Chocolate Almond Torte

I confess, I’m not much of a baker. What I really mean is I like to cook. Oh…I guess what I really mean is I don’t like to measure ingredients!! Of course when I entertain I like a sweet ending to the meal, you just won’t see me casually baking in my spare time!! In the summer it tends to be fruit. And cold weather screams………chocolate!! Keeping in mind I am not a baker, this recipe is ridiculously easy and wickedly delicious. I have shared this torte with guests for the last 12 years…. now share with yours!

Chocolate Almond Torte       (The Italian Collection Cookbook)

Serves 8

2 cups whole blanched almonds

6 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

7 egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1 stick plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 cup confectioners sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the bottom of an 8 inch spring form pan and line with parchment paper (or waxed). Lightly butter and flour the sides of pan. In a food processor or blender grind the almonds and chocolate to a medium fine consistency. In a medium bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Add butter and beat til smooth. Add the almond-chocolate mixture and stir until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. The batter will be very dense, scrape into prepared pan. Bake torte in the lower third of the oven for 45 minutes or until skewer inserted in the pan comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes. Remove from torte pan and place on serving platter. Dust with confectioners sugar.

How easy was that???

Sage and White Cheddar Gougeres

I have a few versions of these elegant little puffs that I’ve been saving to make for the holidays. Only 6 ingredients create these perfect companions to a glass of bubbly. Ideal for your impromptu get togethers. Trial and Error could be the subtitle of the recipe below. Some of these savory nibbles “puffed” and well…..some did not!!! Don’t let my little experiment discourage you, my second batch came out perfect. Watch your cooking time, you want the gougeres to be golden brown.

Gougeres    (adapted by chezus.com)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup flour

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup white cheddar, grated

1/8 cup sage, minced

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large saucepan bring water, salt and butter to a boil. Lower heat to simmer and stir in flour using a wooden spoon. Turn off heat. Continue beating the mixture until dough comes together and forms a ball. Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix with electric mixer.  Add the eggs one at a time. After beating the last egg, mix in 1/4 cup of cheese and sage. Mix well. Sprinkle each puff with a small amount of the remaining cheese. Using two small spoons, put little amounts of dough on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes and then lower the heat to 375 degrees. Continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.  Make ahead ……..place in air tight containers and store in freezer. Rewarm on baking sheet in 350 degrees oven until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Other combinations: Blue cheese and pepper/ rosemary and lemon zest

Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread

Figs intrigue me. The shape. The flavor. The color (I would love an outfit with these hues!!). Years ago, I remember cooking figs (and many other ingredients) to create a gooey jam for a pizza. While the outcome was delicious, buying that fig spread you now see everywhere certainly simplifies the process! This flatbread is so easy to pull together and is a family favorite!! Think seasonal appetizer or a casual dinner.

 

Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread      (adapted by Todd English/Food and Wine)

Food processor pizza dough* recipe below (or store bought pizza dough)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon rosemary, minced

salt and pepper

1/2 cup fig jam

1 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

6 slices of prosciutto (approximately)

2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Food Processor Pizza Dough

1 package dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup warm water

3 cups all purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Stir the yeast and sugar into water and let stand til foamy, about 5 minutes. Place flour, olive oil and salt into the bowl of the food processor. Turn processor on and slowly pour yeast mixture through the feed tube. Process until the dough forms a ball. Remove to a floured surface and knead for 30 seconds. Add more flour if dough is sticky. Place dough in a plastic bag and let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired shape. The dough may be refrigerated or frozen. Makes 2 – 14″ pizzas.  (I always make 1 large flatbread …rustic style… on a cookie sheet).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle the rolled out dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 the garlic and 1/2 the rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Spread 1/4 cup of fig jam all over crust. Scatter half the cheese and prosciutto over the dough. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve.

Place the remaining ingredients on the second pizza. Or all the ingredients on one large pizza.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Time-out! I don’t know about you… but I need a break! Perhaps a different flavor palate? Perhaps a carb-free meal?? These tasty wraps do the trick! They have a refreshing crunchy texture, a spicy kick and have plenty of protein to call it dinner. You need to keep these Asian ingredients in your pantry to create a flavorful meal in a snap.

Lettuce Wraps     (adapted from P.F.Changs)

16 Boston, bibb or butter lettuce leaves

1 pound ground chicken breast

1 large onion, chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon reduced salt soy sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 teaspoons ginger, minced

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 teaspoons chili pepper

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons sesame oil

Rinse lettuce leaves, keep them whole. Cook chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring to break up meat. Add onion, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, vinegar and chili sauce. Cook meat thoroughly. Add water chestnuts and scallions. Cook for 2 minutes or until the scallions start to wilt. Stir in sesame oil. Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter and spoon mixture into the center of leaves. Eat it like a taco! You may want to serve with additional hoisin sauce.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower just doesn’t get the love. This cruciferous vegetable is full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy fiber. While the health benefits are impressive, it’s just not the fan favorite. Try roasting these florets, add celery root and the result is sweet, nutty…. with a rich depth of flavor. I am confidant you will win over your guests with this delicious soup. Randy loved it!!!

Cauliflower Soup

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 leek, sliced

1 cup celery root, diced

2 sprigs thyme

3 cups chicken stock

Salt and pepper

For garnish:  Beets, sliced thin with a mandolin, sour cream and chives OR croutons, sour cream and thyme sprig

Vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 4oo degrees. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread cauliflower on baking sheet and roast til fork tender about 25-30 minutes. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add leeks, celery root, thyme, salt and pepper. Saute for 10 minutes til vegetables are soft. Add cauliflower and broth, simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer to blender, puree to desired consistency (you may need to add more stock). Garnish with beets or croutons. For beets, place thin slices in shimmering vegetable oil til crisp. For croutons, place rough torn rustic bread in 2 tablespoons of butter and a bit of olive oil turning til brown.

Brandy Alexander

Nightcaps! Just when you’ve cried “Uncle” and slipped away to replace your fancy pants with yoga pants….here come the Brandy Alexanders. Everyone’s around the fire playing a rousing round of the “name game” when Aunt Paula serves up this traditional treat.. A happy ending to a Happy Thanksgiving!

Brandy Alexander

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

1/4 cup brandy (or a bit more to taste)

1/4 cup creme de cacao

nutmeg, freshly grated

Combine ice cream, brandy and cacao in a blender. Grate nutmeg to serve.

Think hostess gift! You can make batches weeks before and freeze. Deliver in a festive container…and make it a tradition.

Pumpkin Roll

The family tradition of “The Pumpkin Roll” goes back 15 years. This recipe had me at….. Fannie May Toffee!! Among the mix of pies, the pumpkin roll holds a special place at the Thanksgiving Sweet Table. Many recipes for this cake call for eggs and cream cheese, which can be made in advance and can be frozen. Make this version the day you are serving. Using egg whites and whip cream creates a light and airy cake that’s worth the same day preparation. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps…this recipe pulls together quickly.

Pumpkin Roll Cake    (adapted from Paula Deen-Food Network)

Cooking Spray

3/4 cup cake flour

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

3/4 teaspoons ground allspice

6 large eggs, separated

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup light brown sugar

2/3 cup canned pure pumpkin

1/8 teaspoon salt

Confectioners sugar

Filling

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

2 tablespoons dark rum

1 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled

1 1/2 tablespoons confectioners sugar  (taste to desired sweetness)

1/2 cup English toffee pieces, chopped

1 cup store bought caramel sauce, warmed for garnish

Cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray. Sift the flour, cinnamon, ginger and allspice into a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat the eggs yolks, sugar and brown sugar with a mixer until thick. Add pumpkin and mix til blended. Add the dry ingredients and blend until incorporated. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites, salt and mix til stiff but not dry. Fold the egg whites into the cake mixture until incorporated. Spread the batter on the sheet and smooth the top. Bake until the tester comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. While the cake is hot, sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Loosen the edges and place on a kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting along one long side, roll the cake around the towel. Put seam side down and put on the baking sheet and cool. Filling: Combine gelatin and rum in a sauce pan over low heat and stir until gelatin is dissolves. Cool slightly. Beat the heavy cream and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until peaks form (reserve about 1/2 cup to spread on top of cake). Fold in gelatin mixture. Add 1/4 cup of toffee. Assemble: Unroll the cake and fill with whip cream mixture. Roll the cake up and place it seam down on a serving platter. Trim the ends. Top with whip cream, sprinkle with toffee pieces and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

Gently fold in egg whites until most of the white streaks are gone. Do not over mix.

Quinoa and Acorn Squash Salad

Think quinoa (gluten-free superfood) for a healthy, high protein week night meal. Incorporate seasonal ingredients for texture, great flavor, and potent nutrition. I feel fortunate that I have a husband that’s game for a dinner of grains and vegetables. However, I’ll add a nice glass of red wine and a piece of dark chocolate….how can he not LOVE!

Quinoa Salad

Serves 2   (with extra salad for leftovers)

1 Acorn squash

1 cup quinoa

1 granny smith apple, chopped

1 shallot, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 cups baby greens (I used kale and pea shoots)

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons dates, chopped

1 tablespoon pistachios

1 tablespoon apple vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut acorn squash in half (so you have the scalloped edges). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 4o minutes or until tender. In a medium saucepan add the quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes. When quinoa is cooled, combine apple, shallot, garlic, greens, parsley, dates and pistachios. In a small bowl combine vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix dressing with quinoa salad and place in the acorn squash to serve.

Pumpkin Bread French Toast with Bacon Brittle

O.K. so here’s the plan. The day after Thanksgiving when the house is still buzzing with relatives ….I am serving this for breakfast!!!  Why you ask?? So they leave my leftovers alone! Status quo has been coffee, pumpkin pie………and then here we go…….. turkey sandwiches, cranberries, sweet potatoes, dressing and turnips! (You know who you are!) Now do you get the plan? Sounds a bit fussy after entertaining 30 plus. However, I plan on making the bread weeks in advance, whip creme from the day before, and the brittle leftover from my sweet potatoes. They won’t know what hit ’em!!!

Pumpkin Bread French Toast with *Bacon Brittle (see previous Sweet Potato post)

Makes 1 loaf

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, additional for preparing loaf pan

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 9 inch loaf pan. Mix together flour, salt baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small bowl. Beat the butter, sugar and oil together until creamy. Stir in vanilla. Add the pumpkin puree to the mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, and mix until combined. Beat in the dry ingredients at low speed and add 2/3 cups water. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center and comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let it cool completely.

French Toast

Serves 4

4 tablespoons butter, more for pan

2 cups milk, at room temperature

6 large eggs, at room temperature

salt

8 pieces pumpkin bread

For serving, bananas, fresh whipped creme and heated Maple syrup. Top with a shard of bacon brittle.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla and 1 teaspoon salt and whisk until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Transfer mixture to large baking dish. Working in batches, add 2 or 3 slices of bread to mixture and let soak, turning once. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Add bread to pan, cook, turning once until golden, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and top with bananas, whip creme and drizzle with maple syrup.

For serving the group I plan on using a large platter and arranging the pumpkin bread with overlapping slices. Then top with whipped creme, place sliced bananas, sprinkle the bacon brittle and drizzle with syrup.

Twice Baked Sweet Potato With Bacon Brittle

Bacon….do I  really need to say more??? Switch up those same ‘ol, same ‘ol, holiday potatoes. This dish can be made hours before and the brittle the day before. Depending on the size of your party, make individual potatoes or serve casserole style. The bacon brittle adds a nice salty/sweet treat without the marshmallows!!!  (Please, people!!)

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon Sesame Brittle

(adapted from Bon Appetit)

Serves 8

4 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch wide pieces

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoons sesame seeds

6 medium sweet potatoes

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Salt and pepper

2 scallions, thinly slice dark parts only

Bacon Brittle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until most of the fat is rendered and bacon is starting to crisp. Transfer bacon over a sieve set over a small bowl, reserve drippings. Return bacon, 1 tablespoon drippings, sugar, and sesame seeds to same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar turns the color of milk chocolate, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet and use spatula to spread out evenly, let cool. Break brittle into shards. (Can be made 1 day ahead and stored in an air tight container.)

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast until tender 45 to 55 minutes, cool. Slice potatoes in half length wise. In a large bowl, scoop out flesh from 8 halves, leaving a 1/2 inch thick layer inside skins. Place potato halves on same foil lined baking sheet. Scoop flesh from the remaining 4 halves, discard skins. In a bowl mash flesh with a whisk. Add eggs, butter, salt and pepper and stir until mixture is smooth. Spoon or pipe filling into reserved skins. Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Bake potatoes until the tops are lightly puffed and golden brown, 30-35 minutes. (They will take longer if the potatoes have been chilled.) Top potatoes with bacon brittle and scallions.

This brittle is AMAZING!!! Think vanilla ice cream, breakfast and on and on and on and on………..