New Year, New Reflection 2011
On January 1, 2011 by sixtyacrebaker As I bask in the glory of this year a new and begin to reflect
with the muddled mind of late evening revelry and early morning rise
This day brings an opportunity to reset my course, confirm those gathered goods, and decide the next step of this fabulous journey called life
With you, I share three truths which will satellite my year
-I will not judge in disappointment, as I am confident I too fall short of expectations others place on me
-Rather than toss the years of the past I will carry them forward both as fond memories and retrospective caution
and finally,
– I will eat more fruit starting with this lemon meringue cake
Chocolate Covered Gingerbread
On December 19, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerIt has been quite some time since I have made gingerbread cookies. With all the excitement around gingerbread houses and gingerbread cakes, in our house, the cookies take a back seat.
But I had a special request for the holiday season, so I must oblige.
Twist.My.Arm
I dusted off my cookie cutter and scoured my recipe archives, and found a fun idea in Nancy Baggett’s All American Cookie Book
I slightly altered the recipe, only very slightly. I think the cookie benefits from a bit of honey, and that the glaze needs a nice chocolate bump.
Chocolate Glazed Gingerbread
(adapted from all american cookie book)
6 1/2 cups flour (plus more if needed)
2 Tbs ground cinnamon
2 Tbs ground ginger *
1 tsp ground cloves
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt *
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar *
1 cup unsalted butter–slightly softened
2 Tbs corn oil (or other flavorless oil)
1 1/4 cup molasses*
1/4 cup honey*
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and baking powder in a large bowl and set aside. In an electric mixer, beat together the brown sugar, butter, and oil until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, honey and 2 1/2 Tbs water until well blended. Beat in half the flour mixture until well blended. Stir in the remaining flour. knead the dough until it becomes smooth and shiny. If dough is too stiff, you may add a bit more water, if too sticky, add flour. Divide dough into three pieces. Roll each piece in between pieces of wax or parchment paper to 1/4″ thick. Place in the refrigerator to firm up (about 3 hours). When ready to use, peel back the parchment from both sides and using a cookie cutter, stamp out design. Bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet for approximately 6-12 minutes at 350F. Keep a close eye. Let cool, then dip in chocolate glaze
Chocolate Luster Glaze
1 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate–coarsely chopped and melted*
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
pinch kosher salt*
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder*
1/3 cup water
1 Tbs light or dark corn syrup*
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat the water and corn syrup in a sauce pan, over medium heat until it just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Sift together the powdered sugar, salt and cocoa powder. Stir the hot syrup/water into the powdered sugar mixture and beat by hand until smooth and shiny. Toss in the vanilla and melted chocolate and beat again until smooth. Dip cookies or use an offset spatula to frost. Let cookies sit a minimum of 3 hours to ensure they are set. Decorate as desired.
the ingredients marked by * have been altered, or added by yours truly.
Shrimp & Israeli Couscous Carbonara
On December 14, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerWe love carbonara around here. Black Pepper Rocks! It is a great go-to weeknight meal; it is quick and packed with goodies. Most of the ingredients are items I normally have in the larder.
I first learned about carbonara when I was in college”studying” in Italy a cooking instructor said it is what young people enjoy late-night after the cinema, or visiting with friends. We have Letterman, they have carbonara.
This recipe is an adaptation based on what I had on hand. Also, I just really love shrimp.
recipe
olive oil
1/3 cup onion–finely minced
1 1/3 cup
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
white wine or broth or water
15 shrimp (approx) (raw, shelled and deveined)
1 Tbs minced chive
1 Tbs black pepper
1 large egg
1/4 cup cream
parmesan cheese for serving
In a pot, pour a bit of olive oil–cooking over medium heat. Toss in onion and cook onion until it becomes translucent. Toss in the Israeli couscous and stir until it starts to brown a bit. Pour in the chicken stock, cover the pan and cook about 12 minutes or until the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Meanwhile, in a frying pan, cook the bacon until it just starts to crisp up. Add in a bit of liquid (wine, chicken broth or water) to slow the cooking and make a bit of a sauce. Don’t be
In a bowl whisk together the egg, black pepper, cream, and minced chive. All at once, toss in the hot couscous (the hot pasta will cook the egg but keep it creamy) and stir well. Add the warm shrimp and bacon and stir again. Serve immediately.
This will make a nice first course for 4 people or dinner for 2
Gingerbread Biscotti
On December 12, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerI love this biscotti.
All.Year.’Round
2 3/4 -3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup + 5tsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 Tbs molasses
2 Tbs butter–melted and cooled
2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 Tbs sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon mixed together
1 egg–gently whisked for glazing
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon
I use a little royal icing to mimic the gild of gingerbread people, but it isn’t necessary.
Game Hens with Patatas Bravas
On December 7, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerYesterday I was editing my photos from our trip to Spain and I came across this photo of patatas bravas; which we enjoyed surrounded by the bustle of La Rambla and a darling waiter whom was leaving fake euros under chair legs as a tease. He was getting much more joy from the fake-out than the actual and generous, I might add gratuity we left.
I immediately had a craving. Hubster is a meat and potato kind of guy and I am a potato and potato kind of girl. If I were making this just for me I would round this off with a glass of red wine and a good read, but such is not the case. I am accompanying them with cornish hen stuffed with creamy and herbed cheese. If you can’t find game hens, or you don’t like them, you can easily stuff a chicken breast or thigh with the cheese mixture.
cornish hen
2 cornish game hens–cleaned and dried
1/4 cup chevre–room temp
1/2 cup cream cheese–room temp
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic-pulverized to paste
1 Tbs chopped fresh chive
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
Mix together the chevre, cream cheese, pepper, garlic, chive, and parsley. Split into two portions and stuff into the cavity of each hen; truss it up. Place in a roasting dish and squeeze lemon juice over the hens, then toss the lemon into the roasting pan. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the hens, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in 400F oven for about 30-40 minutes (depending on size).
Patatas Bravas
2 russet potatoes–peeled and cut into chunks
olive oil
AIOLI
1 large egg yolk
3 cloves garlic–finely chopped
2 tsp lemon
1/4 tsp salt
pinch sugar or drizzle of honey
1/4 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
1/2 cup olive oil
Place potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Boil until you can easily pierce– do not overcook. Drain and let cool. Make sure they are dry. Heat oil in a heavy pot and fry potatoes in oil until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and serve with aioli.
FOR AIOLI–place egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, salt, sugar or honey, paprika, and cayenne (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle the olive oil until it comes together like a thin mayonnaise. Taste for spice.
NOTE: If there is NO WAY you are going to make aioli or don’t want to use raw eggs…then do this: put 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 large garlic clove–crushed to a paste), 1 tsp lemon juice, pinch sugar, 1/2 tsp paprika, and as much cayenne as you like in a blender and whirl it until everything is really smooth. This will taste delicious!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
On November 18, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerMy two best finds in England? Becky and sticky toffee pudding. Becky is a Brit and a cherished friend. She is also whip-smart and has a laugh that fills a room. I was reminded of that last week. Mike and I met up with Becky for lunch whilst in London on a visit. Such a treat!
I was also reminded of the first time I’d eaten sticky toffee pudding. It was Becky’s birthday and I had strong-armed my way into a reservation at the, then, most popular spot in town, The Ivy. I may have insinuated that I was a food writer. I can’t remember. It was 10 years ago and not entirely a lie; my diary is loaded with food descriptions…as far back as the 6th grade. I have since eaten sticky toffee pudding hundreds of times but none have been as good. The Ivy didn’t invent it but they sure did perfect it. Almost. I have made a few additions to their recipe along the way that give it a bit of a kick, a more modern flavor if you will but it is them and Becky that I have to thank. I was one small fib away from never knowing the beauty of sticky toffee pudding
For my final, in culinary school, I made sticky toffee pudding into a composed dessert with bourbon hard sauce and cocoa nib tuile all wrapped in a caramelized sugar cage. It was beautiful and earned me high marks but way too fussy for everyday enjoyment. This recipe is not complicated, but it is a bit time-consuming. It takes a bit of advanced planning, but I promise, it is worth it.
sticky toffee pudding
ADAPTED FROM THE IVY COOKBOOK
for the date puree
375gr stoned dates
375ml water
1/2 inch knob of peeled ginger kept whole
Simmer the dates and ginger in the water over low heat about 15 minutes until they are very soft and the water has almost evaporated. Remove the knob of ginger and discard. process the remaining water and dates until very smooth.
for the toffee sauce
640 ml heavy cream
340 gr granulated sugar
130 gr corn syrup (optional)
130 gr unsalted butter
generous pinch of kosher salt
1 tsp vanilla
Pour half the cream, sugar, corn syrup (if using), butter and salt into a thick-bottomed pan and mix well. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon, and continue to boil until it is golden brown. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the remaining cream and vanilla. Set aside.
for the sponge
130 g unsalted butter–room temperature
375 g dark brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
450 gr bread flour
10 gr baking powder
3 gr baking soda
3 gr kosher salt
1/8 tsp ground clove
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
Grease and line a baking tin measuring approximately 30x24x6cm, with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, clove, ginger, and cardamom. In a mixer cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, do not allow the mixture to separate. If it does, add a bit of flour to bind it back together. Add vanilla. Scrape the sides of the bowl and beat until the mixture is smooth. Fold in flour mixture until smooth. Add the warm date puree and mix well. Spread in prepared tin and bake for about 45-50 minutes at 350. Use a cake tester to ensure you do not overbake.
To assemble
Once cooled, remove the cake from the tin and trim the edges. Slice horizontally into 3 and reassemble in the baking tin, spreading two-thirds of the sauce between layers. Just before you are ready to serve, place the cake back in a 350 oven for about 15 minutes, then cut into equal servings. Top with remaining toffee sauce. You can serve with softly whipped cream, creme fraiche, soured cream or ice cream.
**You can also make these into cupcakes. Bake as normal and before they are completely cooled, poke holes in them and pour in the toffee sauce. Allow it to seep in and pool on top. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
The Holy Grail
On November 10, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerWe landed in Valencia, Spain and our first stop was at the cathedral to see what is reported to be The Holy Grail.
We then walked up the tower; 207 stairs going up and 207 stairs going down.
Difficult, uneven steps.
Before we journeyed upwards, I noticed, in the corner of the cathedral square, a shop called Valor. For those in the know, Valor is an amazing chocolatier and I knew my prize for the journey.
a holy grail of culinary sorts
A warm cup of cocoa; small and pure from a single source and almost too much to take; so chocolaty, and amazing I had to order a bit of cream to chase it with. So American.
If perchance you are in Valencia and find yourself looking for the Holy Grail, you too can get two for one.
Sweet Barcelona
On November 5, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerJust a little bit of what we found on our walkabout town this evening. Just off La Rambla sits La Boqueria where they sell beautiful produce, meats, fish, and my favorite of all sweets. Beautiful, tasty sweets. Enjoy I know I did.
Granola Pancakes
On November 4, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerI’m not sure why I seem to believe that every time I make and/or eat pancakes it is a blog-worthy event. Even I am beginning to tire of me*grin*.
But listen, the reason these pancakes are so special is that they were inspired by breakfast at a general store in Noank, Connecticut. when we walked into Carson’s General Store, it was like walking back in time.
In this fairytale town adjacent to Mystic, we sat at a small table at the back of the store watching the old-timers in their morning ritual of chatting and collecting their daily read. Carafes of coffee emptied as the village crier did her position proud. This family-owned spot is over a 100 years old makes a damn fine granola pancake. This is NOT the recipe, because that is one piece of gossip they wouldn’t tell. I came up with my own facsimile….which is a bit less fluffy because I’m a less fluff and more substance kind of gal.
Granola Pancakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3-1/2 cup dark brown sugar (i use less sugar because we use a lot of maple syrup around here, and I don’t like them getting too sweet)
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup (approx) granola
butter or pan spray for cooking
Mix all ingredients except the granola together and let rest for about 30 minutes. After you pour the batter to the desired shape/size sprinkle granola across the top–it will cause the pancake to spread a bit. Cook as normal and flip when ready. serve with a bit of butter and lots of maple syrup.
I love you a bushel and a peck
On September 16, 2010 by sixtyacrebakerNothing says autumn like a basket of just-picked crunchy, barely-sweet apples; imperfect, in need of a good shine courtesy of my shirt sleeve.
There is little I can resist the fall colors begin to show in most of the country.
yet
Here I sit in Southern California adjusting my air conditioning , wishing I were elsewhere.
Last week Mike and iI were in Connecticut, taking in the beauty of New England from our perch in a historic lighthouse. Late mornings spent driving windy back roads in search of antique shops and roadside stands. One morning, we stumbled upon an old cider mill.
It looked like a movie location for movies they don’t really make anymore. Being September, it was too early in the season which meant we couldn’t watch the mill in action, but as a consolation prize they served freshly made donuts. I’d show you a photo, but eating and shooting are difficult. Eating wins out every time. They were pretty goodbut not real apple-y and I like apple-y
In these instances, I am problematic. I began obsessing and articulating and talking about what I like about apple donuts and why apple fritters are actually better than donuts because of the apple pieces, and on and on and on. By the time we got back to the kitchen, with cider and apples in hand, I had a plan.
Apple Fritters
Apples
1 cup crisp apples–cut in a 1/4″ dice
1 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs lemon juice
pinch cardamom
pinch nutmeg
pinch cinnamon
mix together in a bowl and let sit while you do your preparations
for the batter
Batter
1 cup apple cider
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 Tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs unsalted butter–melted
2 large eggs
oil for frying
Simmer the apple cider on the stove until it is reduced to 1/4 cup, and let cool.
Heat your oil in a sturdy deep pot, to 360F. your oil should be deep enough so the fritter can float, but you must also have at least 3″ between the top of the pot and the top of the oil.
Meanwhile, place all your dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Make a well in the center and pour in milk, vanilla, butter, cider and eggs. Slowly stir together, making sure all ingredients are incorporated, but do not beat. Stir in the apple and any juices that may have accumulated. You can make these small or big, the process is the same. Drop into hot oil and then using a spatula poke it a few times to flatten it a bit and give it some nooks and crannies. Fry until golden brown, then flip and continue until both sides are equally colored. Remove from oil and place on a cooling rack, placed over a sheet pan.
Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp agar agar powder (optional)
2 Tbs (more or less) cider
mix together in a shallow bowl. when the fritters are still warm, but not too hot to touch, dip in the glaze. Serve warm or room temp.