Raspberry Meringues with Salted Caramel Sauce

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

These make the most delightful tasty dessert – thanks to my friend Jean for preparing these for our Annual Canada Day visit!!!

The strawberries in the garden were ripe so we added a few to this treat, along with just a wee scoop of ice cream ….

These definitely need to be prepared ahead of time but the actual work is pretty easy.

4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups caster (or superfine) sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp fleur del sel
1 cup raspberries

Preheat oven to 200 F

MERINGUES:

In bowl of mixer, beat egg whites just until soft peaks form before increasing the speed, adding the superfine sugar slowly – a bit at a time – until fully incorporated. Whip at high speed until all the sugar dissolves and the mixture takes on a shiny, glossy look and nice stiff peaks form up.

Drop a teaspoon of the jam into a small section of the egg white mixture – swirl and and scoop a heaped tablespoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with another teaspoon of the jam, and a bit more of the meringue mixture until you have 12 meringues.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 2 1/2 hours. Leave in the oven to cool off and dry out overnight.

SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

Heat white sugar in medium size, heavy bottom saucepan over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon, and stir a LOT while this is going on, and don’t worry – it will harden and clump as the sugar melts. DO NOT STIR ONCE THE SUGAR STARTS TO CARMELIZE. Quickly stir in the butter, cream and fleur del del (or a flaky sea salt). Let simmer for 1 minute, then transfer to a heatproof bowl and allow to cool completely.

This caramel sauce keeps really well in the fridge, and is amazing on pretty much anything.

ASSEMBLY

Place meringue on plate, lightly drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with raspberries – perfection!

Shrimp Cocktail

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

I love shrimp cocktail, and this version puts lots of flavour into the shrimp as well as the cocktail sauce – sure to be a hit at your next dinner or appetizer party.

Make sure to use raw shrimp and poach them in this broth – it really does make a difference.

Poach the shrimp:
3 cups water
1 cup your favourite white wine (preferably crisp, light, fruit – think pinot grigio)
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 tsp kosher salt
1 1 pound bag of frozen RAW shrimp

Put all ingredients, save the shrimp, into a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle boil – allow to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow flavours to develop, and then turn to a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp, cover with a tight fitting lid and turn off the heat. Let sit for 10 min. Remove shrimp and allow to cool.

COCKTAIL SAUCE

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup horseradish
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
juice and zest of 1 lemon

Combine all sauce ingredients and allow to sit

Serve shrimp with cocktail sauce and sit back to enjoy the compliments – way better than any shrimp cocktail you buy!

Blueberries and Cream French Toast

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

First – no photo yet of the french toast dish!! We dove into this too quickly – but I promise a photo the next time I make this, and it was such a hit that I am sure it will happen again.

I wasn’t fast enough to get a photo of the french toast, but I think you can tell how delicious the blueberry orange sauce is – Stella’s spoon wasn’t fast enough for her so she had to tip it up!!

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup butter, softened
zest of 1 orange
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 loaf french bread – cut into 1″ slices
1-2 cups blueberries

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, butter and orange rind. Add eggs, one at a time until well blended – slowly stir in milk.

Place bread slices in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish, overlapping the bread slightly. Let stand 15-20 minutes, or cover and put in the fridge overnight.

Before baking, uncover and sprinkle with blueberries. Bake at 325 for 45-60 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle with a dusting of icing sugar, and serve with warm blueberry orange sauce.

BLUEBERRY ORANGE SAUCE

1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup water

In medium sauce pan, stir the sugar, cornstarch and water – heat until gently boiling and add:
1 cup blueberries
1 orange – minced fine, and the zest
Cook until the juices are clear and the sauce has thickened.

Spinach and Artichoke Bread Pudding (Stuffing Muffins)

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

This is a great change from the usual stuffing – goes really well with any roast – beef, turkey, chicken or lamb. We’ve had it with all! Now a family favourite. Even better is that leftovers make a fantastic snack or breakfast.

Trust me - this will be your new favourite savory stuffing or bread pudding!

Preheat oven to 350

1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup sliced celery
1 tbsp roughly chopped garlic

Saute until onions, celery and garlic are soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.

In large bowl combine:
12-14 cups cubed stale bread (I like calabrese or french)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp Italian seasonings
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 tin artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (tough outer leaves removed)
1/4 cup minced parsley

Toss gently to combine

Mix together:
4 large eggs
3 cups cream
2 cups milk

Add the onion mixture and the egg/milk/cream mixture to the large bowl with bread and vegetables.

If the bread does not absorb all the liquid right away – set aside until it does.

Put all the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish and sprinkle the top with more freshly grated parmesan and a dusting of salt and pepper. Bake at 350 for approximately 1 hour.

Our family really likes the crunchy bits of stuffing or bread pudding, so I baked this earlier in the day in muffin tins so there were lots of edges, then turned it into a clay baker and warmed it all up for dinner.

If you really want to take this over the top …. crumble a bit of brie cheese into the dry mixture before adding the onion and milk mixtures.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

These muffins are delicious, light, fresh and so so simple!

Combine:
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Set aside – and in either a blender (or bullet) mix together;
1 orange, cut into segments (remove the zest first and set aside)
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

Blend well, and then stir gently into dry ingredients with:

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
zest of 1 orange

Stir only until combined – then put into muffin tins.

Makes about 14-16 depending on size.

Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes. Check them at 12 …

You could easily substitute the cranberries for dried blueberries or raisins – go ahead and experiment.

Sesame Miso Vinaigrette

Posted on January 4, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

I decided to do a play on Roger Mooking’s cooking show – with an obedient ingredient ….. Miso! Our halibut is marinating in a miso based dressing, and this seemed the perfect accompaniment.

1/2 tsp chile flakes (to your taste of course – depending on how spicy you like it)
1/4 cup peanut oil
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp white miso
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger

Combine all ingredients in a jar, and shake well. Delicious served over steamed vegetables or a bowl of crispy greens.

Nuts and Bolts/Bits and Bites

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Chatty Kathy

Whatever you use here is up to your families interests! This year we made it peanut free for Liv, who is allergic, but pecans, cashews and coconut flakes added lots of interest.

This is our families favourite savoury Christmas treat … we only make it at this time of year for some reason, and we all love it. The butter makes it a treat you shouldn’t have often, but enjoy when you do!

Remember – use your own families favourite ingredients, whether it is the cereal aspect or the nuts – make it your own to enjoy.

1 cup butter
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion salt
1 tbsp celery salt

Melt and stir until seasoning is well mixed. Dip a Bugle, or or shreddie or something in it at this point and make sure you can taste the seasoning – if it needs more flavour, add a bit of each. Remember – critical – taste!! Everybody has different seasoning, and each brand is different in it’s level of flavour. (and freshness)

If you taste it enough you might end up with less to cook………

4 cups Cheerios
4 cups Life cereal (or Shreddies)
1 package pretzels
1 package Bugles (4-6 cups depending on your preference)
1 bag cheese crackers (goldfish) (3 cups)
2 cups peanuts
1 cup pecans
1 cup walnuts

Stir the melted butter/spice mix over the dry ingredients – mix well and bake in the largest roaster you have – it makes a lot.

Bake at 250 for 1 & 1/2 hours, stirring frequently.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container. (at least, try to store it – doesn’t last long….)

Kung Pao Chicken

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Chatty Kathy

Kung Pao Chicken

3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
MARINADE
2 tablespoons oyster-flavored sauce
1 tablespoon chile garlic sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
SAUCE
1/4 cup black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons Chinese dry sherry
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 tsp chile flakes
4 teaspoons minced garlic
4 teaspoons minced ginger
2 ribs celery, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1/2 cup diced bamboo shoots
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and stir to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl; set aside.

Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons oil, swirling to coat sides. Add chicken and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok.
Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil, swirling to coat sides. Add ginger, chiles, garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add celery, bell pepper, and bamboo shoots; stir-fry for 1 1/2 minutes. Return chicken and chilies to wok; stir-fry for 1 minute. Add sauce and bring to a boil. Add cornstarch solution and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens.

Amazing served with Szechuan Green Beans

Szechuan Green Beans with Kung Pao Chicken

Szechaun Green Beans

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Chatty Kathy

Szechuan Green Beans – fresh, tasty and delicious

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 medium size shallot – sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 ounce hot chili garlic sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon mirin or white wine
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 pound green beans, cleaned
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

canola oil to fry beans

In medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil. Add ginger with shallot, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until it turns light brown; quickly add soy sauce, chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin, mirin, sesame oil and cilantro.

Fry the green beans in the canola oil for about 45 seconds, or until beans turn dark green. Remove, strain, and add to sauce. Toss and garnish with peanuts and parsley.

Serve with Kung Pao chicken – fabulously delicious.

Szechuan Green Beans with Kung Pao Chicken

Pumpkin Hummus Recipe with toasted pumpkin seeds

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Chatty Kathy

Crunchy carmelized pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of chile oil make this creamy hummus a fabulous appetizer!

I roasted quite a bit of pumpkin this fall, when in season, and this hummus recipe is a great way to use it – pumpkin isn’t just for scones!

Chile Cilantro Oil

1/4 cup grapeseed oil
2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
1 tbsp minced seeded chile pepper (your fave – Jalapeno if you want a mild heat..)
salt to taste

Pumpkin Seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 tsp grapeseed oil
1 tbsp brown or raw sugar
pinch of cayenne
salt to taste

Hummus
1 15 ounce can chickpeas – rinsed and drained
1 cup pumpkin puree (thawed if previously frozen)
1/4 cup tahini
3 – 4 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 – 4 tbsp water
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt to taste

To make the chile oil – using a small saucepan heat the oil until hot (about 3-5 min). Pour into a small bowl and add the cilantro and chile. Let cool before tasting and seasoning with salt.

To make the pumpkin seeds – in a small frypan toast the seeds in the oil JUST until they start to brown and puff up – around 5 minu7tes. Add the sugar, cayenne and and about 1/4 tsp salt. Continue to cook, tossing as the sugar melts and the seeds continue to brown. When they are a toasty brown, turn them out on to a plate to completely cool.

Finally – the hummus! Simply toss all the ingredients (except salt) into a food processor – I would start with 3 tbsp each of the lemon juice and water and check for consistency – adding more if necessary. Give it all a good whir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more liquid, adding salt if you like.

Serve with pita crisps, tortilla chips, rice crackers or vegetables! A winner all around.

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Category Archives: Recipes

Raspberry Meringues with Salted Caramel Sauce

Shrimp Cocktail

Blueberries and Cream French Toast

Spinach and Artichoke Bread Pudding (Stuffing Muffins)

Orange Cranberry Muffins

Sesame Miso Vinaigrette

Nuts and Bolts/Bits and Bites

Kung Pao Chicken

Szechaun Green Beans

Pumpkin Hummus Recipe with toasted pumpkin seeds