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One-Pot Lamb, Lentils and Chickpeas Stew

February 1, 2017 By

A woman’s place is everywhere, therefore we need all the help and stamina we can get to get to gallop through the day and win our battles. Lentils and Chickpeas are a ginormous source of energy and they taste darn good when slow cooked with savory ingredients. I like to combine them with ground lamb, tomatoes, potatoes, cumin and a pinch of smoked paprika for an easy all inclusive one pot family dish.

One Pot Lamb and Lentils Stew
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Servings Prep Time
8 people 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 people 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
One Pot Lamb and Lentils Stew
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 people 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 people 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk diced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground lamb you can also use small cubes
  • 3 tbsp sherry vinegar
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 pound black lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 cup peeled and cubed potatoes
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 salt and pepper
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan and add the carrot, celery and onion. Cover and cook for until softened, which should take just a couple minutes. Then add the garlic and lamb and cook, stirring and crumbling the ground lamb or turning the lamb chunks as needed, until browned on the outside but still pink on the inside, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and wine and cook for 5 minutes or until the liquid evaporates.
  2. Add the lentils, chickpeas, cumin and paprika and cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, thyme, potatoes, chicken stock and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper and cook on medium heat for 45 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but not mushy, sorta like cooking pasta until it’s al dente. Stir with a wooden spoon from time to time.
  4. Remove and discard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with the parsley.
Recipe Notes

Add some sliced avocado and fresh spinach for extra green power. Leftovers are outstanding spooned on flat bread—we call it lamb pizza.

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Cheesy Soft Polenta

January 31, 2017 By

What do you cook on a snowy day? Polenta. Why? Because you not only want but need the energy and warmth offered by a bowl of soft, creamy, cheesy cornmeal cooked until gooey. Add a glass—wait, make it a bottle—of wine to help with the screaming kids.

I like to serve polenta with a scoop of ragù sauce, slow-cooked ribs, veal stew, or, if you dare, rabbit. But frankly, a simple bowl of polenta mixed with milk and whatever melty cheese you happen to have in your fridge is heaven to me.

Soft, Cheesy Polenta
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Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Soft, Cheesy Polenta
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups polenta
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Bring the water and the milk to a boil in a large saucepan. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Gradually add the polenta in a steady stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. (I find a whisk doesn't work well.) Reduce the heat and gently simmer, stirring from time to time, for about 25 minutes. If the polenta thickens too quickly, add a little more water or milk.
  3. Remove from the heat, add the Parmesan and butter and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes

For an even creamier polenta, use half milk and half double cream instead of water. Or substitute Add blue cheese for the Parmesan and add some toasted walnuts for a side dish that's sure to make everyone happy.

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Soft, Cheesy Polenta

January 31, 2017 By

Soft, creamy and cheesy polenta; yellow corn flour cooked until gooey. I don’t need to say much more. I like to serve polenta with a scoop of my always family favorite ragù sauce, or slow cooked ribs, veal stew, and even if you dare, rabbit. But frankly, a bowl of polenta mixed with hot fresh milk and what ever melty cheese you  have in  your fridge it’s heaven to me.

Soft, Cheesy Polenta
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Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Soft, Cheesy Polenta
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 people
Cook Time
25 to 35 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups polenta
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Bring the water and the milk to a boil in a large saucepan. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Gradually add the polenta in a steady stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. (I find a whisk doesn't work well.) Reduce the heat and gently simmer, stirring from time to time, for about 25 minutes. If the polenta thickens too quickly, add a little more water or milk.
  3. Remove from the heat, add the Parmesan and butter and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes

For an even creamier polenta, use half milk and half double cream instead of water. Or substitute Add blue cheese for the Parmesan and add some toasted walnuts for a side dish that's sure to make everyone happy.

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Vanilla Pound Cake

January 30, 2017 By

Yesterday I shared a picture of my vanilla pound cake and a quote: “Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.“ Likes all around. But the main response was, “Nice quote! But where’s the recipe?!” Here it is! This pound cake is a family favorite and one of the simplest cakes you can bake. You cannot mess it up. I promise.

 

 

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Vanilla Pound Cake

January 30, 2017 By

Pound cake derives its name from the original formula from which it was made: one pound of butter, sugar, flour and eggs. Enough to make two loaves. This old-fashioned recipe from my grandma calls for approximately a half pound of each  ingredient and yields one loaf. Feel free to double the recipe. Share or freeze one of the loaves or just eat both of them. No judgement!

Vanilla Pound Cake
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Servings Prep Time
1 9x5 inch loaf 30 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 9x5 inch loaf 30 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Vanilla Pound Cake
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
1 9x5 inch loaf 30 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 9x5 inch loaf 30 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan 2 sticks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Servings: 9x5 inch loaf
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a standing mixer bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in the sugar until blended. Beat in the eggs, 1 at the time, and then add the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and beat until smooth.
  4. Scrape the batter into the loaf pan and bake until the top peaks and turns golden brown, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When the cake is done, it will spring back when gently touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Cool the pound cake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then turn the loaf out onto the rack to cool throughly. Slice and serve.
Recipe Notes

Sometimes I like to add the grated zest from an organic lemon for a citrusy burst of flavor or a handful of chocolate chips for extra happiness.

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Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Pecans

January 24, 2017 By

This banana bread is one of the most delicious I’ve ever had. The recipe is absolutely easy to make and you don’t even need machinery. A couple of old-fashioned large bowls and a wooden spoon will do the trick. It’s also an excellent use for those blackened bananas left forgotten on your counter. I have adapted this recipe from one by Nigella Lawson by cutting down on the sugar and butter for a lighter version. This banana bread is adored by my two kids. (Don’t worry about the alcohol from the bourbon, I use it to soak the raisins and it cooks away, although you can instead substitute orange juice or apple juice if you prefer.)

Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Walnuts
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Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Walnuts
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or dark rum (orange or apple juice can be substituted)
  • 1 -1/4 cup all porpoise flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 to 6 small very ripe bananas, mashed (the blacker the better)
  • 4 tbsp chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Put the raisins and bourbon or rum in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then remove from the heat, cover and let it soak until the raisins have absorbed most of the liquid, at 1/2 least hour or so. (You can do this step overnight.)
  3. Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and combine well with a wooden spoon.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until blended.
  5. Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, 1 at a time, and then beat in the mashed bananas.
  6. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped pecans, soaked raisins and vanilla extract.
  7. Now add in the flour mixture, about 1/3 at a time, stirring well after each addition.
  8. Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. When it’s ready, a toothpick or fine skewer inserted in the center should come out fairly clean.
  9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Recipe Notes

A little grated fresh ginger and some chopped macadamia nuts would make a great addition. Chopped dried apricots, figs or dates are marvelous substitutions for the raisins.

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Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Pecans

January 24, 2017 By

This banana bread is one of the most delicious I have ever had. The recipe is absolutely easy to make and you don’t even need machinery. A couple of old-fashioned large bowls and a wooden spoon will do the trick. It’s also an excellent reason to make good use all those blackened bananas forgotten on the counter. I have adapted the recipe from a Nigella version, and I cut the sugar and butter quantities for a lighter version. This banana bread is adored by my two kids; don’t worry about the alcohol from the bourbon. I use it to soak the raisins and it cooks away. You can also substitute the bourbon with orange juice or apple juice.

Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Walnuts
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Banana Bread with Bourbon Raisins and Walnuts
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Servings Prep Time
8/10 slices 15 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
1 to 1 1/2 hour hour 1/2 hour
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or dark rum (orange or apple juice can be substituted)
  • 1 -1/4 cup all porpoise flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 to 6 small very ripe bananas, mashed (the blacker the better)
  • 4 tbsp chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Put the raisins and bourbon or rum in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then remove from the heat, cover and let it soak until the raisins have absorbed most of the liquid, at 1/2 least hour or so. (You can do this step overnight.)
  3. Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and combine well with a wooden spoon.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar and beat until blended.
  5. Beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, 1 at a time, and then beat in the mashed bananas.
  6. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped pecans, soaked raisins and vanilla extract.
  7. Now add in the flour mixture, about 1/3 at a time, stirring well after each addition.
  8. Scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. When it’s ready, a toothpick or fine skewer inserted in the center should come out fairly clean.
  9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Recipe Notes

A little grated fresh ginger and some chopped macadamia nuts would make a great addition. Chopped dried apricots, figs or dates are marvelous substitutions for the raisins.

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Homemade Nut Butters

January 19, 2017 By

Making your own nut butter is easy, quick and so GOOD! Try making it with all kind of nuts, roasting them or leaving them raw. My favorite is hazelnut butter, maybe because it could become your base for Nutella! Energy packed on a spoon.

Nut Butters
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Servings Prep Time
1 cup 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 cup 15 minutes
Nut Butters
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Servings Prep Time
1 cup 15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 cup 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)
  • 2-4 tbsp sunflower oil use vegetable oil but not olive oil, the taste would be too overpowering
  • 1-2 tbsp runny honey
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Servings: cup
Instructions
  1. Put the nuts in a food processor and pulse until quite fine. Add a tbsp or two of the oil and process until you get a creamy paste. Add a little oil if you need.
  2. Add the honey and salt and pulse. Add a few more nuts at the end of processing if you want a crunchy nut butter. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Notes

You can experiment by combining different nuts and adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds.

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Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast

January 18, 2017 By

Energy-packed edamame beans, bittersweet fava beans, salty pancetta, all coated in delicious and healthy olive oil and finished with a squeeze of bright lemon juice. I like to pile this satisfying and pleasingly chewy mixture on thick slices of toasted sourdough. Prep your beans and pancetta ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week, keeping them ready and waiting for whenever you need a quick lunch, side, snack or last-minute and light supper.

Prep your beans and pancetta ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week, keeping them ready and waiting for whenever you need a quick lunch, side, snack or last-minute and light supper.

Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fava beans shelled frozen or fresh
  • 1/2 cup diced pancetta or good bacon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 4 thick slices sourdough bread
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • olive oil to finish
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Prep the beans. Shell the fava beans and edamame. Keep them separate.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add the fava beans. Simmer for 2 minutes and then scoop them out. Squeeze each fava bean out of its outer bitter skin, toss in a colander to drain and set aside. Keep the water boiling. Then add the edamame to the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Fry the pancetta or the bacon in a skillet until crisp and brown. Remove from the heat.
  4. When ready to serve, in a large bowl combine the fava beans and edamame, the pancetta, the olive oil and the lemon. Mix delicately.
  5. Toast the bread. Spoon the beans and pancetta mix on the toasted bread, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Finish with a little sprinkle of chopped mint.
Recipe Notes

Grated Pecorino or aged ricotta would make a nice salty and savory addition to the toast.

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Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast

January 18, 2017 By

Energy packed edamame beans, bittersweet fava beans, salty pancetta, all coated in delicious and healthy olive oil and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon juice. I like to pile up this satisfying and chewy medley on thick slices of toasted sourdough.  Prep your beans and pancetta ahead of time, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week, keep them waiting and ready for lunch, side, snack or a last minute lite supper.

Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Edamame, Fava Beans and Pancetta on Toast
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fava beans shelled frozen or fresh
  • 1/2 cup diced pancetta or good bacon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 4 thick slices sourdough bread
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • olive oil to finish
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Prep the beans. Shell the fava beans and edamame. Keep them separate.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add the fava beans. Simmer for 2 minutes and then scoop them out. Squeeze each fava bean out of its outer bitter skin, toss in a colander to drain and set aside. Keep the water boiling. Then add the edamame to the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Fry the pancetta or the bacon in a skillet until crisp and brown. Remove from the heat.
  4. When ready to serve, in a large bowl combine the fava beans and edamame, the pancetta, the olive oil and the lemon. Mix delicately.
  5. Toast the bread. Spoon the beans and pancetta mix on the toasted bread, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Finish with a little sprinkle of chopped mint.
Recipe Notes

Grated Pecorino or aged ricotta would make a nice salty and savory addition to the toast.

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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
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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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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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Lemon And Olives Moroccan Chicken

January 12, 2017 By
Lemon And Olives Moroccan Chicken
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Lemon And Olives Moroccan Chicken
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp black ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp saffron powder or threads
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 8 organic chicken thighs on the bone, skinned
  • 1 cup pitted green olives
  • 4 medium organic lemons 2 juiced, 2 sliced
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened but not colored, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, pepper, saffron, turmeric, and chicken and cook gently, stirring until the chicken has absorbed the spices and is colored nicely. About 5 minutes.
  2. Add the olives, pour over the lemon juice, the chicken stock and tip in the lemon slices. Simmer gently until the chicken is cook through. About 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.
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Spinach Couscous

January 12, 2017 By
Spinach and Mint Couscous
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Servings Prep Time
8 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 10 minutes
Spinach and Mint Couscous
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Servings Prep Time
8 10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh organic lemon juice
  • 1 medium organic lemon peel grated
  • 2 cups shredded spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pinenuts
  • salt and pepper
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Combine the couscous with the boiling water in a large heatproof bowl, cover; stand for 5 minutes or until the water is absorbed, fluffing with the fork occasionally.
  2. Toast the pine nuts in a heated dry pan. Cool off.
  3. Add the olive oil and the lemon juice, the grated peel and gently mix. Fold the spinach and the pine nuts in the couscous and season with salt and pepper.
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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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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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Olive Oil Crostata

January 9, 2017 By

Light, crunchy and deeply flavorful. This olive oil crostata dough is a satisfying Italian twist on the more traditional butter pastry dough. It’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen. On a lazy Sunday, simply double the recipe and freeze the extra so you always have some on hand to make into this olive oil crostata, which is a heart-healthy, smart and satisfying choice for breakfast, after-school nosh or well-deserved midnight snack.
olive-oil-crostata-silvia-baldini

Olive Oil Crostata Dough
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Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Olive Oil Crostata Dough
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Print Recipe
Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
Filling
  • 2 cups jam
  • 2 tbsp cognac or other aromatic liquor
Servings: people
Instructions
Dough
  1. Pulse the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor until combined. With the motor running, add the lemon zest and then the eggs, 1 at the time, followed by the olive oil and the milk in a steady stream, mixing until the dough just begins to hold together.
  2. Shape the dough into 2 disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crostata
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the jam and the liquor in a small bowl.
  2. Roll out 1 disk of the olive oil dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to an unbuttered 9-inch round pie plate or tart pan. Fill the pastry shell with the jam mixture and then roll out the second disk of olive oil dough, again to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut out strips. Weave the dough strips in lattice fashion over the jam filling. Bake until golden, 40 to 45 minutes.
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Olive Oil Crostata

January 9, 2017 By
Olive Oil Crostata Dough
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Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Olive Oil Crostata Dough
Yum
Print Recipe
Light, crunchy and deep in flavor. This olive oil crostata dough is a great italian twist on the traditional butter crust. It has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Don't use sugar for a savory version, like a spinach or zucchini tart.
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8/10 people 30 minutes
Cook Time
40/45 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 medium grated lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
Filling
  • 2 cups jam
  • 2 tbsp cognac or other aromatic liquor
Servings: people
Instructions
Dough
  1. Pulse the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor until combined. With the motor running, add the lemon zest and then the eggs, 1 at the time, followed by the olive oil and the milk in a steady stream, mixing until the dough just begins to hold together.
  2. Shape the dough into 2 disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crostata
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the jam and the liquor in a small bowl.
  2. Roll out 1 disk of the olive oil dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to an unbuttered 9-inch round pie plate or tart pan. Fill the pastry shell with the jam mixture and then roll out the second disk of olive oil dough, again to 1/8 inch thickness, and cut out strips. Weave the dough strips in lattice fashion over the jam filling. Bake until golden, 40 to 45 minutes.
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Detox Papaya with Passion Fruit and Lime

January 7, 2017 By
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
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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
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, gorgeous, deep red juice, they’re sure to kick start my day.

beetroot-juice-silvia-baldini

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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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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Print Recipe
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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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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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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Marinated Goat Cheese

December 21, 2016 By
Marinated Goat Cheese
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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
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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Raw Spice Bar. A Spicy Last Minute Gift.

December 21, 2016 By

 

There’s a spice blend you think you identified from your recent travels or from that recipe you pinned to your “Recipes To Try!”  board, and ever since you’ve been catching yourself in a reverie about how life will change when you have the exotic spice in your possession. You track it down and pay an unholy amount for an entire jar of something you’ve never cooked with, yet you reassure yourself it’s okay because of all the exotic recipes you’ll make once that spice blend is in your possession. Although there it still sits in your pantry, not yet opened, languishing until the day when our work schedule and your kid’s soccer practice and your stars align. In the meantime, each time you glimpse the jar in your pantry, that giddy anticipation you first felt fades into guilt that you haven’t yet allowed the spice to change your life even as it grows staler by the moment. You no longer find yourself researching other recipes that may someday make a dent in the amount of spice in that jar. You had the best of intentions. It’s just that life sorta got in the way.

new-product

Raw Spice Bar ends the tyranny of overpriced and oversized jars of spices that tend to be stale before they even make it to your pantry.  Here’s how it works. You sign up for a mystery spice kit that contains three packets, each containing a surprise spice blend from the same geographic region. Your small batch spices contain just enough to see you through one or two recipes found on the accompanying recipe cards or the Raw Spice Bar site.   The amount of spice in any kit is arguably scant—the combined weight of all three spice packets ranges from 1 to 2 ounces—and that’s the point. No intimidating amount of unfamiliar spice to figure out what to do with before it goes stale. Instead there’s just an incredibly efficient amount  of something novel to try.

baking-spices-holiday-small-680x680

Sometimes the spice blends are regional classics, such as The Punjabi Kit which boasts Mango Toasted Chaat, Punjabi Garam Masala and Kashmir Chiles Tandoori. Other times they’re a little less expected, such as the Limited Edition Baking Flavors kit containing German Gingerbread, Unpumpkin Pie Spice and Peppercorn Cha. The spice blends are often the creations of chefs. All spices are roasted and ground within days of shipping and, when possible, they’re fair-trade and organic.

pink-peppercorn-himalayan-sea-salt-spices1-270x270-1

You can opt for a single month subscription for just $8 if you’re the cautious sort. Or sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription to The Monthly Spice Box starting at $7 a month. Shipping is free within the United States. To receive a $5 discount off a 6- or 12-month subscription, use the code FLAVOR6 when checking out. Consider it a box of good intentions you can actually make good on.

Written by Renee Schettler

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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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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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