Let’s start with dessert first. A luscious Sweet Raspberry Teacake. Then a few of your favorite appetizers, ( including world-famous Popovers) followed by the Maine course. Then, let’s get into the delicious details of this generous giveaway sponsored by Hood Dairy. *Featuring a famous-maker, high-end, stand mixer (yes, it’s what you’re thinking!) A $100.00 gift card, and printable coupons. *Just scroll down to get more info about the giveaways..
Bake the lovely Sweet Raspberry Teacake and as always, let us know how much you love the cake in the comments section at the end of this post or visit us on Facebook.
So, who’s the lucky winner going to be for that must-have, fancy stand mixer, or the $100.00 gift card? Just go “like” the Hood fan-page on Facebook to enter the contest and WIN !
Have a very Happy Easter, and let’s get started!
Lisa xo
Now that everyone has their Easter eggs colored it’s time to concern ourselves with the more important things. Some of us hide candy filled eggs around the yard. Others go to church, or bake a ham. Me? I don’t like green eggs and ham. But as you know, I’m always thinking about food. Are you having ham, lamb or spam?
Recipe: Sweet Raspberry Tea Cake
Makes 1 cake
CAKE
1 cup Hood® Sour Cream
1 cup Hood® Half & Half
2 sticks unsalted butter, plus 2 Tbsp to coat the pan
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup seedless raspberry jam
2 tsp vanilla extract
3½ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
ICING
2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp Hood® Half & Half
½ pint fresh raspberries
Cake:
Before starting, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Generously coat a large 6 cup bundt pan with 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and set aside. Preheat oven to 325°.
In a large mixing bowl, sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) together and set aside.
Thin out the raspberry jam with the vanilla extract in a small bowl and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the remaining unsalted butter until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat on high until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs in one at time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Mix in the sour cream.
Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the Half & Half, being careful to not over mix. Carefully fold in ½ of the raspberry jam mixture, but do not incorporate completely.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Take the remaining raspberry jam mixture and spread it over the batter in the pan, being careful to stay away from the edges. Pour the remaining cake batter into the pan. Bake for one hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake. Cool completely and remove from the pan.
Icing: Combine the Half & Half, vanilla, and confectioners sugar in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Pour the mixture over the top, allowing the icing to fall down the sides of the cake. Garnish the top with fresh raspberries and serve.
Everyone needs a simple recipe for deviled eggs to call their own. I have some delicious tips and options, so you can make your own signature batch of deviled eggs. Yes, I know, there are so many variations of this classic party dish. I’ve included several excellent choices below, from classic to spicy. Finally, a healthy, low-carb, and amazing appetizer that everyone will love. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
~ You and your Devilish eggs are about to get really popular.
Ingredients:
The classic recipe:
12 eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard, yellow, brown or Dijon
2 teaspoons lemon juice (or vinegar)
1/2-1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper
dash of cayenne or Tabasco sauce (that’s what makes it deviled!)
2 tablespoons minced scallions, chives, or parsley (garnishes)
1 teaspoon paprika
* Optional Variations:
1 tablespoon sweet relish (for all the southerners)
1/2 teaspoon Coleman’s dry mustard (hot as Hell!)
1 tablespoon minced shallot or onion.
1 tablespoon horseradish
2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)
2 tablespoons olive juice (dirty!)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon Old Bay
1 teaspoon wasabi
1 teaspoon curry
1 teaspoon cumin
bacon
caviar
* Notes: Fresh eggs are more difficult to peel. You can use week old eggs to make it easier. Go for it! Just be sure to use only one or two of your favorite spicy seasonings.
Directions:
1. Place the eggs in a medium saucepan; add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook gently, and as the water begins to boil, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice-water bath to cool. Follow this method and your eggs won’t turn green.
2. Peel the eggs under running water (it helps somehow). With a sharp knife, halve the eggs lengthwise and/or crosswise. Remove the yolks (with a fork and transfer to a bowl or a food processor along with mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and your choice of the seasonings. Using a fork, whisk, mixer or food processor, blend until smooth.
3. Transfer the egg-yolk mixture to a large food storage bag and twist the very tip of one of the corners. Very carefully snip just a little bit off the twisted end (about 1/8″). Or just get all out fancy and use a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the mixture (or squeeze the bag) into the centers of the egg white halves, with a twisting motion. Eggs can be refrigerated in an airtight container overnight, garnish at the last minute. Have fun with this one!
Enjoy!
Easy Spinach and Artichoke Dip (lite & healthy)
Be the hit of the party with this tasty, hot spinach artichoke appetizer. Everyone really love, love, LOVES this dish! Serve with tortilla chips, crusty French bread or go low-carb with celery sticks. I jazzed this delicious dip up a bit and added some red bell pepper, pepper jack cheese and little lemon/lime zest. I removed some calories by using lower fat ingredients and added a few more vegetables. If you like it hot and spicy (I sure do!) just add some cayenne, red chilis, red pepper flakes or even a jalapeno.
Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 small jars of marinated artichoke hearts
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced small
1 small can of water chestnuts (optional)
1/2 cup lite sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup lite mayonnaise
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
zest of one lemon or lime (optional)
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese (topping)
pinch of cayenne, red chilis, red pepper flakes, or jalapeno (optional)
Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a small casserole dish with non-stick spray.
Heat/defrost the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes, strain, then squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop.
Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir carefully with a rubber spatula and spread into the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded jack cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, crusty French bread or go low-carb with veggies and such, I like celery sticks.
Enjoy how easy this dip was to make…
Bon Appétit!
Perfect Popovers
Do you every have a craving for popovers? Well, I do. In fact, just the other day I was dreaming about the popovers from Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor. Or even the huge delicious popovers that Mom used to make. I really do love everything about popovers, from the crunchy outside to the chewy middle. For those of you new to this old classic. A popover is a hollow roll best served warm, slathered with butter and jam served hot from the oven…. ahh yes, the perfect popover!
*Another variation of the popover is called Yorkshire pudding… In American Food(1974), author Evan Jones writes: “Settlers from Maine who founded Portland, Oregon Americanized the pudding from Yorkshire by cooking the batter in custard cups lubricated with drippings from the roasting beef (or sometimes pork); another modification was the use of garlic, and frequently, herbs. The result is called Portland popover pudding: individual balloons of crusty meat-flavored pastry.”
Make your own Perfect Popovers….
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a popover (or muffin) tin. Place oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk (or use a mixer) eggs, milk, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Add to flour mixture, and whisk until combined.
Fill the popover cups two-thirds to three-quarters full.
Bake for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees, and bake until well browned and crusty, about 20 minutes. Remove popovers from the oven, and puncture the sides to let steam escape so they don’t collapse. Best served warm.
Simple Grilled, Baked or Broiled Salmon with Asparagus
One of my favorite foods has to be salmon. I love, love, love salmon. Is it the gorgeous color? That fabulous favor? Or all of those wonderful health benefits. Loaded with omega 3′s and vitamin D. Doctors say to eat salmon at least twice a week.
Here’s a 30 minute meal for you with 3 simple ways to prepare salmon: Baked, broiled or grilled. And a “how-to” on roasting asparagus. You’re going to LOVE these easy recipes as much as I do…
Do you have a salmon hater in your midst? My advice is to drown it in luscious lemony Hollandaise. Because everything tastes so better with Hollandaise sauce.
Do you have a favorite way to cook fish? Please share it with all of us in the comments section below. Any other cooking questions? Ask away, I’m always here to help…
Baked Wild-Caught Salmon
Instructions:
* Grilled: Light the grill. While the grill is heating, lay the (well oiled) salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Brush or spray the grilling rack with more oil (to keep the salmon from sticking). Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn very carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly un-cooked in the center, but don’t worry; it will continue cooking as it sits. Transfer the fish to a plate, skin side down. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes or so. Remove the skin before serving
* Baked: Place the salmon on one side of a large baking sheet; cover both sides of the fish with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and lots of salt and pepper. Toss asparagus with another 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper; and set aside. Place the salmon (skin side down) on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Add the asparagus and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
* Broiled: Adjust oven racks to lowest and upper-middle position. Place potatoes on bottom rack. Place salmon (skin side down) and asparagus on the upper rack, turn on the broiler, leave the oven door ajar and broil until salmon is just opaque and the edges are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish). The potatoes will need about 30 minutes. If you like asparagus less crisp, add it during the last 5-6 minutes.
Transfer salmon to a large platter; add asparagus to salmon roasting pan; continue to roast, along with potatoes, until bright green and just tender, 5 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Meanwhile, mix extra virgin olive oil, parsley, dill, capers and juice, scallions and lemon zest in a small bowl; set aside.
To serve…. Garnish with parsley, dill, and lemon wedges. Arrange potatoes, asparagus and vegetables on the platter with salmon. Serve immediately.
*Print the coupons, get shopping, and be sure to visit us on Facebook, and please leave us your comments below, and on Facebook for chances to win! The lucky winner will be announced on or around May 7, 2012. (my birthday!)
Here are a few holiday favorites, French Onion Soup, pop-overs and desserts. Enjoy! Ahhh… the aroma of homemade Gingerbread, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. I love, love, LOVE a deep, dark, delicious gingerbread, served with whipped cream, luscious lemon sauce, or simply sprinkled with confectioner sugar. One of our holiday favorites, this “old school” recipe dates back to Colonial times and has been updated to be healthier with whole wheat flour and spicier, loaded with lots of extra ginger. Just like Grandmother’s only better. A gingery gingerbread cake, whole-grain, less fat, less sugar and maybe just as magical…
Happy Holidays!
~Lisa xoxo
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or (sub. white whole wheat)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ginger, ground
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
1 cup blueberries (optional summer treat)
Dash of allspice (optional)
Dash of nutmeg (optional)
Dash of cloves (optional)
1/2 cup butter, Smart Balance, or apple sauce.
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
1 cup boiling water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease/spray and flour 2 (9″) round cake pans or a 9″ X 12″ rectangular pan.
Mix the dry ingredients in medium bowl; set aside.
Beat butter, brown sugar and molasses in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well mixed. Add eggs; beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with boiling water, beating on low-speed after each addition until smooth. If you’re using blueberries, add them now. Pour into prepared pan/s.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack.
Buy a little Christmas tree stencil or cut one out yourself. Sprinkle generously with confectioner’s sugar (I used a tiny fine mesh sieve). Serve with whipped cream and crystalized ginger, chopped. *Or enjoy some lemon sauce (below)…
* Optional Toppings:
2-3 cups whipped cream, flavor with vanilla and/or molasses
1 teaspoon of crystalized ginger, chopped (topping)
1 cup confectioners sugar for topping (optional)
Or, fresh lemon sauce, below:
Ingredients (lemon sauce):
1 large lemon, juice of
1 lemon zest, grated
1 1/4 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar, (or to taste)
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
Boil water; add lemon zest, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, sugar and salt together.
Add water slowly, whisking constantly.
Return to saucepan (and whisk) over medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Lower heat and simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
Remove from heat, and stir in fresh lemon juice and melted butter.
Best served warm, over gingerbread or even fish.
Enjoy!
Peppermint Bark (William’s-Sonoma Famous Recipe)
What’s better than deep dark chocolate, drizzled in creamy white chocolate infused with peppermint oil, and topped with crushed candy canes? Nothing. Here’s the world-famous “William’s Sonoma” recipe for classic Peppermint Bark. A well-loved holiday tradition in my family and I’m sure your family will love it too. Guaranteed to make your taste buds sing!
Happy Holidaze!
Ingredients:
12 ounces high quality chocolate chips or pieces
1 lb white chocolate chips pieces
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup peppermint candy canes, broken in tiny pieces
Directions:
Preheat oven to 250. Line a 9×13 pan with foil or parchment, letting it hang over the sides a bit, so you can remove the bark easier. Spray foil. Pour the chocolate chips or chocolate pieces in an even layer on the foil. Place in oven for 5 minutes or so, until almost melted. Remove from the oven, and smooth with an offset spatula or butter knife. Let cool (set-up) for an hour or more or (if you’re in a hurry) place in the fridge until cold and firm, about 15-20 minutes.
Melt the white chocolate chips, (or pieces) in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water (don’t let bottom of bowl touch water), until it’s almost melted. If you are daring, you can use your microwave in 50 second increments. Stir with a spatula until completely melted, stir in the peppermint oil/or extract. Let that cool a little bit so that it doesn’t melt the dark chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour the white chocolate over the dark layer, and working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes pressing it in just a bit). This really is a delicious way to use left-over candy canes.
Wait (or chill) until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan and break into pieces. I like to use a decorative tin for gift-giving or to store it but in won’t it last that long, trust me.
Enjoy!
French Onion Soup
I just made the most delicious French onion soup. It was very easy, so simple that I could be tempted to make a pot every week. There’s just everything to love about this scrumptious classic soup. I’m certain that it’s the divine combination of sweet caramelized onions, the rich aromatic broth, and the Swiss cheese. Oh, let’s talk about the cheese. Gruyère is the most delicious mild and smooth cheese, (a bit pricy, but well worth every penny!) Served-up all melted in the middle with crunchy bits around the bowl…
You’ll love this soup!
From Wikipedia; “Onion soups have been popular at least as far back as Roman times. They were, throughout history, seen as food for poor people, as onions were plentiful and easy to grow. The modern version of this soup originates in France in the 18century,[1]made from beef broth, and caramelized onions. It is often finished by being placed under a broiler in a ramekin traditionally with croutons and gruyère melted on top. The crouton on top is reminiscent of ancient soups (see History of Soup).”
Bon Appétit!
Ingredients:
10 medium yellow onions (about 4 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced.
In a large soup pot, toss together onions, oil, butter, sugar, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook on medium to low heat, uncovered; stirring every 30 minutes or so, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Deglaze the pan with the booze, then stir in broth and 4-5 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until liquid has darkened, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
To make the cheese toast: Heat broiler. Place sliced bread on a baking sheet; top with cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. We sometimes skip this step and place the toasted cheese topped bread on top of the soup filled bowl and broil (see photos). Be sure to use oven-proof bowls.
Or, ladle into bowls; topping each with two slices of pre-broiled cheese toast.
Enjoy!
Perfect Popovers
Do you every have a craving for popovers? Well, I do. In fact, just the other day I was dreaming about the popovers from Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor. Or even the huge delicious popovers that Mom used to make. I really do love everything about popovers, from the crunchy outside to the chewy middle. For those of you new to this old classic. A popover is a hollow roll best served warm, slathered with butter and jam served hot from the oven…. ahh yes, the perfect popover!
Bon Appétit!
*Another variation of the popover is called Yorkshire pudding… In American Food(1974), author Evan Jones writes: “Settlers from Maine who founded Portland, OregonAmericanized the pudding from Yorkshire by cooking the batter in custard cups lubricated with drippings from the roasting beef (or sometimes pork); another modification was the use of garlic, and frequently, herbs. The result is called Portland popover pudding: individual balloons of crusty meat-flavored pastry.”
Make your own Perfect Popovers….
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a popover (or muffin) tin. Place oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk (or use a mixer) eggs, milk, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Add to flour mixture, and whisk until combined.
Fill the popover cups two-thirds to three-quarters full.
Bake for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees, and bake until well browned and crusty, about 20 minutes. Remove popovers from the oven, and puncture the sides to let steam escape so they don’t collapse. Best served warm.
