I had big plans for making Christmas dinner at my mom’s house, but it didn’t happen. There was so much food left from Christmas Eve, that we didn’t bother making a big meal. We just snacked on what was there. So, I thought I could do some of it, but the mother-in-law had her own [...]
Posted by Becka on December 31st, 2009
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Posted by Becka on December 27th, 2009
Semester 1 is over!
The last day of this semester was December 21st, and I have been busy getting ready for Christmas instead of spending hours on my computer and writing posts. I am going to miss Chef Jones and we now move onto the cafeteria with Chef Sartain. I’m not sure what to think of him, he is [...]
Posted by Becka on December 27th, 2009
Rosemary Artichoke Spread
For my practical exam, finishing this semester I was left with making a dip or spread. After going back and forth, wasting precious time, I decided on artichoke dip with flat bread. We were not allowed recipes so I had to think back to the one time I had made it before and try to [...]
Posted by Becka on December 21st, 2009
Tons -o- Fudge
I have been making fudge at Christmas time for the last few years, but this year I think I went overboard. Usually it a batch with and without walnuts and a peanut butter one. Here are the types I made this year.
Walnut (two 9×9 pans)
Peanut Butter (two 9×9 pans)
White Chocolate/Cookies and Cream (one 9×9 pan)
Cherry [...]
Posted by Becka on December 17th, 2009
Mini-Tiramisu
Using appetizer spoons, assemble ladyfingers soaked in a simple syrup, topped with Marscarpone mousse, and a drizzle of chocolate.
Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 tsp instant coffee
1 tsp amaretto liqueur
Put sugar and water in saucepan and bring to a simmer, dissolving all the sugar. Remove from heat and add coffee and liqueur.
Marscarpone Mousse
3/4 lb Marscarpone [...]
Posted by Becka on December 14th, 2009
Chocolate Lava Cake
This dessert is meant to be partially under-cooked. When testing with a toothpick, the top should be set, but the middle come out still wet with batter.
10 oz bitter/semisweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
4 oz butter
1 tbsp coffee liqueur
Melt in a double boiler and cool slightly
4 eggs
4 yolks
5 oz sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 oz [...]
Posted by Becka on December 11th, 2009
A Basic Emulsified Vinaigrette Dressing
By using various vinegars and oils, you can create your own vinaigrette to fit your menu!
1 shallot, minced
1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/2 cup vinegar (including champagne, balsamic, red wine and others)
1 1/2 cup salad oil or mixture of salad oil and olive oil
1 tbsp water if needed
salt and pepper
Combine the shallot and mustard in a [...]
Posted by Becka on December 9th, 2009
Skillet Corn
Here is a recipe for a potentially spicy corn side dish. The proportions and types of peppers are as you desire.
These are approximate:
4 slices bacon
1-1/2 cup onion, small dice
1 cup red bell pepper, small dice
1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, small dice (or other spicy pepper)
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups corn frozen or canned
In large skillet, render [...]
Posted by Becka on December 5th, 2009
How to Blind Bake
Here are two methods to help keep your pie crust from bubbling up and becoming uneven.
Beans:
Cover your pie crust with parchment paper and fill with dried beans. I have also seen a product on Amazon that is small ceramic balls that do the same job.
Tin and Beans:
Place parchment paper on the pie crust, put another [...]
Posted by Becka on December 1st, 2009
I brought the bread for Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, I escaped having to make THE dinner. We had it at my mom’s house and she cooked it all. My only responsibility was to bring bread, but instead I made some fresh stuff. I used a “soft roll” recipe and made a seasoned butter to go with. I helped supervise everything as it [...]
