Easy Grilled Lobster Tails

January 5, 2019 By

I grew up 20 miles from Maine in Quebec so lobster is something we ate a lot of when I was growing up. While I think a lobster boil is hard to beat, I sometime like grilled lobster tails to pair with a steak. Who doesn’t like a great surf and turf?

This recipe is a breeze and so fun do to for an outdoor party. Once you have the Lobster Butterfly Technique down, everything else comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 8-ounce lobster tails
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • Big pinch of salt and pepper
  • Grated zest of ½ lemon (I use a microplane for this)
Lemon Butter

Directions:

  1. Coat a few layers of paper towels with a neutral oil like vegetable or Canola. Grease the grates of a grill. Preheat the grill on medium-high for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Using the Lobster Butterfly Technique shown in the linked video, use kitchen shears to cut down the shell of the lobster tail from fleshy end to right before what I call the tail ‘feathers’. Gently pull the meat out of the shell leaving the meat attached to the tail feathers intact. Lay the meat over the shell.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, place the butter, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Cook stirring occasionally until the butter starts to brown slightly, about 4 minutes. Take off the heat.
  4. Spoon half the butter mixture over the lobster meat. Carefully place the lobster tails on the grill, meat side up, cover and cook for 12 minutes, basting once during the cooking process.
  5. Rewarm the remaining butter and serve with the lobster tails for dipping.

Serves two.

Filed Under: American, Entrees, Seafood Tagged With: , ,
3 January 2019 Maple White Russian

Maple White Russian

January 3, 2019 By

I just hosted a Christmas dinner for my family in Quebec and as a hostess gift, my uncle got me a bottle of Coureur des Bois. The liqueur is similar to Irish cream, but….it’s maple-flavored! I brought the bottle back home and created a festive drink using the maple cream for New Year’s Eve.

This cocktail can be made using Irish cream if you can’t find the maple version, just add a bit of maple syrup to give it that tasty flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces good quality vodka
  • 2 ounces maple cream liqueur (I use Cabot Trail Coureur des Bois) or Irish cream liqueur
  • 2 ounces milk or light cream
  • 1 ounce maple syrup (if using Irish cream liqueur)
  • Piece of milk chocolate for grating, optional
  • Maple lollipop, optional (I bought these on Amazon)

Directions:

  1. Place ice, vodka, maple cream liqueur, milk/cream and maple syrup (if using) into a cocktail shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds to ensure the liquids are very cold.
  2. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  3. Using a microplane or small grater, shave some of the chocolate over the drink, if using.
  4. Serve with maple lollipop, if using.

Makes one cocktail.

Filed Under: Cocktails, Maple Syrup Tagged With: , , ,
17 November 2018 Easy Maple Rice Pudding

Easy Maple Rice Pudding

November 17, 2018 By

This creamy rice pudding is flavored with maple syrup and is the perfect comfort food. Ideally, this recipe is made using Arborio rice (same rice used to make risotto), but other short grain white rice could also work.

Maple Rice PuddingIngredients:

  • ½ cup Arborio rice, uncooked
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • ½ cup powdered milk

Directions:

  1. Place the rice in a sieve or colander and run cold water over it for 30 seconds while shaking the sieve/colander. This removes a bit of the outer starch which can cause your rice to clump while cooking. Shake to remove as much of the water as possible.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all the ingredients except the powered milk, stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for 40 minutes, stirring frequently. After 35 minutes, if the rice mixture is VERY thick and the rice rains feel tender, turn off the heat. Depending on the rice you use and how hot your stove runs, 35 minutes might be enough.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the powdered milk. Stir to fully combine.
  4. Allow to cool to lukewarm to serve.

Note: This pudding can also be served cold with a drizzle of maple syrup, granola and berries.

Yields six servings.

Filed Under: American, Breakfast, Desserts, Maple Syrup Tagged With: , ,
15 November 2018 One Minute Brownie in a Cup

One Minute Brownie in a Cup

November 15, 2018 By

This is a perfect little one minute brownie recipe for when you have sugar cravings but don’t want to wait 45 minutes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp. powdered milk
  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp. whole milk

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Pour mixture in a microwaveable-safe mug and microwave for one minute.

Serves one.

Filed Under: American, Chocolate, Desserts Tagged With: , , ,
9 November 2018 Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

November 9, 2018 By

Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta

A couple weeks ago, I visited the greatest little Italian deli and market in Hoboken, NJ called M & P Biancamano (check them out on Facebook). My girlfriend wanted to stop in as Biancamano is her last name and had wanted to visit for years but just hadn’t. The store is fantastic and my senses were on overload as soon as we walked in the door.  

The refrigerated case contained the makings of a feast. What caught my eye immediately was the fresh pasta, straight out of Italy, from a town near where the store’s owner’s family immigrated from. I took home the Fusilli Calabresi from I Sapori Del Vallo and the milkiest, softest, most melt-in-your-mouth fresh Mozzarella I’ve had. The cheese is made in house, every day using a very traditional method – it’s worth a visit to the store just for a taste of it.

M & P Biancamano

When I got home, I debated how to use the fabulous pasta and thought the yellow tomato sauce with lots of fresh basil I’d made with my own crop of tomatoes would be a suitable pairing. I also incorporated some heat with spicy Italian sausage meat that I sautéed until it had crispy bits in my cast iron pan – YUM! Any old marinara sauce could do, but fresh is best. I included my easy marinara recipe below which uses Roma tomatoes, but this recipe used yellow instead of red.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh pasta, ideally tubular like a fusilli or penne
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1 ½ cups Basil Packed Marinara Sauce (or store-bought)
  • ½ tsp. each salt, pepper (can use red pepper flakes instead of pepper if you’d like more heat)
  • ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Fresh Pasta

    Cook pasta 1 minute less than recommended on the packaging (pasta will continue to cook in the sauce).

  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the sausage pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan runs dry, add a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Add the marinara sauce to the sausage and cook for 3 minutes, until the sauce has evaporated a bit and is thicker, stirring a few times.
  4. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes, tossing so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Add the salt and pepper, stir to incorporate and turn off the heat.
  6. Serve with a grating of Parmesan. I served this dish right in the pan, family style.

Serves 4.

Filed Under: Entrees, Italian, Pasta, Pork
25 October 2018 Chocolate Pudding Cobbler

Chocolate Pudding Cobbler

October 25, 2018 By

I’m Canadian and one of our very typical home-style desserts is the beloved chocolate pudding cobbler. Think cakey cake and warm gooey chocolate pudding in one – divine! Kind of like a lava cake but in a pan that’s fail-proof and serves 6-8 people!

This recipe comes together super quickly and it’s best served with good quality vanilla ice cream which kind of melts into the pudding – decadent and comforting.

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Pudding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tbsp. cocoa powder

Cake Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, cocoa powder, baking powder and sugar. Add the milk, melted butter and vanilla and whisk to combine.

Chocolate Pudding Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease or coat in cooking spray am 8” x 8” baking pan. Add the cake batter.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine then bring to a boil the brown sugar, water and cocoa powder. Whisk to ensure a hot sauce, then gently pour over the cake batter.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Canadian, Chocolate, Desserts Tagged With: , ,
22 October 2018 Pesto and Roasted Zucchini Panini

Pesto and Roasted Zucchini Panini

October 22, 2018 By

We love panini at our home and try to make them for lunch every few weeks. My guy loves them loaded with meats like cold cuts or grilled chicken (here’s his blackened chicken version), and I think the vegetarian versions, like this Pesto and Roasted Zucchini Panini, are also fantastic.

We served this Pesto and Roasted Zucchini Panini with a side of roasted cauliflower tossed in a mixture of red wine vinegar/Parmesan and garlic and it was delish.

If you don’t have a panini press (it’s a great investment), you could use a grill pan and weight the panini down with another pan to ensure you get a great crisp bread exterior.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Ciabatta rolls
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut crosswise into ½-inch rounds
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 ounce roasted red peppers, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions:

  1. Halve the rolls long ways/horizontally and rub the olive oil over the exterior.
  2. In a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the zucchini rounds in an even layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Turn off the heat.
  3. Spread the pesto on the inside of the rolls. Top the bottom pieces of the rolls with the zucchini rounds, roasted pepper, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Place the roll tops over the toppings.
  4. Heat a panini press or, alternatively, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the panini to the press and grill 5 minutes. If using the grill pan, make sure to use a second pan over the panini to press them down for a crisp exterior, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the panini to a cutting board and carefully halve on an angle.

Makes two sandwiches.

Filed Under: American, Cheese, Entrees, Italian, Sandwiches, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: , , ,
4 October 2018 Quick and Easy Fish Stew

Quick and Easy Fish Stew

October 4, 2018 By

Cod StewThis is a 20-minute fish stew that simmers in a fragrant, rich and addictive coconut milk broth. This recipe comes together fast and I cook it in my large cast iron pan and serve it directly in the pan with perfectly-cook Jasmine rice. Very comforting dish!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ large onion, diced (I used a Spanish onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. minced ginger root
  • 15-ounce can diced tomato
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup light sur cream
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds wild-caught cod (or other white flesh fish – striped bass, mahi mahi and haddock are good substitutes), cut into eight portions
  • ½ tsp. each salt and pepper
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

  1. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the diced tomato, coconut milk, sour cream and tomato paste and stir well to create a homogenous broth. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the peppers and the cod pieces. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cover the pan and simmer for 10-12 minutes, turning the fish carefully halfway through the cooking process. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with cilantro. Serve with Jasmine rice.

Serves 4.

 

Inspired by this recipe.Cod Stew

Filed Under: Asian, Entrees, Fish, Thai Tagged With: , , , , ,
25 September 2018 Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs

September 25, 2018 By

Fall’s here and I’m now starting to crave slow braises and roasts. I enjoy the whole process – searing the meat, sautéing the vegetables, splashing wine and broth. Smelling the awesome aromas in the house as the short ribs or the roasts braise in the oven is truly intoxicating!

While I was visiting my favorite craft butcher, Denville Meat Shop (https://www.denvillemeatshop.com), last week, I saw amazing-looking short ribs and I knew they’d be perfect for dinner for the out-of-town company I was entertaining.

I serve these beauties and creamy mashed potatoes in casual bowls for a rustic look. I also love serving short ribs over creamy soft polenta also. Depends on the mood.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp. each salt and pepper
  • 6 large bone-in beef short ribs
  • Large Spanish onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 3 cups dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Over high heat, warm the oil in a large Dutch oven (I actually used two medium-sized ones).
  3. Sprinkle the salt and pepper all over the short ribs.
  4. Sear the ribs in the hot oil until browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Place the ribs on a plate.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-high, add the onion and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until slightly-browned, stirring occasionally. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute. Add the wine and broth and scrape all the brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot (the fond). Add the bay leaves, the thyme and the seared short ribs to the pot then cover and place in the oven to braise for 4-6 hours. Check that the cooking liquid doesn’t seem dry every 30 minutes. If liquid seems low, add ½ cup more beef broth.

Makes 6 servings.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: American, Beef, Entrees Tagged With: , ,
12 September 2018 Shrimp, Avocado and Freekeh Bowl

Shrimp, Avocado and Freekeh Bowl

September 12, 2018 By

With all my traveling for work, I don’t always have time to grocery shop for weekday lunches. I haven’t posted one of my beloved “there’s nothing to eat in this house” recipes in a while, so he’s a good one that uses mostly pantry items that won’t require a trip to the grocery store.

These types of bowls are all the rave right now and for good reason – they’re delicious and so versatile! I like the start with a grain or pasta, this time I’m using freekeh, and add whatever staples you have on hand. Here’s I’m using sliced avocado, canned chickpeas (don’t hate), leftover pepper jack cheese, cranberries and shrimp I thawed from the freezer that I used blackening spices on. Drizzle my favorite dressing and I was good to go in the time it took to cook the freekeh!

For those not familiar with freekeh, it’s an ancient grain that’s long been recognized as a main ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It’s nutty and has great texture and it’s perfect for grain bowls.

Ingredients:
• ½ cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¾ cup of cooked freekeh, cooled
• 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
• 6-8 large shrimp, sprinkled with blackening or Cajun seasoning and cooked for 4-5 minutes then cooled
• 2 ounces pepper jack cheese, cut into bit size pieces
• 4 Tbsp. Easy Greek Vinaigrette (or similar store-bought)

Directions:
Place all the items in a large bowl and coat with the dressing – enjoy!

Serves one very generously or two in more appropriate servings :).

Cheers,
Veronique

Filed Under: American, Cheese, Entrees, Pasta, Sides, Vegetables Tagged With: , , ,
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