Tag: Brunch

Weekend of Brunch: Part One

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This weekend was delicious.  I really can’t describe it any other way.  I went up to San Francisco and stayed with this fella…

my friend, Daniele.

He’s pretty.

You might remember him from World Cup Waffles where we woke up early made waffles and watched the World Cup.   Now he’s just being amazing in San Francisco.  So I visited, because few people in the world understand my love of food like this man does.  So the first stop on this weekend of fun was brunch, at the place called Plow.

It was quite possibly the most wonderfully amazing place ever.  We shared some millet corn bread muffins.

Austin was obviously intrigued.  It’s my new mission in life to recreate them.

I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but I’m a brunch enthusiast.  Eating out usually isn’t that exciting for me.  But brunch.  I have a special place in my heart for brunch. This brunch…

That was November in my mouth.  Daniele said it.  I agreed.

Basically everything was delicious.

After brunch, we decided moving around would probably be a good idea.  That meant moseying to a park and looking at dogs.  Because, well… that’s what we do.

I can pretty confidently say that this summed up the weekend: food, booze, public spaces, staring at dogs and babies, admiring gentlemen… in the least creepy way possible.  But wait there’s more!

Later, back at the ranch Daniele’s house, we might have made an apple crisp.  And I might have poured bourbon in it.  It might have been amazing.

Ok you should probably go try putting bourbon in your apple crisp.  It’ll revolutionize your life.

Well friends, stay tuned for part two.  Part two might be more exciting since right now I’m running on about 3 hours of sleep.

Goodnight!

Just Eggs

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I’ve been a bad blogger.  No excuses just one confession: I’m tired of cooking.

I think the holidays did me in.  I can’t even look at sugar.

So for the next few weeks, my plates will look somewhat like this:

Maybe boring, but I’m okay with that.  Because in 11 or 12 days I’m headed to

Florida for my cousin’s wedding.

Then a few days after that, I’m off to

Rome for the semester!

Stay Tuned

Pumpkins and Leftovers

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If there’s one thing I hate, it’s throwing food away.  After Thanksgiving, I was determined to not throw a single thing away.  Not even the meat.  I bought a twenty pound turkey, you better believe I was using every last bit of it.

While I usually don’t eat meat, I would rather eat it than throw it away.   So I make turkey noodle soup, using a sad looking turkey carcass (I’ll spare you the photo), some whole wheat pasta that’s been in the cupboard since August 2009 and a rather boring assortment of vegetables. The result:

Not too exciting… Turkey noodle soup.  But don’t you worry.  I brown-ified it and made it a million times better.

The magic additions?  Lime, sour cream and Goya Adobo seasoning.  Tastes like home.

In addition to a turkey, I also had half a large can of pumpkin puree sitting in the fridge.  No way that’s going in the trash.  2 solutions: Pumpkin Pizza and Pumpkin Biscuits

Pumpkin Pizza was inspired by a Well’s Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe that someone brought for Thanksgiving.  I made a few changes.

Pumpkin Pizza

inspired by Winter Squash, Onion and Pine Nut Pizza

1 recipe pizza dough (I used Eating Well’s whole wheat pizza dough recipe)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 onion, sliced
about 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
1-2 tbsp pepitas

In a skillet, heat butter or oil (or both), add onions and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until caramelized and sweet.

Preheat oven to 400F.  Make the pizza dough, shape into whatever pizza dough shape you would like.

In a bowl, mix together pumpkin, sage, nutmeg and salt.  Spread onto pizza dough.  Next layer on caramelized onions and pepitas.  Top with cheese and bake for about 15 minutes or until dough is golden.

Pretty delicious.  Definitely would make it again.

As for the pumpkin biscuits… who doesn’t love a biscuit.

Pumpkin Biscuits

inspired by Eggs on Sunday

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, chopped
1/2 cup pumpkin, sage, nutmeg, salt mixture (same as pizza above)
1 tbsp yogurt (or more as needed)

Preheat oven to 450F.  Combine dry ingredients.  Cut butter into the flour mixture, then add the pumpkin mixture.  Using your hands combine to form a ball.  If you need extra moisture, add some yogurt (I used about a tbsp).  Once the dough is sticky but well combined, roll it out.  Using a cup or biscuit cutter, cut into 5 pieces.  Bake for about 9 minutes.

Goes great with turkey noodle soup!

Now that I used up all my canned pumpkin, I just need to find something to do with these sugar pumpkins…

What should I do with these??

Bourbon Bread Pudding

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I probably don’t have to tell you this but this Bourbon Bread Pudding was delicious.

I could probably sing it’s praises for days, but sadly it’s already gone.

Bourbon Bread Pudding

inspired by Epicurious

5 cups wheatberry bread, chopped into 1 inch cubes
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
few shakes nutmeg
6 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 tbsp bourbon
2 tsp vanilla

The night or a few hours before, put the bread chunks into a large souffle dish or other baking dish.  In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.  Pour half the milky liquid over the bread.  Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to soak.

Preheat oven to 350F.  Pour the remaining milk mixture over the bread.  Bake for about an hour or until the top is crispy and if you put a knife in it, it comes out clean.

While it’s baking you can make a creamy bourbon sauce.

Bourbon Cream Sauce

3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
3 tbsp sugar
2-3 tbsp bourbon

Heat cream in a small saucepan.  In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water.  Once cream is just starting to boil, add cornstarch, stir and bring to a light boil.  Turn on heat and add sugar and bourbon and continue to stir.  Let it sit until it reaches room temperature.

Once your bread pudding is cooked.  You can either turn in onto a plate, like I did, or keep it in the dish you baked it in.  Pour half the bourbon sauce over the bread pudding then leave the rest to serve on individual portions.

I think the key to this is the wheat berries.

They add an amazingly chewy texture!

I wish I could rate the wheat berry bread recipe on Bob’s Red Mill’s website because to be perfectly honest the bread on its own is bland and NOT tasty.  However, when turned into this deliciously sweet creation, it is nothing short of amazing!

If you use another bread, I suggest adding 1/2 cup of cooked wheat berries into the mix just to get the nice chewy texture.

This weekend is the last weekend before classes start.  Summer is coming to an end.  I know this sounds nuts, but thank goodness!  I’m ready to be busy!

That being said, I’m going to finish an application!  Have a great weekend!

P.S. Tortilla tutorial coming!

Brownies and the French

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July 14th was Bastille Day.

I’m not French.

I know that, but I’d take any excuse for a party and baking.

Some friends had a party, Sara and I made Champagne Brownies

and I tried to look French because obviously a black dress with a sassy look and an odd hairdo screams Je suis française!

But really, Champagne, we can call that French, right?

I’m not sure we should call these brownies brownies though.  They should probably just be called fudge.  They’re dense and bittersweet and intense.

Champagne Almost Fudge Brownies

adapted from Couture Cupcakes

1 lb of unsweetened chocolate (i.e. baker’s squares or coco powder+oil)
12 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar (omit if you use sweetened chocolate)
4 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1 cup champagne

Preheat oven to 325F.

In a large pot on low heat, melt together the chocolate and butter.  Remove from heat.  Add the salt, sugar and vanilla.  Stir together to combine.  Stir in 1 egg at a time until just combined.  Add the flour stirring until just combined.  Add the champagne and stir until incorporated.  Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.  Bake about 40 minutes.  Allow to cool completely (I would even say you can chill them), cut and serve (with ice cream or on its own).

So rich!

I kept up with the French theme this morning (two days later).

Omelets are French.

Zucchini Goat Cheese Omelet

1/2 tsp olive oil
3 tbsp diced onion
1 small zucchini, diced
1/2 cup chopped chard or kale
1/2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or basil
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup egg substitute  (or 3 eggs, beaten)
1 oz goat cheese

In a small skillet, heat oil, add onions and zucchini cook for a few minutes until zucchini is almost tender.  Add chard and cook an additional minute or two.  Season with salt and pepper and set aside.  Spray a medium skillet with cooking spray and put on medium/low heat, add eggs, cover and cook until eggs are pretty much cooked through (no longer jiggle when shaken) about 4 minutes.  Carefully flip the egg using a spatula, sprinkle with goat cheese and vegetable filling, fold over and transfer to a plate.

Sprinkle with a little more parsley and serve with a slice of homemade oatmeal bread.

Very light and tasty.

This omelette only has 200 calories, must be why French women don’t get fat.

We’ll just forget about the brownies.

Naturally Nutty Zucchini Muffins and a Wine Trick

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A few nights ago, my roommate and I were talking about muffins.  Yesterday morning after my nap (at 10:30am!  Isn’t that nuts!??!  I’m ridiculously tired these days) I was inspired.

Naturally Nutty Zucchini Muffins

1/2 cup Naturally Nutty Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup egg substitute (or 1 egg)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 small zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Cream together the sugar, sunflower butter, egg and milk.  Add whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and baking powder  and mix together.  Fold in grated zucchini.  Place in greased muffin pan and bake for approximately 20-22 minutes.  Makes 10 muffins.

I have to confess the whole reason I made these up was because I wasn’t a fan of the Naturally Nutty Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter.  I got two jars a while back from one of Kath’s Open Sky deals.  While it tastes okay, I’m not a HUGE fan of it on its own.

However, baked into these, it tastes good!  If you don’t have Naturally Nutty Cinnamon Vanilla Sunflower Butter on hand you can use 1/2 cup of any nut butter + 1/2 tsp vanilla + 1/2 tsp cinnamon!

These aren’t the sweetest thing in the world but they’re tasty enough for a baked treat.  Definitely not bad for about 150 calories. But honestly, not what I was  expecting.   The batter tasted a million times better than the baked product.   Oh well.

A few days ago my friend sent out this video about opening a bottle of wine with a shoe. I can’t insert it here for some reason but watch it! It’s nuts!

So we tried it.  Here’s the recap.

We rewatched the video (tools ready).

Tapped the bottom.

Hit it against a wall and nothing.

Tried a door frame.

Hmmm maybe it has to be a real cork not a synthetic cork.  Good thing we have another bottle.  Start over.

Brick outside maybe?  Still looking for other hard surfaces.

Hmm maybe it’s the shoe.  Let’s try a cowboy boot (his, not mine, in case you were wondering).

Nothing. We’ll try again later.

We’re thinking maybe it has to do with the bottom of the show. We’re going to try with one of my hard bottom leather boots instead of a rubber soled shoe.

Isn’t that video nuts!?!?  Anyone speak French who can tell me if I’m missing something?

Food Snob

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I don’t like to consider myself a food snob.  Some people wear that card proudly.  Not me.  I like fresh, whole foods but would be willing to enjoy some Pillsbury product if someone made me something.

That being said, I’ve had a box of Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake Mix sitting in the cupboard since August 2009.

Now this pancake mix is supposed to be on the healthier side.

The ingredients are: Whole Wheat Flour, Whole Grain Yellow Corn Meal, Buttermilk solids, Dextrose, Leavening (monocalcium phosphate, baking soda) and salt.

I’ve made pancakes and waffles numerous times, always refusing to use the mix.

Why? I’m not entirely sure.  I guess it was the food snob in me turning my nose up at the box, reassuring myself that my own combination of flour, eggs, milk and baking soda would surely be a million times better.  This morning I decided to get over that silly attitude and use the box mix to make some waffles.

Because I can never keep things simple, I added blueberries to one and a tablespoon each of unsweetened coconut and white chocolate chips to the other.  Obviously they were topped with bananas.

Tasty enough.  I like the grainy texture.

At the risk of sounding like a food snob, I like mine better.  For some reason I always think box mixes taste salty!  When I was little I hated pancakes because my mom used to make them with Bisquick (and it wouldn’t surprise me if that box of Bisquick she used was expired), and they always just tasted REALLY salty.  Then I tasted non-Bisquick pancakes and fell in love.

Oh and I used Wegman’s Butter Flavored Light Syrup.  How’s that for not being a food snob?

What do you think of pancake/waffle/box mix?  Do you use it?  Do you like it?  Is it unhealthy?

Put a Ring on It Blueberry Pancake

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Most pancake recipes are meant to feed groups of 4-6.  That means you can cut it in half but it still makes enough to feed 2 or 3.  I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of leftovers (although they happen a lot).

But a few days ago I stumbled across a pancake that even Beyonce (you knew it was coming!  I’m obsessed) could appreciate

Obviously, as I always do, I changed the recipe.  This one is healthier, pretty darn tasty… and perfect for one.

Really, you shouldn’t need someone else to have a delicious breakfast.  Be I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

Single ladies like pancakes too, especially blueberry pancakes.

One huge blueberry pancake.

Put a Ring on It Blueberry Pancake

inspired by Joy the Baker’s Single Lady Pancake

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp oats
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp milk (or soymilk or veganify!)
dribble of vanilla
handful of blueberries
1/2 banana, sliced

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl,  add milk and vanilla and stir together.  Heat a greased pan.  Pour in batter, sprinkle with some blueberries then put a lid on it and let it cook for a few minutes.  Flip and cook for an additional minute or two.  Top with more blueberries,  1/2 a sliced banana and syrup of choice.

Because I’m cheap with calories and money, I made my fabulous yogurt syrup concoction: 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt + 1 tbsp real maple syrup + 1 tbsp water.

I feel like my day is already starting off better than yesterday.  Have a wonderful Friday!!

P.S. I just rewatched the Single Ladies video (you probably should too).  How do I get Beyonce’s legs???!?!?!?!?

Waffles: Round 2

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Waffles seem to go well with the World Cup, especially when I want the team to win.

I have a special place in my heart for the Argentine national team.  I was in Argentina for the 2006 World Cup.

I promise I was actually having fun!

Today!  This guy scored 3 of the 4 goals!

Like last week, there were waffles.

Except this time, I watched from my little computer with Spanish commentators.  With a total of 5 goals scored in throughout the game that means at least an entire minute of them shouting “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!” Univision does it right!

and with this lovely lady

That’s Sara.  She’s pretty.  She’s enjoying banana waffles.

Banana Waffles

2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 3/4 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 very ripe banana, mashed
coconut oil (few tablespoons)
2 eggs

Combine all the dry ingredients.  Mash banana and put in 1/2 cup measuring cup, fill remainder of measuring cup with coconut oil (should be about a tbsp or two).  Add banana, oil, water and eggs to flour mixture and combine.  Place in a hot waffle iron and cook for about 5 minutes.  Makes 3 fat Belgian Waffles.

Ahh! Need to get some work done before my 2:30 date with the gym TV to watch France vs Mexico.  France better lose.

Also, NBA finals game 7 tonight.

Oh my goodness.  I’ve watched more sporting events in the past week than I have all year.

You a sports fan?

World Cup Waffles

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This morning I packed up some stuff to have some waffles with my world cup

+

I ran across the street to watch the first game, Mexico vs South Africa, with this fella

That’s Daniele.  He’s pretty.

He also made a bet that South Africa wouldn’t win a single game…reason enough for me to betray the latinos and root for South Africa.  They tied.  I can be happy with that.

So while I watched in rather agitated fashion, I enjoyed this:

Rhubarb Waffles

adapted from Eating Well’s Rhubarb Waffles

5 stalks of rhubarb (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tbsp oil
1 tsp vanilla
3 egg whites
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

In a pot, combine rhubarb and sugar.  Cook for about 10 minutes or until rhubarb is tender.  Remove 1 cup of rhubarb and set aside.  Continue to cook the rest of the rhubarb for another 5-10 minutes, until rhubarb breaks down and thickens.

Combine remaining ingredients and reserved rhubarb to make the batter.  Cook in a heated waffle iron for about 10 minutes.   Serve with rhubarb sauce.

This made 4 fat waffles and wayyyy more sauce than necessary.

Thanks Liz for letting us borrow your waffle iron!!

Okay I’m off to burn off some of these waffle calories.  Have a great day!