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Baking is so, so different from cooking. The rules that bind it together are set in stone and predictability is how you measure success. Unlike, say, being a bit generous with the dill weed in a meatloaf -- which will change the flavors without dramatically changing the end result -- adding more baking powder doesn’t just change a cookie, it may flat-out ruin it. Given this locus of discipline many shy away from baking with abandon. Then the other side of the coin is once you build a process of success there is plenty of room for creativity. That’s where I live, actually. And this cookie is proof.  I often approach cooking by looking at something that works; meaning nailing the ratio of flour, to sugar, to fats, to leavening, (see BASIC recipe below in tabs,) and then ask myself about ways to switch out elements of flavor, texture, or color. I also start most recipes by looking in my pantry and taking stock of what I can do with what I already have. For instance, we know that apple sauce is a great addition to muffins and cakes. It adds moisture and sweetness, and a soft texture. Since partnering with Raven’s Originals foods as a recipe developer, I find their apple butter to be extremely well balanced and smooth, superior almost to apple sauce. So, why not try it in a cookie? The perceptions from others, when I tell them about combinations, is fascinating to me. A friend of mine, when I informed her that I was adding white chocolate chips to the apple cookie recipe, gently grimaced at the combination, and I wondered why. Do we hear the word “chocolate” and think of cocoa and there's a whole taste stuck in our heads? Because white chocolate is NOT CHOCOLATE. There is no cocoa in it. (Click here to read why.) It is curious to me why we even call it that. It melts differently. It doesn’t really awaken the palate like regular chocolate. It is more of a buttery element. And that’s why I wanted it for my apple butter cookies. (It totally works beyond belief, by the way!)
This is a winner in every way. They are chewy on the first day, more cake-like from then on. They retain their sort of “plopped on the pan” shape even after cooking. So I love how rustic they look. I highly recommend these confections alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream. And since my creative side once awakened goes on and on, I can literally think of dozens of ways to change and use these. Add toasted walnuts. Use them in place of a vanilla wafer and cover them with custard and whipped cream for sheet pudding. Smooth them flat, add some ground corn flakes, and use as a base for a baked apple tart. You see, once you find processes that work, there is no reason your crazy experimental side can’t take over. I suggest you start here having fun here! RECIPE: White Chocolate Chip Apple Butter CookiesMakes 2 Dozen | Click here to download printable PDF version  ½ C shortening ½ C white sugar 1 large egg 1 ½ t vanilla extract ½ C apple butter (I used Raven’s Original™) 1 ¾ all-purpose flour ½ t baking soda ½ t kosher salt ½ t allspice ½ C white chocolate chips Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. In a mixer set on medium blend the sugar, vanilla, egg, and shortening. Mix for about 90 seconds. Add the apple butter and mix until well blended but not overly worked. Add the flour, 1/3 of it at a time. Add the baking powder, salt, and allspice with the first batch of flour. When blended fold in the white chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Bake for 8 – 9 minutes until golden on the edges. Let cool on sheet slightly, remove, and eat! *1 C All Purpose Flour, ½ C white sugar, ½ C shortening, ½ t baking soda, ½ t kosher salt, 1 large egg is my go-to cookie base. By adding the ½ C apple butter I knew I needed to increase the flour by ¾ C. Boom, success. And then you can always add more spices. It’s a texture you’re shooting for. Have fun!
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Slaving over a hot stove is usually a reference saved for those bound to tortured servitude; a permanent underclass of kitchen help that rarely sees the light of day: A statement I disagree with on almost every level. I personally find it incredibly soothing to stand before a steaming pan of food. And I have the gall to do it in front of my guests, wearing blingly bracelets, and sipping an embarrassingly expensive glass of wine.  So, when there is a creamy, cheesy, classic risotto on my stove in front of me, I’m almost giddy. Yes, it is about 40 minutes from heating the oil to spooning the mixture into your mouth. And it asks patience, but the rest of the technical acumen needed for this classic rice dish includes how to wield a large ladle, and knowing how to say “yum.” That’s about it. Forty minutes may seem like a long time for you to be vigilant, slowly adding stock to a simmering saucepan of Arborio rice until it bursts into a white cloud of perfection, but the end result is a thick, soft, and beautiful side dish. It is also versatile. If you can follow the process of heating, and add aromatics, toast the rice, deglaze with wine, and then ladle in the liquid, you can add anything to change the theme. I’ve created risottos using mushrooms, apples, raisins, even salami to create an endless series of variations. In this case I added preserved lemons, and fresh ginger along with the cream, parmigiana reggiano cheese, and sweet onion. This gave the finished dish so much depth and mystery that’s it is almost hard to think it needed anything else to go with it. Trust me though. It gets better.
Arctic char is a fish that has the color and sweetness of salmon and the fresh flavor of trout. It is hearty yet luxurious. And so easy to make. When cooked it is turns into a gorgeous saffron orange. The hue is vibrant, sassy, and honest. I needed that kind of sophistication to go along with my risotto. I used heirloom tomatoes for the relish because I wanted the deep red of those whose colors are more like brick than fire engine red. It made a beautiful dish in the end. You can use any tomato but the trick with this relish is to remove all the seeds. After halving and then quartering them, a sharp knife run along the inside to quickly remove the liquid and seeds gives you the result you desire. I added jalapeño for a bit of heat that pushes against the heady ginger and lemon, and makes the earthy sweet fish pop on your palette. The entire dish is balanced, and classy. The best way known to eliminate any underclass or torture from any sector you are a part of. ©Recipe and Photo Copyright Camine Pappas, 2021. All rights reserved. RECIPE: Baked Artic Char with Lemon Parmesan Risotto |
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Any time you have a fruit that has been sweetened, jelled slightly, and simmered into a cup of delicious sticky-ness, that is jam. (Yes, peppers are often considered a fruit!) And you don’t have to limit it to fruit. There’s bacon jam, jalapeño jam. And one my favorites is red pepper jelly. And if you don’t believe I’m a food geek after reading my blog, you will when I tell you I’m keen to create a kalamata olive jam. Yes. Stay tuned!
Fruits lend a unique element to food. They can act as a bit of sweetness to offset an acidic note. They can thicken sauces. Create depth of flavor. Offer refreshing flavors against the savory. And they’re soooo beautiful! They are fantastic over meats, especially when combined with a bit of vinegar, onion, and pepper and cooked into a chutney. Try simmering with a bit of white wine and Dijon mustard and you will understand heaven. And in this gem of a meal, the humble jam helps create the most beautiful and perfectly flavored glaze for a humble Chinese meatball.
Fruits lend a unique element to food. They can act as a bit of sweetness to offset an acidic note. They can thicken sauces. Create depth of flavor. Offer refreshing flavors against the savory. And they’re soooo beautiful! They are fantastic over meats, especially when combined with a bit of vinegar, onion, and pepper and cooked into a chutney. Try simmering with a bit of white wine and Dijon mustard and you will understand heaven. And in this gem of a meal, the humble jam helps create the most beautiful and perfectly flavored glaze for a humble Chinese meatball.
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I intentionally blend flavors to their highest and best expression. Or at least that is my goal. And when tasked by Raven’s Original Foods to create a recipe using their gorgeous Peach Habanero jam, I couldn’t get my apron on fast enough.
First, I opened the jar and took a couple of bites. Pressing it around in my mouth and inhaling slightly so I could get all the top notes as well as the subtle flavors at the finish. I wanted to understand the jam's consistency and find out if it was more sweet than hot or the other way around. Licking the spoon until it was clean was how this saga ended. And now I knew what I would do. Magic is about to be made.
When blending the meatballs I knew I must include the key Asian flavors of ginger and garlic, punctuated with herbs, aromatics, and the right amount of salt and pepper. This would help the heat of the jam sing! (I find that using a zester to grate the fresh ginger and the fresh garlic creates a more refined flavor experience.) After mixing everything together and then forming them into the small meatballs, I set them aside to work on the rest of the prep. Seriously, aren’t they the prettiest little bites?
On this night I wanted to skip the carbs (although serving these meatballs and slaw over steaming jasmine rice would be rather dreamy). Turns out I was just as happy without the rice, simply laying it all over a good, crunchy slaw. By sautéing the pepper, jalapeno, and onion in a hot pan with a little oil and salt and pepper, I created an automatic dressing for the slaw. Combining the cooked peppers and cold cabbage helps dial down any bitterness. As a ‘fleurissent finale’ I added torn basic to the warm mixture to gently perfume the slaw. Absolutely the perfect decision.
When it comes to the size and style of your chopped ingredients, there are no hard and fast rules. Sometimes you want everything diced small. Other times you want large chunks. In this case I wanted long, elegant strips that would be beautiful but ensure you could detect each flavor individually. I wanted a solid identity preserved in my peppers.
Another trick was to slightly warm the jam and the sweet vinegar in a small pan before pouring it over the meatballs. Otherwise the cold sauce cools everything down. Maintaining the temperature of the beef while sautéing is important for consistency.
First, I opened the jar and took a couple of bites. Pressing it around in my mouth and inhaling slightly so I could get all the top notes as well as the subtle flavors at the finish. I wanted to understand the jam's consistency and find out if it was more sweet than hot or the other way around. Licking the spoon until it was clean was how this saga ended. And now I knew what I would do. Magic is about to be made.
When blending the meatballs I knew I must include the key Asian flavors of ginger and garlic, punctuated with herbs, aromatics, and the right amount of salt and pepper. This would help the heat of the jam sing! (I find that using a zester to grate the fresh ginger and the fresh garlic creates a more refined flavor experience.) After mixing everything together and then forming them into the small meatballs, I set them aside to work on the rest of the prep. Seriously, aren’t they the prettiest little bites?
On this night I wanted to skip the carbs (although serving these meatballs and slaw over steaming jasmine rice would be rather dreamy). Turns out I was just as happy without the rice, simply laying it all over a good, crunchy slaw. By sautéing the pepper, jalapeno, and onion in a hot pan with a little oil and salt and pepper, I created an automatic dressing for the slaw. Combining the cooked peppers and cold cabbage helps dial down any bitterness. As a ‘fleurissent finale’ I added torn basic to the warm mixture to gently perfume the slaw. Absolutely the perfect decision.
When it comes to the size and style of your chopped ingredients, there are no hard and fast rules. Sometimes you want everything diced small. Other times you want large chunks. In this case I wanted long, elegant strips that would be beautiful but ensure you could detect each flavor individually. I wanted a solid identity preserved in my peppers.
Another trick was to slightly warm the jam and the sweet vinegar in a small pan before pouring it over the meatballs. Otherwise the cold sauce cools everything down. Maintaining the temperature of the beef while sautéing is important for consistency.
When everything came together it was a true jam-fest of flavor and texture. Hot, sweet, tangy, crunchy, and amazing. Another super-win using an ingredient that frankly, I can’t “RAVE” enough about. Check out the full recipe below, go to www.ravensoriginals.com to buy the jam, and get cooking!
RECIPE: Ginger & Mint Asian Meatballs with Peach Habanero Sauce Over Sautéed Pepper and Jalapeño Slaw
Serves 4 | Click here to download PDF of recipe
MEATBALLS:
1 1/4 lb ground sirloin
1 ½ t grated ginger root
1 T grated garlic, about 2 large cloves
2 T fresh grated flat leaf parsley (plus more for garnish)
2 T chopped scallions
2 T chopped cilantro
1 ½ t fresh chopped mint
¼ C white onion, chopped
1 t kosher salt, ¼ t black pepper
SLAW:
1 C orange pepper, sliced into long strips
1 C yellow pepper, sliced into long strips
¼ red onion, cut into thin slices
1 heaping T chopped jalapeño
2 cups regular green cabbage thinly sliced (keep in separate bowl)
Large handful of fresh basil leaves, gently torn
½ t kosher salt, 1/8 t black pepper
2 T light oil such as vegetable, sunflower, or avocado oil
4 small wedges of fresh lime
GLAZE:
¾ C Raven’s Original™ Peach Habanero Jam
3 t rice wine vinegar
1 1/4 lb ground sirloin
1 ½ t grated ginger root
1 T grated garlic, about 2 large cloves
2 T fresh grated flat leaf parsley (plus more for garnish)
2 T chopped scallions
2 T chopped cilantro
1 ½ t fresh chopped mint
¼ C white onion, chopped
1 t kosher salt, ¼ t black pepper
SLAW:
1 C orange pepper, sliced into long strips
1 C yellow pepper, sliced into long strips
¼ red onion, cut into thin slices
1 heaping T chopped jalapeño
2 cups regular green cabbage thinly sliced (keep in separate bowl)
Large handful of fresh basil leaves, gently torn
½ t kosher salt, 1/8 t black pepper
2 T light oil such as vegetable, sunflower, or avocado oil
4 small wedges of fresh lime
GLAZE:
¾ C Raven’s Original™ Peach Habanero Jam
3 t rice wine vinegar
Blend ground sirloin with ginger, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, mint, scallions, salt, and pepper. Form into small 1” meatballs and set aside. It makes about 15 - 20. Combine the slaw ingredients from peppers down to jalapeño. Slice the cabbage and set aside. Put the mango jam and vinegar in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Bring a sauté pan to high heat, add the 2 T vegetable oil, and add the pepper, onion, and jalapeño mixture. Let cook for about a minute to soften and add the salt and pepper. Toss and let sear until there’s a bit of charring on some of the peppers. Then turn the cooked pepper mixture into the bowl with the cabbage and toss. While still hot add the torn basil pieces and fold them in to gently flavor the slaw, then set aside.
In the same sauté pan, on medium high heat, add the meatballs and brown on one side. Jostle pan a little to keep meatballs turning over and cook until they are brown, and feel firm but not overcooked, which takes about 2 – minutes per side.
Combine the Peach Jam and the vinegar in a small pan and heat slightly before you pour the jam mixture over the top. Then lower heat, and let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes on medium low to finish cooking the meatballs.
To serve, arrange a bit of the wilted slaw mixture on the plate. Top with 4 – 5 meatballs, and drizzle with the mango habanero sauce. Garnish with a fresh lime, and a basil leaf, and a sprinkling of parsley.
NOTE: Can serve with white rice if desired.
Bring a sauté pan to high heat, add the 2 T vegetable oil, and add the pepper, onion, and jalapeño mixture. Let cook for about a minute to soften and add the salt and pepper. Toss and let sear until there’s a bit of charring on some of the peppers. Then turn the cooked pepper mixture into the bowl with the cabbage and toss. While still hot add the torn basil pieces and fold them in to gently flavor the slaw, then set aside.
In the same sauté pan, on medium high heat, add the meatballs and brown on one side. Jostle pan a little to keep meatballs turning over and cook until they are brown, and feel firm but not overcooked, which takes about 2 – minutes per side.
Combine the Peach Jam and the vinegar in a small pan and heat slightly before you pour the jam mixture over the top. Then lower heat, and let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes on medium low to finish cooking the meatballs.
To serve, arrange a bit of the wilted slaw mixture on the plate. Top with 4 – 5 meatballs, and drizzle with the mango habanero sauce. Garnish with a fresh lime, and a basil leaf, and a sprinkling of parsley.
NOTE: Can serve with white rice if desired.
Recipe and Photo ©Camine Pappas, 2021. All rights reserved
| PART 1 - Cooking in the Time of COVID It's okay to Live in the Moment. It occurs to me that we are lost in a sea of bad news while being horrifically engulfed in a tide that never recedes. That’s a lot of bad going on. It’s been so long since I’ve seen the shore I don’t remember what dry ground even feels like. Sure, I have experienced a lot of “interesting events” over my many decades here on earth, but these are unprecedented times. I don’t recall ever feeling so disconnected, unsure, or fearful. There is no compass point we can rely on for parsing this information or translate what’s going on. Some out there may teeter between believing this is either an alien virus leaked from Area 51, or a political tool to scare and control us. I’m not even going to say I’m somewhere in the middle, because even my “gut reactions” are all over the place. I miss being sure. I wish I had the magic bean for us to plant a mighty stalk that grows above the clouds of uncertainty letting me peer into truth. Or that I could hire a translator that would smile through horn-rimmed framed lenses while setting everything straight. And, I wish I could sleep without terror. All of these thoughts are not necessarily productive or logical. What, then do I need? |  Serving up something with love during one of my cooking demonstrations.  Peaceful setting along the back-roads of home give me a sense of calm and confidence. |
I have mused over the last few weeks that my uncertainly isn’t all due to a lack of access to the truth, but from my former reliance on it. Have I learned how to live my life only when there are guardrails on my daily path and no forks in the road? Have I succumbed to thinking there is a guaranteed future that was taken away from me? Worse still, could it be that my fearfulness is of my own making, and that it rises because I am trapped into believing the ability to avoid suffering, failure, or death is possible?
A wild notion is developing in me that might be the simplest answer to all of this; a kind of parallel truth we may be missing. And that is, what if we all suddenly knew these three things deeply, and in doing so could take back the control we’ve given over to EVERYTHING and EVERYONE else?
Those three bullets can be summarized like this: If we have respect for self, are aware of the existence of things beyond our own selves that are equal in importance to our own appetites, and can cultivate an ability to have full joy by focusing on the present, we just might get through this. (And the other trials that will surely come!)
A wild notion is developing in me that might be the simplest answer to all of this; a kind of parallel truth we may be missing. And that is, what if we all suddenly knew these three things deeply, and in doing so could take back the control we’ve given over to EVERYTHING and EVERYONE else?
- NUMBER ONE: We all have huge worth, and it exists apart from being measured by what we own, or who we know. We will never not matter to someone. Also, E F Hutton isn’t God. Mr. Rogers was right. And you are actually kind, smart, and important.
- NUMBER TWO: Our health is truly interconnected to our social responsibility. It does require effort to be well fed and we should seek to spend more time doing it right. Also, our diseases can be partly blamed on our own attitude towards who is responsible for telling us what's healthy (you are, by the way), our disrespect for our fellow living things, and our constant effort to mitigate our self-loathing.
- NUMBER THREE: We will all die and that’s okay. But for most of us, not quite now. This minute you are still alive, viable, and powerful and you can make a difference. Failure is survivable. You really don’t need anyone to add you as a Friend. And what I really want to tell you is being famous isn’t nearly as important as being vital to one person right now.
Those three bullets can be summarized like this: If we have respect for self, are aware of the existence of things beyond our own selves that are equal in importance to our own appetites, and can cultivate an ability to have full joy by focusing on the present, we just might get through this. (And the other trials that will surely come!)
Feeling lonely? Make bread! You and the living yeast can be buddies for the day!
PART 2 - Feeling Joy in the Time of COVID
Do What Makes you Happy.
Our bodies have an amazing super power: The ability to smell and taste. Both which gives us such a rush of pleasure and joy we should revel in this being life’s greatest gift! Joy has been shown to boost endorphins, strengthen our immune system, and even out our ability to handle stress. I love when someone puts a good bit of food in their mouths and then begin swooning with happiness! Is this not a goal we should all strive to have?
For several weeks now my recipes have taken a turn towards comfort and familiar foods. I have rediscovered good beef stew. And remembered why creamed peas make me happy. Whether you choose to download and cook these recipes, or just enjoy the photos and the accompanying drool they provoke, I hope they help you feel powerful, even without a beanstalk.
Do What Makes you Happy.
Our bodies have an amazing super power: The ability to smell and taste. Both which gives us such a rush of pleasure and joy we should revel in this being life’s greatest gift! Joy has been shown to boost endorphins, strengthen our immune system, and even out our ability to handle stress. I love when someone puts a good bit of food in their mouths and then begin swooning with happiness! Is this not a goal we should all strive to have?
For several weeks now my recipes have taken a turn towards comfort and familiar foods. I have rediscovered good beef stew. And remembered why creamed peas make me happy. Whether you choose to download and cook these recipes, or just enjoy the photos and the accompanying drool they provoke, I hope they help you feel powerful, even without a beanstalk.
RECIPE: Onion and Green Pepper Tender Beef Stew Over Mashed New Potatoes
Serves 4 | Click here for printable PDF
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INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ lb Stew Meat Chunks (at room temperature, and patted dry of moisture)
2 T oil
½ large green pepper cut into strips
¼ large sweet onion cut into strips
2 large cloves of garlic finely chopped
2 t dried oregano
½ paprika
1 bay leaf
1 t salt, ¼ pepper
1 beef bouillon cube
2 ½ C boiling water
½ C cabernet sauvignon
(Roux with 2 t corn starch and 2-3 T water)
Fresh parsley to garnish
1 ½ lb Stew Meat Chunks (at room temperature, and patted dry of moisture)
2 T oil
½ large green pepper cut into strips
¼ large sweet onion cut into strips
2 large cloves of garlic finely chopped
2 t dried oregano
½ paprika
1 bay leaf
1 t salt, ¼ pepper
1 beef bouillon cube
2 ½ C boiling water
½ C cabernet sauvignon
(Roux with 2 t corn starch and 2-3 T water)
Fresh parsley to garnish
Heat large saucepan with the oil. When hot add the meat and sear well on one side. Add the onion and green peppers. Toss until onions begin to show a little browning. Add the garlic and stir and sauté, turning beef until browned on the other side for just a couple minutes. Then add the bouillon that is dissolved in the water, the red wine, and the oregano, and paprika. Stir to combine. Add the bay leaf. Cover with a lid. Turn to low and let simmer on very low for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Stew is done when meat can be shredded. Simmer on low for another 15 minutes if needed. Remove from heat, stir in roux to thicken. Serve over mashed potatoes and garnish with parsley.
©Recipe and Photo Copyright Camine Pappas, 2020. All rights reserved.
RECIPE: Quick-Pasta-Whatever with Skillet Marinara Sauce
Serves 4 | Click here for printable PDF
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During the quarantine we got creative with cravings since you can only eat survival food for so long and you need something fresh! Ron wanted spaghetti, but I couldn’t stand to open a jar of Prego sauce. So, I came up with this variation that turned out to be easy, and the perfect comfort food.
INGREDIENTS:
½ lb ground beef (90%)
½ pint cherry tomatoes quartered
1 large stalk celery cut into small dice
1/3 sweet onion, diced
2 large cloves of garlic finely diced
1 can tomato sauce (plain, no flavorings)
2 T light olive oil
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T white sugar
¼ t each of paprika and turmeric powder
1 heaping T dried good oregano
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 ½ t salt and ¼ t pepper)
1 ½ C egg noodles (dry) cooked to al dente
Shaved parmigiana reggiano cheese and parsley to garnish.
½ lb ground beef (90%)
½ pint cherry tomatoes quartered
1 large stalk celery cut into small dice
1/3 sweet onion, diced
2 large cloves of garlic finely diced
1 can tomato sauce (plain, no flavorings)
2 T light olive oil
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T white sugar
¼ t each of paprika and turmeric powder
1 heaping T dried good oregano
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 ½ t salt and ¼ t pepper)
1 ½ C egg noodles (dry) cooked to al dente
Shaved parmigiana reggiano cheese and parsley to garnish.
Heat large saucepan with the oil. Add the onion and celery and tomatoes and cook until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook on medium until almost done. Add the tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, sugar, paprika, turmeric, oregano, and salt and pepper. Simmer on low for about 30 minutes. In the meantime bring 8-10 C salted water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook to al dente. Drain and add to meat sauce and combine. Serve.
When God invented sugar it must have been a very good day. Even though we all consume larger quantities than we should, there is no question we would do anything to experience its rush of pleasure. We serve it at all the most important life events. Even the saying, "life is short, eat dessert first!" proves we would rather have sugar than almost any other food. We call loved ones, "sweetie." People who talk nice to us are "sugar coating it." And adding sugar to cocoa beans has literally changed the planet! Oh, sugar, sugar, sugar! I worship sugar!
Which, I'm thinking, is why God probably kept it to himself for millennia.... no doubt leaked by the dark forces.
Um, thank you dark forces? Oh dear...
Which, I'm thinking, is why God probably kept it to himself for millennia.... no doubt leaked by the dark forces.
Um, thank you dark forces? Oh dear...
The sugar beet and sugar cane are the two main sources of refined sugar production, which seems trivial. However sugar itself has become one of the key commodities of modern times. I actually grew up near a small town where there was a sugar beet factory. Constructed in 1903 in Garland Utah , the Utah Sugar Company was in operation until 1978. I will tell you. The smell from that plant is nothing like the sweet final product. Odd, eh?
Want to know more? Here are some interesting facts published on sucrose.com about sugar:
"It was the major expansion of the Arab peoples in the seventh century AD that led to a breaking of the secret. When they invaded Persia in 642 AD they found sugar cane being grown and learnt how sugar was made. As their expansion continued they established sugar production in other lands that they conquered including North Africa and Spain. However, it is thought that cane sugar was first used by man in Polynesia from where it spread to India. In 510 BC the Emperor Darius of what was then Persia invaded India where he found "the reed which gives honey without bees". The secret of cane sugar, as with many other of man's discoveries, was kept a closely guarded secret whilst the finished product was exported for a rich profit."
Want to know more? Here are some interesting facts published on sucrose.com about sugar:
"It was the major expansion of the Arab peoples in the seventh century AD that led to a breaking of the secret. When they invaded Persia in 642 AD they found sugar cane being grown and learnt how sugar was made. As their expansion continued they established sugar production in other lands that they conquered including North Africa and Spain. However, it is thought that cane sugar was first used by man in Polynesia from where it spread to India. In 510 BC the Emperor Darius of what was then Persia invaded India where he found "the reed which gives honey without bees". The secret of cane sugar, as with many other of man's discoveries, was kept a closely guarded secret whilst the finished product was exported for a rich profit."
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Let's talk about some of my latest sugary treats. They have produced so many happy tummies so it is hard for me to think about being a perpetrator of dark arts. Really, how could a candy sprinkle be evil?
It turns out we do need to be a bit mindful of the stuff. The Huffington Post has published a very interesting article explaining what happens when we become sugar addicts. It is worth the read. I find that between the lines the logic lies in understanding that we must have balance. And that a lot of our sugar and other unhealthy items are found in processed foods. I work very hard to avoid a processed food diet and find that if you eat naturally you can probably imbibe responsibly without too much harm...
But I will let you decide with every, delicious, crystallized, sparkling, happy bite...
It turns out we do need to be a bit mindful of the stuff. The Huffington Post has published a very interesting article explaining what happens when we become sugar addicts. It is worth the read. I find that between the lines the logic lies in understanding that we must have balance. And that a lot of our sugar and other unhealthy items are found in processed foods. I work very hard to avoid a processed food diet and find that if you eat naturally you can probably imbibe responsibly without too much harm...
But I will let you decide with every, delicious, crystallized, sparkling, happy bite...
RECIPE: Quick Watermelon Ice Cream
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6-7 C of ripe watermelon, cut into chunks
1 C sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt
1 C sweetened condensed milk
Dash of salt
Place watermelon chunks on parchment paper on baking sheet. Freeze for 4 hours. Then take watermelon and put into a food processor. Process until smaller chunks. Add the sweetened condensed milk and the salt. Blend until very creamy. Pour into a dish and smooth out top. Cover with cling film. Return to freezer for 3-4 hours until firm. Serve!
Recipe inspired by several online posts.
Recipe inspired by several online posts.
RECIPE: Chai Bread Pudding
with White Nectarines and Mock Creme Anglais
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3 ripe nectarines sliced into 24 crescents and tossed in 1 T white sugar
8 pieces of white bread cubed and toasted
5 large eggs
1 C heavy cream
2 t vanilla extract
1/3 C sugar
1/8 t ground cloves
½ t cinnamon
½ t ground cardamom
1/8 C chopped candied ginger divided 6 ways
Butter for greasing large muffin tins
Dash of salt
Sea salt to garnish
MOCK ANGLAIS SAUCE:
½ C sweetened condensed milk
3-4 T whole milk
3 T lemon curd
8 pieces of white bread cubed and toasted
5 large eggs
1 C heavy cream
2 t vanilla extract
1/3 C sugar
1/8 t ground cloves
½ t cinnamon
½ t ground cardamom
1/8 C chopped candied ginger divided 6 ways
Butter for greasing large muffin tins
Dash of salt
Sea salt to garnish
MOCK ANGLAIS SAUCE:
½ C sweetened condensed milk
3-4 T whole milk
3 T lemon curd
Make the mock crème anglais and set aside.
Grease an oversized muffin tin generously with butter (6 muffin openings). Divide toasted bread evenly among 6 muffin openings until the stack is a bit above the top of the rim. Sprinkle with the chopped candied ginger. Thoroughly mix the eggs, cream, vanilla, spices, and dash of salt. Pour over the bread dividing evenly among all puddings. Gently press down the bread so it all touches the egg mixture. Let it soak for about an hour on the counter, or not more than 3 hours in the fridge. Be sure to bring to room temperature before cooking. Arrange the sugared slices nicely on top of the bread puddings.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and place pan on a rack. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Remove each personal bread pudding and serve with the sauce poured over the top. Can be refrigerated and then reheated in the micro. Keep sauce refrigerated.
Note: Can do in a baking dish, but check center to make sure it’s done.
Grease an oversized muffin tin generously with butter (6 muffin openings). Divide toasted bread evenly among 6 muffin openings until the stack is a bit above the top of the rim. Sprinkle with the chopped candied ginger. Thoroughly mix the eggs, cream, vanilla, spices, and dash of salt. Pour over the bread dividing evenly among all puddings. Gently press down the bread so it all touches the egg mixture. Let it soak for about an hour on the counter, or not more than 3 hours in the fridge. Be sure to bring to room temperature before cooking. Arrange the sugared slices nicely on top of the bread puddings.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and place pan on a rack. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Remove each personal bread pudding and serve with the sauce poured over the top. Can be refrigerated and then reheated in the micro. Keep sauce refrigerated.
Note: Can do in a baking dish, but check center to make sure it’s done.
RECIPE: Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
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3 ¾ C white chocolate chips (24 oz.)
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 t vanilla (I added 2 t)
1 ¼ C craisins
Pinch of salt (I also sprinkled kosher salt on top of the fudge at the end.)
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 t vanilla (I added 2 t)
1 ¼ C craisins
Pinch of salt (I also sprinkled kosher salt on top of the fudge at the end.)
Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. I used an 8” X 8” pan. The place white chocolate chips in a large bowl with the condensed milk and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. If needed, add about another 20-25 seconds, being careful not to overhead. Stir patiently until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Add the vanilla and the pinch of salt and quickly pour into the lined pan. Spread evenly. Can cool in fridge or on countertop until room temperature. Can freeze or store in fridge. Sprinkle with a bit more of the sea salt on top. Serve in small 1 inch squares!
©Photos Copyright Camine Pappas, 2019. All rights reserved.
For some reason, the thought of a spreadsheet filled with numbers makes me a bit queasy. I am always compiling and totaling my expenses and income for the year at the very LAST minute. <Insert image of husband with hands clenched, approaching my neck to wring it.> I mean, it's not like I, or anyone else look forward to taxes each year. The date is not circled on my calendar with hearts all around it. But I rationalize my procrastination in the most twisted way finding bizarre activities to replace completing my 1040 or Schedule C. I would ask you to indulge me when I say that I think putting an apron on is also an activity that falls into that "sorry, I can't count right now..." category. Right?
It's funny, really, because when I cook I appear to be quite a mathematician. My 'mis en place' looks similar to the vertical columns of my ignored spread sheet: Straight and tidy. Yet I still would rather be splattered with sauce than splayed out with a calculator in hand.
I see you nodding your head in agreement. So let's continue with FOOD! (For those shaking your heads "no," and linking arms with my frustrated husband, NO dinner for you.) :)
I will attempt to mitigate my folly by presenting you with several recipes that prove salivating is the perfect way to side-track your Federal duties. Let's take a look:
It's funny, really, because when I cook I appear to be quite a mathematician. My 'mis en place' looks similar to the vertical columns of my ignored spread sheet: Straight and tidy. Yet I still would rather be splattered with sauce than splayed out with a calculator in hand.
I see you nodding your head in agreement. So let's continue with FOOD! (For those shaking your heads "no," and linking arms with my frustrated husband, NO dinner for you.) :)
I will attempt to mitigate my folly by presenting you with several recipes that prove salivating is the perfect way to side-track your Federal duties. Let's take a look:
Brown Sugar Moroccan Salmon with Sautéed
Apple and Cucumber Relish
Sautéeing cucumbers and apples in butter with just the right other ingredients yields a soft and sweet backdrop for the tangy flavors of this simple relish.
Mounded atop a perfect salmon filet only makes it all the better. Made for a girlfriend's evening I was told this was one of their all time Camine favorites.
Mounded atop a perfect salmon filet only makes it all the better. Made for a girlfriend's evening I was told this was one of their all time Camine favorites.
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2 6 oz. salmon filets, skin removed, patted dry
2 small Fuji apples sliced into 1 inch square pieces or your choice of shape
1/3 English cucumber, halved then sliced into 1/8” slices
1/8 C slices of sweet white onion
2 large garlic cloves sliced thin
3 fresh basil leaves julienned
2 t fresh ginger minced or chopped finely
Handful fresh Italian parsley leaves chopped
1/3 C light packed light brown sugar divided
2 t Moroccan spice rub
3 T butter
1 T light oil
2 t kosher salt, 1 t black pepper for seasoning
1 C jasmine rice, cooked
1 C Spring greens for presentation
2 small Fuji apples sliced into 1 inch square pieces or your choice of shape
1/3 English cucumber, halved then sliced into 1/8” slices
1/8 C slices of sweet white onion
2 large garlic cloves sliced thin
3 fresh basil leaves julienned
2 t fresh ginger minced or chopped finely
Handful fresh Italian parsley leaves chopped
1/3 C light packed light brown sugar divided
2 t Moroccan spice rub
3 T butter
1 T light oil
2 t kosher salt, 1 t black pepper for seasoning
1 C jasmine rice, cooked
1 C Spring greens for presentation
Rub 1 T of the light oil on the salmon filets, then rub with half the brown sugar, and rub with the Moroccan seasoning. Place in small baking dish (with a bit of oil on the bottom,) allowing filets to be about 1 inch apart. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place salmon in hot oven. Bake until salmon is done, about 12 minutes.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the apple and cucumber mixture and sauté until apples are soft, about 6-7 minutes. Put lid on keep warm until filets are cooked.
Plate by putting spring green dressed with a little red wine vinegar on plate, nestle cooked rice next to it. Top with cooked salmon and top with the apple relish mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve!
In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the apple and cucumber mixture and sauté until apples are soft, about 6-7 minutes. Put lid on keep warm until filets are cooked.
Plate by putting spring green dressed with a little red wine vinegar on plate, nestle cooked rice next to it. Top with cooked salmon and top with the apple relish mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve!
RECIPE: Bacon Wrapped Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
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6 complete boneless skinless breasts, cut in half and pounded out thin
1 15 oz. container full fat ricotta cheese
½ C grated parmigiana reggiano cheese + more for sprinkling on top
1 large egg
½ C chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
1 10 oz package frozen spinach
2 large cloves garlic, chopped finely
¼ C white onion chopped finely
¼ C good olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
12 thin slices of bacon
1 15 oz. container full fat ricotta cheese
½ C grated parmigiana reggiano cheese + more for sprinkling on top
1 large egg
½ C chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
1 10 oz package frozen spinach
2 large cloves garlic, chopped finely
¼ C white onion chopped finely
¼ C good olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
12 thin slices of bacon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spread a bit of olive oil on the bottom of a baking dish large enough to hold the 12 stuffed breasts easily. Empty the spinach into boiling water and reduce heat to simmering, breaking up the spinach just until thawed and hot. Drain, push spinach through sieve to remove all water, then wrap in paper towel and squeeze hard to remove all the rest of the water. Add the spinach to a bowl and add the ricotta, grated cheese, egg, garlic, onion, half the parsley and about 1 t kosher salt and ½ t black pepper. Combine well. Set aside.
Lay out each pounded piece of chicken. Place two heaping tablespoons of the mixture in the center and wrap over each edge of the chicken until closed and it becomes round. Rub with a bit of the oil. Then tightly wrap each with a slice of the bacon, overlapping so that the fat from the bacon seals the circle tightly. Place seam side down in dish. Sprinkle with a little more grated cheese, some parsley, and a bit of black pepper. When all breasts have been stuffed and wrapped and place in baking dish, bake in oven for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is 140 degrees. Can use the broiler for the last few minutes to brown and crisp the bacon. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Lay out each pounded piece of chicken. Place two heaping tablespoons of the mixture in the center and wrap over each edge of the chicken until closed and it becomes round. Rub with a bit of the oil. Then tightly wrap each with a slice of the bacon, overlapping so that the fat from the bacon seals the circle tightly. Place seam side down in dish. Sprinkle with a little more grated cheese, some parsley, and a bit of black pepper. When all breasts have been stuffed and wrapped and place in baking dish, bake in oven for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is 140 degrees. Can use the broiler for the last few minutes to brown and crisp the bacon. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
RECIPE: The BEST Meatloaf,
with a Plum Port Reduction Sauce
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2 lbs. 92% ground sirloin
½ C chopped sweet white onion
½ C golden raisins
3/8 C plain bread crumbs
1 large clove of garlic minced
1 large egg
2 T chopped flat leaf parsley
1 ½ t kosher salt ½ t black pepper (to taste)
2 T heavy cream
1 ½ t Froelich’s Marrakesh Mix (or one of your favorite spice blends. This one is proprietary and tastes like Chinese 5 Spice meet Greek Blend.)
½ C chopped sweet white onion
½ C golden raisins
3/8 C plain bread crumbs
1 large clove of garlic minced
1 large egg
2 T chopped flat leaf parsley
1 ½ t kosher salt ½ t black pepper (to taste)
2 T heavy cream
1 ½ t Froelich’s Marrakesh Mix (or one of your favorite spice blends. This one is proprietary and tastes like Chinese 5 Spice meet Greek Blend.)
Mix all. Form into a long brick and place formed meatloaf on a foil lined baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees F.
SAUCE:
1 C Port Wine
3 T good quality Balsamic Vinegar
2 t red wine vinegar
½ t salt
¾ C chopped soft prunes
2 T butter
Simmer the wine, and the vinegars on medium high until it has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. Add the prunes and let gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the butter, stir, and serve over meatloaf.
1 C Port Wine
3 T good quality Balsamic Vinegar
2 t red wine vinegar
½ t salt
¾ C chopped soft prunes
2 T butter
Simmer the wine, and the vinegars on medium high until it has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. Add the prunes and let gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the butter, stir, and serve over meatloaf.
Life. Revelation. Expectation. Disappointment. Fulfillment. Tears. Inspiration. Reality. Peace. Torture. Clarity. Love. These are some of the words I think of. I find they go hand in hand with each moment that fills the days we are given. They are alive, rhythmically shifting beneath a cover of organization, planning, and perceived control. The kind of control we all believe we have. And yet every bit of life is fragile beyond comprehension.
That's why memories and the moment are so profound. What will we make of life and the time we have left?
That's why memories and the moment are so profound. What will we make of life and the time we have left?
My mother's FIRST set of measuring spoons and the NEW keepsake she gave to me for my birthday.
I was once asked if I had a “sense” of how many years I would live. Whether it is naïve or not, I have always believed it would be at least 100 years. It is a reasonable assumption since the life span of dozens on my ancestors has been well over the age of 90 over the last 300 hundred years. So after turning 60 this year, I can expect 40 more years of “life.”
What can I do to make it what I want it?
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These 3 salads + 9 more recipes below = twelve mouth-watering downloads!
Ask a physicist about control. It is the most false claim of all. Called the “Observer Effect.” In physics, the observer effect is the theory that simply observing a situation or phenomenon necessarily changes that phenomenon.
Let me explain using a food metaphor: I want to see how my cake is faring during a bake. I open the oven door and … boom! I have changed the environment. So to discover what the cake was at the time I was curious is impossible, since I opened the oven door and shifted everything. But then, that's part of the dance, yes?
I have always said that food and your interaction with it is THE metaphor for life. Like a successful soufflé, you only know elation the second you take it out of the oven. And you only get to enjoy the show for about 5 minutes. Then, all of that work begins to deflate into a cavern of lost excitement leaving only the exquisiteness of the memory. So you better enjoy the moment.
Let me explain using a food metaphor: I want to see how my cake is faring during a bake. I open the oven door and … boom! I have changed the environment. So to discover what the cake was at the time I was curious is impossible, since I opened the oven door and shifted everything. But then, that's part of the dance, yes?
I have always said that food and your interaction with it is THE metaphor for life. Like a successful soufflé, you only know elation the second you take it out of the oven. And you only get to enjoy the show for about 5 minutes. Then, all of that work begins to deflate into a cavern of lost excitement leaving only the exquisiteness of the memory. So you better enjoy the moment.
I find that the way I cook changes from day to day, month to month, and circumstance to circumstance. We have moved twice since I started this blog. So my comfort zone of oven, lighting, and surroundings has changed drastically. The size of my kitchen has changed. My health has changed. And my countertop space has shrunken. This last year I have done more recipe development but less posting. More refining of technique but less concentration on hashtags or followers.
But that doesn’t matter. I still have a passion for all of it. I still feel like I can answer all of life’s questions during cooking. And I have been able to have so many, many, many more new friends around my table to nourish. And that makes life perfect for me.
But that doesn’t matter. I still have a passion for all of it. I still feel like I can answer all of life’s questions during cooking. And I have been able to have so many, many, many more new friends around my table to nourish. And that makes life perfect for me.
Philosophy lesson is over. Now it is time to browse through and enjoy TWELVE, yes that is TWELVE new recipes. Lots of comfort food with my twist, a tasty side dish, several salads, and one terrific dessert.
#1 RECIPE: Slow Cooker Citrus Carnitas Burritos
My husbands' eyes always light up when he smells the pork slowly simmering in the crock pot since he knows his favorite burritos are on their way. The addition of lime and orange provide the perfect backdrop for cheese, and enchilada sauce, along with a cold margarita!
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3 lbs. pork shoulder roast trimmed and cut into large chunks about 3” around
About 3 C organic apple cider*
2 clementines (can use small oranges) quartered
1 lime quartered
1 lime sliced for garnish
1/3 c large diced sweet onion
4 medium cloves garlic rough chopped
2 t kosher salt
1 t black pepper
1/2 t coriander
1/2 t good paprika
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t cayenne pepper
2-3 T oil
1 small can Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
1 C cheddar cheese grated
Handful fresh chopped cilantro
6 small flour tortillas slightly warmed
About 3 C organic apple cider*
2 clementines (can use small oranges) quartered
1 lime quartered
1 lime sliced for garnish
1/3 c large diced sweet onion
4 medium cloves garlic rough chopped
2 t kosher salt
1 t black pepper
1/2 t coriander
1/2 t good paprika
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t cayenne pepper
2-3 T oil
1 small can Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
1 C cheddar cheese grated
Handful fresh chopped cilantro
6 small flour tortillas slightly warmed
Place meat, onion, citrus, and seasonings in slow cooker (Crock Pot). Toss all with a little oil to cover.
Cover with organic apple cider up to a level just below ingredients but not totally covering. Cook on low 7 hours. When done remove citrus, take out meat reserving juice and shred meat with fork. Put shredded meat back in juices. Heat small can of Old El Paso red enchilada sauce.
To assemble place large amount of shredded meat in center of tortilla. (Use tongs to remove meat and let it drip so meat isn’t full of juice. Ladle several T of heated red sauce on top of meat. Roll up. Put more enchilada sauce on top, then top with extra sharp cheddar cheese. Put under broiler until bubbly. Serve with a slice of lime and cilantro.
Cover with organic apple cider up to a level just below ingredients but not totally covering. Cook on low 7 hours. When done remove citrus, take out meat reserving juice and shred meat with fork. Put shredded meat back in juices. Heat small can of Old El Paso red enchilada sauce.
To assemble place large amount of shredded meat in center of tortilla. (Use tongs to remove meat and let it drip so meat isn’t full of juice. Ladle several T of heated red sauce on top of meat. Roll up. Put more enchilada sauce on top, then top with extra sharp cheddar cheese. Put under broiler until bubbly. Serve with a slice of lime and cilantro.
#2 RECIPE: Baked Pineapple Chicken Meatballs
With Mint Lemon Yogurt Sauce
No pictures for this one. WAAAHHH!!! I hope you will still give them a try!
I made these as a buffet item for a girl's night in. They're easy to assemble, bake, and eat, and are great as leftovers the next day. You'll find so many uses for these sweet and savory gems!
I made these as a buffet item for a girl's night in. They're easy to assemble, bake, and eat, and are great as leftovers the next day. You'll find so many uses for these sweet and savory gems!
2 lbs. ground chicken
1 large egg
2 T plain bread crumbs
2 t or more kosher salt (don’t skimp! Chicken is bland without enough salt!)
1 t black pepper
1 small 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, pushed through a sieve until all moisture is gone.
¼ heaping C of golden raisins
3 T fresh flat leaf parsley chopped
3 T oil for greasing pan and brushing on top
4 oz. Greek yogurt
1 large garlic clove finely chopped
2 t finely chopped fresh mint
2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
A few turns of fresh cracked black pepper
1 large egg
2 T plain bread crumbs
2 t or more kosher salt (don’t skimp! Chicken is bland without enough salt!)
1 t black pepper
1 small 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, pushed through a sieve until all moisture is gone.
¼ heaping C of golden raisins
3 T fresh flat leaf parsley chopped
3 T oil for greasing pan and brushing on top
4 oz. Greek yogurt
1 large garlic clove finely chopped
2 t finely chopped fresh mint
2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
A few turns of fresh cracked black pepper
Use the ground chicken when cold. Combine chicken through parsley in a bowl and blend well. (You will have about 1/3 the volume of pineapple after getting rid of all the moisture!) Grease a large rectangular baking dish. Form the chicken into large balls about 2” square. Arrange on pan with the balls just touching but not pushed up against one another. Brush the top of each with a little light oil. I used canola.*
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for about 20-25 minutes. Do NOT overbake.
In a small bowl combine the yogurt, lemon, garlic, mint, and pepper. Mix well and serve alongside meatballs.
*Let sit until about room temperature, for about 45 minutes before baking. Cold makes it easier to form balls, warm makes it easier to cook meatballs evenly.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for about 20-25 minutes. Do NOT overbake.
In a small bowl combine the yogurt, lemon, garlic, mint, and pepper. Mix well and serve alongside meatballs.
*Let sit until about room temperature, for about 45 minutes before baking. Cold makes it easier to form balls, warm makes it easier to cook meatballs evenly.
#3 Zucchini Lasagna with Fragrant Meat Sauce
over Creamy Lemon Zest Rice
The downside is I didn't capture great photos of the final presentation, but I did get great shots of this amazing meat sauce. It will be a new favorite lasagna recipe, I promise. With loads of fresh oregano, and a hint of other flavors, you won't miss the noodles or the cheese.
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1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
1 very large and wide zucchini sliced lengthwise into thin strips
1 28 oz. can whole San Marzano tomatoes
1/3 C chopped red onion
1/3 C chopped red pepper
1-2 large cloves of garlic chopped finely
Handful of fresh oregano leaves rough chopped
2 T chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 t paprika
3 T half and half
2 t kosher salt ½ t cracked black pepper (to taste)
½ C + grated parmigiana reggiano cheese
Water and corn starch for thickening
A bit of light oil for greasing baking dish.
1 very large and wide zucchini sliced lengthwise into thin strips
1 28 oz. can whole San Marzano tomatoes
1/3 C chopped red onion
1/3 C chopped red pepper
1-2 large cloves of garlic chopped finely
Handful of fresh oregano leaves rough chopped
2 T chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 t paprika
3 T half and half
2 t kosher salt ½ t cracked black pepper (to taste)
½ C + grated parmigiana reggiano cheese
Water and corn starch for thickening
A bit of light oil for greasing baking dish.
Cut zucchini strips, cover with a moist paper towel and set aside.
In a large saucepan add the meat, paprika, the onion, and the red pepper. Season with a little salt and pepper. Break up the meat a little and let brown on medium high until onions are soft. Open the can of tomatoes and empty into large bowl. Using your hands squeeze the tomatoes until broken up in the liquid. Then add the tomatoes to the pan. Stir to incorporate and return to a simmer. Then add the fresh oregano, 1 T chopped parsley, and the chopped garlic. Cover and let simmer for 45 lovely, fragrant, my-kitchen-smells-amazing minutes.
Remove lid, and take pan off heat. Then stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water, adding a little at a time, until it thickens and isn’t runny. Then return to heat and add the cream stirring well. Turn heat off and cover. Begin assembling by layering half the zucchini strips on the bottom of a medium sized baking dish, overlapping each one. Then add half the meat mixture. Cover the meat with the last strips of zucchini, layering again, then cover with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan. Be generous with the cheese! Bake in a 400 degree F oven for about 20 minutes or until everything is bubbling well. Remove, let sit for about 5 minutes. Cut and serve over my lemon zest creamy rice.* Garnish with the remaining 1 T parsley.
*Lemon zest rice: Cook 1 C jasmine rice as directed. When cooked add 3 T heavy cream, the juice of one lemon, the zest of one lemon, a bit of salt and pepper and stir.
In a large saucepan add the meat, paprika, the onion, and the red pepper. Season with a little salt and pepper. Break up the meat a little and let brown on medium high until onions are soft. Open the can of tomatoes and empty into large bowl. Using your hands squeeze the tomatoes until broken up in the liquid. Then add the tomatoes to the pan. Stir to incorporate and return to a simmer. Then add the fresh oregano, 1 T chopped parsley, and the chopped garlic. Cover and let simmer for 45 lovely, fragrant, my-kitchen-smells-amazing minutes.
Remove lid, and take pan off heat. Then stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water, adding a little at a time, until it thickens and isn’t runny. Then return to heat and add the cream stirring well. Turn heat off and cover. Begin assembling by layering half the zucchini strips on the bottom of a medium sized baking dish, overlapping each one. Then add half the meat mixture. Cover the meat with the last strips of zucchini, layering again, then cover with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan. Be generous with the cheese! Bake in a 400 degree F oven for about 20 minutes or until everything is bubbling well. Remove, let sit for about 5 minutes. Cut and serve over my lemon zest creamy rice.* Garnish with the remaining 1 T parsley.
*Lemon zest rice: Cook 1 C jasmine rice as directed. When cooked add 3 T heavy cream, the juice of one lemon, the zest of one lemon, a bit of salt and pepper and stir.
#4 RECIPE: Tender Beef Shepherd's Pie
with Fennel and Sweet Potatoes
Inspired by several versions seen on the Internet, I of course put my own savvy twist on this with heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, a fresh and intensely flavored sauce, and a little fennel. I totally dig it this way. Not sure I will make it with anything other than sweet taters again!
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1 ½ lbs. stew meat cut into ¾ inch chunks patted dry and brought to room temperature
½ large stalk fennel chopped into ¼ inch chunks
1 shallot, about 2 ½ inches long, chopped into large chunks
2 T light oil
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 ½ C dark red small heirloom tomatoes cut in half or you can use cherry tomatoes
½ C beef broth
¼ C fruity red wine
½ C smooth tomato sauce, unseasoned
1 t good paprika
1-2 t of kosher salt and 1 t black pepper (To taste. It will depend upon the seasoning of the beef broth so be sure and taste it!)
3 T corn starch dissolved in a little water
Large stalk of rosemary
2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
¼ C heavy cream
4 T salted butter
Extra kosher salt for potatoes
½ t of a good quality light and complex curry powder
Handful of chopped Italian leaf parsley for garnish
½ large stalk fennel chopped into ¼ inch chunks
1 shallot, about 2 ½ inches long, chopped into large chunks
2 T light oil
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 ½ C dark red small heirloom tomatoes cut in half or you can use cherry tomatoes
½ C beef broth
¼ C fruity red wine
½ C smooth tomato sauce, unseasoned
1 t good paprika
1-2 t of kosher salt and 1 t black pepper (To taste. It will depend upon the seasoning of the beef broth so be sure and taste it!)
3 T corn starch dissolved in a little water
Large stalk of rosemary
2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
¼ C heavy cream
4 T salted butter
Extra kosher salt for potatoes
½ t of a good quality light and complex curry powder
Handful of chopped Italian leaf parsley for garnish
Bring oil to hot in a large
sauté pan and add shallot, fennel, tomatoes, and beef. Sprinkle with salt and
pepper. Cook until onions are transparent, about 4 minutes. Add the wine,
stock, and tomato sauce, and garlic, and nestle in the rosemary stalk and mix
all together. Cook covered on a low simmer for 1 hour.
While beef is simmering, boil sweet potatoes covered in water until soft. Drain, add the cream, butter, salt, and curry. Blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Set aside with lid on but no need to keep burner on. After the hour, remove lid on beef and mix and remove from heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and thicken beef mixture until it resembles gravy consistency.
Pour all of the meat mixture in a glass baking dish with high sides, about 8 by 12 inches, and spread until covering the bottom evenly. Then carefully spread the top with the mashed sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with a little of the parsley. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 20 minutes until bubbling and hot throughout. Serve with another flourish of parsley!
While beef is simmering, boil sweet potatoes covered in water until soft. Drain, add the cream, butter, salt, and curry. Blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Set aside with lid on but no need to keep burner on. After the hour, remove lid on beef and mix and remove from heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and thicken beef mixture until it resembles gravy consistency.
Pour all of the meat mixture in a glass baking dish with high sides, about 8 by 12 inches, and spread until covering the bottom evenly. Then carefully spread the top with the mashed sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with a little of the parsley. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 20 minutes until bubbling and hot throughout. Serve with another flourish of parsley!
#5 RECIPE: Apricot Orange and Ginger Glazed Mahi
Cutting out each orange segment makes it really so much better. Looks elegant and easier to eat. It doesn't take long! This was the perfect way to set off the meaty and sweet flavors of Mahi. I served it with butter sauteed fennel and zucchini.
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4 6 oz. Mahi
steaks
½ C Apricot Jam
2 small to medium navel oranges peeled and sections neatly cut out
2 t fresh ginger chopped finely
1 generous T of rice wine vinegar
1 ½ t kosher salt
½ t black pepper
2 T oil
Large handful fresh cilantro chopped
½ C Apricot Jam
2 small to medium navel oranges peeled and sections neatly cut out
2 t fresh ginger chopped finely
1 generous T of rice wine vinegar
1 ½ t kosher salt
½ t black pepper
2 T oil
Large handful fresh cilantro chopped
In a small bowl combine the jam,
oranges, ginger, and vinegar. Mix well. Rub a bit of the oil around the bottom
and walls of a medium sized baking dish just large enough so that the Mahi can
be placed about 1 inch apart. Then take the remaining oil and rub on the Mahi.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Arrange in the baking dish. Ladle
the apricot mixture on top, taking care to keep some of the orange sections on
the top. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until steaks are done.
Remove from oven and serve with your choice of side dish.
#6 RECIPE: Zesty Ginger BBQ Baked Chicken
with Rosemary Roasted Parnsips
This has gt to be the swankiest chicken and fries, ever. Rich, tangy, cool, hot, and fresh. I served it with a simple tomato and English cucumber salad tossed with a splash of red wine vinegar, light oil, fresh cilantro , and salt and pepper.
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4 boneless and skinless chicken thighs patted dry
Oil to moisten
½ C ketchup
3 T good quality balsamic vinegar
1 very large clove garlic chopped finely
1 heaping T candied ginger chopped finely
1 t salt, ½ t cracked black pepper
Oil to moisten
½ C ketchup
3 T good quality balsamic vinegar
1 very large clove garlic chopped finely
1 heaping T candied ginger chopped finely
1 t salt, ½ t cracked black pepper
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Rub a little oil all over the chicken. Mix the rest of the ingredients and toss the chicken in the zesty BBQ sauce. Place in baking dish with about 1 inch between each thigh. Slather the top of each thigh with the rest of the sauce. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until meat is 170 degrees inside; cooked by not dry.
Serve with parsnips tossed with oil, salt and pepper, and fresh chopped rosemary leaves baked on a baking sheet at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
Serve with parsnips tossed with oil, salt and pepper, and fresh chopped rosemary leaves baked on a baking sheet at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes.
#7 RECIPE: Salmon Florentine
Although you can serve this with any side dish from rice to lentils, I paired it with boiled Yukon gold potatoes and fennel mashed with some butter, cream, and lemon. Then served it as a beautiful round mound with rosemary tossed cherry tomatoes.
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4 6 oz. salmon filets, skin on, patted dry
1 t kosher salt, ½ t black pepper
2 T light oil such as grape seed (High smoke point)
8 C fresh spinach leaves
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
½ t fresh lemon zest
2 T mayonnaise
3 T grated Parmesan
¼ t ground coriander
1/3 T ground ginger
1 t kosher salt, ½ t black pepper
2 T light oil such as grape seed (High smoke point)
8 C fresh spinach leaves
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
½ t fresh lemon zest
2 T mayonnaise
3 T grated Parmesan
¼ t ground coriander
1/3 T ground ginger
Wilt spinach in a large pan with a drop or so of water. Remove and place in colander. When cool, after about 10 minutes, begin squeezing out ALL THE WATER. I begin by squeezing in my palms, then pushing it against the sieve, then wrapping it in a paper towel and squeezing several times. You end up with about 3/4 C of beautifully green and fresh spinach. In that same bowl add the mayo, lemon zest and juice, cheese, spices, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix and set aside.
Rub a bit of oil on the salmon filets and a bit of kosher salt. Heat the oil in a pan until hot. Place the salmon, skin side down in the oil and sear until the skin is crispy and you begin to see the fish turn opaque about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. Then flip the salmon over and sear on the other side. Be sure and regulate the temperature of the oil so that it doesn’t smoke and burn the fish, but maintains a sizzle. When you see just a small thin layer of pink in the middle and everything else is opaque, gently spoon the spinach mixture over the top of the filet. You can invert the fish again to top the non-skin side with the Florentine, or do as I did and put on top of the crispy skin. YUM. Cover with a lid, turn to low, and let it steam and continue to cook for about another 3 minutes.
Remove and serve with your favorite sides! Can squeeze a bit of lemon on the top for serving if desired.
Rub a bit of oil on the salmon filets and a bit of kosher salt. Heat the oil in a pan until hot. Place the salmon, skin side down in the oil and sear until the skin is crispy and you begin to see the fish turn opaque about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. Then flip the salmon over and sear on the other side. Be sure and regulate the temperature of the oil so that it doesn’t smoke and burn the fish, but maintains a sizzle. When you see just a small thin layer of pink in the middle and everything else is opaque, gently spoon the spinach mixture over the top of the filet. You can invert the fish again to top the non-skin side with the Florentine, or do as I did and put on top of the crispy skin. YUM. Cover with a lid, turn to low, and let it steam and continue to cook for about another 3 minutes.
Remove and serve with your favorite sides! Can squeeze a bit of lemon on the top for serving if desired.
#8 RECIPE: Quick Carrot Tabouleh
Oh, my gosh. So easy! So fragrant. So fresh! So full of flavor. Yeah, healthy as well. Try this and you will have a bright side dish, a great snack, or mix into rice for a true crowd-pleaser.
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4 large carrots
½ t coriander powder
¼+ t ground cumin
¼ t ground ginger
1 small clove of garlic
1 few slices of red onion, about 1-2 T
5-6 large mint leaves, torn
1-3 T light oil such as canola
½ t coriander powder
¼+ t ground cumin
¼ t ground ginger
1 small clove of garlic
1 few slices of red onion, about 1-2 T
5-6 large mint leaves, torn
1-3 T light oil such as canola
Cut carrots into 1 inch chunks. Rough chop garlic clove. Add coriander, cumin, ginger, red onion, and mint leaves. Drizzle with about 1 T oil and pulse until ground into small pieces about the size of cooked couscous. Add a bit more oil and about 2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice, and serve.
#9 RECIPE: Vegetable and Orange Quinoa Salad
with Red Wine Vinaigrette
I have made so many people a fan of quinoa salad with this one. The refreshing orange and full-flavored dressing keeps it moist with textures that all complement. I think you will love it as well.
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3 C cooked quinoa, cooled
½ large English cucumber diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 large navel oranges peeled and cut into small sections
Juice of half and orange
2 large Fuji apples diced
¼ C red onion sliced thin
¾ pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
Handful chopped fresh cilantro
3-4 T or more of red wine vinegar and light oil to your desired consistency
1 t kosher salt and ½ t black pepper to taste
½ large English cucumber diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 large navel oranges peeled and cut into small sections
Juice of half and orange
2 large Fuji apples diced
¼ C red onion sliced thin
¾ pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
Handful chopped fresh cilantro
3-4 T or more of red wine vinegar and light oil to your desired consistency
1 t kosher salt and ½ t black pepper to taste
Read carefully. There are a LOT of instructions here... HAH!!!
Toss and let sit for about an hour before serving.
Can add protein to this such as shrimp, chicken, or salami.
Toss and let sit for about an hour before serving.
Can add protein to this such as shrimp, chicken, or salami.
#10 RECIPE: Amaretto Orange
and Brown Sugar Shrimp Appetizer
This creates some very complex layering of flavors for something so simple. Use good shrimp, and do not over cook them.
One of my MOST requested recipes!
One of my MOST requested recipes!
25-30 large cooked tail on shrimp, thawed and all moisture blotted out
½ C good Amaretto Liquor
3 heaping T brown sugar, not packed
Zest from half an orange
Handful of chopped flat leaf parsley
½ C good Amaretto Liquor
3 heaping T brown sugar, not packed
Zest from half an orange
Handful of chopped flat leaf parsley
In a small saucepan reduce the amaretto to half volume. Add the brown sugar and let bubble but not bubble too violently for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl toss the shrimp with the cooled syrup, add the orange zest and parsley and let sit for about an hour or more. (Although you can serve right away, it’s best to let the shrimp soak up a bit of the flavor)
Serve.
In a large bowl toss the shrimp with the cooled syrup, add the orange zest and parsley and let sit for about an hour or more. (Although you can serve right away, it’s best to let the shrimp soak up a bit of the flavor)
Serve.
#11 RECIPE: Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower
and Caramelized Onions
This side dish is impressive and so easy. Great with steak, baked chicken, or pork. The red onions go incredibly sweet when baked, almost like you worked them in a pan on low heat for an hour. They are the right flavor against the rooty nature of cauliflower resulting in a most interesting combination.
Use GOOD balsamic for the ultimate result.
Use GOOD balsamic for the ultimate result.
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1 head cauliflower cut into flowerets
½ red onion sliced
3 T good balsamic vinegar that’s fairly sweet like fig or pomegranate
3 T olive oil
1 – 2 t kosher salt
½ t black pepper
½ red onion sliced
3 T good balsamic vinegar that’s fairly sweet like fig or pomegranate
3 T olive oil
1 – 2 t kosher salt
½ t black pepper
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl toss the cauliflower and onion with the balsamic, oil, and salt and pepper. Spread out onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes or until onions are caramelized and cauliflower is soft. Test with a fork after 20 and determine how much time is needed. You don’t want mushy veggies!
#12 RECIPE: Apple Cinnamon Ginger Galette
Most of the time I put my apples in raw. But I decided to get them cooked and caramelized and the results were perfection. Candied ginger is a total game-changer!
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3 Fuji apples cut into slices
1/3 C golden raisins
2 t fresh grated ginger
2 t fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 t vanilla extract
1 t cinnamon
1/4 C granulated sugar
2 T packed brown sugar
3 T water
Box of Betty Crocker Pie crust dough
2 t raw sugar
1 egg beaten
Pinch of kosher salt
1/3 C golden raisins
2 t fresh grated ginger
2 t fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 t vanilla extract
1 t cinnamon
1/4 C granulated sugar
2 T packed brown sugar
3 T water
Box of Betty Crocker Pie crust dough
2 t raw sugar
1 egg beaten
Pinch of kosher salt
In a medium sized saucepan (avoid using a non-stick pan), add the white and brown sugars, ginger, cinnamon, the apple slices, the lemon juice, the vanilla, and the pinch of salt. Let boil gently for about 5-6 minutes until liquid begins to thicken and become syrupy. Watch pot carefully and stir often. Remove and let cool in a bowl. In the meantime, assemble the dough (or make your own) and roll it out to about a 12 inch circle. Don’t make the dough too thick or you will have a soggy bottom. Ragged ends are fine. Place the disc of dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. They make it look prettier! When the apples are cool enough ladle them into the center of the dough, piling up into a cone. Don’t need to use all the syrup but use as much as you think is wise so it doesn’t become a watery mess. Gently roll up the sides around the fruit leaving an opening at the top. Make sure you don’t have any tears around the perimeter. Brush with beaten egg and dust with the raw sugar. Place in fridge for about 20 minutes as the oven preheats to 425 degrees F. Then bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is nice and golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve with cream or ice cream!
©Recipes and Photos Copyright Camine Pappas, 2019. All rights reserved.
This post is about the greatest of all events, overnight guests. Friends or relatives (like my beautiful daughter Katie pictured below!), young or old, favorite or stranger, they have come to dine and recline. And it is up to you to make their visit as spectacular as can be.
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There are certain expectations you usually have as a guest: You want the BEST pillows, a well-lit path to the bathroom, supreme quiet, and amazing food. Some desire a sunrise falling across their face. But most wish for light-blocking curtains and no alarm. The success of all of this hinges on a host and hostess who we hope find entertaining and hospitality their highest calling. Or, the givers of all stay-cation wishes.
I consider myself a good hostess and an equally good guest. I understand that someone opening their home is the highest honor. And I respect that. I know they have made space for me in their heart and their life. An act worthy of the highest praise. There is something wonderful about sharing a roof with a friend. Knowing they slumber in the room next to you, breathing in and out as their minds dream away their cares gives us purpose. Not to mention a reason to bring out the adorable matching cream and sugar set we've been waiting to use.
Framing these events -- the arrival and the departure -- are of course the meals. And they have to be prepared with love and caring. One is the supper that shows the guests' presence is a celebration. And then the breakfast that seals the deal. I have two recipes for you that accomplish just that.
The first appears to be impossibly difficult. But it is simply layering flavors inside a very basic meal. And it is crowned with lovely red candied beets that certainly reinforce the memorable factor. With their high sugar content this vegetable is the perfect muse for honey. And they give the entire meal a crimson glow. I use one of my favorite herb rubs to elevate plain baked chicken. And a simple white wine lemon sauce to pull it all together...
I consider myself a good hostess and an equally good guest. I understand that someone opening their home is the highest honor. And I respect that. I know they have made space for me in their heart and their life. An act worthy of the highest praise. There is something wonderful about sharing a roof with a friend. Knowing they slumber in the room next to you, breathing in and out as their minds dream away their cares gives us purpose. Not to mention a reason to bring out the adorable matching cream and sugar set we've been waiting to use.
Framing these events -- the arrival and the departure -- are of course the meals. And they have to be prepared with love and caring. One is the supper that shows the guests' presence is a celebration. And then the breakfast that seals the deal. I have two recipes for you that accomplish just that.
The first appears to be impossibly difficult. But it is simply layering flavors inside a very basic meal. And it is crowned with lovely red candied beets that certainly reinforce the memorable factor. With their high sugar content this vegetable is the perfect muse for honey. And they give the entire meal a crimson glow. I use one of my favorite herb rubs to elevate plain baked chicken. And a simple white wine lemon sauce to pull it all together...
RECIPE: Herb Parsley Rubbed Chicken
over Fruited Coriander Rice, with Candied Beets and Lemon White Wine Sauce.
Serves 4 / Click Here to Download Printable Version
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CHICKEN:
4 chicken breasts cut to 6 oz. servings
2 T of your favorite spice rub*
2 T finely chopped Italian leaf parsley
3 – 4 t light olive oil
2 t kosher salt
1 t black pepper
4 chicken breasts cut to 6 oz. servings
2 T of your favorite spice rub*
2 T finely chopped Italian leaf parsley
3 – 4 t light olive oil
2 t kosher salt
1 t black pepper
RICE:
Blend 1 ½ C vegetable stock, ¾ C jasmine rice with ¼ C golden raisins and 3 small scallions chopped including greens with the rice to cook. When done add 1 t coriander powder, 1 t salt, and 2 t heavy cream.
BEETS: 4 small red beets, peeled, with 1 inch of the tops intact, cleaned and trimmed thoroughly. 2 T oil, 2 t kosher salt. 2 T honey, 1 t rice wine vinegar. Cook beets on a baking sheet at 400 degrees with oil and salt for about 25 minutes, or until soft. Remove and put in a bowl. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Then toss with the honey and vinegar. Serve.
SAUCE: Reduce ½ C dry white wine for about 3 minutes, add 3 t fresh squeezed lemon juice, a dash of salt and pepper and finish with 2 t real maple syrup. Thicken slightly with about 1 T corn starch dissolved in ¼C water. Whisk in slurry well until slightly thickened.
Blend 1 ½ C vegetable stock, ¾ C jasmine rice with ¼ C golden raisins and 3 small scallions chopped including greens with the rice to cook. When done add 1 t coriander powder, 1 t salt, and 2 t heavy cream.
BEETS: 4 small red beets, peeled, with 1 inch of the tops intact, cleaned and trimmed thoroughly. 2 T oil, 2 t kosher salt. 2 T honey, 1 t rice wine vinegar. Cook beets on a baking sheet at 400 degrees with oil and salt for about 25 minutes, or until soft. Remove and put in a bowl. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Then toss with the honey and vinegar. Serve.
SAUCE: Reduce ½ C dry white wine for about 3 minutes, add 3 t fresh squeezed lemon juice, a dash of salt and pepper and finish with 2 t real maple syrup. Thicken slightly with about 1 T corn starch dissolved in ¼C water. Whisk in slurry well until slightly thickened.
METHOD:
Combine spice mix, parsley, and oil as noted above in ingredients. Spread over the chicken and place in an oiled baking dish. Cook at 375 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until medium. Do not overcook. Serve over rice, with the lemon white wine sauce and the candied beets.**
*1 t each of paprika, coriander, herbs de Provence, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric. Dash of nutmeg and cardamom.
**Top with quick pickled cucumbers if desired. I add sliced cukes to a bowl, and cover with about ½ C red wine vinegar and 2 T sugar and let sit for 1 hour.
Combine spice mix, parsley, and oil as noted above in ingredients. Spread over the chicken and place in an oiled baking dish. Cook at 375 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until medium. Do not overcook. Serve over rice, with the lemon white wine sauce and the candied beets.**
*1 t each of paprika, coriander, herbs de Provence, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric. Dash of nutmeg and cardamom.
**Top with quick pickled cucumbers if desired. I add sliced cukes to a bowl, and cover with about ½ C red wine vinegar and 2 T sugar and let sit for 1 hour.
Now for the second recipe. Breakfast!
Not withstanding the importance of good coffee in morning. I mean there IS NO morning without coffee! But what it goes with turns a smile into a little happy dance. And since your guests may end up sleeping far beyond what you might expect, having a "quick" option is imperative. And this one is ready in literally 30 minutes. It uses store-bought dough, which <gasp!> surprises you I'm sure. But then sometimes it is smart to let others help you along the way.
Happy Entertaining!
Not withstanding the importance of good coffee in morning. I mean there IS NO morning without coffee! But what it goes with turns a smile into a little happy dance. And since your guests may end up sleeping far beyond what you might expect, having a "quick" option is imperative. And this one is ready in literally 30 minutes. It uses store-bought dough, which <gasp!> surprises you I'm sure. But then sometimes it is smart to let others help you along the way.
Happy Entertaining!
RECIPE: The Quickest, Yummiest Cinnamon Rolls
with Orange Glaze
Makes 12 - 14 / Click here for printable version.
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1 package pizza dough rolled
to a 12 by 12 square
8 T salted butter
1/3 C raisins
1-2 T granulated sugar
1 T good cinnamon
2 T juice of 1 orange
1 T grated orange zest
1 t vanilla extract
Dash of kosher salt
½ - ¾ C confectioner’s sugar
8 T salted butter
1/3 C raisins
1-2 T granulated sugar
1 T good cinnamon
2 T juice of 1 orange
1 T grated orange zest
1 t vanilla extract
Dash of kosher salt
½ - ¾ C confectioner’s sugar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
F.
Unroll dough and lay onto a floured surfaced. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to desired size. I did 12” by 12”. Using a spatula, take 4 T soft butter and spread it evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and then the cinnamon over the dough. Sprinkle with the raisins. Starting at one end, carefully roll away from you until you have a long tube. Cut into 12-14 even pieces. Lay them in a well buttered small baking dish. I used a dish about 7 by 10 inches. Brush the tops with 2 T of melted butter and a smattering of cinnamon sprinkled on top. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
In a small bowl squeeze the orange juice and zest and add the vanilla and pinch of salt. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar about ¼ C at a time until you get the desired consistency. Serve rolls with glaze!
Unroll dough and lay onto a floured surfaced. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to desired size. I did 12” by 12”. Using a spatula, take 4 T soft butter and spread it evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and then the cinnamon over the dough. Sprinkle with the raisins. Starting at one end, carefully roll away from you until you have a long tube. Cut into 12-14 even pieces. Lay them in a well buttered small baking dish. I used a dish about 7 by 10 inches. Brush the tops with 2 T of melted butter and a smattering of cinnamon sprinkled on top. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
In a small bowl squeeze the orange juice and zest and add the vanilla and pinch of salt. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar about ¼ C at a time until you get the desired consistency. Serve rolls with glaze!
©Recipe and Photo Copyright Camine Pappas, 2019. All rights reserved.
Or, My Holiday Ode to Feeding the Spirit of Christmas!
Christmas is officially upon us. Only one more sleep and it will be gone. And when it has passed -- taking place during a moment so short that it hardly seems real -- we will have cut quite a culinary swath across the landscape. We may well have cooked dozens and dozens of cookies, roasted many roasts, steamed many vegetables, sipped with abandon, and discreetly discarded many fruitcakes. Our kitchens will be glowing with activity, and we will be worn out.
And yet we still want more. The pages of social media are bursting at the margins with new ideas for holiday food. We seem to literally feed on the time-lapse videos for every imaginable edible. And we don’t seem to care much if it is real, or possible, or even tasty. It is just fun to watch and follow food. For every person who collapses on a sofa after doing dishes the millionth time, there are 10 more who say, “…let’s make that Yule Log recipe we got from Cousin Rita!” And once again the mixer is pulled ceremoniously forward, and the preheat button is pushed.
My question is, are we processing the idea of food in a normal context? Or are we just committed to running through the maze of prep, eat, share, clean and start over again without thinking? Do we understand how the act of feeding ourselves and others is actually grander in scale than even the crooning voice of Bing singing White Christmas when it comes to the Reason for the Season?
Christmas is Christian. Jesus is the reason. And nourishment is most definitely a proving ground for most Christian beliefs. But Judaism, Hinduism, and many other religions connect food with edifying our spirit as well, proving that something on a plate is truly parallel to our spiritual celebrations.
2 Corinthians 5:17, as shared in the King James Version states that, “...therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This passage is a ravishing and exceptional illustration that must not be ignored. And one interpretation, mine, is that it is a metaphor for what our bodies do as we feed them. Cells divide and change, grow, and we are literally “new creatures” in food, just as we can be new in the Spirit.
Hasidic Judaism teaches, according to Wikipedia, that ‘everyday life is imbued with channels connecting with Divinity, the activation of which it sees as helping the Divine Presence to be drawn into the physical world. Hasidism argues that the food laws are related to the way such channels, termed sparks of holiness, interact with various animals. These sparks of Holiness are released whenever a Jew manipulates any object for a holy reason (which includes eating).’
Wouldn’t both of these interpretations suggest we are remade constantly? And wouldn’t the most logical of these be through what we put in our bodies? Would that not be the quickest way to elevate our creaturely-ness into holiness since we all experience the desire for food all throughout the day?
John 6:35 states: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” Matthew 5:6 states that, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Perhaps, then, is the accelerated focus of cooking during Christmas a natural instinct we respond to? A need to expand our understanding, and increase our nearness to God?
I have often written about the fact that I believe true peace will take place around a dinner table. I postulate that the act of filling ourselves and enjoying the sensory explosion of tasting, and sharing, and sating binds us in a deep spiritual way that is undeniable and causes in us a desire to be new creatures. We see the good in others and ourselves, we are moved to care about what happens to us all as a species, and maybe even as children of God, if that is your belief. Even the sitting position is one of non-aggression, resembling in earnest our posture when praying on our knees. We lean perilously over a plate, out of balance, focusing all our muscles on bringing one bite up to open mouths to savor. While we cannot truly say that all eating is holy, I think we can safely say that holiness includes eating.
As I conclude my ode to nourishing the Noel, I have one other idea to share. I am wondering. Could it be possible that the Christian cross could just as easily be set next to a fork in terms of significance? When we are “filled, and no longer hungry” will the plate, knife and spoon perish from our lives or become the center of our worship? Will breaking plates become heresy? Why, who knew a stuffed mushroom could become hallowed. But then, why wouldn’t it be?
So, before Christmas is over. Take a moment and breathe reverence and hope into your holiday meal. Stop rushing through it. Meditate upon the exquisite beauty of a cranberry popping in a pan. And then take the hand of someone you love and place something yummy before them. There is no other gift more perfect.
And yet we still want more. The pages of social media are bursting at the margins with new ideas for holiday food. We seem to literally feed on the time-lapse videos for every imaginable edible. And we don’t seem to care much if it is real, or possible, or even tasty. It is just fun to watch and follow food. For every person who collapses on a sofa after doing dishes the millionth time, there are 10 more who say, “…let’s make that Yule Log recipe we got from Cousin Rita!” And once again the mixer is pulled ceremoniously forward, and the preheat button is pushed.
My question is, are we processing the idea of food in a normal context? Or are we just committed to running through the maze of prep, eat, share, clean and start over again without thinking? Do we understand how the act of feeding ourselves and others is actually grander in scale than even the crooning voice of Bing singing White Christmas when it comes to the Reason for the Season?
Christmas is Christian. Jesus is the reason. And nourishment is most definitely a proving ground for most Christian beliefs. But Judaism, Hinduism, and many other religions connect food with edifying our spirit as well, proving that something on a plate is truly parallel to our spiritual celebrations.
2 Corinthians 5:17, as shared in the King James Version states that, “...therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This passage is a ravishing and exceptional illustration that must not be ignored. And one interpretation, mine, is that it is a metaphor for what our bodies do as we feed them. Cells divide and change, grow, and we are literally “new creatures” in food, just as we can be new in the Spirit.
Hasidic Judaism teaches, according to Wikipedia, that ‘everyday life is imbued with channels connecting with Divinity, the activation of which it sees as helping the Divine Presence to be drawn into the physical world. Hasidism argues that the food laws are related to the way such channels, termed sparks of holiness, interact with various animals. These sparks of Holiness are released whenever a Jew manipulates any object for a holy reason (which includes eating).’
Wouldn’t both of these interpretations suggest we are remade constantly? And wouldn’t the most logical of these be through what we put in our bodies? Would that not be the quickest way to elevate our creaturely-ness into holiness since we all experience the desire for food all throughout the day?
John 6:35 states: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” Matthew 5:6 states that, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Perhaps, then, is the accelerated focus of cooking during Christmas a natural instinct we respond to? A need to expand our understanding, and increase our nearness to God?
I have often written about the fact that I believe true peace will take place around a dinner table. I postulate that the act of filling ourselves and enjoying the sensory explosion of tasting, and sharing, and sating binds us in a deep spiritual way that is undeniable and causes in us a desire to be new creatures. We see the good in others and ourselves, we are moved to care about what happens to us all as a species, and maybe even as children of God, if that is your belief. Even the sitting position is one of non-aggression, resembling in earnest our posture when praying on our knees. We lean perilously over a plate, out of balance, focusing all our muscles on bringing one bite up to open mouths to savor. While we cannot truly say that all eating is holy, I think we can safely say that holiness includes eating.
As I conclude my ode to nourishing the Noel, I have one other idea to share. I am wondering. Could it be possible that the Christian cross could just as easily be set next to a fork in terms of significance? When we are “filled, and no longer hungry” will the plate, knife and spoon perish from our lives or become the center of our worship? Will breaking plates become heresy? Why, who knew a stuffed mushroom could become hallowed. But then, why wouldn’t it be?
So, before Christmas is over. Take a moment and breathe reverence and hope into your holiday meal. Stop rushing through it. Meditate upon the exquisite beauty of a cranberry popping in a pan. And then take the hand of someone you love and place something yummy before them. There is no other gift more perfect.
There are forces at work. Forces that bring my need for courage to the forefront; courage to change myself, and the world. I feel we're being swallowed up by disconnection, and by impatience. We have discarded our intuition. We seek only the approval of others.
But there are forces at work to change that. And they remind me that I would not have fully understood how to process forgiveness, or increase my patience ten-fold without teaching myself about food had they not come into play. I would not have understood purpose, or the gift of failure. I would not have been transported to a place where my whole BODY feels joy.
But there are forces at work to change that. And they remind me that I would not have fully understood how to process forgiveness, or increase my patience ten-fold without teaching myself about food had they not come into play. I would not have understood purpose, or the gift of failure. I would not have been transported to a place where my whole BODY feels joy.
 A table for friends. |  This is where "I" meditate! |
Yes, I may just have a spoon in my hand with butter melting happily in front of me or I might have been whipping a roux in preparation of beef stock, salt, and pepper. Yes, I am just in my kitchen. But it’s where I am discovering power. And where I may actually face all my fears. Is it where you can do the same?
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This may seem trivial to you because how can something like salmon, or strawberries, or even olive oil be my trusted advisors? Because they come in honesty. They come with constants. And they arrive urging me to transform them into something new by thinking about the potential of each flavor.
Much like myself.
So what are these forces I'm discovering along my journey to culinary enlightenment? (Or to achieve the perfect béarnaise, which might be the same thing.) In my opinion it has to do with getting very clear about what it is I really want and how I can help others feel that same sense of clarity. And cooking is such a metaphor for getting real about EVERYTHING. You CANNOT have flour, butter, and cream in your hands and not be present, not be in awe of its delicate beauty. You are using your senses, your reasoning, and most profoundly your time to make something that will nourish another human being. Shouldn’t this be thought of as something sacred?
Much like myself.
So what are these forces I'm discovering along my journey to culinary enlightenment? (Or to achieve the perfect béarnaise, which might be the same thing.) In my opinion it has to do with getting very clear about what it is I really want and how I can help others feel that same sense of clarity. And cooking is such a metaphor for getting real about EVERYTHING. You CANNOT have flour, butter, and cream in your hands and not be present, not be in awe of its delicate beauty. You are using your senses, your reasoning, and most profoundly your time to make something that will nourish another human being. Shouldn’t this be thought of as something sacred?
We are so at odds with our humanness these days. So convinced success is vertical. So ready to stop learning and exploring more because we think a differing opinion can somehow rob us of a thing; a “thing” we are certain we deserve. And we are devastated when it isn’t exactly as we imagined it SHOULD be.
So I cook to learn. It proves to me that there are no shortcuts to the right way to do something. That there are rewards for patience. It also teaches me that “I will survive a disaster,” because how I recover is more important than the failure. It is a reminder that I cannot control time, only borrow its power. I can escape through it when I need solace. I understand trust because burnt cookies NEVER tell anyone your secrets.
If cooking is sacred, then my altar is a kitchen table and a chair where I can set a plate before a friend, which contains ingredients I prepared and then arranged with love. This act feeds us both in unlimited ways. That is honesty. That is courage. That is how we will survive.
So I cook to learn. It proves to me that there are no shortcuts to the right way to do something. That there are rewards for patience. It also teaches me that “I will survive a disaster,” because how I recover is more important than the failure. It is a reminder that I cannot control time, only borrow its power. I can escape through it when I need solace. I understand trust because burnt cookies NEVER tell anyone your secrets.
If cooking is sacred, then my altar is a kitchen table and a chair where I can set a plate before a friend, which contains ingredients I prepared and then arranged with love. This act feeds us both in unlimited ways. That is honesty. That is courage. That is how we will survive.
RECIPE: Salmon with Strawberry Cucumber Salsa
 |  |
4 salmon steaks, patted dry, rubbed with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper
2 C strawberries, sliced
4 scallions chopped
¼ C cilantro leaves chopped finely
Juice of two limes, or about 2-3 T of juice
½ small cucumber, peeled and seeds removed, chopped into a small dice
1 t kosher salt and ½ t black pepper (season to taste)
½ t coriander powder
½ t crushed cardamom
1 t white sugar
1 C white jasmine rice, cooked.
2 C strawberries, sliced
4 scallions chopped
¼ C cilantro leaves chopped finely
Juice of two limes, or about 2-3 T of juice
½ small cucumber, peeled and seeds removed, chopped into a small dice
1 t kosher salt and ½ t black pepper (season to taste)
½ t coriander powder
½ t crushed cardamom
1 t white sugar
1 C white jasmine rice, cooked.
Combine the strawberries, cucumbers, scallion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, and salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Set aside.
Make white rice according to package directions adding the cardamom and coriander to the water and rice before cooking.
Place oil rubbed salmon in a baking dish about 1 inch apart. Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes.
To plate put cooked salmon over the rice, and ladle salsa on top. Be sure and pour those juices on it as well! Garnish with a flurry of sea salt.
Make white rice according to package directions adding the cardamom and coriander to the water and rice before cooking.
Place oil rubbed salmon in a baking dish about 1 inch apart. Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes.
To plate put cooked salmon over the rice, and ladle salsa on top. Be sure and pour those juices on it as well! Garnish with a flurry of sea salt.
©Recipe and Photo Copyright Camine Pappas, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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Meet the Cook...
My name is Camine Pappas and I love to create beautiful and delicious food that anyone can make. My signature style centers around a love for combining things in a way you might not expect as I work to find a hidden combination of colors, textures and flavors from the things that are in my pantry and/or easy to obtain.
Want to get spontaneous with me? It's pretty exciting. Let's all find out what happens when, "I Feel Like Cooking."
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