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Showing posts from February, 2018

Baked Artichoke Dip

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Baked Artichoke Dip Don't you just love an easy, delicious, quick dip that you can made in short time yet has a rich creamy flavor that begs to dip a cracker into? I have the perfect recipe that is flavorful with just the right hint of spices. All the ingredients are perfect to keep on hand for an impromptu party!  Ingredients: 2 6 oz. jars marinaded artichoke hearts, drained and             chopped, reserve one tablespoon of marinade 1 cup mayonnaise  1 cup ricotta chesse 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon capers, chopped 2 teaspoon Italian seasonings, I use Tuscan Sunset by Penzey Preheat oven to 350F. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl mixing well. Place in baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until dip is lightly golden and bubbling. Serve with crackers. Enjoy! www.gooddinnermrsmellen.com www.buzzchomp.com

Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Fig Vinegar

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If you follow my blog you can see that I am very much into roasting vegetables which greatly increase flavor. I love to roast  Cauliflower combining olives and tomatoes seasoned with thyme then finishing with a splash of Fig Vinegar. If you haven't tried Balsamic Fig Vinegar I highly recommend replacing regular balsamic vinegar with this outstanding flavorful variety. Sweet figs are blended with tart balsamic vinegar for a uniquely rich multilayered flavor adventure. I substitute balsamic fig vinegar in cooking as well as in fresh salad dressing.  Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Fig Vinegar 8 cups 1-inch-thick slices cauliflower florets, (about 1 large head; see Tip 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon dried french thyme ¼ teaspoon salt 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped 1/2 cup rainbow petite tomatoes, sliced Freshly ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons fig balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss cauliflower, oil, french thym

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

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Baking has been a passion of my since I made my first cake as a young child. I learned from my mother an exceptional baker as well as a cook. With her by my side assisting me I made my first cake - a basic moist white cake with chocolate frosting, better know as the classic birthday cake. From that day on I have continue by love of baking becoming an accomplished baker. And yes sometimes I still make that classic birthday cake, a family favorite. I created my Lemon Poppy Seed Cake to combine flavors that I love lemons, poppy seeds and white chocolate. The cake has a hint of tang topped with the smooth sweet white chocolate ganache, like yin and yang.     Lemon Poppy Seed Cake INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan   3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for pan 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 1/2 cups sugar 1 can Solo Poppy Seed Cake and Pastry Filling 4 large eggs separated 1 teaspoon vanilla