24 July 2018 Gabrielle’s Blueberry Pancakes

Gabrielle’s Blueberry Pancakes

July 24, 2018 By

Blueberry pancake – pure yumminess! My niece Gabrielle and I exchange breakfast photos frequently via Facebook messenger. Our favorites are strawberry and raspberry toasts, crepes, muffins, etc so I was surprised when she messaged me last week to say she’d made blueberry pancake batter for our family reunion in Maine.

My Niece Gabrielle

We were camping and she got up early to get her breakfast ready. She cooked all the pancakes for the six of us on a single burner in a well-seasoned frying pan. When she opened the container her batter was in, she was shocked and upset the batter was blue! We told her it was normal as some of the blueberries burst and dyed the batter.

These are blueberry-packed, flavorful thinner-than-typical pancakes and simple enough for a budding 12 year-old chef-apprentice to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 Tbsp. butter for panfrying
  • Maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the eggs, the melted butter, the vanilla and the milk. Whisk until the mixture is lump-free and silky, about a minute. Add the blueberries and fold them into the batter gently. Mixture can keep in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to three days.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt a half teaspoon of butter. Once melted, add ¼ cup of the blueberry batter. Fry one minute, flip and cook the second side for 30 seconds. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Yields 16 pancakes.

Filed Under: American, Breakfast, Canadian, French, Fruits, Vegetarian Tagged With: , ,
20 July 2018 Maple Dijon Heirloom Carrots

Maple Dijon Heirloom Carrots

July 20, 2018 By

This Maple Dijon Heirloom Carrots dish is such a simple recipe that pairs so well with a variety of proteins. I served these over the weekend with a juicy ribeye steak, but we have them often with grilled fish. Tasty, easy-to-make and pretty too!

If you can’t find multi-colored carrots at your market, simply use regular orange-colored ones. It won’t affect the taste at all.

Ingredients:

  • 16-ounces baby carrots
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
  • Big pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Over high heat, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the carrots until fork tender, about 5 minutes. Strain the carrots in a colander and shake to ensure the carrots are as dry as possible.
  2. Return the saucepan to the stove and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mustard and maple syrup and stir to combine and create a sauce. Add the carrots to the saucepan and stir gently to coat them with the glaze. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pot from time to time.
  3. Uncover, add the sage, salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Makes 4 servings.

Filed Under: American, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: ,
7 July 2018 New Jersey Blueberry Dumplings

New Jersey Blueberry Dumplings

July 7, 2018 By

It’s blueberry season in New Jersey where I live and, while I love them fresh with Greek yogurt, I also like them in baked goods.

I was going to a potluck where I offered to bring dessert and thought….why not do something different than my usual Very Berry Cobbler and steam some of my Great-Aunt Eva Rose’s dumpling batter over bubbly, jammy blueberries? I made the dumpling batter the morning of the party and kept it refrigerated then I made the “jam” and cooled it then brought both items with me to the party and just steamed the dumplings when we were ready to eat dessert. Easy peasy!

I list the vanilla ice cream as optional, but come on, it’s sort of required on a hot berry dessert. You can skip it, but I don’t recommend it.

Dumpling ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp. melted butter, cooled
  • ¼ cup whole milk

Blueberry “jam” ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries (or you can use thawed frozen)
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • Vanilla ice cream, optional

Dumpling directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Add egg, butter and milk to the flour mixture and mix to incorporate. Do not overmix. Dumpling batter will be lumpy.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Blueberry “jam” directions:

  1. In a large saucepan with a lid, add all the ‘jam’ ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the “jam” is thick, stirring and mashing the berries a little as the mixture cooks. This can be done a couple hours before ready to make the dumplings.
  2. When ready to cook the dumplings, heat the berries over medium heat. Lower heat to medium-low and drop cold batter by the spoonful over the berry “jam” so that there’s batter over most of the surface of the “jam”. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Serve with ice cream.

Makes 6 servings.

Filed Under: American, Desserts, Fruits Tagged With: , , , ,
6 July 2018 Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing

Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing

July 6, 2018 By

This Chive Sour Cream Salad Dressing was something we used on fresh green lettuce during the summer months in Quebec when I was growing up when the days were warm and eating outside was de rigueur.

It’s a really simple, tangy dressing that you can make a day in advance if kept in a container with a tight-fitting lid. I use canning jars for this as it’s easy to shake up the ingredients before pouring over the greens.

I typically use chives in this salad dressing, but use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Cilantro and basil are particularly delicious. Serve the dressing cold on cold lettuce for extra freshness.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream (could use half-and-half)
  • ½ tsp. each salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped green onion
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • One large head of Freshly-washed lettuce greens, torn in bit size pieces

Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients except the lettuce greens in a medium canning jar and shake well until all the ingredients are fully combined (could use a bowl and whisk also).
  2. Pour the dressing over the greens, toss to coat well and check for seasoning. I typically add a couple big pinches of salt and re-toss.

Serves 4 guests.

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Sauce, Sides, Vegetables Tagged With: , ,
3 July 2018 Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce on the Grill

Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce on the Grill

July 3, 2018 By

I’m always looking for easy dishes for summer that I can make right on the grill and not in a hot kitchen. We love mussels and prepare them in several ways but our favorite, when it’s nice out, is to cook them right in our extremely old wok, right on my grill’s side burner or over charcoal. This is a very affordable dish and is great served right in the wok (or pan) for a group of friends.

Mussels in White Wine SauceTo clean the mussels, if not already done by your fishmonger, place them in a large bowl with about 2 quarts of water and ½ cup of all purpose flour. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes. This weird but effective technique will prompt the mussels to disgorge any grit/sand in them. The mussels can then be drained and place in a large colander under cold running water. Remove any “beards” from the mussels by pulling on them with your fingers. Any dirty mussels can be scrubbed with a small brush.

This Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce, also known as Moules Marinières in French, dish comes together super-fast and can be done at the last minute without too much attention paid to it while it cooks.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (can omit)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups white wine
  • Big pinch each of freshly ground black pepper and salt
  • ½ cup heavy cream (can omit)
  • 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and de-bearded (see method in the overview)
  • 4 slices grilled bread
  • 2 lemon wedges for garnish

Mussels CookingDirections

  1. Add the oil and chopped garlic to the wok (or big sauté pan) over the charcoal and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes, the zest, the white wine and the salt and pepper. Once hot and simmering, add the cream and mussels and close the lid. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until mussels are open, shaking the wok every minute or so to ensure all mussels bathe in the wine broth.
  2. Discard any mussels that don’t open.
  3. Serve with grilled bread and lemon wedges.

Serves two.

Filed Under: American, Belgian, French Tagged With: , , , ,
23 June 2018 Tangy Carrot and Celery Slaw

Tangy Carrot and Celery Slaw

June 23, 2018 By

In the summertime, I’m always looking for easy and tasty recipes for side dishes to serve at outdoor parties. While I love my mom’s potato salad is always a hit, I was looking for a tangy, vinegary slaw to serve. I found the perfect slaw in this week’s Blue Apron box! It’s made with sweet carrots and crunchy celery with a bit of heat from the sweet piquante peppers.

Sweet piquante peppers are found typically jarred and are also known as peppadew peppers. They’re great on sandwiches, in salads and in this easy slaw recipe. 

The recipe can easily be doubled or quadrupled based on the number of guests being fed. I even scooped this slaw on tacos and it added great crunch and tang.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 stalks of celery, sliced
  • White part of 2 scallions, diced
  • 2 medium sized carrots, peeled and grated on the large whole side of a box grater
  • ½ ounce sweet piquante peppers (about two peppers), roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Pinch each of salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sliced celery, scallions, grated carrots, chopped piquante peppers and vinegar.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes, but no more than an hour.

Makes two side servings.

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: , , , ,
21 June 2018 Maple Bread Pudding Mugs for Two

Maple Bread Pudding Mugs for Two

June 21, 2018 By

I love bread pudding. The custardy bottom and the slightly crispy top make for a perfect dessert that can be changed up based on the season and most importantly, what’s in the house. I had leftover sourdough bread from last weekend’s party, so I used two thick slices of that for these two mugs.

Maple Bread Pudding
Maple Bread Pudding

At my home, I’m the only one who likes bread pudding….my guy calls it peasant food and he means that in a negative way! I love the comforting dish and recreated it in mugs, just enough for two people (or for one person, in a double serving).

This bread pudding variation pays homage to my Quebec roots and is made with and then topped with Quebec maple syrup. Oh yeah, and topped with maple-scented gelato also…..why not!?

Ingredients:

  • 2 thick slices of day-old bread (or 3 slices of standard cut bread)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup light cream (whole milk would also work)
  • 4 Tbsp. pure maple syrup DIVIDED
  • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Maple-scented or vanilla gelato/ice cream, optional but not really

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray the inside of two 8-ounce oven-proof mugs with cooking spray (could use ramekins also).
  • Cut the bread into 1” pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and vanilla.
  • Add the bread to the bowl with the egg mixture and stir until fully combined. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread soaks up as much of the egg mixture as possible
  • Divide the bread/egg mixture between the mugs. Place the mugs on a small baking tray and bake for 30 minutes, until the tops of the bread puddings are lightly golden and the custard is set.
  • Serve each mug while warm with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a scoop of gelato/ice cream.

Makes 2 servings.

Filed Under: American, Canadian, Desserts, Eggs, Maple Syrup Tagged With: , , , , ,
16 June 2018 Easy Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Easy Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

June 16, 2018 By

Every summer, I try to reinvent the wheel when I host outdoor parties when it comes to food. What do I serve that’s tasty, different, can be made in advance and that my guests will enjoy? Another challenge is to find a side or starter that’s refreshing in contrast to the heavier food served at grilling parties. My answer, the mighty wedge salad.   

It’s not innovative but it’s pretty close to perfect on hot summer days with its crisp, cold lettuce, decadent blue cheese dressing and fun toppings that can be customized to please your guests.

Another perk of this easy side dish or starter is that it’s very affordable. You can easily get four servings out of a head of iceberg lettuce and I oftentimes get six servings out of a larger head.

A fun way to serve a wedge salad is by serving the toppings on the side so that each guest can add or omit whatever toppings he/she likes…..think salad bar!  

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cut into four or six wedges
  • About 2 cups chunky blue cheese dressing, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry/grape tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • 3 scallions, chopped (optional)

Directions:

  • Place a wedge of lettuce each on cold salad plate.
  • Drizzle a few tablespoons of blue cheese dressing on each wedge.
  • Optional: Top with crumbled blue cheese, crumbled bacon, tomatoes and scallions.

Serves 4-6 guests.

Easy Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Serves 4
An easy and tasty salad for summer parties that guests will love.
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Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. • 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cut into four or six wedges
  2. • About 2 cups chunky blue cheese dressing, homemade or store-bought
  3. • 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  4. • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
  5. • 1 cup cherry/grape tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  6. • 3 scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
  1. • Place a wedge of lettuce each on cold salad plates.
  2. • Drizzle a few tablespoons of blue cheese dressing on each wedge.
  3. • Optional: Top with crumbled blue cheese, crumbled bacon, tomatoes and scallions.
Notes
  1. A fun way to serve the wedge salad is by serving the toppings on the side so that each guest can add or omit whatever toppings he/she likes…..think salad bar!
Food & Wine Chickie Insider https://www.foodandwinechickie.com/

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Bacon, Cheese, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: , , ,
15 June 2018 Strawberry Maple Butter

Strawberry Maple Butter

June 15, 2018 By

Every late spring, I make it my mission to go strawberry picking at Donaldson Farms, and amazing local farm. My love for picking berries started a long time ago when my grandma would take me to pick wild/wood strawberries in Quebec as a toddler. She’s sit me in the field with a pail and tell me to pick berries around me. Of course, that ended up with me eating the strawberries around me, but it’s a very fond memory nonetheless.

Cultivated strawberries are so easy to pick as farmers have rows and rows of plants with an abundant amount of berries on them. Within a few minutes, I have more strawberries that I know what to do with!

One way I like to use up my fresh berries is by making a very simple butter using maple syrup from back home in Quebec. This butter can be used on toasts, waffles, pancakes/crepes and in a multitude of ways. It keeps a couple of weeks in the fridge and it’s delicious!

Hope you make it out to a u-pick-it berry farm near you, it’s a fun and tasty activity for the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups of fresh, chopped strawberries
  • 2/3 cups maple syrup
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chopped berries, the maple syrup and the butter. Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium-low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Turn the heat off, add the vanilla and salt and stir to combine.
  3. Puree the berry mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth, 30 seconds or so. You may need to puree in batches if your food processor/blender is on the small side.
  4. Pour the strawberry maple butter in small glass jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 6 small canning jars.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: American, Breakfast, Canadian, Desserts, Fruits, Sides
17 May 2018 Chicken Bites with Tarragon Dipping Sauce

Chicken Bites with Tarragon Dipping Sauce

May 17, 2018 By

These Chicken Bites with Tarragon Dipping Sauce are a great little dish to make when company comes over and you don’t want to slave over a hot stove at the last minutes.

Chicken BitesI make the tarragon dipping sauce the day before and keep it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to serve the dish. This saves some time and keeps you out of the kitchen and with your guests come party time.

The bites will please adults and children and I often double the recipe as they’re a huge hit at parties. You could make the bites a little ahead of time and fry just 8 minutes then reheat in the oven, or my favorite, the toaster oven, for 2-3 minutes right before you want to serve the bites.

Bites Ingredients:

  • 2 cups peanut oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, patted dry and cut in 1½ inch bites.
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp. poultry seasonings
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. dry thyme
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ tsp. each salt and pepper (plus additional salt for seasoning the cooked chicken)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp. dry tarragon or 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon
  • 4 drops of hot sauce
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Bites Directions:

  1. In a heavy saucepan or ideally a deep cast iron pan, warm the oil over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, poultry seasonings, garlic power, thyme and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
  3. In another medium bowl, add the buttermilk.
  4. Dip the chicken in the buttermilk, shake to remove excess and toss in the bread crumb mixture to fully coat each piece. Add the coated chicken to the oil and cook in batches for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. You don’t want to crowd the pan with too much chicken or the oil will drop in temperature and your chicken will get soggy from oil penetrating the chicken instead of cooking the exterior. Place cooked chicken on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.

Dipping Sauce Directions:

While the bites cook, in a medium bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk well to fully combine. Serve with the bites.

Serves 6-8 as appetizers/hors d’oeuvres.

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Chicken, Starters Tagged With: , , ,
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