Tag Archives: lemon

November 4, 2012 · 9:30 am

Seriously Lemon Tart


No, but really – the title of this pie definitely does not lie. I might even rename it to be “Seriously, Seriously, Seriously Lemon Tart”.

Nonetheless, even though it does provide quite the pucker, this Seriously Lemon Tart from Cooking Light is definitely a keeper. This is a great alternative to the traditional lemon dessert basically due to the sheer amount of lemon juice and lemon bits required. Plus, the layering effect of the lemon slices on top makes it to be a “pretty” dessert too (now I totally realize that “prettiness” is a dessert isn’t everything, but it can definitely add a nice extra touch!).

If you have the time, make sure to check out this recipe from the latest edition of Cooking Light as well as a few others including the Gumbo!

Cheers!

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March 19, 2012 · 2:23 am

Chicken and Prosciutto Salad With Arugula and Manchego


I have a huge crush… on arugula. All of a sudden, I’ve developed a penchant for the peppery-garlic-earthy flavor of this salad green whether it’s on pizza, on it’s own or combined into a sauce. In my opinion, it makes eating a healthy salad just that much easier because I love the flavor (as opposed to eating a bland iceberg lettuce that needs calorie-laden dressings to make it bearable). As a result, I’ve been on the hunt for more and more recipes that utilize arugula to add to the usual rotation for dinner.

I was instantly drawn to this recipe after seeing it in one of the latest issues of Cooking Light. This recipe calls for Asiago cheese; however, I substituted Manchego instead. What I particularly liked about this salad is the fact that it uses arugula (obviously) and combines that with a mix of salty, sweet and tangy/citrus flavors through the prosciutto, tomatoes and lemon flavored dressing. Super simple, healthy, filling and a balanced meal!

Cheers and have a great Sunday evening!

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January 20, 2012 · 5:16 am

Lemon Bars

Sometimes I just get the urge to bake. Tonight was no different. Unfortunately, I am in desperate need of a grocery shopping excursion. As a result, I’m left to the bare minimum for food. This lack of items did not help me with my baking quest at first; however, it did help me uncover easy recipes that I could use with both few and ordinary items. I settled upon making Lemon Bars – delicious, refreshing and probably one of the best desserts to make if in a bind for ingredients.

Step 1: Cream Sugar and Butter; Add Flour

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Step 3: Bake Dough; Pour Wet Ingredients

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!

Did I mention this is a Barefoot Contessa recipe? Although this is a dessert served better in the summer, I personally think it is a perfect change for a season that’s filled with way too many heavy items.

Cheers!

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January 3, 2012 · 5:20 pm

How To: Guacamole

I have a newfound love: guacamole. Oddly enough, I used to detest avocados and it wasn’t until a few months ago that I decided to give them another shot. I am not quite sure what changed, but I developed a very sudden liking for them. After sampling a few different types from restaurants (freshly made) versus grocery stores (very preservative friendly), I decided that I wanted to make my own because I liked the freshly made kinds much better.

As taught to me by one of my best friends, I have provided some easy instructions on how to make guacamole:

Step 1: Cut Avocado in Half

Step 2: Cut Slices in Desired Thickness

Step 3: Scoop Out With a Spoon

Step 4: Strike Pit With Knife and Twist to Remove

Step 5: Mash With Spoon and Add Desired
Amount of Lemon Juice; Season
With Salt, Pepper and/or Garlic

This is a very simple recipe for guacamole. But, this tastes so much fresher than the store bought kind. Next time, I would like to experiment with adding salsa, jalapeño or peppers.

What other ingredients do you use in your homemade guacamole?

Cheers!

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July 27, 2011 · 7:03 am

Fresh Lemon Pasta


If you haven’t noticed already, I’m literally all about “ease, ease, ease” and “few ingredients, few ingredients, few ingredients”. Rarely a time exists where I cave and use a recipe that requires over 12 seperate ingredients. That being said, this Tuesday was no different. A friend from college came over to visit my roommate and I. I decided to make a simple dinner and one that would require few ingredients (of course!!).

I had already picked up a lemon at the store a few days prior and decided I wanted to incorporate it somehow. Since I already had pasta on hand, I figured I’d try to figure out some type of pasta-lemon duo. After some glancing around the cupboard, I decided to make Fresh Lemon Pasta as a nice, summery dish.

Step 1: Smash Garlic and Chop Finely


Step 2: Grate Parmesan; Juice and Zest Lemon


Step 3: Combine Zest, Juice, and Olive Oil


Step 4: Combine Cheese, Cooked Noodles, Sauteed
Garlic, and Olive Oil/Lemon Sauce Together; Enjoy!

Although it almost seems too simple, my tastebuds were not disappointed and my wallet was sure happy with me too. As cheesy as that sounds, it is completely true! Anyway, the key to this recipe’s success is lots of garlic (lots!) and playing around with the lemon-to-olive oil ratio in order to make a sauce that includes enough lemon, but doesn’t make your mouth pucker in a sour grin. Next time, I’d like to add chicken or perhaps olives and tomatoes. Until then…

Cheers!

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July 25, 2011 · 5:41 am

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes With Lemon Curd & Raspberries

One of my best friends came to visit me this past weekend. Like me, she loves to bake and cook. In fact, she is an inspiration to me and even taught me some new tricks with cooking (whether she knows it or not). For her visit, I wanted to make a fun breakfast that would encompass three traits: ease, few ingredients, and fruit (have to take advantage of fruit during the summer season). I happened to find a recipe for Lemon Ricotta Pancakes that looked enticing — especially because prior to this cooking experience, I’d never used ricotta in a “sweet” recipe or used lemon curd.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients;
Combine Wet Ingrediens


Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients


Step 3: Drop Batter Onto Greased Hot Griddle;
Flip When Golden Brown; Add Powdered Sugar
and Raspberries; Enjoy! 

Although these look “pretty” — they were tough to make. The batter does not hold together as easily as I would have liked. The best trick is to carefully watch the heat and make sure to master the perfect art of the quick-flip (I had a few fall apart…). But, nonetheless, these were absolutely delicious and the combination of fresh lemon and raspberries flavors provided a nice contrast to the boring egg-and-cheese-combo of the usual Sunday morning breakfasts.

Cheers!

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April 5, 2011 · 1:46 am

Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs


After making this recipe, the song “My Favorite Things” from Mary Poppins started to play in my head. At first this seemed strange, but then it dawned on me why this song was stuck in my head — this recipe encompasses many of my favorite ingredients: lemon, basil, cheese, and garbanzo beans.

But, to be perfectly honest, I usually do not make “bean salads.” So, nonetheless, I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe of Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs; however, since it contained my favorite ingredients, I was hoping that the marriage of these elements would produce a fantastic result.

This recipe was a definite hit. The only modification I would make is to reduce the amount of lemon juice. But, other than that, this recipe is so simple that I will continue again and again to make it on days when I’m not in the mood to cook!

Cheers!

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March 20, 2011 · 7:50 pm

Strawberry Shortcakes


One of my friends who lives in Berkeley decided to come home for a surprise visit this weekend. In turn, we assembled a last-minute dinner party to celebrate her return. Naturally, I wanted to make something for dessert. But, I was completely indecisive and wanted to make something that wouldn’t take too much time or effort. It wasn’t until I woke up to an intensive bout of sunshine Saturday morning that I felt compelled to make a spring-inspired dessert (fingers crossed that the sunshine continues!). So, while perusing through possible spring desserts, I finally settled upon Strawberry Shortcakes.

Step 1: Create Dough with Butter,
Sugar, Salt, and Milk


Step 2: Drop Dough Onto Greased Pan;
Spread Whipping Cream and Sugar On Top


Step 3: Combine Strawberries, Fresh
Lemon Juice, and Sugar (Let Sit for 1.5 Hours)


Step 4: Bake Dough and Slice Each In Half


Step 5: Use a Mixer to Create Whipped
Cream With Heavy Whipping Cream and Sugar


Step 6: Assemble Whipped Cream,
Cakes, and Strawberries Together


This recipe was definitely quick, easy, and a nice change from the usual dessert rotation. Although it is a rich dessert, I want to experiment with making miniature Strawberry Shortcakes for next time.

All in all, the dinner party was so much fun. I love catching up with friends over a nice dinner, dessert, and wine.

Cheers!

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February 18, 2011 · 5:00 am

Lemon Cheesecake Squares with Fresh Berries

Even though my hips and arms would like me to nix sugar, I simply can’t resist. But, lately my taste buds have become bored of all of the indulgent and extremely rich winter themed desserts. Instead of alleviating my sweet tooth with a heavy dessert, I opted for something lighter and fresh: Lemon Cheesecake Squares with Fresh Berries. I wanted to make it for a pleasant surprise even though it is completely a summer dessert!

Step 1: Create Crust by Smashing Graham
Cracker Cookies and Combining with Butter


Step 2: Cream Sugar and Cream Cheese Together;
Beat in Egg, Sour Cream, Lemon Juice & Peel, and Vanilla


Step 3: Bake, Cool, and Serve with Berries!

Eating this dessert definitely reminded me of summer. Although I enjoy certain aspects of winter, I do miss the warm sunshine and season of colorful, flowing dresses. Do you think that the dreary and desolate days of winter will pass by more quickly if I continue to make summer themed desserts? That is probably a long shot, but the thought is nice!

Cheers!

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January 15, 2011 · 10:12 pm

Chicken Piccata

Every now and then, I immensely miss the days when I studied abroad in Italy. Nothing compares to the authenticity of fresh lemons or gooey mozzarella or creamy pesto. In order to help transport me back to these blissful days, I decided to make a classic dish: Chicken Piccata.

After research for recipes, I happened to learn a few facts about this esteemed dish:

  1. Piccata means to “sauté or slice with lemon, butter, and herbs”
  2. Capers are actually unripened flower buds of Capparis spinosa (a prickly plant found in the Mediterranean and various parts of Asia)
  3. This dish is most commonly made with veal in parts of Italy

Eat this dish family style and slice additional lemon slices to create a nice aroma!

Step 1: Season Chicken, Dunk
In Flour, Shake Off Excess Flour

Step 2: Heat in Oil for 2 Minutes; Rotate;
Add Chicken Broth, Wine, and Capers

 


Step 3: Serve With Rice,
Vegetables, or Pasta and Enjoy!

 This was a flavorful dish, but definitely not for those who don’t like a strong presence of lemon flavoring. I’d make this again, but I’d add more spices to the flour mixture just to take some of the credit away from the lemon!

Cheers!

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