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Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing

January 17, 2017 By

This salty and addictive anchovy-based dressing is similar to my beloved Italian classic, bagna cauda. It’s very easy to whip together and you can keep it in a jar in the fridge for weeks, ready for whenever you need some extra flavor. Serve it with a rainbow of good-for-you veggie crudités or with simple steamed broccoli. I swear, kids love it.

veggies-crudite-silvia-baldini

Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 6/8 fillets drained canned anchovies
  • 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 1 small cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/2 tsp thyme leaves chopped
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp cider or red wine vinegar
  • butter unsalted
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Put all the ingredients in a glass jar and whiz together with a hand held blender until cream and smooth. I like to leave the dressing aside before using for at least half hour to allow all the flavors to mingle and develop.
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Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing

January 17, 2017 By

This salty and addictive anchovy-based dressing-similar to my beloved Italian classic Bagna Cauda is very easy to whip up. Serve it with a rainbow of good for you veggies or with steamed broccoli. Keep it in a jar in the fridge for weeks, ready for when you need some extra flavor. I swear, kids love it.

Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Veggie Board and Anchovy Dressing
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 6/8 fillets drained canned anchovies
  • 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 1 small cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/2 tsp thyme leaves chopped
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp cider or red wine vinegar
  • butter unsalted
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Put all the ingredients in a glass jar and whiz together with a hand held blender until cream and smooth. I like to leave the dressing aside before using for at least half hour to allow all the flavors to mingle and develop.
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Menopause Cake

January 12, 2017 By

Who needs boring and fattening pound cake when you can have menopause cake? This dense and not-so-sweet cake, adapted from a Women’s Weekly recipe, is packed with ingredients that can help minimize menopausal and menstrual symptoms. It uses all the healthy goodness of soy, oat flour, and almonds along with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, banana, prunes and figs. One slice a day is all you need for pure girl power bliss!

menopausal-cake-silvia-baldini

Menopause Cake
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Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Menopause Cake
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 5 oz) peeled and chopped
  • 3 1/2 oz dried figs roughly chopped
  • 3 1/2 oz soy flour
  • 3 1/2 oz self rising wholemeal See note below
  • 3 1/2 oz oatmeal
  • 1 1/34 oz flax seeds Ground
  • 1 1/34 oz pumpkin seeds
  • 1 1/34 oz ground almonds
  • 3 1/2 oz chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 4 oz chopped pitted prunes
  • 1 tbsp golden syrup or molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 7 1/2 fl oz skim milk
  • 1 medium or large ripe banana, mashed
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Microwave the sweet potato pieces on high in 1 tablespoon water for 5 minutes or until soft, and then use the back of a fork or spoon to mash the sweet potatoes with the water. Soften the figs in 4fl oz of hot water for 10 minutes and then mash the figs and the water with a handheld blender.
  3. Meanwhile, combine the flours and oatmeal in a large bowl. Stir in the seeds, nuts, the allspice and then the chopped prunes.
  4. In another bowl, combine the syrup or molasses with the eggs and milk. Stir in the sweet potato mash, the fig purée and the mashed banana and combine well (you can whizz in the blender, if you like).
  5. Thoroughly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 1 hour or until nicely golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack and then remove the cake from the pan and cut into slices. You can store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a resealable plastic bag and freeze.
Recipe Notes

If you cannot find self rising whole meal flour you can easily make it at home. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour,  1 cup all wheat flour, 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt

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Menopause Cake

January 12, 2017 By

Who needs boring and fattening poundcake when you can have menopausal cake. This dense and not so sweet cake, adapted from a Women’s Weekly recipe, is packed with ingredients that can help you minimize menopausal and menstrual symptoms. It uses all the goodness of soya, oat flour and ground almonds, combined with sweet potatoes, banana, prunes and figs for sweetness. One slice a day is all  you need for pure girl power bliss!

Menopause Cake
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Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Menopause Cake
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Servings Prep Time
12 slices 30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 5 oz) peeled and chopped
  • 3 1/2 oz dried figs roughly chopped
  • 3 1/2 oz soy flour
  • 3 1/2 oz self rising wholemeal See note below
  • 3 1/2 oz oatmeal
  • 1 1/34 oz flax seeds Ground
  • 1 1/34 oz pumpkin seeds
  • 1 1/34 oz ground almonds
  • 3 1/2 oz chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 4 oz chopped pitted prunes
  • 1 tbsp golden syrup or molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 7 1/2 fl oz skim milk
  • 1 medium or large ripe banana, mashed
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Microwave the sweet potato pieces on high in 1 tablespoon water for 5 minutes or until soft, and then use the back of a fork or spoon to mash the sweet potatoes with the water. Soften the figs in 4fl oz of hot water for 10 minutes and then mash the figs and the water with a handheld blender.
  3. Meanwhile, combine the flours and oatmeal in a large bowl. Stir in the seeds, nuts, the allspice and then the chopped prunes.
  4. In another bowl, combine the syrup or molasses with the eggs and milk. Stir in the sweet potato mash, the fig purée and the mashed banana and combine well (you can whizz in the blender, if you like).
  5. Thoroughly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 1 hour or until nicely golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack and then remove the cake from the pan and cut into slices. You can store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a resealable plastic bag and freeze.
Recipe Notes

If you cannot find self rising whole meal flour you can easily make it at home. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour,  1 cup all wheat flour, 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt

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Charred Roasted Vegetables

January 12, 2017 By
Charred Roasted Vegetables
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Servings Prep Time
8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Charred Roasted Vegetables
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 large pumpkin peeled and cut in to thin wedges
  • 4 medium beetroots cleaned and cut in half
  • 2 large parsnip peeled and quartered
  • 2 cups baby carrots cleaned
  • 2 medium red onions quartered
  • 1/4 cup olive oli
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F/ Prep all the vegetables and place on to large baking dishes lined with parchment. Drizzle with olive oil and dot with butter. Sprinkle with salt.
  2. Roast the vegetables for 40/50 minutes, turning once. Remove from the oven when nicely browned.
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Beetroot and Walnut Hummus

January 11, 2017 By

This glorious purple beetroot and walnut hummus is a simple concoction that’s perfect as a dip with flatbreads or in a sandwich with some tangy cheese.

purple-humus-silvia-baldini

Beetroot and Walnut Hummus
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Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Beetroot and Walnut Hummus
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Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 3 medium beetroots cooked, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup cubed stale bread crust removed
  • 1 tbsp tahini paste
  • 1/2 clove garlic optional
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. In a food processor, crumble the stale bread. Then add the beets, tahini, the garlic if using, the toasted walnuts, the cumin, half the lemon juice, salt and pepper and blend to a thick paste. Add the olive oil and pulse a couple of times.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust for lemon juice and seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for up to a couple days. Bring to room temperature prior to serving.
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Beetroot and Walnuts Hummus

January 11, 2017 By

A glorious purple beetroot and walnuts hummus. This simple concoction is perfect in a sandwich with a tangy cheese or with flatbreads.

Beetroot and Walnut Hummus
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Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Beetroot and Walnut Hummus
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 3 medium beetroots cooked, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup cubed stale bread crust removed
  • 1 tbsp tahini paste
  • 1/2 clove garlic optional
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. In a food processor, crumble the stale bread. Then add the beets, tahini, the garlic if using, the toasted walnuts, the cumin, half the lemon juice, salt and pepper and blend to a thick paste. Add the olive oil and pulse a couple of times.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust for lemon juice and seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for up to a couple days. Bring to room temperature prior to serving.
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Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime

January 7, 2017 By

When it’s grey and snowy outside, I crave sunshine. Sliced papaya does the trick for me. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya not only gives me my warm weather fix but helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. It’s the ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to brighten the tropical taste.

papya-silvia-baldini

Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime
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If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime
Yum
Print Recipe
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 medium ripe papayas cut into thick wedges
  • 1/4 cup passion fruit pulp with seeds
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Divide the papaya slices among serving plates. Drizzle with the passion fruit pulp and the juice of the lime and the lemon.
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Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime

January 7, 2017 By
Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime
Yum
Print Recipe
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime
Yum
Print Recipe
If you're done with kale, start thinking papaya. Full of vitamins A, C, and B as well as calcium, iron and phosphorous, papaya helps in weight loss and fighting cellulite. The ultimate breakfast, snack or dessert. I like to add lemon, lime and some passionfruit pulp to thick slices for a bright mouthful.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 medium ripe papayas cut into thick wedges
  • 1/4 cup passion fruit pulp with seeds
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Divide the papaya slices among serving plates. Drizzle with the passion fruit pulp and the juice of the lime and the lemon.
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Steamed Salmon And Burnt Orange Glaze

January 6, 2017 By

Steaming salmon, or any kind of flaky fish, keeps it moist, healthy and packed with flavor. Add this simple burnt orange glaze and you not only get your omega-3s and antioxidants but you have a truly tasty dinner ready in less than 20 minutes. You can serve it with sticky rice or brown rice for a little starchy comfort.
salmon-orange-glaze

Roasted Salmon & Burnt Orange Glaze
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Recipe by Silvia Baldini— Salmon is a beautiful fish with moist and tender flesh as long as you don't' over cook it. Wild salmon comes mostly from the North Pacific and is a better choice that farmed. It has so much flavor that all it really needs is a hot skillet and a sprinkle of salt. However farmed salmon is less expensive, and it’s very fatty. That makes not only for pretty good eating but also for extremely forgiving cooking: you can overcook farmed salmon a bit, and it won’t be that dry. I usually oven cook a whole side of salmon with the skin on at 350 degrees in oven for 14 minutes. It always comes out moist and pink inside. A sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon are enough for weeknights dinners or you can dress it up with this simple burnt orange glaze. I use the leftovers for salads, pasta and fish cakes.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Roasted Salmon & Burnt Orange Glaze
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Print Recipe
Recipe by Silvia Baldini— Salmon is a beautiful fish with moist and tender flesh as long as you don't' over cook it. Wild salmon comes mostly from the North Pacific and is a better choice that farmed. It has so much flavor that all it really needs is a hot skillet and a sprinkle of salt. However farmed salmon is less expensive, and it’s very fatty. That makes not only for pretty good eating but also for extremely forgiving cooking: you can overcook farmed salmon a bit, and it won’t be that dry. I usually oven cook a whole side of salmon with the skin on at 350 degrees in oven for 14 minutes. It always comes out moist and pink inside. A sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon are enough for weeknights dinners or you can dress it up with this simple burnt orange glaze. I use the leftovers for salads, pasta and fish cakes.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 navel orange
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 whole salmon side skin on
  • salt and pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Stir the sugar, water and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and simmer, without stirring, until the mixture is a light caramel color. Watch it carefully and don't let it burn. The caramel will go from not quite done to burnt very quickly if you’re not paying close attention.
  2. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, let the bubbles subside and carefully stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice. (You’ll want to stand back a little as the mixture may splatter.) Return the pan to low heat for a minute or so, stirring constantly until any caramel bits that may have formed completely dissolve. Add the oil and vinegar and gently simmer, stirring almost constantly, for 1 minute.
  3. Pre-heat the oven at 350 Fahrenheit. Place the salmon skin down on a lined oven tray. Season with salt and pepper. Liberally spoon the orange glaze on the salmon and bake for 14 minutes. Serve with the leftover glaze on the side.
Recipe Notes

Add some ginger and minced garlic to the glaze for extra flavor. Substitute the orange juice with lemon or grapefruit.

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Beetroot, Orange and Spinach Juice

January 4, 2017 By

Time to reset, clean out and get back in my jeans. Beetroots are packed with iron , folic acid, magnesium and antioxidants. Combined with orange juice and spinach in a delicious, deep red  juice they are sure to kick start my day.

Beetroot, Orange and Spinach Juice
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Servings Prep Time
4 glasses 5 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 glasses 5 minutes
Beetroot, Orange and Spinach Juice
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Servings Prep Time
4 glasses 5 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 glasses 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 medium red beets roughly chopped
  • 5 medium oranges peeled and segmented or roughly chopped
  • 1 cup spinach leaves, rinsed
  • 2/3 cup cold water
Servings: glasses
Instructions
  1. Push the beet, oranges and spinach through a juice extractor. Stir in the water and serve. If you don't have a juice extractor, use a high-powered blender and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
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Simple Pancake Stack

December 30, 2016 By

Everyone has a favorite pancake recipe. This is mine. It rises high with a soft, tender, sponge-like texture that’s ready to soak up creamy butter and maple syrup. Add bananas or berries or a dollop of whipped cream or whatever you want for a truly decadent breakfast. Sometimes I have the kids prepare and weight all the ingredients the night before with the wet ingredients in a bowl that goes in the fridge and the dry ingredients in another bowl. Then in the morning we’re ready to go.

I also like to make a quick apple marmalade and slather it between the pancakes. I cook 3 peeled, cored and chopped baking apples in 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over low heat until they begin to soften. Then I add some grated lemon, 2 tablespoon water, and 1/2 cup sugar and I boil the mixture until I end up with a thick purée. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. In the summer I substitute peaches for apples and orange blossom honey for sugar. YUM!

pancakes-silvia-baldini

Simple Pancake Stack
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Recipe by Silvia Baldini
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Simple Pancake Stack
Yum
Print Recipe
Recipe by Silvia Baldini
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Ingredients
Pancakes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp melted and cooled butter
To serve (optional)
  • unsalted butter or whipped butter
  • maple syrup
  • powdered sugar
  • whipped cream
Servings: medium pancakes
Instructions
  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into a bowl. Put the milk, eggs, and cooled melted butter into a second large bowl and mix with a whisk.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently combine. Do not overwork the pancake batter. It doesn't matter if the batter isn't smooth. Rest the batter for at least half hour for higher and fluffier pancakes.
  3. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. When the butter is melted, pour the batter into the pan in batches of 3 or 4 rounds and cook for 1 minute, until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Turn the pancake and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  4. Serve with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar or even whipped cream.
Recipe Notes

You can add a sliced banana or some berries to the batter right before cooking or some chocolate chips, a teaspoon of poppy seeds and honey.

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Simple Pancake Stack

December 30, 2016 By

Everyone has a favorite pancake recipe and this is mine. It rises high and with a soft, sponge like texture, ready to soak up creamy butter and syrup. Add bananas, or berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent breakfast. Sometimes I have the kids prepare and weight all the ingredients the night before. Wet ingredients  in a bowl and dry in another bowl, even the eggs. Then in the morning we are ready to go.

Simple Pancake Stack
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Print Recipe
Recipe by Silvia Baldini
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Simple Pancake Stack
Yum
Print Recipe
Recipe by Silvia Baldini
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Servings Prep Time
8 medium pancakes 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
15 minutes 30 minutes resting time
Ingredients
Pancakes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp melted and cooled butter
To serve (optional)
  • unsalted butter or whipped butter
  • maple syrup
  • powdered sugar
  • whipped cream
Servings: medium pancakes
Instructions
  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into a bowl. Put the milk, eggs, and cooled melted butter into a second large bowl and mix with a whisk.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently combine. Do not overwork the pancake batter. It doesn't matter if the batter isn't smooth. Rest the batter for at least half hour for higher and fluffier pancakes.
  3. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and reduce the heat to medium-low or low. When the butter is melted, pour the batter into the pan in batches of 3 or 4 rounds and cook for 1 minute, until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Turn the pancake and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  4. Serve with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar or even whipped cream.
Recipe Notes

You can add a sliced banana or some berries to the batter right before cooking or some chocolate chips, a teaspoon of poppy seeds and honey.

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Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon

December 24, 2016 By

Home-cured salmon is an elegant starter for a dinner party or a beautiful day-after-the-cocktail-party breakfast. No cooking required, which is a great thing when spending a lot of time in the kitchen isn’t high on your agenda.

salmon-beets-cured-silvia-baldini

Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon
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Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 3 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp juniper berries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sea-salt Himalayan pink works really well
  • 4 large oranges (you want the grated zest)
  • 3 large lemons (you want the grated zest)
  • 1 large skin on boneless salmon fillet 2 pounds
  • 4 medium beets, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 bunch dill, chopped
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Toast the fennel and coriander seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and add the juniper berries, sugar, salt and orange and lemon zests.
  2. Place the salmon, skin side down, on a large sheet of parchment paper set on a large rimmed baking sheet. Pack the spice cure on the flesh side of the salmon, pressing so it adheres.
  3. Toss the beets and chopped dill in a medium bowl and combine. Spread this onto the flesh side of fish and again press. Fold the sides of the parchment over the salmon and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Set another baking sheet on top of salmon and weight it with three 28-oz. cans or the equivalent in cookbooks or other heavy things you have in your kitchen. Refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours before slicing and serving.
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Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon

December 24, 2016 By

Home cured salmon is an elegant a starter or beautiful for a day after the party breakfast. No cooking required, a great thing when spending hours in the kitchen is not high on the agenda.

Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Citrus and Beets Home-Cured Salmon
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Servings Prep Time
8-12 servings 35 minutes
Passive Time
24-48 hours
Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 3 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp juniper berries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sea-salt Himalayan pink works really well
  • 4 large oranges (you want the grated zest)
  • 3 large lemons (you want the grated zest)
  • 1 large skin on boneless salmon fillet 2 pounds
  • 4 medium beets, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 bunch dill, chopped
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Toast the fennel and coriander seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and add the juniper berries, sugar, salt and orange and lemon zests.
  2. Place the salmon, skin side down, on a large sheet of parchment paper set on a large rimmed baking sheet. Pack the spice cure on the flesh side of the salmon, pressing so it adheres.
  3. Toss the beets and chopped dill in a medium bowl and combine. Spread this onto the flesh side of fish and again press. Fold the sides of the parchment over the salmon and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Set another baking sheet on top of salmon and weight it with three 28-oz. cans or the equivalent in cookbooks or other heavy things you have in your kitchen. Refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours before slicing and serving.
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Marinated Goat Cheese

December 21, 2016 By

A jar of my marinated goat cheese makes an easy, tasty and lovely gift for the holidays. It’s spectacular simply slathered on crusty bread, crumbled on salads, even grilled and sandwiched in a baguette. It doesn’t require any cooking but it sure shows a lot of love. Give it as a hostess gift and share some yumminess.

goat-cheese-amrinated-silvia-baldini

Marinated Goat Cheese
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Use fresh, young goat cheese and fruity olive oil.
Servings Prep Time
4 large jars 20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 large jars 20 minutes
Marinated Goat Cheese
Yum
Print Recipe
Use fresh, young goat cheese and fruity olive oil.
Servings Prep Time
4 large jars 20 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 large jars 20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 16 small crottins (or rounds) fresh goat cheese
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary thyme, oregano are really good substitutions
  • 4 small chili peppers
  • 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 2 cups olive oil enough to cover the cheese in the jar
Servings: large jars
Instructions
  1. Divide the cheese among 4 sterilized jars. Add the bay leaves and the rosemary sprigs to the jars.
  2. Cut the chilis in half. Cut 8 strips of zest from the lemon. Arrange the lemon strips and the chili next to the cheeses in the jars. Add the fennel seeds and the garlic cloves to the jars.
  3. Pour in enough olive oil so the cheeses are completely covered. Seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes

Store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Eat with some crusty bread or crumble on salads or grill on slices of baguette for a quick and easy crostino.

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Parmesan Crackers

December 20, 2016 By

Buttery, crumbly cheesy. Just a little spicy and perfect with a glass of bubbly. They are a must at cocktail hour. Look at them disappear!

 

Parmesan Crackers
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
45 2 inches round cookies 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
12-15 minutes 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
45 2 inches round cookies 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
12-15 minutes 2 hours
Parmesan Crackers
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
45 2 inches round cookies 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
12-15 minutes 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
45 2 inches round cookies 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
12-15 minutes 2 hours
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 1/2 sticks cold butter cut in pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 large yolk with a pinch of paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds lightly crushed
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
Servings: 2 inches round cookies
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with baking paper. Put the flour, salt, cayenne, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse again until the butter is in small pieces, six to eight 1-second pulses. Add the cheeses, pulse, and finally, add the egg and pulse until the mixture just starts to come together.
  2. Tip the dough on an unfloured surface. Knead by lightly smearing the ingredients together as you push them away from you with the heel of your hand until the dough is cohesive.
  3. Shape the dough into logs roughly 2 inches in diameter and wrap in film and chill for a couple of hours, until firm.
  4. Take the logs out of the fridge, remove film and brush with egg and paprika and coat with the sesame and cumin seeds. Slice the log in to disk about 1/8 of an inch high.
  5. Arrange the disks on the lined baking trays spacing well. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. To test, break one in half and look to see if the center still looks doughy. If so, cook for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake. Let cool on a rack and store only when completely cool.
Recipe Notes

Keep a couple of extra logs in the freezer. Slice and bake when guests pop by!  I also like to add cheddar or blue cheese and nuts.

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All Time Favorite Muffins

December 20, 2016 By

These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite. Measure all the ingredients and prepare the crumble at night. Bake the muffins on Christmas morning in no time!

Share joy !

mufffins-berries-silviabaldini-trychic

Raspberry, Blueberry Muffin Crumble
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Print Recipe
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Raspberry, Blueberry Muffin Crumble
Yum
Print Recipe
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Ingredients
Muffins
  • 4 3/4 cups all pourpus flour
  • 5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup caster granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter unsalted melted
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 medium zest of lemon
  • 1 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
Crumble
  • 1 cup all pourpus flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 stick Butter unsalted, cold and cubed
Servings: muffins
Instructions
Muffins
  1. Preheat the oven at 340F. Line two trays to bake 12 muffins with paper cases.
  2. Sift the together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl whisk the egg with the sugar and the melted butter. Whisk in the milk and lemon zest then gently fold in the berries. Keep a few berries aside to decorate the top.
  4. Add the sifted dry ingredients very gently with a spatula and combine the ingredients but make sure to stir enough to combine enough although some lumps should be visible. Do this by hand!
  5. Spoon the mixture in the muffin cases to fill them up. Cover with the crumble topping and dot with a few extra berries.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Take out of the tray and cool over a rack.
Crumble
  1. Put the flower, sugar and butter and mix with you hands until you have a uniform breadcrumb consistency. Don't over do it or you will be left with a baking dough. No panic if this happens just make cookies out of it! and restart the process.
  2. Double the recipe and keep the crumble in a ziplock bag up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes

You can substitute the butter in the muffins with 1 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for a light crumb.

You can also use different fruits, chocolate and nuts combinations. My favorites are white chocolate chips and bananas, pear and fresh ginger or walnut and apples.

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Very Berry Vodka

December 19, 2016 By

I like to gift this colorful, cheery and easy recipe for delicious berry vodka in pretty bottles. It’s great served on ice, in little shot glass or in flutes with champagne for an alternative to Kir Royale.

berryvodka

Berry Infused Vodka
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Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Berry Infused Vodka
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Ingredients
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 1/2 cup hulled strawberries
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup caster granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod halved
  • 1 70cl bottle of vodka
Servings: 250ml bottles
Instructions
  1. Place the berries and the lemon zest with the sugar in a large metal bowl and crush with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the Vanilla pod, mix all and leave to rest and macerate for two hours, until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit has become juicy.
  2. Spoon the content of the bowl in to a large glass jar and cover with the vodka. Mix well and chill for at least one week in the fridge or up to a month.
  3. Staring the vodka through a fine sieve, decant into pretty sterilized bottles.
Recipe Notes

The Infused Vodka will keep for up to months in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Rose petals are a great addition to the berries and citrus as well.

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Crushed Berry Infused Vodka

December 19, 2016 By

I like to gift this colorful, cheery and easy recipe for delicious berry vodka in pretty bottles . It’s great served on ice, in little shot glass or in flutes with champagne for an alternative to Kir Royale.

Berry Infused Vodka
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Berry Infused Vodka
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Servings Prep Time
4 250ml bottles 25 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
2 hours 1 week
Ingredients
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 1/2 cup hulled strawberries
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup caster granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod halved
  • 1 70cl bottle of vodka
Servings: 250ml bottles
Instructions
  1. Place the berries and the lemon zest with the sugar in a large metal bowl and crush with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the Vanilla pod, mix all and leave to rest and macerate for two hours, until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit has become juicy.
  2. Spoon the content of the bowl in to a large glass jar and cover with the vodka. Mix well and chill for at least one week in the fridge or up to a month.
  3. Staring the vodka through a fine sieve, decant into pretty sterilized bottles.
Recipe Notes

The Infused Vodka will keep for up to months in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Rose petals are a great addition to the berries and citrus as well.

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Chocolate Swirl Meringues

December 17, 2016 By

Big, pillowy sugary treats. I like to add hot sugar to the egg whites to get the inside of the meringues chewy and marshmallowy while keeping the outside crispy and crunchy. They are delicious on their own or divine with a generous spoonful of softly whipped cream.orchid-meranges-trychic-silviabaldini

Chocolate Swirl Meringues
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Print Recipe
Big, pillowy sugary treats. I like to add hot sugar to the egg whites to get the inside of the meringues chewy and marshmallowy while keeping the outside crispy and crunchy. They are delicious on their own or divine with a generous spoonful of softly whipped cream.
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Chocolate Swirl Meringues
Yum
Print Recipe
Big, pillowy sugary treats. I like to add hot sugar to the egg whites to get the inside of the meringues chewy and marshmallowy while keeping the outside crispy and crunchy. They are delicious on their own or divine with a generous spoonful of softly whipped cream.
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups caster granulated sugar 300g
  • 4-5 large egg whites
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Servings: large meringues
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven an 400F and line a think baking sheet with baking parchment.
  2. Put the sugar in a small tasting pan and heat in the preheated oven for about 7-8 minutes, or until hot to the touch.
  3. Place the egg whites and salt in a bowl of a free standing mixer fitted with a whisk. Remove the hot sugar from the oven and turn the temperature of the oven down to 225F
  4. Quickly tip the sugar on to the egg whites and whisk on a medium speed for 8 to 10 mines, until the meringue is very stiff, white and cold.
  5. Using a large metal spoon fold the cocoa in to the meringue, using three or four light strokes. The trick is to keep the mixture marbleized in the appearance.
  6. Spoon the mixture on to the prepared baking sheets in 4 to 6 large peak meringues. This is the fun part, don't smash the meringue, free from it.
  7. Cook in the middle of the shelf for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until crisp and dry. Remove from the oven a leave to cool on the baking sheet.
Recipe Notes

You  can use cooked and sieved raspberries, or chopped almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and desiccated coconut to swirl the meringues.

I cook the raspberries with  a spoon of sugar and half juice of a lemon until soft then I sieve the mixture. This is a basic coolie.

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DOUBLE DARK CHOCOLATE PECAN AND GINGER COOKIES

December 16, 2016 By

Very grown up cookies, with a double hit of chocolate and a hint of ginger. TrayChic gift for the holidays.

chocoalte-cookies-traychic-silviabadlin

Double Dark Chocolate Pecan and Ginger Cookies
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Servings
5 dozen
Servings
5 dozen
Double Dark Chocolate Pecan and Ginger Cookies
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Servings
5 dozen
Servings
5 dozen
Ingredients
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 2 sticks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 and 3/4 cups pecans, chopped
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
Servings: dozen
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven at 350F. Prep baking sheets and lined them with parchment paper
  2. Melt 1 and 1/2 cup of the chocolate with the butter on double boiler over simmering water, or in the microwave on a low setting. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve the remains chopped chocolate to mix in the batter.
  3. Whisk the sugars and the eggs together in a large bowl for a couple of minutes. You can use a stand n mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Frankly, I like to make cookies by hand. It's good exercise and then I don't feel guilty licking the spoon. Add the vanilla extract the melted chocolate and butter mixture, and stir until smooth.
  4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, making powder and the salt together, then mix into the cookie mixture and stir until smooth. Add the reserved chocolate chunks, the pecans and the fresh ginger and mix until combined.
  5. Using a desert spoon or a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop, drop the batter on the lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly and bake in batches on the middle shelf until set. About 10-12 minutes.
  6. Let the cookies cool on the sheets on wire rack for two minutes. Transfer the cookies on parchment to racks to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
  7. Stored in air tight containers the cookies will keep for up to a week.
Recipe Notes

Dry cherries, almonds, hazelnut or coconut can be added or substituted. White chocolate chunks work well too.

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Raspberry, Blueberry Muffin Crumble

December 16, 2016 By
Raspberry, Blueberry Muffin Crumble
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Print Recipe
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Raspberry, Blueberry Muffin Crumble
Yum
Print Recipe
These are my all-times favorite muffin. The blueberries keep their shape through the baking process and the buttery and crumbly topping renders a crunchy and luxurious first bite.
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
10-12 muffins 25 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Ingredients
Muffins
  • 4 3/4 cups all pourpus flour
  • 5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup caster granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter unsalted melted
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 medium zest of lemon
  • 1 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
Crumble
  • 1 cup all pourpus flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 stick Butter unsalted, cold and cubed
Servings: muffins
Instructions
Muffins
  1. Preheat the oven at 340F. Line two trays to bake 12 muffins with paper cases.
  2. Sift the together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl whisk the egg with the sugar and the melted butter. Whisk in the milk and lemon zest then gently fold in the berries. Keep a few berries aside to decorate the top.
  4. Add the sifted dry ingredients very gently with a spatula and combine the ingredients but make sure to stir enough to combine enough although some lumps should be visible. Do this by hand!
  5. Spoon the mixture in the muffin cases to fill them up. Cover with the crumble topping and dot with a few extra berries.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Take out of the tray and cool over a rack.
Crumble
  1. Put the flower, sugar and butter and mix with you hands until you have a uniform breadcrumb consistency. Don't over do it or you will be left with a baking dough. No panic if this happens just make cookies out of it! and restart the process.
  2. Double the recipe and keep the crumble in a ziplock bag up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes

You can substitute the butter in the muffins with 1 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for a light crumb.

You can also use different fruits, chocolate and nuts combinations. My favorites are white chocolate chips and bananas, pear and fresh ginger or walnut and apples.

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Chocolate and Cinnamon Swirl Meringues

December 16, 2016 By
Chocolate Swirl Meringues
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Big, pillowy sugary treats. I like to add hot sugar to the egg whites to get the inside of the meringues chewy and marshmallowy while keeping the outside crispy and crunchy. They are delicious on their own or divine with a generous spoonful of softly whipped cream.
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Chocolate Swirl Meringues
Yum
Print Recipe
Big, pillowy sugary treats. I like to add hot sugar to the egg whites to get the inside of the meringues chewy and marshmallowy while keeping the outside crispy and crunchy. They are delicious on their own or divine with a generous spoonful of softly whipped cream.
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Servings Prep Time
4/6 large meringues 10 minutes
Cook Time
1 1/2- 2 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups caster granulated sugar 300g
  • 4-5 large egg whites
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Servings: large meringues
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven an 400F and line a think baking sheet with baking parchment.
  2. Put the sugar in a small tasting pan and heat in the preheated oven for about 7-8 minutes, or until hot to the touch.
  3. Place the egg whites and salt in a bowl of a free standing mixer fitted with a whisk. Remove the hot sugar from the oven and turn the temperature of the oven down to 225F
  4. Quickly tip the sugar on to the egg whites and whisk on a medium speed for 8 to 10 mines, until the meringue is very stiff, white and cold.
  5. Using a large metal spoon fold the cocoa in to the meringue, using three or four light strokes. The trick is to keep the mixture marbleized in the appearance.
  6. Spoon the mixture on to the prepared baking sheets in 4 to 6 large peak meringues. This is the fun part, don't smash the meringue, free from it.
  7. Cook in the middle of the shelf for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until crisp and dry. Remove from the oven a leave to cool on the baking sheet.
Recipe Notes

You  can use cooked and sieved raspberries, or chopped almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and desiccated coconut to swirl the meringues.

I cook the raspberries with  a spoon of sugar and half juice of a lemon until soft then I sieve the mixture. This is a basic coolie.

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7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Professional Chef

September 23, 2016 By

slidesilviatalk

On Tuesday, September 27th at 7pm at the Hamden Library  in CT I’ll share the real truth about working in restaurants, graduating from Cordon Bleu, the 7 things I wish I knew before I become a professional chef and my experience on Chopped, the award winning cooking show on Food Network.
If you are thinking of changing career or you love cooking and you are interested in knowing more about women in the food industry come by at the Miller Memorial Library, in the Friends room.

The event is free but you will have to register on the Hamden Library Website

I’m looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday and share my thoughts and a tasting of my book night tray from my soon to be published Tray Chic Book.

 

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Kit Kat Cake

September 1, 2016 By

I made a Kit Kat cake for my daughter 8th birthday and it was  a huge success. You can find similar cakes on Instagram and Pinterest but this is my decadent version. It’s homemade, it’s fun to bake, it’s easy decorate and it tastes like a birthday cake should; sinful, gooey and of all things chocolates. It’s definitely a show off kind of cake. Kids go crazy for it and adults turn into kids when they see it.

kitkatcake

The base for the layer cake is similar to an Italian sponge cake, except I use baking powder in my version. Sponge cake is an airy and fluffy cake. It’s the base for many desserts. You can slice it, fill it and layer it. (Hello Zuppa Inglese)

It’s best if you make it the day before and cool it well. It keeps for up to 3 days in an air tight container and it can be frozen.

Now, if making a sponge cake intimidates you, just bake two vanilla box cakes, I won’t tell anyone, but I encourage you do give it a try. Once you learn to make a sponge, it will become your go to cake, I promise.

The filling for the cake is a chocolate custard. Yum! If you don’t’ want to make a custard (but why not!), then use a chocolate frosting.

Finally, I use Nutella to cover the whole cake and to glue the bars, but again you may use frosting if you prefer or if you have a nut allergy.

Once your cake is assembled, just have fun decorating it with the Kit Kats and the M&M’s. I love Smarties too, but they are hard to find in the USA.

Finally, if you are making the cake for adults you can soak each layer with rum or an orange liquor before spreading the custard, it gives it a delicious boozy extra kick!

I’m sharing the recipes below. If you have any questions, email me! I love hearing from you and if you bake this fab cake share it on your socials and tag me #silviabaldini #traychic #sharefood

Happy Birthday to all and happy end of the summer!

Kit Kat Cake
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Print Recipe
birthday cake delight
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Kit Kat Cake
Yum
Print Recipe
birthday cake delight
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
  • 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 10 large eggs room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Custard for filling
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 3.5 ounces baking chocolate semisweet or dark
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
Decorations
  • 3 packs kit Kat bars get a couple of extra packs for safety
  • 1 bag M&M's smarties or jellybeans are fun too
  • 1 medium Jar nutella chocolate frosting can be used instead
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven at 350, butter and flour or spray with baking spray two 10 inches baking pans.
  2. Put the eggs, sugar and lemon zest and vanilla extract in a bowl of your stand mixer. Beat the eggs until very fluffy and pale yellow (about 15 minutes on medium/high speed). To test that it has been beaten enough, let some of the mixture fall into the bowl, it will make stiff ribbons.
  3. Sift the flour and baking powder on top of the egg mixture, a little at a time, and fold it gently with a wooden spoon. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Don't smooth the top or bang the pan on the counter, leave it as it is!
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Remember: do not open the oven for the first 20 minutes!)
  5. Turn off the oven but leave the cake inside (put a wooden spoon to keep the oven door slightly open) for at least 10 minutes so it can cool down slowly. After that, remove it from the oven, let it cool 10 more minutes, loosen around the edges with a knife, then flip the cake on a wire rack upside down (without the pan) to cool completely.
Chocolate Custard
  1. Melt the Chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, set aside.
  2. Heat milk in a medium heavy saucepan with the lemon zest until bubbles appear around edge.
  3. Beat egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl with wire whisk or mixer until pale yellow and thick. Beat in flour until well mixed.
  4. Gradually beat in hot milk; pour all back into saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over moderately high heat until mixture thickens and comes to boiling, lower heat. Mixture will be lumpy in the beginning, but lumps disappear during cooking and stirring.
  5. Add the melted chocolate and stir well.
  6. Continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes, over low heat, stirring constantly. Mixture will be quite thick.
  7. Chill at least 2 hours. If filling becomes too stiff after it's chilled, gradually stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Assembly and Decoration
  1. Slice the 2 cakes in 4 even layers. Place the first layer on a cake stand or a card board round mat if you plan to transport the cake. You can spread a dollop of cream on the cake stand base or on the cardboard to glue the cake.
  2. Spread enough chocolate cream to cover the surface on the top of the first layer then place the second half of the cake on top of the cream. Repeat the process until you have all for layers stacked.
  3. With a metal spatula or a knife cover the whole cake in an even coat of Nutella or chocolate frosting. This will be the glue for your Kit Kat bars.
  4. Break apart approximately 36 Kit Kats, 2 at the times. Begin to place them around the cake and cover the diameter. Tie with a ribbon, if desired. Top with M&M's.
Recipe Notes

Make the cakes the day before. Keep overnight in an air tight container. You can bake them 3 days ahead or even freeze them.

Make sure your layer cakes are not taller than a Kit Kat.

You may want to freeze your Kit Kats to avoid fingerprints.

You can use your favorite frosting instead of the custard and the Nutella.

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Kit Kat Cake

September 1, 2016 By
Kit Kat Cake
Yum
Print Recipe
birthday cake delight
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Kit Kat Cake
Yum
Print Recipe
birthday cake delight
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Servings Prep Time
20 people 40 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25/30 minutes 24 hours cooling time
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
  • 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 10 large eggs room temperature
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Custard for filling
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 3.5 ounces baking chocolate semisweet or dark
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
Decorations
  • 3 packs kit Kat bars get a couple of extra packs for safety
  • 1 bag M&M's smarties or jellybeans are fun too
  • 1 medium Jar nutella chocolate frosting can be used instead
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the oven at 350, butter and flour or spray with baking spray two 10 inches baking pans.
  2. Put the eggs, sugar and lemon zest and vanilla extract in a bowl of your stand mixer. Beat the eggs until very fluffy and pale yellow (about 15 minutes on medium/high speed). To test that it has been beaten enough, let some of the mixture fall into the bowl, it will make stiff ribbons.
  3. Sift the flour and baking powder on top of the egg mixture, a little at a time, and fold it gently with a wooden spoon. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Don't smooth the top or bang the pan on the counter, leave it as it is!
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Remember: do not open the oven for the first 20 minutes!)
  5. Turn off the oven but leave the cake inside (put a wooden spoon to keep the oven door slightly open) for at least 10 minutes so it can cool down slowly. After that, remove it from the oven, let it cool 10 more minutes, loosen around the edges with a knife, then flip the cake on a wire rack upside down (without the pan) to cool completely.
Chocolate Custard
  1. Melt the Chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, set aside.
  2. Heat milk in a medium heavy saucepan with the lemon zest until bubbles appear around edge.
  3. Beat egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl with wire whisk or mixer until pale yellow and thick. Beat in flour until well mixed.
  4. Gradually beat in hot milk; pour all back into saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over moderately high heat until mixture thickens and comes to boiling, lower heat. Mixture will be lumpy in the beginning, but lumps disappear during cooking and stirring.
  5. Add the melted chocolate and stir well.
  6. Continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes, over low heat, stirring constantly. Mixture will be quite thick.
  7. Chill at least 2 hours. If filling becomes too stiff after it's chilled, gradually stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Assembly and Decoration
  1. Slice the 2 cakes in 4 even layers. Place the first layer on a cake stand or a card board round mat if you plan to transport the cake. You can spread a dollop of cream on the cake stand base or on the cardboard to glue the cake.
  2. Spread enough chocolate cream to cover the surface on the top of the first layer then place the second half of the cake on top of the cream. Repeat the process until you have all for layers stacked.
  3. With a metal spatula or a knife cover the whole cake in an even coat of Nutella or chocolate frosting. This will be the glue for your Kit Kat bars.
  4. Break apart approximately 36 Kit Kats, 2 at the times. Begin to place them around the cake and cover the diameter. Tie with a ribbon, if desired. Top with M&M's.
Recipe Notes

Make the cakes the day before. Keep overnight in an air tight container. You can bake them 3 days ahead or even freeze them.

Make sure your layer cakes are not taller than a Kit Kat.

You may want to freeze your Kit Kats to avoid fingerprints.

You can use your favorite frosting instead of the custard and the Nutella.

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April Showers Bring May Flowers

April 9, 2016 By

 

photo by Francesco Sapienza

Just as I was getting ready to Spring forward—dreaming of alfresco lunches, planting
my tomatoes and getting a good dose of vitamin D—winter knocked back on my kitchen door in full force. Tonight I’m slow-cooking my go to veal stew, Guinness carbonnade, while making the last, hopefully, roaring fire of the season, then I’m finally updating my longtime neglected blog.

As we all know April showers bring May flowers, when the rain finally goes away,
we will all need a good dose of fresh, and some crunch on our table. Out they go the hot broths, the toasty cheesy sandwiches with the forever stewed tomatoes soups, in they come the beautiful iron and vitamins loaded  green salads, the sweet plump strawberries and dare I dream,
the chin dripping  juicy cherries.

In preparation for the farmer markets to burst with nature bounty, I’m sharing some of the stratagems I learned while working for years in the kitchen, to help you prepare quick and sunshine filled meals.  You can read more of them in the article, written by the very talented Michael Catarevas, in the April issue of Ct Magazine, but since it’s raining outside I thought I would give you a preview here and save you from a bad hair day.

  1. Choose Local And In Season Ingredients

Locally grown foods always better taste, fresher, longer lasting and more nutritious. I like to cook using seasonal ingredients not only because they are healthier for you and better for the environment, but also because I get stronger, bolder flavors in my dishes. For example, I use peaches and melons in summer, then chestnuts, cabbage, potatoes and citrus in fall and winter, and asparagus, cherries, strawberry in spring. At the end of winter I get excited for snap peas and peppery radishes!

  1. Learn To Prep Ahead

I learned to plan and prep ahead at Cordon Bleu and working in professional kitchen. Prepping is probably the most valuable skill one can acquire when it comes to cooking. I wash and chop all my vegetables, herbs and most ingredients in advance. I think about recipes and what I will cook for the week on Sunday, I make a list of what I will need and I shop on Monday. I load the freezer with all I can prep ahead and cook in bulk. Dishes like soups, meatballs, stews, grilled vegetables are perfect for week-nights meals.

  1. Keep Your Pantry Stocked

Keeping your pantry stocked it’s like insurance and money in the bank. You can make a meal anytime in less than 20 minutes by shopping in your cupboards. This is a basic list of what I have in my pantry:

Salt

Black peppercorns

Extra virgin olive oil

Vegetable oil

Apple cider vinegar

Red wine vinegar

Balsamic or sherry vinegar

Rice vinegar (unseasoned)

Flour: all purpose, 00, whole wheat or pastry

Baking soda

Baking powder

Cream of tartar

Cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Chocolate: chips or bar

Evaporated milk

Pure vanilla extract

Sweeteners

Granulated sugar

Confectioners’ sugar

Brown sugar

Maple syrup

Honey

Agave syrup

Coffee

Tea

Rice and Grains

Long-grain white rice

Brown rice

Grains: bulgur, quinoa, couscous or farro

Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles or egg noodles

Polenta, Semolina

Breadcrumbs: plain or panko

Snacks and Cereals

Crackers

Tortillas

Cookies or biscuits

Pretzels

Popcorn kernels

Dried fruit: raisins, apricots or cherries

Seeds: sunflower, flax, chia or hemp

Peanut butter or almond butter

Applesauce

Old-fashioned rolled oats

Chicken broth

Beans: cannellini, navy, chickpeas or black

Vegetables: hominy, corn or green beans

Olives or capers

Chiles: chipotles in adobo or pickled jalapenos

Salsa

Tomatoes

Tomato paste

Roasted red peppers

Tuna

Anchovy fillets or paste

  1. Keep Your Working Space Organized and Clean

Clean as you go. Really. In the end you wont have a pile of dirty pots and pans in your sink.

  1. Know and Master 10 Basic Recipes

Have 10 or even 20 recipes you can make with your eyes close and with out cooking books. Master a couple of pasta dishes, some salads and sides. Think about what you have available at home and transform it in to a pantry dinner. Imagine you are on Chopped and you only have 30 minutes. Have fun, No Stress.

  1. Don’t Start A Lengthy And Difficult Recipe If You Don’t Have Time

Keep it simple. If you only have 30 minutes don’t start cooking something overly complicated like a Baked Alaska. Leave the blow-torch in the drawer and instead go for a simple dish. For example I love baked apples. I learned to make them from my Italian mother in law Betta. They are delicious and beautiful! It’s what I love to do, simple a chic cooking. The recipe is below.

  1. Don’t Cook Hungry or Angry

Cooking should be relaxing. I believe cooking is like therapy, actually I think it’s better than Prozac. If you cook in a bad mood your food will taste bitter and sad. Didn’t you see ‘Like water for Chocolate”?

  1. Have Fun, Explore

Be a little adventurous. Explore new ingredients, taste new flavors, educate your palate. The more you learn and taste the better it gets. I always look for ingredient I’m not familiar with and challenge my self. I love shopping at Indian stores or in Chinatown and scare my kids with weird dishes. It keeps them on their toes.

  1. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes. You Can Always Order Pizza

We all make mistakes. Don’t feel bad, don’t get discouraged. If you cook a meal and things go bad, hang up the apron, pick up the phone and order a pizza then open a nice bottle of wine. Try your recipe again another time and give yourself an A for trying.

  1. Enlist Help From Family And Friends

Put anybody you know at work in the kitchen. Kids can help and they should, so can your friends and family. Give them chores. Delegate. Form a family prep crew and be the head chef.

 

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How to Keep the Party Going

January 7, 2016 By

Christmas is gone, lips have locked under the mistletoe, the Tiffany ball has dropped, 2016 has made an entrance.  Here we are, some/many pounds heavier, with a bit of a hangover, decorations to take down, a long cold winter pushing in and no good holidays till Valentine. I say the hell with it.
There is no better time than now to get some glitter on and attack the next few months and extra pounds with some tasty but clean foods and listen to some good advice not only on how to keep the party going but also on how to start the New Year with positive energy.

Janet-horton-silvia-baldiniI personally foresee sunshine, no remorse and unquestionably no sad or limp vegetables in the future. To confirm my predictions I contact Janet Horton. Janet is a one of the most accredited psychics in NY. She has been successfully reading cards in Manhattan for years.
She has a huge and devoted following and she is the trusted psychic to the stars and to the exclusive Broadway set. For years she turned her tarots upstairs, at Raoul’s on Prince Street, one of my favorite hangouts in the city.  I find her on LinkedIn and after a quick exchange of emails we set up a phone meeting.

I call Janet Horton in the morning and she graciously agrees to give me a reading and a prediction on the outlook of 2016 for women, specifically for my women readers. She pulls two cards, and I immediate feel a surge of positive energy and relief coming from her voice. Janet takes her reading very seriously, and she tells me she is extremely pleased with what she has uncovered, she affirms she couldn’t have turned 2 better cards.

LoversAcePent3

The Lovers and the Ace of Pentacles.

She continues explaining the Lover Card represents perfection, harmony and attractiveness. The Lovers card also symbolizes the establishment of a personal belief system and becoming clearer about your own values. This is a time when you are figuring out what you stand for and what your personal philosophy on life is. This card means a lot to women in 2016.
It means they will connect with someone that gets them; they will feel more attractive and will connect with a special soul mate.

Then Janet talks about the Ace of Pentacles. She tells me this card is one of the most important ones in the deck. It expresses financial matters, empowering, balance, new opportunity, and it’s very positive. In short it means money is coming in. That’s good news for all of us! She also adds that the Ace of Pentacles is about manifestation of your goals, and that you are moving into a more positive state of mind about what you are capable of achieving. Your ideas are ready to be turned into something tangible. Figure out what will work and make it a reality.

I couldn’t be happier with Janet positive reading. She was truly surprised to get both these cards. I can hear a little bit of a snicker and skepticism coming my way, let me just add, many years ago, she predicted I would marry at 38 a very detail oriented, math obsessed man.
And wouldn’t you know it.
I thank her and I make an appointment to see her in a couple of Mondays.

If you are interested in a personal reading you can find Janet on Sunday evenings at La Lanterna
in the Village from 6 to 11 pm and at Winnie’s Jazz Bar in the Refinery Hotel on Monday evenings
6-10PM  I suggest you make an appointment to see her because she books really quickly and she is also busy finishing her novel titled “Behind the Veil.” A murder mystery set in Manhattan in 1939.
The plot revolves around a Psychic that predicts a murder and she consequently becomes in danger of being killed her self.
You can contact her via email at TarotbyJanet@gmail.com , by phone on her office number at
201-963-3173 or on her mobile at 201-360-9958.  She is also available for events, parties and phone readings by appointment.

With such a positive out look on 2016 I move on to the next issue.  Exercising and getting back in to my jeans. I call upon Jill Valente.  Jill is my favorite instructor at SoulCycle.  She describes herself as a dancer for life.  She is stunningly beautiful and motivating. I love taking her classes. When I ride with her I feel, not only the pounds literally melt away, but I also recharge my positive attitude.
Jill is focused on making every class a journey, filled with amazing songs, hard work, passion and sweat. Let me also add, when not on the bike, Jill is busy teaching her daughter how to be a rock star and making sure people don’t confuse her identical twin boys.

I ask Jill for some advice on how to squeeze back in to some form of non-elastic pant and she writes me back a.s.a.p. I can feel the sweat starting to percolate from my back.  Jill thinks that dealing with post holiday weight gain is tricky mainly because we have all fallen into so many bad habits. We have been indulging and enjoying special foods and while that’s fabulous, it categorically should be done only once a year. Then she writes: “…after the holidays I like to attack those extra few pounds slow and steady. I am not a fan of cleansing or completely restricting your diet because I just don’t think that’s a realist habit to maintain.  I pick a few problems foods that I have been indulging in and I cut them out week by week. Right now I’m having a huge issue with eating too much pizza so on week 1 of January I cut out pizza, week 2 will be bagels and week 3 will be sweets. After I return my body to better foods and/or I have reached my normal weight I start to introduce them back in moderation”.  Jill also writes me her thoughts about exercise. She says: “The trick to exercise and staying fit it’s finding something YOU LOVE! There are so many incredible options nowadays that it is easy to find the one that best suits you. Obviously my heart is with SoulCycle but I also do a lot of hot vinyasa yoga and love to power walk outside. People often ask me how to prepare to come to a SoulCycle class and there is one thing you have to do…BOOK A BIKE!!! There is no preparation, there is nothing you have to do or be, you just have to SHOW UP and that goes for almost anything!”.

Jill you are right! I have booked my bike already. The more the better! Here’s Jill schedule in CT,
I hope to see you there.

With my butt in check I finally attack the elephant in the room. That would be food, not me.

We all have been eating and drinking too much. It’s time to clean out the fridge and our arteries. Like Jill, I don’t believe in cleansing, or in completely eliminating and restricting food. I like to eat and I like to be happy. I say life is too short to crunch on a celery stick. I believe in smaller portions, fresh produce, good oils, no snacking on empty calories and a good dose of planning. That means think a week in advance what you are going to have for dinner.  Change your protein every night. Plan 7 good and satisfying dishes, shop for all the ingredients, make enough to have left overs for lunch, spend some time in the kitchen prepping them and enjoy dinner time with your family.

blacyepeas-soup-silvia-baldini
This is my 7 day plan:

  1. Orange lentils and carrots soup, Meyer lemons roasted salmon and brown garlic long beans.
  2. Whole grain pasta with a chick peas rosemary sauce, poached chicken and charred broccoli
  3. Black-Eyed peas and pancetta minestrone, roasted lemon and rosemary potatoes salad
  4. Herbs and prosciutto frittata, salad and lemon steamed zucchini
  5. Fennel steamed Mussels, rice and peas
  6. Black lentils, feta, avocado and pistachio salad with baby spinach and pomegranate seeds
  7. Quick grilled flat iron steak, a crunchy green salad and steamed parsley purple potatoes.

beans-chinese-silvia-baldini

You can shop for all the ingredients in less than 45 minutes. Prep all in one day, and cook each meal every evening in less than 30 minute. I pay attention to my portions and I load the plate with vegetables.
I give out small desserts to the kids/husband. Something simple, a couple of cookies, a chocolate pudding or a scoop of ice cream and I keep my fruit bowl filled with good seasonal choices.

In January I love to cook with a lot of lentils, black eye peas, pomegranate, fish, long beans and even longer noodles. These ingredients are eaten at the beginning of the year and they are meant to bring wealth, good luck, long lives and good health. You can watch me on CTSTYLE talking about my 10 favorite lucky foods and making my very simple but delicious and filling black lentil and avocado salad.

lentils-silvia-baldini

I also believe in keeping a little of the party going. Just because the holidays are over it doesn’t mean you have to leave in darkness and gloom.  The Italians believe in wearing red to encourage good and plenty of sex during the year. I say why not!
My friend Jana Platina Phipps, the famous and much admired TrimQueen, decorates her table and her house with her exquisite trim creations. She has an impeccable eyes and even more fabulous collections of napkin rings created out of vintage brooches. Read about Jana and drool over her creations in my sharing corner.

IMG_9349

Finally the recipes are below.  Feel free to email me with any cooking question you might have, or questions about a 7 day plan, but mostly I hope you have a sparkling, healthy, wealthy 2016.
Keep the party going!

Black-Eyed Peas and Pancetta Minestrone
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
30 minutes overnight soaking
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
30 minutes overnight soaking
Black-Eyed Peas and Pancetta Minestrone
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
30 minutes overnight soaking
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
30 minutes overnight soaking
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cubed pancetta
  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 4 cups washed green spinach leaves kale, cabbage or swiss chard can be used
  • 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas soak overnight in water
  • 6 cups chicken stock vegetable, beef can be used
  • 3 sprigs parsley chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the pancetta, onion, celery, garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat, until the vegetables are softened, 10 minutes.
  2. Add the soaked black-eyed peas and stock, bring to a boil. Add the parsley, bay leaf. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat until the black-eyed peas are tender, 25 minutes.
  3. Add the spinach or whatever green you are using and cook for 5 additional minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Season and serve.
Recipe Notes

Finish with olive oil. You can add some cooked small pasta or rice to the finished dish. Freezes well

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Black lentils, Feta, Avocado and Pistachio Salad
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Black lentils, Feta, Avocado and Pistachio Salad
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6/8 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 cups puy lentils
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup toasted pistachios nuts
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp pistachio oil avocado oil or regular olive oil can be used
  • 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Cook the lentils in salted boiling water for 12/15 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl to cool.
  2. Add to the lentils the avocado peeled and chopped, the crumbled feta, the spinach leaves, the pomegranate seeds and gently toss.
  3. Combine the lemon juice, the pistachio oil, the balsamic vinegar with salt and pepper and pour on the salad. Toss again.
  4. Sprinkle the pistachios, parsley and mint on the salad. Taste for seasoning and serve.
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Brown Garlic Long Chinese Beans
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 mintes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 mintes
Brown Garlic Long Chinese Beans
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 mintes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 mintes
Ingredients
  • 1 large bunch long chinese beans
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 large peeled garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy-sauce
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 medium juice of a lemon
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Wash and trim the beans. Cut in 4 to 6 inches pieces.
  2. Add the sesame oil to a pan and the garlic. Brown slowly on medium heat. Add the beans. Shake a couple of times. Add the soy-sauce, the fish sauce and the lemon juice. Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until cooked but still crunchy. Season with salt and pepper and add the cilantro.
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The Only Tip You Will Need. Happy Thanksgiving.

November 25, 2015 By

I have 3 words for you this Thanks Giving.

Learn to delegate; on second though, let me add, do start the bubbly, vino, beer, bloody Mary, (that’s for you J.P.) relatively early.

new yorker-silvia-baldini

Don’t be shy, give a task to every single one of your guests including all children above 3.  If they have limbs, they can be of use.  Listen to a type A, don’t be stubborn, give up the control.

Once everyone is at work, you will find yourself with plenty time to enjoy and appreciate the day, your meal, the friends, and most importantly your family, not to mention you might even be able to shower and dress up for a change.

To demonstrate my point I’m delegating to my favorite writers, chefs and bloggers my work; instead of sharing my own recipes and advices, I have collected their articles and posts to help you with all your Turkey day needs.

From a truly magnificent and creative Thanksgiving menu from Canal House, or Food52 99 solution to your  food problems, a brilliant argument generator from Huff Post, or a funny video from Giada, or help from David Leite at Culinaria, an elegant recipe from David Lebovitz,fashion tips from the ladies at The New Potato, everything Connecticut from the writers at CTBites, very funny and sparkly last minute help from my stylish friend Jessica Gordon Ryan, invaluable green tips from Analiese Paik, excellent advise from the crew at CTSTYLE, and last but not least a day after, genius idea, from the mavericks at Saveur, I got you covered.

Happy Stress Free Thanksgiving !

 

irvingpenn-turkey-silvia-baldini

Photo By Irving Penn

 

 

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