloin (1 pound), cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (from a peeled 1/2-inch piece)
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Directions

Heat grill to medium; lightly oil grates. Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk honey and 2 tablespoons pineapple juice; season with salt and pepper.
Alternately thread pork and bell peppers onto skewers; season with salt and pepper. Grill, brushing occasionally with honey mixture, until pork is cooked through and peppers begin to char, 10 to 15 minutes.
To rice, add pineapple chunks, scallions, ginger, and oil. Season with salt and pepper, and fluff with a fork. Serve kebabs with rice and lime wedges.

Basic Salad Dressing

2009-08-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

ENOUGH FOR 1 LITRE

3 cups extra virgin olive oil

1 cup white wine vinegar

5 tbsp wholegrain mustard 15 garlic cloves

Grated zest of 4 lemons a handful of fresh thyme

Mix all the ingredients and store in a glass bottle or plastic container with a tight fitting lid.

Mediterranean Chicken Burger

2009-08-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 10 MINUTES

SERVES 4

4tbsp basic salad dressing (recipe below) 1tsp dried chilli flakes

1tsp ground cumin

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

4 chicken breast fillets halved horizontally and flattened a bit more with a rolling pin

1 ciabatta bread, cut into 8 thick slices 1tsp olive oil

1 cucumber, cut into ribbons

1/4 cup ready-made hummus

1/4 cup ready-made tzatziki

1. Mix the basic salad dressing with the chilli flakes and cumin and brush over the chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle pan over high heat and fry the chicken for ± five minutes on both sides until golden brown.

Brush the olive oil over the ciabatta slices and toast on the griddle pan. Place the ciabatta, chicken, cucumber, humus and tzatziki on a platter and ask everyone to make their own burger.

3 Cheese Macaroni

2009-08-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

PREPARATION TIME: 15

MINUTES COOKING TIME: 30 MINUTES

SERVES 4

350g macaroni

1tbsp olive oil

250g bacon, cut into strips

250g (1 tub) plain cream cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

250g Camembert, cut into small pieces salt and freshly ground black pepper

a handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped

³/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

· Preheat the oven to 220°C.

· Cook the macaroni until al dente.

· Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon until brown and crisp.

· Drain the macaroni, reserving 300 ml water. Add cream cheese to the water and stir until melted and smooth.

· Pour the cream cheese mixture over the macaroni and add the Camembert, lemon zest, and parsley. Season to taste and transfer into a 2 litre ovenproof dish.

· Mix the breadcrumbs and the Parmesan
cheese and sprinkle over the macaroni. Bake
for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Variation:

Replace Camembert with Feta and replace the Parmesan with Gouda. A real comfort food.

Cottage pie with rösti topping

2009-08-03T10:45:00.001-07:00

Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cottage pie is a traditional family favourite, but why not try something a little different? Instead of mashed potato, make the topping

using grated potatoes. It forms a crisp, golden topping you are bound to enjoy.

20 ml oil
450 g lean beef mince
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, grated
80 ml fruit chutney
1 x 410g can chopped tomatoes 10 ml dried cumin
15 ml Worcestershire sauce
4 potatoes, boiled until tender 40 ml butter, melted

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the mince, onion and carrot and cook over a high heat, stirring until browned.
2. Add the chutney, tomatoes, cumin and Worcestershire sauce and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
3. While the meat is simmering, peel and grate the cooked potatoes.
4. Season the mince with salt and freshly ground black pepper and spoon into a greased ovenproof dish. Top with the grated potatoes.
5. Drizzle with melted butter and place under a hot grill for about five minutes, until browned.

Variations

Make a Chicken cottage pie by substituting chicken mince or finely chopped chicken breast fillets for the beef mince.
You will need to add a little extra oil when frying the meat, as the chicken will be drier than the beef mince.
Also try thinly sliced par-boiled potatoes as an alternative to the rosti topping. Cover the filling with overlapping potato slices and brush with melted butter for a crisp, golden topping.

Breakfast wraps

2009-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

A nice twist on tradition.

Find the recipe here

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Directions

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