14 August 2016 Spuntino Grilled Peach and Burrata

Spuntino Grilled Peach and Burrata

August 14, 2016 By

Grilled Peach & Burrata_IMG_3303Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas celebrates National Peach Month with some outstanding food and drinks specials taking advantage of the peak of peach season. One of the specials Executive Chef Josh Bernstein is showcasing is Grilled Peach & Burrata – fresh local grilled peaches, local burrata, Prosciutto di Parma, hazelnuts, basil, honey with extra virgin olive oil. Grilling the peaches caramelizes the sugars in the fruit, deepening the sweetness, while the burrata provides a creamy base balanced with a bit of crunch from the hazelnuts on top. Basil and honey lend a complementary note the sweetness of the peach, rounding out the dish.  

Chef Bernstein shared his recipe with me, and I’m sharing it with you:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 peach, cut in 6 slices and grilled
  • 2 oz. burrata
  • 2 slices prosciutto
  • 1 tsp hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp basil, chiffonade
  • 1/4 tsp Maldon sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Method

  1. Arrange grilled peaches on a large square plate in a diagonal line.
  2. Spoon burrata on top and in between peaches. Drape prosciutto on top.
  3. Sprinkle chopped hazelnut on top of the burrata.
  4. Drizzle with honey and olive oil.
  5. Garnish with basil, Maldon salt and cracked black pepper.

If you prefer to visit Spuntino for this and other specials, the popular restaurant is located at: 70 Kingsland Road
Clifton, NJ 07014.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: American, Cheese, Fruits Tagged With: , , ,
13 August 2016 Sugarpova Chocolate Mousse

Sugarpova Chocolate Mousse

August 13, 2016 By

Chocolate Mousse CupA few weeks ago, I was approached by a new chocolate line to create an exclusive recipe using its product. I don’t typically do product reviews, but I was intrigued since the new brand, Sugarpova Premium Chocolates, is by Maria Sharapova, the international tennis sensation, who is the company’s founder.

Sugarpova offers a decadent collection of 100g chocolate bars in Dark, Milk, Dark with Toasted Coconut and Milk with Strawberry. The unique product is non-GMO, Certified Kosher, Halal and made with natural ingredients. The bars have a suggested retail price of $3.99 to $4.99 and are available at www.sugarpova.com.

The samples I received were:

Sugarpova Bars

DARK CHOCOLATE COCONUT – “50% cocoa dark chocolate is made all the richer with the delightful addition of toasted coconut. A match made in heaven, you’re sure to fall in love with this tempting combination”.

MILK CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY – “Is there anything better than chocolate dipped strawberries? Treat yourself to a taste of luxury anytime with the only bar that combines creamy milk chocolate with the flavor of fresh strawberries”.

70% COCOA DARK CHOCOLATE – “Kick back, relax, and indulge in the full-bodied flavor of 70% premium dark chocolate. Not too sweet, it engages all your senses with every perfect bite”.

MILK CHOCOLATE – “Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a smooth, creamy bite of premium milk chocolate. We won’t tell if it ends up being more than just one bite”.

I wanted to use as many of the bars as I could in my recipe, but since I’m not a coconut fan, I skipped using that one. I thought of doing a mousse as soon as I saw the chocolate/strawberry bar – what a great compliment in flavors! I combined the strawberry bar with the milk chocolate one in the mousse and topped each serving with a healthy grating of the dark chocolate. I plated a couple different ways to showcase the mousse in various portion sizes and appearance.

Ingredients:

  • 1 100g Sugarpova Milk Chocolate bar and 1 100g Sugarpova Milk Chocolate Strawberry bar, chopped into small pieces (could also use 200g semisweet chocolate chips)
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1-ounce piece of Sugarpova Dark Chocolate, optional

Directions:

  1. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium power for 30 seconds. Stir and continue to cook for another 30 seconds. Allow to cool while proceeding with the following steps.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the tablespoon of sugar to the cream. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  3. In a metal or heat-resistant glass bowl placed over a saucepan of barely simmering water, combine the remaining sugar and the egg yolks. Whisk the mixture for 3 minutes until smooth, fluffy and doubled in volume.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, combine the melted and cooled chocolate with the yolk mixture until no eggy streaks are left.
  5. Gently fold half the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Once fully combined, add the remaining whipped cream and again, gently fold in. Don’t overmix, you want this light and fluffy – a few darker chocolate streaks are okay.
  6. Pipe or spoon the mousse into single-serving size dishes or glasses and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours. The mixture will feel a bit runny but that’s okay, the mousse will stiffen after chilling.
  7. Grate the dark chocolate over the individual mousse cups and serve.

About Sugarpova: Sugarpova continues to have double-digit growth year after year since its launch. Currently, the brand has retail penetration in 22 countries all over the world and is sold in a variety of retail partners and online. The founder and international tennis sensation is Maria Sharapova, whose sweet tooth and love for little indulgences, motivated her to create a candy company specializing in gummies and sweets of quality and craftsmanship. For more information, visit http://www.sugarpova.com.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chocolate, Desserts, French, Product Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
24 July 2016 Quick and Easy Pesto

Quick and Easy Pesto

July 24, 2016 By

Jarred PestoEvery spring, I plant basil in my garden as it’s one of my favorite fresh herbs. By mid-summer, I have so much basil that I wonder why I planted so much for a 2-person household. Every summer is the same “why did I plant so much again”.

Luckily, there’s pesto. Yesterday, I picked a whole bunch of basil leaves and made thick, luscious pesto that I’ll toss with gnocchi tonight and freeze in ice cube trays for future use.

This recipe yields about a cup of pesto, but it can easily be doubled if you have tons of basil, like I do.

It’s perfect tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or used as a topping for grilled/roasted chicken or fish.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup, pine nuts (could use cashews or slivered almonds)
  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves, cleaned, dried and slightly packed
  • ⅓ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
  • ½ cup high-quality olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Carefully watch this process and shake the skillet periodically to ensure the nuts don’t burn.
  2. In a food processor (could use a blender), add the remaining ingredients, including the nuts, except the oil. Pulse for about a minute then run for about 30 seconds until the ingredients are finely incorporated.
  3. With the food processor running, stream the oil into the pesto until fully emulsified, about 30 seconds. Taste the pesto and add more Parmesan cheese if you want a cheesier pesto.
  4. I store the pesto I’m going to use within a week in a canning jar in the fridge. For anything over a week, I place the pesto in ice cube trays, freeze fully then pop out of the trays, place in zip top bags and freeze for up to a couple months.
Filed Under: Appetizers, Cheese, Cuisine Type, Italian, Sauce, Sides Tagged With: , , ,
14 July 2016 Make Ahead Twice Baked Potatoes

Make Ahead Twice Baked Potatoes

July 14, 2016 By

Twice Baked PotatoesSummer’s all about BBQs and outdoor parties and the last thing I want to do once my guests have arrived is to slave over a hot stove in the kitchen. We also attend a lot of outdoor events where I’m always puzzled with what to bring besides desserts.

These old-school twice-baked potatoes are simple-to-make and can be prepared ahead and reheated on the grill or a camp fire before dinner.

Don’t feel like making your own mashed potatoes? Just buy some at the grocery store and doctor them up with the cheese, bacon (if using) and scallions.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large baking potatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. softened butter
  • 1/3 cup half & half (could use whole milk), warmed in the microwave for a minute
  • 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped scallions (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cook potatoes until fork-tender and allow to cool until just cool enough to handle. Cut each potato lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out most of the flesh without cutting through the skins. Place the scooped out flesh in a bowl and add the butter, half & half, bacon (if using) and cheese and mash until mostly smooth.
  2. Fill the potato skin shells with the mashed potatoes. At this point, you may wrap the potatoes in foil and keep in the fridge for a couple days until ready to use (go to step 3 when ready to cook) or, place on a cookie sheet for immediate use.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook room-temperature potatoes for 25 minutes, until slightly golden.
  4. Top the hot potatoes with sour cream and chopped scallions, if using.

Makes 6 servings.

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Cheese, Entrees, Potatoes, Sides, Starters
12 July 2016 Streusel Top Blueberry Custard Pie

Streusel Top Blueberry Custard Pie

July 12, 2016 By

Blueberry Streudel PieEvery summer, I host at least a couple lobster parties and what could scream “Maine” more than a blueberry pie?! I live in New Jersey where blueberries abound and are sweet and delicious, so double whammy.

I typically make my Crumb Top Blueberry Pie, but this weekend, I decided to change the crumble top to a nutty streusel top and it was a nice change with the extra crunchiness from the pecans. I also did a custard-like bottom which was well-received by my guests.

As always, don’t fret if you’re not into making your own pie dough, just use a store-bought one. I make my own Fail Proof Pie Crust using my VERY simple food processor technique.  

Filling Ingredients

  • 8 ounces sour cream (I used reduced-fat but don’t recommend non-fat)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked

Streusel Topping:

  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Filling Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, egg, ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, salt and vanilla extract until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, gently add the blueberries to the sour cream mixture then pour into the unbaked pie crust. Bake for 25 minutes.

Streusel Instructions:

  1. Combine the flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Using your fingertips, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is the texture of course sand. Add the pecans. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the surface of the pie after it has baked 25 minutes. Bake an additional 20 minutes, until the topping has browned – after 10 minutes of baking, if the crust or the streusel gets too dark, cover loosely with foil.
  2. Serve the pie warm with vanilla ice cream.

The addition of pecans and the custard bottom were inspired by this recipe.

Filed Under: American, Desserts, Fruits Tagged With: , ,
1 July 2016 Blueberry Smash

Blueberry Smash

July 1, 2016 By

Blueberry SmashI’m always looking for fun cocktail recipes to serve at my various parties and lately, I’ve been really into gin drinks.

This summery cocktail recipe was provided by one of my favorite local spots to enjoy libations and tapas, Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. I love the idea of incorporating Jersey blueberries in this drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fl oz. Prairie Gin
  • 3/4 fl oz. Grand Marnier
  • 5 fl oz. blueberry puree
  • 1 fl oz. pineapple juice
  • 1/2 oz. lime juice
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • 1 fl oz. prosecco
  • 6 blueberries

Method:

  1. Fill pint glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, Grand Marnier, blueberry puree, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup.
  3. Empty contents of pint glass into cocktail shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously and strain into coupe glass.
  5. Float prosecco on top and garnish with a spear of blueberries.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cocktails, Fruits Tagged With: , , , , ,
28 June 2016 Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic BBQ Sauce

Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic BBQ Sauce

June 28, 2016 By

Pork RibsWhile I have my go-to ribs recipe, I’m always looking for new ideas and variations from the old standard. This recipe, provided by Executive Chef Josh Bernstein of Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, puts a bit of an Italian spin on the backyard BBQ favorite.

Ingredients:

Rib Spice Rub:

  • 1/4 cup dried basil
  • 1/4 cup dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup paprika
  • 1/2 cup garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup onion powder
  • 1/2 cup ground fennel seed
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar           
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. ground black pepper

Balsamic BBQ Sauce:

  • 2 cups balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups ketchup
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt             
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Ribs:

  • 4 racks of baby back ribs
  • 1 cup rib spice rub
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 cup balsamic BBQ sauce

Method:

For the Rib Spice Rub:
Place all of the ingredients into a bowl.  Mix well.  Keep in an air tight container for up to 3 weeks.  This recipe will make more than needed for the ribs.  It is a good marinade for other meats as well.

For the Balsamic BBQ Sauce:
Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce the flame and simmer for 45 minutes.  Stir every 10 minutes.  Strain and cool.

For the Ribs:
Spread the spice rub evenly over the ribs.  Wrap each in aluminum foil.  Allow to marinate overnight in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.  Place the ribs, still wrapped in aluminum foil, into a 350 degree oven for 2 hours.  At this point you can cool them down and refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.  If not, brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce and place onto a hot grill.  Cook until the sauce is hot on the ribs.  Cut into 1-2 rib portions and garnish with parsley.

Serves 4.

Filed Under: American, Appetizers, Entrees, Pork, Sauce, Starters Tagged With: , , , , ,
20 June 2016 Watermelon Strawberry Sangria

Watermelon Strawberry Sangria

June 20, 2016 By

Watermelon DrinkI simply find cold watermelon to be one of the most refreshing things on hot summer days and love to incorporate it in drinks, both alcoholic and not.

In this version of traditional sangria, I use watermelon and some ripe, sweet summer strawberries.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds watermelon, ideally seedless, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 10 medium strawberries, stemmed and cored
  • 1 750-ml bottle of dry white wine, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are good options
  • 1 cup Vodka
  • 4 ounces triple sec
  • 4 ounces simple syrup
  • Lime wedges, optional

Directions:

  1. In a blender, purée the watermelon and strawberries until smooth, about 1 minute. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve and add to a pitcher. Add the white wine, the Vodka, the triple sec and the simple syrup. Stir then refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
  2. When ready to serve, stir the mixture and pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wedges, if using.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cocktails, Fruits Tagged With: , , , , , ,
6 June 2016 Black Skillet Frittata by Piattino

Black Skillet Frittata by Piattino

June 6, 2016 By

Black Skillet FrittataI love brunch and am always looking for creative dishes to serve at home when I host. I received this easy recipe for a meatless frittata from Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro and wanted to share as it sounds delish.

Piattino, serving up modern twists to traditional Italian fare, is now serving an a la carte brunch menu on Saturday and Sundays from 11:00AM to 3:00PM, so locals could also go to the restaurant to try this dish!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces wild mushroom mix cooked
  • 2 ounces asparagus cut ½ inch long, blanched
  • 1 ounce blended oil
  • 1 tsp. chopped rosemary
  • 4 eggs cracked and beaten
  • 1 ounce prepared pesto
  • 2 ounces baby arugula
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • Pinch each of salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Heat a black cast iron skillet over medium high heat on a burner. Once hot add blended oil and cooked vegetables. Stir vegetables with a wooden spoon until heated through. Add rosemary and eggs and stir again to combine the vegetables. Place the skillet in a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes or until eggs are semi firm to the touch.
  2. Remove skillet from oven and drizzle pesto on top of the egg. Toss arugula with olive oil, salt and pepper and place in center of the cast iron skillet, you want to create height from the arugula.

Makes one frittata.

About Piattino:

Nestled in Historic Mendham, Piattino brings its authentic, new age Italian dining experience directly to New Jersey.  Sourcing artisan ingredients from around the world and our own backyard, Piattino’s scratch-made, chef-driven menu includes a variety of mouthwatering antipasti’s, insalates, pastas and entrees. Piattino is also known locally for its delicious, hand-stretched Neapolitan style pizzas and sandizza’s (our version of a Panini) baked at 800 degrees in its imported Italian stone-fired oven using premium ingredients, ranging from truffled wild mushrooms to 24-month-aged prosciutto di Parma. The menu also features a regional food and drink specialties section celebrating the various styles served across the boot – including current items from the Aosta Valley Region – such as Charred Octopus, White Bean and Sausage soup, Mezzaluna Carbonnade artisan pizza, and much more.

88 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ – 973-543-0025.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: American, Breakfast, Eggs, Spanish, Vegetarian Tagged With: , ,
20 April 2016 Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

April 20, 2016 By

This Roman dish was created in the middle of the 20th century using simple ingredients: pasta, eggs, pork jowls (think bacon) and cheese, typically Pecorino.

I’m all about simple pasta dishes, especially during the week, so this is one of my go-to recipes. I’ve made this decadent dish using a few variations, adding peas, morel mushrooms and shrimps…it’s delicious any ways. Note that garlic isn’t authentic to pasta carbonara, but it’s so darn tasty that I include it. Don’t like garlic – omit it! I used red pepper flakes too, which aren’t authentic either…sue me purists!

While the eggs do get warmed when tossed with the hot pasta, they aren’t fully cooked. If slightly cooked eggs aren’t your thing, this is likely not the dish for you. If you can get past that, you’ll get addicted, like I am, to the creamy “sauce” created by the eggs, pasta water and cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound good quality spaghetti, I use Delverde
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 8 ounces diced pancetta or slab bacon
  • 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino-Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (or black pepper if you prefer)

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook 1 minute less than the cooking directions on the packaging recommend.
  2. While the pasta’s cooking, warm the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook until browned, about three minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Place the pancetta/garlic and the oil they cooked in, in a large, heat-proof bowl and set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, 1/2 cup of the cheese and pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
  4. When the pasta’s just al dente, scoop it out of the water using a pasta fork or tongs, and into the bowl with the pancetta – don’t drain the pasta water out of the pot! Toss the pasta until coated in the oil from the pancetta.
  5. Add the egg mixture to the pasta and toss quickly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble – you might need to give this method a couple tries to get it right – it’s worth it!
  6. Add ¼ cup of pasta cooking water to the pasta then the remaining cheese. Keep tossing to create a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Serve immediately.

Serves two for dinner or four as a starter.

Filed Under: Appetizers, Cheese, Eggs, Entrees, Italian, Pasta Tagged With: , , ,
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