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Showing posts with label breakfast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breakfast. Show all posts

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Cinema, Cuisine and Cocktail: "Breakfast on Pluto"

Breakfast on Pluto is one of those movies that I stumbled across a few years ago and promptly fell in love with.  I was home sick, it was on, so I watched it for no particular reason... and it completely stole my heart. Neil Jordan rocks!



Since Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I thought that I would put together a great weekend breakfast feast that will definitely be a nice accompaniment to the movie!

Broccoli, Mushroom, and Cheese Breakfast Strata

Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger, Food Network

Ingredients

* 4 teaspoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 3 cups (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms
* Cooking spray
* 1 whole wheat baguette, crusts removed, cubed (about 5 cups)
* 8 eggs and 8 egg whites
* 2 cups lowfat milk
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 10 ounces broccoli, steamed, cooled and chopped (or frozen, thawed)
* 1-ounce (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan
* 4-ounce (1 cup) part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, reconstituted
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another 1 minute. Transfer the onion mixture to a medium bowl and allow to cool. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in the skillet and saute the mushrooms until they release all of their water, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Spray an oval baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the bread cubes in the dish. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, egg whites, milk and mustard until incorporated. Add mushrooms, onion-garlic mixture, broccoli, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and salt and pepper and stir to incorporate. Pour mixture over bread, making sure liquid saturates bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap from strata and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until top forms a light brown crust.

Turkey Sausage Patties

Recipe Courtesy of Taste of Home

Ingredients

* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
* 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 pound lean ground turkey
* 2 teaspoons canola oil

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the onion, bread crumbs, sage, salt, paprika and pepper. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook patties in oil for 7 minutes on each side or until meat is no longer pink. Yield: 6 patties.

Cheese Scones with Herb Butter

Recipes Courtesy of Cooks.com and About Gourmet Food

Ingredients:

1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. all purpose flour
6 tbsp. butter (3/4 stick)
1/2 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 lg. eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk

Directions:

In a mixing bowl mix first 4 ingredients with 2 cups flour. Cut up butter and crumbs into flour. Stir in cheese. Beat eggs and 1/2 cup buttermilk and add to flour mixture. Stir until just blended. Turn onto floured board. Cut as desired.

If wished, brush with buttermilk or egg. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet in preheated 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. The secret of good scones is to work quickly after adding liquid to baking soda. Do not over knead as this makes them tough. Do not over bake as this dries them out. Remove from cookie sheet promptly and cool on wire rack - or eat right away!

Herb Butter:

Ingredients:

* 4 oz. Butter (1 stick), softened
* 1/4 Cup Herbs (your choice), finely chopped
* 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
* Sea Salt, to taste

Preparation:
Any combination of herbs will do here. Trying a mixture of any of the following: tarragon, chives, parsley, dill, rosemary, thyme, sage, dill or use a single herb. Chop the herbs as fine as possible.

Cream the butter and herbs together with a fork. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste.

On a piece of plastic wrap, shape the butter into a log about one inch in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic.

The butter will keep in the refrigerator for a week or a month in the freezer.

When you're ready to use it, just slice off a piece and place directly on the hot food. If the butter is frozen, let it warm slightly before using.

Juice of a Few Flowers

Recipe Courtesy of The Barefoot Contessa, Food Network

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
* 1/2 cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice (1 grapefruit)
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
* 1 cup good vodka (recommended: Grey Goose or Finlandia), optional
* Extra lemon juice
* Granulated sugar
* Fresh mint sprigs

Directions

Combine the orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and vodka, if using, in a pitcher. Dip the rim of 6 martini glasses first in a dish with lemon juice and then a dish with sugar. Set aside to dry.

When ready to serve, place ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, add the cocktail mixture to fill the shaker 3/4 full, and shake for about 30 seconds. It's important to shake for a full 30 seconds to get the drink very cold and dilute it slightly with the ice. Pour into the sugared martini glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint. Continue filling the shaker with ice and cocktail mixture until all the drinks are poured. Serve ice cold.



Friday, August 21, 2009

Yummm! Ready Set Breakfast from Down Home with the Neelys



I wasn't going to post another recipe blog this week, but was compelled to after catching an episode of "Down Home with the Neelys" with Chris this evening.

As much as I love cooking, I must admit, I've only just recently started watching The Food Network. I think I like The Neelys the most because hanging out with Chris in the kitchen cooking with him is one of my favorite memories from our life in Corning.

I told Chris that when we move into our own place... the first Sunday we are in there, we should make this to celebrate. Enjoy!



Banana Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
3 ripe bananas, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 large unsliced loaf French bread, bread cut into 8 slices
4 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon rum extract
Nonstick cooking spray
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
Maple syrup, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once butter is melted add the brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts into the butter and becomes a sauce. Add bananas and toss together. Let cook until the bananas are soft and incorporated into the sauce. Remove to a bowl and let cool completely. Once cool, add cream cheese and mash with a wooden spoon.

Using a paring knife, cut a 2-inch-long slits in 1 side of each bread slice, cutting 3/4 of way through bread and creating pocket that leaves 3 sides of bread intact. Divide banana mixture equally among the bread pockets.

In a large bowl, add eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon and rum and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish. Put the bread into the egg mixture and let soak for 3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the bread from egg mixture, using a spatula, letting the excess drain off.

Spray a wire rack with nonstick spray and put the rack on a baking sheet. Put the bread on the rack and transfer to the oven.

Bake the French toast until it is golden brown and filling is hot, about 25 minutes. Transfer the toast on a serving platter and garnish with confectioners' sugar and maple syrup.

Neely's Homemade Hash Browns

ngredients
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 Vidalia onion
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives, plus more for garnish
5 slices Canadian bacon, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, divided
Directions
Grate the potatoes and onion in a food processor using the grater attachment. Transfer to a kitchen towel over a bowl and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

In a medium bowl, add the grated potato mixture, the chives, and the Canadian bacon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and mix thoroughly together.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until it just starts to foam. Add the potato mixture and using a spatula or wooden spoon, press the potatoes firmly into the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and let the potatoes brown and crisp for 6 to 8 minutes.

Once brown and crisp, carefully invert the hash browns onto a rimless large plate. Add remaining tablespoon butter to pan. When butter melts, slide the hash browns back into the pan. Continue to cook over medium heat until remaining side is dark golden brown and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes longer.

Remove to a cutting board and slice into wedges. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives.



Gina's Brown Sugar Bacon

Ingredients
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, 8 slices
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper together in a medium bowl. Add bacon and toss.

Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and lay bacon on the rack. Pat any remanding spice mixture on the bacon. Put the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven to a serving dish and let cool slightly before serving.



Coconut Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
Coconut liqueur
Whipped topping, for garnish
Shaved dark chocolate for garnish
Shredded sweetened coconut, for garnish
Directions
Bring the milk, cream, and coconut extract to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chocolate. Whisk until smooth and pour into mugs. Stir in coconut liqueur, to taste. Garnish with whipped topping, shaved dark chocolate, and shredded coconut.

For more fantastic recipes and to learn more about Pat and Gina Neely, click here.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Yummm! Sunday Morning Breakfast

I love cooking a big breakfast for my familia. Generally its reserved for special occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc.), but I've been craving a huge hearty breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, you know!




Creme Brulee French Toast
Recipe courtesy FoodNetwork.com

Prep Time:15 minInactive Prep Time:8 hr 0 minCook Time:40 min

Level:
Easy

Serves:
8 to 10 servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 (8 to 9) inch round loaf Challah bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Cut 6 (1-inch) thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with fresh sliced fruit