I want something snacky!
Who hasn't thought that a few times? For those who, like me, love dessert, here are six yummy dessert recipes that are sure to be a hit, including Chocolate Dump-It Cake and Whole Roasted Pineapples. Enjoy!
COLD CANDIED ORANGES
This is from Gabrielle Hamilton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Gabrielle wrote, "Slowly poaching fresh, firm seedless oranges in a light sugar syrup is a simple yet magical kind of alchemy. You still end up with oranges, yes, but now they are glistening jewels — cooked but juicy, candied but fresh, bitter but sweet — that make an uncommonly elegant and refreshing dessert after a heavy winter meal. These cold candied oranges keep up to a month in the refrigerator, and any that are left over can be delicious with thick yogurt in the morning, or beside a cup of mint tea in the afternoon. But in every case, they are most bracing and most delicious when super cold."
Yield: 6 candied oranges; Time: 2 hours, plus curing and cooling
This was featured in "End Your Meal Elegantly With Candied Oranges", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020812-cold-candied-oranges.
Note: I highly recommend going to the "featured in" article. I found it to be a short but fascinating read.
Ingredients
6 firm, juicy, seedless oranges with thin skins (recently I’ve been using Cara Cara oranges), no bigger than a baseball
6 cups granulated sugar
Preparation
Bring a stainless-steel pot of water to a boil. (It should be large enough to hold the oranges submerged.)
Wash and dry the oranges, and channel from stem to navel at 1/2-inch intervals, removing strips of peel while leaving the pith intact, until the oranges resemble those onion domes on Russian churches. (You need a good, sharp channeler, not a tiny-toothed zester for this one.)
Place the oranges and their long, fat threads of channeled peel into the boiling water, and reduce to a simmer. Cover the oranges with a lid one size too small for the pot, to keep them submerged. Let them blanch for about 25 minutes to remove the harshest edge of their bitter nature. They should swell and soften but not collapse or split.
Remove the oranges and zest from the simmering water with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Dump out the blanching water, and return the dry pot to the stove.
In that same pot, combine the sugar with 6 cups water; bring the sugar water to a boil over medium-high, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, then allow to gently boil, and reduce for 10 minutes, uncovered. You want some water to evaporate and for the syrup to take on a little body.
Carefully place blanched oranges and zest into the sugar syrup, and reduce heat to a very slow, lethargic simmer. Cover oranges with a parchment circle cut slightly larger than the circumference of the pot (by 1 inch is enough), then place the too-small lid on top of the parchment on top of the oranges, to keep them fully submerged (and sealed under the parchment) in the sluggishly simmering syrup.
Cook the oranges in the syrup for about 45 minutes, checking on them frequently to keep the temperature quite slow and stable, until they take on a high gloss and appear vaguely translucent and jewel-like. (We have several induction burners that come with features that can hold a temperature, and I leave the oranges at around 170 degrees for most of the candying, sometimes with a little bump up to 180. But without a thermometer or an induction burner, just a visual slow, slow, slow bubble is a good cue.)
Cool oranges and peels in their syrup for a full 24 hours before serving. This kind of “cures” them. They get even better after 48 hours. First, you’ll want to let them cool at room temperature until no longer warm to the touch, at least 4 hours, then refrigerate them until thoroughly chilled. The oranges last refrigerated for 1 month as long as they are submerged in that syrup.
Serve very cold. Eat the whole thing, skin and all, with a knife and fork. It’s like a half glacéed fruit and half fresh fruit — refreshing, tonic, digestive and so great after dinner.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This is from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Amanda wrote, "A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it."
Yield: 10 servings; Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
This was featured in "Food Diary; Personal Best", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
11/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan (Tip: Be meticulous, and really work the butter and flour into the crevices of the pan. This is a moist cake, so it really needs a well-prepared pan to keep it from sticking).
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
LEMON POUND CAKE
This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Add a splash of sunshine to any spring brunch or dessert spread with this bright lemon pound cake. Yellow cake mix is combined with cream cheese and grated lemon peel for a pound cake that’s rich in flavor and bursting with refreshing citrus notes. With just six simple ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this lemon pound cake recipe when you want to bake something homemade, but don’t have all day to do it."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup water or milk
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
3 eggs
1/4 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy lemon frosting
Directions
Heat oven to 325°F. Generously spray bottom only of 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray with flour.
In medium bowl, beat cake mix, cream cheese, water, grated lemon peel and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack or heatproof serving plate. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until frosting is thin enough to drizzle; stir. Spoon frosting evenly over cake, allowing frosting to drip down sides.
Expert Tips
If you have leftover cake, cut it into slices and place individually in sandwich-size food-storage plastic bags. Seal bags and freeze. You'll have a quick treat when you need it!
For added lemon flavor, sprinkle some extra grated lemon peel over the cake.
For a different look, cut your cake into wedges instead of traditional slices.
This elegant pound cake makes a wonderful hostess gift for any dinner party.
SOUR CREAM BANANA BARS
This comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Butter, softened
2 Eggs
1 1/2 cup Bananas, mashed, 3 large
2 tsp Vanilla
2 cup Flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 cup Nuts, chopped
Directions
Mix sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs in large mixing bowl on low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 1 minute. Beat in banana and vanilla on low speed, 30 seconds. Beat in flour and baking soda on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 1 minute. Stir in nuts. Spread dough in greased and floured jelly roll pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes in preheated 375F oven. When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 3 oz pkg cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, 1 T milk and 1 tsp vanilla until creamy. Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
DOUBLETREE SIGNATURE COOKIE
This came from the DoubleTree by Hilton's newsroom. The recipe begins, "For the first time ever, DoubleTree by Hilton is sharing the official bake-at-home recipe for the brand’s beloved and delicious chocolate chip cookie, so at-home bakers can create the warm and comforting treat in their own kitchens." Makes 26 cookies
To view this online, go to https://newsroom.hilton.com/static-doubletree-reveals-cookie-recipe.htm.
Ingredients
1/2 pound butter, softened (2 sticks)
3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cinnamon
2-2/3 cups Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-3/4 cups chopped walnuts
Directions
Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice, blending with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl.
With mixer on low speed, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, blending for about 45 seconds. Don’t overmix.
Remove bowl from mixer and stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Portion dough with a scoop (about 3 tablespoons) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.
Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for about 1 hour.
Cook’s note: You can freeze the unbaked cookies, and there’s no need to thaw. Preheat oven to 300°F and place frozen cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.
WHOLE ROASTED PINEAPPLES
This was in an article titled "Vision Quest, Recipes for Eye Health" in the July 2020 issue of Taste for Life (page 15).
I had picked up a copy of Taste for Life at Rollin' Oats, a Florida health food store with two locations (Tampa and St. Petersburg). Since I live close to the St. Pete store, I try to go there as often as possible (though not often enough, as far as I'm concerned). If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest giving them a try.
This recipe has a prep time of 30 minutes and serves 6.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp coconut sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 pineapples, peeled
To Garnish
Toasted coconut flakes
Dairy-free ice cream
Fresh mint
Maple syrup
Lime zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add coconut sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to a small bowl and mix together.
Place a large non-stick pan over a medium heat and add coconut oil. When hot, add whole peeled pineapples. Turn pineapples so they color on all sides. Sprinkle over sugar mixture while they are cooking.
When pineapples are golden, place them onto a baking sheet and then into over for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once pineapples are baked, carve them at the table. Serve with toasted coconut flakes, ice cream, fresh mint, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a little lime zest.
Showing posts with label Chocolate Dump-It Cake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chocolate Dump-It Cake. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Desserts
Okay, first things first: I've started a Kickstarter campaign to film an hour-long documentary, titled Another Day in Paradise. To check out the campaign - and possibly be a backer! (hint, hint) - check it out here.
And now for today's six yummy vegetarian dessert recipes. Enjoy!
PEAR SNACKING CAKE WITH BROWN BUTTER GLAZE
This is from Melissa Clark, in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This moist and tender cake has a similar texture to pumpkin or banana bread, with a delicate pear flavor scented with nutmeg and a touch of clove. But the real star is the brown butter glaze, which is nutty and rich, tasting a little like butterscotch, with a strong vanilla sweetness. The cake keeps well when stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the glaze will lose its snap from the chill. Or, bake the cake ahead, then glaze it a few hours before serving for the best texture. You can freeze the unglazed cake as well, up to a month ahead.” Yield: 12 servings.
This was featured in “A Snacking Cake Packed With Pears”, and can be viewed online here. (Note: I love the video that went with “A Snacking Cake…”. You’ll have to wait through a 15-second-ish ad, but the video is worth watching.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature, more to grease the pan
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs, at room temperature
4 large pears (2 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and shredded or finely chopped (to yield 2 1/2 cups)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
For the Brown Butter Glaze:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Prepare the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-2-inch square or 9-inch-round pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars, baking powder, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves and baking soda and beat for 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
With the mixer on low, beat in half the pears, and then beat in the flour until smooth. Beat in remaining pears, then the oats, beating until well incorporated. Beat in nuts.
Spread batter in the prepared pan and bake until the top springs back when lightly pressed in the center of the cake, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter, then let it simmer until the foam on top falls to the bottom of the pot and turns brown, about 3 minutes. It will smell nutty and rich when it’s ready.
Whisk in brown sugar until it dissolves. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla and salt until you’ve got a thick glaze with the texture of hot fudge sauce. Spread this over the cooled cake. Let the glaze set for at least 2 hours before serving.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
DEVIL’S FOOD MARSHMALLOW CUPCAKES
This comes from Nichelle Stephens, About.com’s Cupcakes expert. Nichelle wrote, “Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Cocoa Cremes are the chocolate snack cakes that have been the dessert for kids and adults lunches for decades. However, there's a better way to get a chocolate fix by baking the cakes from scratch. The essential components are chocolate cupcake, marshmallow filling and chocolate ganache frosting.
“Tip: An easy way to make chocolate ganache is to use chocolate candy melts. I have used Chocoley's Bada Bing dark chocolate candy melts.
“This chocolate cupcake recipe is from the cookbook, Home Baked Comfort by Kim Laidlaw.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 18 cupcakes
To view this online, click here.
Note: I know that marshmallows are technically not vegetarian fare. I Googled marshmallow fluff and the closest I came to any ingredient list is that it does contain egg whites. I also discovered that there's a vegan equivalent called Ricemellow Creme by Suzanne's Specialties. I had never heard of it until checking out the marshmallow cream, so I can't say yea or nay about it. However, I'm thinking that I need to check it out so that I can let you know what I think. If anyone has used Ricemellow Cream – or anything else by Suzanne's Specialties – let me know, and I pass along your comments (unless you'd rather I don't; just let me know “this is for your info only”). In the meantime, I'll keep this recipe here.
Ingredients
Devil’s Food Cupcakes
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cream Filling
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup of dark chocolate candy melts
6 tbsp of heavy cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Place one 12 cupcake cavity and one 6 cavity pan with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder into the boiling water. Let cool to lukewarm, then whisk in the buttermilk. In a small bowl, pour the cocoa powder into the boiling water and whisk. Let cool and set aside. Using another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, use the attachment to butter and sugars together on medium until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the vanilla along with the final egg. Reduce speed to low to add the dry ingredients ins 3 additions alternately with the cocoa buttermilk mixture in 2 additions. Beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Use a scoop to divide the batter evenly into 18 wells of the baking pans.
Bake until the cupcakes are puffed and slightly springy to the touch and toothpick inserted into one of the cupcakes comes out clean which will be about 20 minutes. Let cool in pans for about 5 minutes. Then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the filling, in the mixing bowl, sift the sugar over the butter. Use the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla and cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
Using a paring knife or an apple corer, create a hollow about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hollow with a spoonful of the filling.
To make the ganache, in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water in a saucepan. Melt the butter and chocolate with the corn syrup and cream, stirring constantly with a whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Spread the filled cupcakes with the ganache. The filled and frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
COCONUT LAYER CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This impressive and wonderfully moist layer cake is less sweet than the usual coconut affair, thanks to a tangy cream cheese frosting on top and dose of orange juice in the batter. This is a great dessert to make in advance. You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days ahead and store them, well-wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. The frosted cake will keep for 2 days in the fridge as well, either under a cake dome or overturned bowl, or loosely tented with foil. Just make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving.” Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Time: 2 hours, plus cooling.
This was featured in “A Sugar Rush, Not Crush”, and can be viewed online here.
Also, to find more layer cakes, click here. Also, check out Melissa’s guide, “How to Frost a Cake”.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, separated, plus 3 whites
1 1/2 cups cream of coconut
1 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons coconut or dark rum
7 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
For the Frosting:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 1/4 cups/2 pounds confectioners’ sugar
2 3/4 cups unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut, toasted
Preparation
Make the Cake:
Grease 3 8-inch cake pans and dust with flour. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl and reserve. Place butter and sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl with spatula. Lower speed and gradually add flour mixture. Batter will be thick and pasty.
Whisk together cream of coconut, coconut milk, rum and orange juice. Alternately add shredded coconut and the orange juice mixture to the batter.
In the clean bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip 6 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Cool in pans on wire rack. Unmold cakes once cool.
Make the Frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, scraping down sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Mix until combined and fluffy.
Spread 1/4-inch-thick layer of frosting on top of the first layer of cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Place next cake layer on top and repeat with frosting and coconut. Repeat with the third layer, spreading frosting on top and around sides of cake. Hold cake steadily in one hand and use other hand to pat remaining coconut onto edges of cake.
NAKED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Here’s part of what Audra wrote: “My favorite basic chocolate cake is layered with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy peanut butter frosting. I chose to make a naked cake because I’m so obsessed with the look of them, but many different options would work for this. The cake could be made in a bundt pan with the frosting slathered on and the ganache poured on top. Or, you could frost it more traditionally, frosting it all perfectly smooth and then once again pouring the ganache on top. Whatever you decide, if you are a chocolate/peanut butter lover I know you’ll adore this cake.” Yield: 10-12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 and 1/4 cups sugar
2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
4 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
12 tablespoons of butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Ganache:
4.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
peanut butter cups to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease and flour your cake pans, lining with a circle of parchment paper. (This can be 6, 8 or 9 inch pans, I would use at least 3 pans if doing 6 inch though.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Stir in the water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs, continue to stir until batter is smooth.
Divide batter amongst the pans and bake for 25-35 mins, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
For the Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer on the stove-top, and then pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before using. (I pop mine in the fridge or freezer.
For the Frosting:
Cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
To assemble:
Using a serrated knife, level each cake layer, slicing off the "domed" top to make it even. Place the bottom later on a piece of parchment paper on a cake turntable (if you have one.)
Spread a layer of ganache over the first layer of cake, sticking it into the fridge or freezer if needed to firm it up. (I stuck the whole cake into the fridge between each frosting layer.)
Follow with a layer of frosting, then another layer of cake, more ganache, more frosting etc. Add some frosting to the outside of the cake, smoothing with a spatula. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
Notes:
* Base cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
PINEAPPLE COBBLER
From Vegetarian Times, January/February 2012 issue, p. 65. This recipe begins, "Pineapples and dates create a luscious filling for this dessert. Experiment with different fruit juices and with dried fruits other than dates." Serves 9.
To view this online, click here.
Filling
5 cups fresh pineapple cubes
1 cup coconut-pineapple juice or unsweetened pineapple juice
1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom or allspice
Topping
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2cup all-purpose or whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup coconut-pineapple juice or unsweetened pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar, optional
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom or nutmeg
1/4 cup vegan margarine
3 Tbs. coconut or safflower oil
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
To make Filling: Stir together pineapple cubes, juice, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 10 minutes, or until dates begin to break apart, stirring frequently.
To make Topping: Combine oats, flour, juice, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, and cardamom in large bowl. Melt margarine and oil in small saucepan. Stir margarine mixture into oats mixture.
Spoon Filling into prepared baking dish. Spread Topping over Filling, and bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until Topping is golden brown.
nutritional information Per 2/3-cup serving: Calories: 264; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 37 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 26 g
And now for today's six yummy vegetarian dessert recipes. Enjoy!
PEAR SNACKING CAKE WITH BROWN BUTTER GLAZE
This is from Melissa Clark, in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This moist and tender cake has a similar texture to pumpkin or banana bread, with a delicate pear flavor scented with nutmeg and a touch of clove. But the real star is the brown butter glaze, which is nutty and rich, tasting a little like butterscotch, with a strong vanilla sweetness. The cake keeps well when stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the glaze will lose its snap from the chill. Or, bake the cake ahead, then glaze it a few hours before serving for the best texture. You can freeze the unglazed cake as well, up to a month ahead.” Yield: 12 servings.
This was featured in “A Snacking Cake Packed With Pears”, and can be viewed online here. (Note: I love the video that went with “A Snacking Cake…”. You’ll have to wait through a 15-second-ish ad, but the video is worth watching.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature, more to grease the pan
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs, at room temperature
4 large pears (2 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and shredded or finely chopped (to yield 2 1/2 cups)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
For the Brown Butter Glaze:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Prepare the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-2-inch square or 9-inch-round pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars, baking powder, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves and baking soda and beat for 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
With the mixer on low, beat in half the pears, and then beat in the flour until smooth. Beat in remaining pears, then the oats, beating until well incorporated. Beat in nuts.
Spread batter in the prepared pan and bake until the top springs back when lightly pressed in the center of the cake, 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter, then let it simmer until the foam on top falls to the bottom of the pot and turns brown, about 3 minutes. It will smell nutty and rich when it’s ready.
Whisk in brown sugar until it dissolves. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla and salt until you’ve got a thick glaze with the texture of hot fudge sauce. Spread this over the cooled cake. Let the glaze set for at least 2 hours before serving.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
DEVIL’S FOOD MARSHMALLOW CUPCAKES
This comes from Nichelle Stephens, About.com’s Cupcakes expert. Nichelle wrote, “Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Cocoa Cremes are the chocolate snack cakes that have been the dessert for kids and adults lunches for decades. However, there's a better way to get a chocolate fix by baking the cakes from scratch. The essential components are chocolate cupcake, marshmallow filling and chocolate ganache frosting.
“Tip: An easy way to make chocolate ganache is to use chocolate candy melts. I have used Chocoley's Bada Bing dark chocolate candy melts.
“This chocolate cupcake recipe is from the cookbook, Home Baked Comfort by Kim Laidlaw.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 18 cupcakes
To view this online, click here.
Note: I know that marshmallows are technically not vegetarian fare. I Googled marshmallow fluff and the closest I came to any ingredient list is that it does contain egg whites. I also discovered that there's a vegan equivalent called Ricemellow Creme by Suzanne's Specialties. I had never heard of it until checking out the marshmallow cream, so I can't say yea or nay about it. However, I'm thinking that I need to check it out so that I can let you know what I think. If anyone has used Ricemellow Cream – or anything else by Suzanne's Specialties – let me know, and I pass along your comments (unless you'd rather I don't; just let me know “this is for your info only”). In the meantime, I'll keep this recipe here.
Ingredients
Devil’s Food Cupcakes
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Cream Filling
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
1 cup of dark chocolate candy melts
6 tbsp of heavy cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Place one 12 cupcake cavity and one 6 cavity pan with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder into the boiling water. Let cool to lukewarm, then whisk in the buttermilk. In a small bowl, pour the cocoa powder into the boiling water and whisk. Let cool and set aside. Using another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, use the attachment to butter and sugars together on medium until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the vanilla along with the final egg. Reduce speed to low to add the dry ingredients ins 3 additions alternately with the cocoa buttermilk mixture in 2 additions. Beat until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Use a scoop to divide the batter evenly into 18 wells of the baking pans.
Bake until the cupcakes are puffed and slightly springy to the touch and toothpick inserted into one of the cupcakes comes out clean which will be about 20 minutes. Let cool in pans for about 5 minutes. Then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the filling, in the mixing bowl, sift the sugar over the butter. Use the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the marshmallow fluff, vanilla and cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
Using a paring knife or an apple corer, create a hollow about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hollow with a spoonful of the filling.
To make the ganache, in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water in a saucepan. Melt the butter and chocolate with the corn syrup and cream, stirring constantly with a whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Spread the filled cupcakes with the ganache. The filled and frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
COCONUT LAYER CAKE
This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa wrote, “This impressive and wonderfully moist layer cake is less sweet than the usual coconut affair, thanks to a tangy cream cheese frosting on top and dose of orange juice in the batter. This is a great dessert to make in advance. You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days ahead and store them, well-wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. The frosted cake will keep for 2 days in the fridge as well, either under a cake dome or overturned bowl, or loosely tented with foil. Just make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving.” Yield: 8 to 12 servings; Time: 2 hours, plus cooling.
This was featured in “A Sugar Rush, Not Crush”, and can be viewed online here.
Also, to find more layer cakes, click here. Also, check out Melissa’s guide, “How to Frost a Cake”.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, separated, plus 3 whites
1 1/2 cups cream of coconut
1 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons coconut or dark rum
7 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
For the Frosting:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 1/4 cups/2 pounds confectioners’ sugar
2 3/4 cups unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut, toasted
Preparation
Make the Cake:
Grease 3 8-inch cake pans and dust with flour. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl and reserve. Place butter and sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment and beat until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl with spatula. Lower speed and gradually add flour mixture. Batter will be thick and pasty.
Whisk together cream of coconut, coconut milk, rum and orange juice. Alternately add shredded coconut and the orange juice mixture to the batter.
In the clean bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip 6 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Cool in pans on wire rack. Unmold cakes once cool.
Make the Frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, scraping down sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Mix until combined and fluffy.
Spread 1/4-inch-thick layer of frosting on top of the first layer of cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Place next cake layer on top and repeat with frosting and coconut. Repeat with the third layer, spreading frosting on top and around sides of cake. Hold cake steadily in one hand and use other hand to pat remaining coconut onto edges of cake.
NAKED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Here’s part of what Audra wrote: “My favorite basic chocolate cake is layered with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy peanut butter frosting. I chose to make a naked cake because I’m so obsessed with the look of them, but many different options would work for this. The cake could be made in a bundt pan with the frosting slathered on and the ganache poured on top. Or, you could frost it more traditionally, frosting it all perfectly smooth and then once again pouring the ganache on top. Whatever you decide, if you are a chocolate/peanut butter lover I know you’ll adore this cake.” Yield: 10-12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 and 1/4 cups sugar
2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
4 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
12 tablespoons of butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Ganache:
4.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
peanut butter cups to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease and flour your cake pans, lining with a circle of parchment paper. (This can be 6, 8 or 9 inch pans, I would use at least 3 pans if doing 6 inch though.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Stir in the water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs, continue to stir until batter is smooth.
Divide batter amongst the pans and bake for 25-35 mins, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
For the Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer on the stove-top, and then pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before using. (I pop mine in the fridge or freezer.
For the Frosting:
Cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
To assemble:
Using a serrated knife, level each cake layer, slicing off the "domed" top to make it even. Place the bottom later on a piece of parchment paper on a cake turntable (if you have one.)
Spread a layer of ganache over the first layer of cake, sticking it into the fridge or freezer if needed to firm it up. (I stuck the whole cake into the fridge between each frosting layer.)
Follow with a layer of frosting, then another layer of cake, more ganache, more frosting etc. Add some frosting to the outside of the cake, smoothing with a spatula. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
Notes:
* Base cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
PINEAPPLE COBBLER
From Vegetarian Times, January/February 2012 issue, p. 65. This recipe begins, "Pineapples and dates create a luscious filling for this dessert. Experiment with different fruit juices and with dried fruits other than dates." Serves 9.
To view this online, click here.
Filling
5 cups fresh pineapple cubes
1 cup coconut-pineapple juice or unsweetened pineapple juice
1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom or allspice
Topping
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2cup all-purpose or whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup coconut-pineapple juice or unsweetened pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar, optional
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom or nutmeg
1/4 cup vegan margarine
3 Tbs. coconut or safflower oil
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
To make Filling: Stir together pineapple cubes, juice, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 10 minutes, or until dates begin to break apart, stirring frequently.
To make Topping: Combine oats, flour, juice, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, and cardamom in large bowl. Melt margarine and oil in small saucepan. Stir margarine mixture into oats mixture.
Spoon Filling into prepared baking dish. Spread Topping over Filling, and bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until Topping is golden brown.
nutritional information Per 2/3-cup serving: Calories: 264; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 37 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 26 g
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Tuesday Recipes
Enjoy!
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RED ONIONS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is an easy, healthy addition to a Thanksgiving feast or weekday dinner from Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, which was included in a Julia Moskin video feature in 2013. Chop up a few red onions and a butternut squash, roast them in high heat, and drizzle them with tahini sauce, herbs and pistachios. That’s it. (Keep an eye on the onions, though. They may cook faster than the squash.)” Time: 1 hour; Makes 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for pans
4 large red onions
Coarse salt and black pepper
4 pounds butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch wedges, peeled or unpeeled
1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled green pistachio nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, mint, cilantro or a combination, for garnish
For Tahini Sauce (Optional):
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, crushed
Preparation
Heat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with olive oil.
Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Cut each onion in half from stem to root. Cut each half into 4 wedges, leaving the root intact so that each wedge holds together. Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
Put the squash in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and about 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet, peel side down (if intact).
Place both pans in oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions, as they may cook faster than the squash and need to be removed earlier.
If using nuts, pour 1 tablespoon oil into a small frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Immediately remove from the heat and dump onto a cutting board to stop the cooking. If using pistachios, chop coarsely when cool enough to handle.
To make tahini sauce, place tahini in a bowl. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until sauce is the consistency of honey, adding more water or a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.
When the vegetables are cooked, set aside until ready to serve. (The vegetables should be served the same day they are made. They can be served at warm room temperature, or reheated just before serving.)
To serve, combine vegetables on a large serving platter. If using tahini sauce, drizzle on top. Sprinkle herbs and, if using, nuts on top and serve.
LENTIL AND RICE STUFFED SQUASH
Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: halved zucchini
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/783.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown basmati rice
1/3 cup French green lentils
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
3 large summer squash (about 2-2 1/2 lb.), halved
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 whole scallions, chopped
3 cups escarole, rolled up and sliced thin
1-2 Tbsp. finely-chopped fresh dill (optional)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a deep saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Cook, covered, until the rice and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
If using yellow squash, cut off the necks. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the squash 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. When completely cooled, pat the squash dry and set aside.
Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté the onion 3 minutes. Add the garlic and scallions. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the escarole and pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the escarole is wilted and bright green, about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables into the rice mixture. Mix in the dill and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish just large enough to hold them, arrange the squash. Spoon in the filling, generously mounding it. Sprinkle on the feta. Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is soft, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate, covered in foil, until ready to use. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 173; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 1 Reduced-Fat Milk, 1 Fat
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup:
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
CHICKPEA "MEAT" SAUCE OVER PASTA SHELLS [VEGAN]
This is also from the One Green Planet e-newsletter, and begins, “This recipe is the next best thing next to simmered-all-day pasta sauce. You'll have all your family and friends guessing how you managed to juggle your day while making such a fabulous meaty sauce – hey, we won't tell them it was super easy if you don’t!” High carb; vegan.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
A dash of red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red miso paste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/4 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
13 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta shells
Vegan Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat a large skillet to medium-high, add a splash of water or vegetable broth, and sauté the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute.
While the carrots and onion cook, put the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to break them down. You don’t want hummus — but you also don’t want any whole chickpeas remaining. Set aside.
Stir the herbs and spices into the onion/carrot mixture and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting them brown a bit.
Add the crushed tomatoes, miso, tomato paste, and maple syrup, scraping up the yummy browned bits and stirring well to combine. Turn down the heat to low and let the sauce bubble for about 30 minutes. If you have one of those mesh screens, this is the time to use it.
Stir the sauce occasionally, adding broth or water if it becomes too thick. While it cooks, get the pasta water going and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of the pasta water, if desired (you can use this to further thin the sauce, if necessary).
When the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasonings. Pour the pasta into the sauce and stir well, making sure to coat each and every tender shell. Serve with copious amounts of vegan Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RAGOUT
This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The meaty texture of eggplant makes it an ideal ingredient in vegetarian entrées, and its antioxidant content makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Eggplant is rich in a phenolic compound called chlorogenic acid, a potent free-radical scavenger that confers antiviral, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. Prep tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking it draws out any bitter juices and helps the vegetable hold its shape when cooked.” Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, halved
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Scoop out center and seeds of eggplant halves. Cut eggplants into 3/4-inch dice. Toss with salt in bowl, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and eggplants. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender but not mushy. Stir in capers and sugar, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in parsley, and season with black pepper.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 197; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 681 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 8 g; Yield: Serves 6
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RED ONIONS
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. The recipe begins, “Here is an easy, healthy addition to a Thanksgiving feast or weekday dinner from Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, which was included in a Julia Moskin video feature in 2013. Chop up a few red onions and a butternut squash, roast them in high heat, and drizzle them with tahini sauce, herbs and pistachios. That’s it. (Keep an eye on the onions, though. They may cook faster than the squash.)” Time: 1 hour; Makes 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
About 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for pans
4 large red onions
Coarse salt and black pepper
4 pounds butternut squash cut into 1/2-inch wedges, peeled or unpeeled
1/3 cup pine nuts or shelled green pistachio nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, mint, cilantro or a combination, for garnish
For Tahini Sauce (Optional):
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, crushed
Preparation
Heat oven to 475 degrees. Lightly coat two large baking sheets with olive oil.
Peel onions, leaving root ends intact. Cut each onion in half from stem to root. Cut each half into 4 wedges, leaving the root intact so that each wedge holds together. Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
Put the squash in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and about 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet, peel side down (if intact).
Place both pans in oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables have taken on some color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on the onions, as they may cook faster than the squash and need to be removed earlier.
If using nuts, pour 1 tablespoon oil into a small frying pan and place over medium-low heat. Add nuts and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Immediately remove from the heat and dump onto a cutting board to stop the cooking. If using pistachios, chop coarsely when cool enough to handle.
To make tahini sauce, place tahini in a bowl. Add lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until sauce is the consistency of honey, adding more water or a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary.
When the vegetables are cooked, set aside until ready to serve. (The vegetables should be served the same day they are made. They can be served at warm room temperature, or reheated just before serving.)
To serve, combine vegetables on a large serving platter. If using tahini sauce, drizzle on top. Sprinkle herbs and, if using, nuts on top and serve.
LENTIL AND RICE STUFFED SQUASH
Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: halved zucchini
Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/783.shtml
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown basmati rice
1/3 cup French green lentils
2 cups fat-free vegetable broth
3 large summer squash (about 2-2 1/2 lb.), halved
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 whole scallions, chopped
3 cups escarole, rolled up and sliced thin
1-2 Tbsp. finely-chopped fresh dill (optional)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
6 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Combine the rice, lentils and vegetable broth in a deep saucepan with 1/2 cup water. Cook, covered, until the rice and lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
If using yellow squash, cut off the necks. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the squash 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. When completely cooled, pat the squash dry and set aside.
Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Sauté the onion 3 minutes. Add the garlic and scallions. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the escarole and pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the escarole is wilted and bright green, about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables into the rice mixture. Mix in the dill and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish just large enough to hold them, arrange the squash. Spoon in the filling, generously mounding it. Sprinkle on the feta. Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is soft, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate, covered in foil, until ready to use. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 173; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch, 1 Reduced-Fat Milk, 1 Fat
'CHICKEN' AND DUMPLINGS
From a long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the Dumplings:
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
3/4 cup soy milk
For the Soup:
1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) margarine
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 cups vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, diced
1 lb. faux chicken, torn into small pieces (try Worthington brand Chickette or Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chick'n Strips)
1 bay leaf
Combine the dry ingredients for the dumplings in a bowl.
Mix the margarine with the dry mixture until crumbly. Add the soy milk, stirring until moistened. Add more soy milk, as needed, if the mixture is too dry.
Knead the dough for 30 seconds on a well-floured surface, then roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Place the margarine, onion, and celery for the soup in a large saucepan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to make a thick paste. Slowly mix in the broth and bring to a boil.
Add the carrots, faux chicken, and bay leaf.
Add the dumpling squares one at a time, stirring gently. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Serve hot.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
CHICKPEA "MEAT" SAUCE OVER PASTA SHELLS [VEGAN]
This is also from the One Green Planet e-newsletter, and begins, “This recipe is the next best thing next to simmered-all-day pasta sauce. You'll have all your family and friends guessing how you managed to juggle your day while making such a fabulous meaty sauce – hey, we won't tell them it was super easy if you don’t!” High carb; vegan.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
A dash of red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red miso paste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/4 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
13 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta shells
Vegan Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat a large skillet to medium-high, add a splash of water or vegetable broth, and sauté the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté an additional minute.
While the carrots and onion cook, put the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to break them down. You don’t want hummus — but you also don’t want any whole chickpeas remaining. Set aside.
Stir the herbs and spices into the onion/carrot mixture and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting them brown a bit.
Add the crushed tomatoes, miso, tomato paste, and maple syrup, scraping up the yummy browned bits and stirring well to combine. Turn down the heat to low and let the sauce bubble for about 30 minutes. If you have one of those mesh screens, this is the time to use it.
Stir the sauce occasionally, adding broth or water if it becomes too thick. While it cooks, get the pasta water going and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4-1/2 cup of the pasta water, if desired (you can use this to further thin the sauce, if necessary).
When the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasonings. Pour the pasta into the sauce and stir well, making sure to coat each and every tender shell. Serve with copious amounts of vegan Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Tuesday Recipes - Afternoon Party
Sometimes, we just need to kick back with friends and family for an hour or two. Here are six recipes that will help with your next get-together. Enjoy!
SPARKLING LEMONADE
As hot as summer gets, what's better than a refreshing lemonade? This if from Vegetarian Times' June 2014 issue, page 33. It begins, "The acidity of the lemon juice slows the yeast activity for this soda, so start it about a week before you plan to serve it." Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
1 cup sugar, plus more if desired
1 pinch salt
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. champagne yeast
Bring 1 cup water to a boil in small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add sugar and salt, and stir to dissolve both. Cool, then stir in lemon juice.
Pour juice mixture into clean 2-liter soda bottle using funnel. Top off bottle with water, leaving at least 1 inch headspace. Taste, and add more sugar if desired. (Extra sugar will dissolve on its own.)
Add yeast to juice mixture. Screw on cap, and shake bottle to dissolve and distribute yeast. Let bottle sit at room temperature away from sunlight 5 to 7 days, or until lemonade is carbonated. Check bottle periodically; lemonade is ready when bottle feels rock-solid with very little give.
Refrigerate overnight, or up to two weeks. Open bottle very slowly over sink to release pressure gradually and avoid bubble-ups. Store in refrigerator.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 111; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 18 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 27 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
STRAWBERRY ITALIAN ICE
Cool off with this icy cool dessert. From Vegetarian Times' September 2004 issue. This one begins, "Here’s a cool, fat-free and refreshing treat." Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 16-oz. pkg. frozen strawberries, well-drained, or 1 qt. fresh strawberries, hulled
1 Tbs. lime juice
1/2 cup evaporated cane juice
4 cups ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Place a metal 10-inch cake pan in freezer. Combine strawberries, lime juice and evaporated cane juice in a food processor, and blend until cane juice has dissolved. Add ice, and blend until smooth.
Transfer strawberry mixture to cake pan, cover and freeze until frozen around edges but still soft in center, about 1 hour. Stir mixture, spoon into dessert cups and garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 99; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Sodium: 6 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 22 g; Vegan
WATERMELON GRANITA WITH MINT AND LIME
From the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times'. It begins, "Watermelon lovers go wild for this dessert: Freezing watermelon juice with a sugar syrup intensifies the fruit flavors." Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
1/3 cup sugar
1 small fresh mint sprig
1 2-inch piece lime zest
2 1/2 Tbs. lime juice
3 lb. watermelon, cut into chunks
Combine sugar, mint, lime zest and 1/3 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook 1 minute, or until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, and cool. Strain, and remove mint and zest.
Purée watermelon in blender or food processor. Strain liquid. You should have about 2 cups juice.
Combine watermelon juice and lime juice in large bowl. Add sugar syrup and stir to combine. Pour into 9×9-inch baking tin, and freeze 45 minutes. Stir with fork. Continue to freeze 3 to 4 hours, stirring every 1/2 hour to fluff crystals and prevent granita from turning solid. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until dessert time. Scoop into bowls with fork or small spoon, and serve.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 100; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Sodium: 1 mg; Sugar: 24 g; Vegan
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
NAKED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Here’s part of what Audra wrote: “My favorite basic chocolate cake is layered with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy peanut butter frosting. I chose to make a naked cake because I’m so obsessed with the look of them, but many different options would work for this. The cake could be made in a bundt pan with the frosting slathered on and the ganache poured on top. Or, you could frost it more traditionally, frosting it all perfectly smooth and then once again pouring the ganache on top. Whatever you decide, if you are a chocolate/peanut butter lover I know you’ll adore this cake.” Yield: 10-12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 and 1/4 cups sugar
2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
4 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
12 tablespoons of butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Ganache:
4.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
peanut butter cups to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease and flour your cake pans, lining with a circle of parchment paper. (This can be 6, 8 or 9 inch pans, I would use at least 3 pans if doing 6 inch though.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Stir in the water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs, continue to stir until batter is smooth.
Divide batter amongst the pans and bake for 25-35 mins, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
For the Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer on the stove-top, and then pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before using. (I pop mine in the fridge or freezer.
For the Frosting:
Cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
To assemble:
Using a serrated knife, level each cake layer, slicing off the "domed" top to make it even. Place the bottom later on a piece of parchment paper on a cake turntable (if you have one.)
Spread a layer of ganache over the first layer of cake, sticking it into the fridge or freezer if needed to firm it up. (I stuck the whole cake into the fridge between each frosting layer.)
Follow with a layer of frosting, then another layer of cake, more ganache, more frosting etc. Add some frosting to the outside of the cake, smoothing with a spatula. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
Notes:
* Base cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
SPARKLING LEMONADE
As hot as summer gets, what's better than a refreshing lemonade? This if from Vegetarian Times' June 2014 issue, page 33. It begins, "The acidity of the lemon juice slows the yeast activity for this soda, so start it about a week before you plan to serve it." Serves 8.
To view this online, click here.
1 cup sugar, plus more if desired
1 pinch salt
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. champagne yeast
Bring 1 cup water to a boil in small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add sugar and salt, and stir to dissolve both. Cool, then stir in lemon juice.
Pour juice mixture into clean 2-liter soda bottle using funnel. Top off bottle with water, leaving at least 1 inch headspace. Taste, and add more sugar if desired. (Extra sugar will dissolve on its own.)
Add yeast to juice mixture. Screw on cap, and shake bottle to dissolve and distribute yeast. Let bottle sit at room temperature away from sunlight 5 to 7 days, or until lemonade is carbonated. Check bottle periodically; lemonade is ready when bottle feels rock-solid with very little give.
Refrigerate overnight, or up to two weeks. Open bottle very slowly over sink to release pressure gradually and avoid bubble-ups. Store in refrigerator.
nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 111; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 29 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 18 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 27 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
STRAWBERRY ITALIAN ICE
Cool off with this icy cool dessert. From Vegetarian Times' September 2004 issue. This one begins, "Here’s a cool, fat-free and refreshing treat." Serves 6.
To view this online, click here.
1 16-oz. pkg. frozen strawberries, well-drained, or 1 qt. fresh strawberries, hulled
1 Tbs. lime juice
1/2 cup evaporated cane juice
4 cups ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Place a metal 10-inch cake pan in freezer. Combine strawberries, lime juice and evaporated cane juice in a food processor, and blend until cane juice has dissolved. Add ice, and blend until smooth.
Transfer strawberry mixture to cake pan, cover and freeze until frozen around edges but still soft in center, about 1 hour. Stir mixture, spoon into dessert cups and garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 99; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Sodium: 6 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 22 g; Vegan
WATERMELON GRANITA WITH MINT AND LIME
From the July 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times'. It begins, "Watermelon lovers go wild for this dessert: Freezing watermelon juice with a sugar syrup intensifies the fruit flavors." Serves 4.
To view this online, click here.
1/3 cup sugar
1 small fresh mint sprig
1 2-inch piece lime zest
2 1/2 Tbs. lime juice
3 lb. watermelon, cut into chunks
Combine sugar, mint, lime zest and 1/3 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook 1 minute, or until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, and cool. Strain, and remove mint and zest.
Purée watermelon in blender or food processor. Strain liquid. You should have about 2 cups juice.
Combine watermelon juice and lime juice in large bowl. Add sugar syrup and stir to combine. Pour into 9×9-inch baking tin, and freeze 45 minutes. Stir with fork. Continue to freeze 3 to 4 hours, stirring every 1/2 hour to fluff crystals and prevent granita from turning solid. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until dessert time. Scoop into bowls with fork or small spoon, and serve.
nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 100; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Sodium: 1 mg; Sugar: 24 g; Vegan
ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE
This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
Butter for greasing baking pans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
3 ounces (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preparation
For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.
Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.
For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.
Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.
Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.
CHOCOLATE DUMP-IT CAKE
This deliciousness comes from Amanda Hesser in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Amanda writes, “A couple of years ago, my mother taught me to make her dense but moist chocolate birthday cake. She calls it 'dump-it cake' because you mix all of the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then dump the batter into a cake pan to bake. For the icing, you melt Nestlé's semisweet-chocolate chips and swirl them together with sour cream. It sounds as if it's straight from the Pillsbury Bake-Off, but it tastes as if it's straight from Payard. Everyone loves it.” Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; 10 servings
To view this online, go to http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9404-chocolate-dump-it-cake.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Nestle's semisweet-chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips as the cake bakes on the middle rack. In a 2- to 3-quart pot, mix together the sugar, unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients are melted and blended. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
When the chocolate in the pot has cooled a bit, whisk in the milk mixture and eggs. In several additions, and without overmixing, whisk in the dry ingredients. When the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and whisk once or twice to blend. Pour the batter into the tube pan and bake on the middle rack until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on a rack. (This can be tricky -- if someone is around to help, enlist him.) Let cool completely.
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then let cool to room temperature. Stir in the sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
When the cake is cool, you may frost it as is or cut it in half so that you have 2 layers. There will be extra icing whether you have 1 or 2 layers. My mother always uses it to make flowers on top. She makes a small rosette, or button, then uses toasted slices of almond as the petals, pushing them in around the base of the rosette.
NAKED CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER CAKE
This comes from The Baker Chick (otherwise known as Audra). Here’s part of what Audra wrote: “My favorite basic chocolate cake is layered with rich chocolate ganache and fluffy peanut butter frosting. I chose to make a naked cake because I’m so obsessed with the look of them, but many different options would work for this. The cake could be made in a bundt pan with the frosting slathered on and the ganache poured on top. Or, you could frost it more traditionally, frosting it all perfectly smooth and then once again pouring the ganache on top. Whatever you decide, if you are a chocolate/peanut butter lover I know you’ll adore this cake.” Yield: 10-12 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 and 1/4 cups sugar
2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
4 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
12 tablespoons of butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Ganache:
4.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
peanut butter cups to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease and flour your cake pans, lining with a circle of parchment paper. (This can be 6, 8 or 9 inch pans, I would use at least 3 pans if doing 6 inch though.)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Stir in the water, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and eggs, continue to stir until batter is smooth.
Divide batter amongst the pans and bake for 25-35 mins, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
For the Ganache:
Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer on the stove-top, and then pour over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken before using. (I pop mine in the fridge or freezer.
For the Frosting:
Cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
To assemble:
Using a serrated knife, level each cake layer, slicing off the "domed" top to make it even. Place the bottom later on a piece of parchment paper on a cake turntable (if you have one.)
Spread a layer of ganache over the first layer of cake, sticking it into the fridge or freezer if needed to firm it up. (I stuck the whole cake into the fridge between each frosting layer.)
Follow with a layer of frosting, then another layer of cake, more ganache, more frosting etc. Add some frosting to the outside of the cake, smoothing with a spatula. Top with chopped peanut butter cups.
Notes:
* Base cake recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)