All posts filed under: desserts

Shrimp Tacos and Chocolate Pudding

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Sounds funny – I know. But when someone asked me what I planned to do on V-day – I told them. Make Shrimp tacos and afterwards chocolate pudding. So here we go. What are your plans for V-day?

Puff Pastry Dessert Ideas

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I am not a fan of pie crust, or dough. I normally search for desserts and use puff pastry as the alternative base or staple. So this dessert is something I plan to try tonight. The only trouble is – I am also not a fan of frozen or otherwise strawberries. So glazed peaches or apricots are going to have to do in my household. INGREDIENTS 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, halved 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3-4 chamomile tea bags (optional, see note) 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt   {more here}  {Featured image and recipe full credit and source}

Fog, Puff Pastry and a Cup of Tea

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I woke up Tuesday feeling out of sorts – especially when I made quick turns or bend downward. It turned out I was having a Vertigo episode – which I’ve had for several years, where the world around me turns upside down and I am unable to find a solid ground to stand on. These Seabands help for sure to alleviate some of the symptoms, but a few days of rest and calmness is best, along with this exercise, in case you find your way in the same Titanic as me. The worst I think is the inability to focus, or, in my case, sounds and quick movements around me flare up my queasiness. Nevertheless, I have responsibilities, work, caring for my mother and an aging dog – so I am doing my best to stay solid. Ginger tea and lemongrass help apparently. I read also foods to avoid during an episode. So, with that long intro, I am going to effort this puff pasty at some point, maybe tomorrow, but figured I’d share the …

Dessert: Coconut Pie

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I woke up today craving all sorts of desserts – so you know where my mind was about dinner tonight – or maybe after dinner tonight: INGREDIENTS CRUST 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut 3/4 cup all purpose flour 1 tablespoon Domino® Golden Sugar 6 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed COCONUT FILLING 4 large egg yolks 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 (14 ounce) cans full fat coconut milk 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon Domino® Golden Sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons salted butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut 1 cup cold heavy cream zest of 1 lemon toasted coconut, for serving  {more here} Featured image and recipe source and full credit 

Food: Pasta Carbonara The Easy Way

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Pasta Carbonara, by far, is my favorite pasta dish. But I’ve always been a bit intimidated in making it at home for fear of not setting the eggy sauce correctly. So, every chance I get, while in a traditional Italian restaurant in San Francisco, or Italy 😉 – I order the dish – leaving the bountiful flavors in the hands of the chef. But, in light of our situation, and my fear of order take-out right now, I am attempting to make this dish for our Friday night dinner following this easy recipe. Ingredients and Step-by-Step: Go here 3 Tbsp. kosher salt, plus more 4 oz. guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl), pancetta (Italian bacon), or bacon 2 oz. Parmesan 4 large egg yolks 2 large eggs Freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 lb. spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni  {more} https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/simple-carbonara – step-by-step video For Dessert: Panna Cota  This recipe of Lemony Panna Cota, with Blackberry or in my household, raspberry sauceessert – Panna Cota

Mother’s Day Brunch At Home Or In The Garden

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Before this year’s restrictions on social gatherings – my mother preferred a family dinner at home instead of the going out. So the day would start with me buying an abundance of a flowers from the flower market and arranging them in different vases and placing them throughout her house.  Breakfast would consist of her favorite, crepes simply enjoyed with a dash of sugar and cinnamon, and some tea. Then for dinner, I’d make her favorite pasta dish, or roast, or chicken fajita – based on what she is craving. No gifts, just a classic film we’d watch together over dessert – a slice of lemon cake or ice cream, if our weather permits. So, this year is no different – at least in our household – where I will spend the day just like the years before.  And since we are all on a necessary lockdown, consider a brunch, maybe in the garden, where the family gets all dressed up, and use the finest china and silverware, and offer up mom a wonderful family …

Food: Valentine’s Day Desserts and Would You Eat Tacos Everyday

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So you’ve planned dinner for Valentine’s day but have no idea where to turn for desserts, and sure you’ve considered a ready made alternative, or perhaps discussed a personalized sweets of sorts. But have you considered making your own dessert, and really it doesn’t have to be only for Valentine’s day but for any special date night at home. Here are some of my favorite which are also the easiest to make – for the rest go here: Would you eat Tacos everyday – I would, if it was dinner for one, and I’d try all 42 of these taco recipes – which of course would be on rotation in my kitchen  

Food: Dinner Tonight- Spicy Eggplant Pasta

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I love eggplant and have incorporated the veggie in many pasta dishes, similar to this recipe I found online. Just a hint for the meat-lovers – you can saute and add ground Italian sausage to the mix and serve it up with freshly crated Parmesan cheese Ingredients  2 medium eggplants 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes or one 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, or 1 1/2 teaspoons dry oregano 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, plus extra for finishing 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil, plus extra for finishing 1 pound linguine pasta  {more}   Although I normally buy ready-made apple dumpling from Trader Joe with every visit, I have found a recipe here which I am going to try over the weekend.    {photo and recipe source}

Holiday Series: Vegan Pumpkin Mousse

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I am not a fan of pumpkin pie, or cake but I am a fan of pudding or mousse alternative, so I feel like this year, we are going to have this vegan pumpkin mousse on our dessert table for thanksgiving.  So easy to make and naturally spoon right out of the blender. Okay, no I’ll do my best to scoop the masterpiece into serving bowls for a more civilized way of indulging. Ingredients 1 cup (225g) full fat coconut yogurt or coconut cream* 1/2 cup (125g) pumpkin puree  1/4 cup (80g) maple syrup 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt  {more} On another healthier alternative to desserts – here’s a banana Chia pudding recipe – although this one I’m considering for breakfast come Sunday morning.  {featured image source and inspiration for this post}