4/14/12

Pancakes 4 Ways

I know I've posted about pancakes before.  But this time, I really mean it.

Since America's Test Kitchen is genius, my recipe deserved a makeover.

Don't worry, still healthier because they include buckwheat, so we're good on that front.

I know you were worried about that.

This morning I made plain, blueberry, raspberry and chocolate chip.  I ate well.

(adapted from America's Test Kitchen)
You'll Need:
- 1 + 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buckwheat flour (this stuff is so good for you!)
- 2 + 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter, cooled slightly
- blueberries, chocolate chips, raspberries (if you want)
- vegetable oil for pan

First.


Whisk together the lemon juice and milk, set aside.  Then, whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the egg to the milk mixture and whisk, then add butter...whisk again.  Add the wet to the dry and mix until there are very few lumps.



Second.


Heat skillet with vegetable oil, wipe out excess with a paper towel.  Once the pan is hot, add batter and desired fillings to the uncooked top of the cooking pancake. Flip, cook, eat.









4/9/12

Recent Accomplishments

Yeah...haven't posted anything substantial recently.  I will soon!

Here are just a few of my recent kitchen creations.

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Sliced


Tiramisu
Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Dark Chocolate Cake with Ganache Frosting


So, there is my review.

Recipes:
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Tiramisu
Carrot Cake
Dark Chocolate Cake

3/23/12

Greek Yogurt Dip

An easy recipe, because it's pretty obvious that I've been lazy lately.  I never post here.  I will do better! Promise.

So, this tastes great.  It's healthier than most dips and goes great with raw veggies, crackers or potato chips.

You'll Need:
- 6 oz. plain Greek yogurt (fat free FAGE)
- 3 tablespoons American Neufchâtel 
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (such as Sunny Paris and Green Goddess)
- Dash salt and pepper


First.  (and last)


Mix everything together in a small bowl vigorously, using a whisk.  I topped mine with chopped chives.







2/13/12

Healthy-ish Dessert: Mini Mocha Cheesecakes

I ripped this recipe out of my Everyday Food Magazine.  I've been meaning to make them.  I did.  You should too.

Seriously, only 174 calories and SO easy to make.  I repeat, SO easy to make. Get it? OK, good.

I added a Kahlua whipped cream to the original recipe.

You'll Need: (Makes 9)


For the Cheesecake:
-2 cups (16 oz.) Nonfat cottage cheese
-2 eggs
-1.5 cups confectioner's sugar
-1/3 cup cocoa powder
-1 Tablespoon + 1.5 teaspoons flour
-1.5 teaspoons espresso powder
-1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
-9 chocolate wafers (Nabisco's Famous)
-Muffin tin
-9 cupcake liners
-food processor

For the Whipped Cream:
-1/2 cup cream
-1 teaspoon Kahlua
-1 Tablespoon superfine sugar

First.


Line your muffin tin.  Preheat the oven to 275 (F).  Put everything in the food processor.




Second.


Give it a whirl until everything is fully combined and smooth.  May take several minutes.



Third. 


Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, distributing equally among the 9 liners.  Then put a wafer on top of each one.




Fourth.


Bake for about 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, leave them in the pan and let cool to room temperature.  Then transfer to the refrigerator and store until its time to eat! In the mean time, whip up the cream to soft peaks with sugar and Kahlua. Serve.  Enjoy.  Die of happiness and celebrate the fact that you can have at least 2, after all...only 174 calories!






Fact of the Matter: The Voice and The Bachelor...both on Mondays...decisions...


1/1/12

Food Trip: Shanghai

Haven't posted in a bit!

Here are some photos of the food I've eaten recently.  Explanations in captions.

Homemade Dumplings

Lots of them!

Delicious cooked dumplings

Spinach Rolls

Spicy Chicken

Cake

Dragon Fruit

Bitter Melon

Beef

Kung Pao Chicken

Eggplant

Tofu

Pickled Vegetables

Meat Ball Soup

Soup with Beef

Noodles with Shredded Beef & Chili Oil

Noodles with Shredded Chicken & Chili Oil

Salad

Soup & Salad

Rice

Garlicky Beef & Sprouts

Pineapple

Lemon Chicken

Soft-Shell Crab

Ice Cream

Hot Pot

Beef for Hot Pot

Quail Egg

Salmon & Pasta



Fact of the Matter:  Variety in food is the best.