Cooking with wine is a great idea to enhance the flavor pattern of any dish.It adds that extra zing in your recipes and makes them super delicious.My excitement knew no bounds when Gallo Family Vineyards sent me their amazing Hearty Burgundy to mark its 50th Birthday Celebration. [Read more…]
Chocolate Orange Buttermilk Cake
Chocolate and orange,
make a dessert divine
with an incredible taste
that’s hard to define
Soft and oh so moist,
perfectly sweet
for your valentine
not an ounce of butter
so fret not later
so sinfully good,
irresistible
its just what you need
to make things better
The simple pleasures
that life has to offer
lies in a bite of
this magical
whimsical
effortless
cake
so look no further
chocolate and orange
are a treat together
Chocolate Orange Buttermilk Cake
Ingredients
- All Purpose Flour-1 1/3 cup
- Sugar-1 1/2 cup
- Good Quality Cocoa-2/3 cup
- Baking Powder-1 tsp
- Baking Soda-1 tsp
- Salt- 1/2 tsp
- Large Eggs-2
- Orange Zest-2 tbsp
- Orange juice-1/4 cup
- Buttermilk-3/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract-2 tsp
- Canola Oil-3 tbsp
- Very Hot water-3/4 cup
- Confectioner's Sugar-for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Grease a 9x2 inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl mix the first six ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl beat the eggs with an electric blender and add the buttermilk,vanilla,canola oil,orange juice and zest.
- Add the dry ingredients a little at a time.
- Add the hot water and continue mixing until well combined.
- Pour into the greased pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool a little bit and sprinkle powdered sugar before serving.Enjoy!
Recipe slightly adapted from Oprah.com
Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup
I’ve been on a slight health kick lately.My salad is a sure shot way to a get those essential vitamins and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, its not a bad idea to eat healthy, so that a little bit of indulgence on the day itself will not hurt.
That brings me to this amazing soup.I love Cauliflower and anything that has anything to do with Cauliflower.Its my most favorite vegetable and I cook it all the time.I’m so glad that my kids and the hubs are also with me on this one.With the temperatures being the way they have,I’ve been making soups for dinner.I find them very comforting, very easy for weeknights and you can have different variations without sounding monotonous.
This soup is inspired by my Carrot and Coriander Soup and I’ve substituted carrots for cauliflower and added some spinach for extra nutrition and color.The coriander gives it just a hint of spice in the background, while the creamy cauliflower and spinach work their own magic.The soup comes together with a splash of light cream at the end and couldn’t be any easier.Scoop it with a crusty bread and enjoy!
Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets-2 cups
- Fresh Spinach-1 cup
- Chicken or vegetable stock-2 cups
- Olive Oil-2 tbsp
- Onion- 1 medium
- 2 garlic cloves-crushed
- Ground Coriander-1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper
- Light cream-1/4 cup
Instructions
- In a pot heat the oil and saute the onions for about a minute or two until translucent followed by garlic.
- Add the cauliflower florets and coriander.
- Saute for a minute and add the stock.
- Add salt and pepper.Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook for another five minutes.
- Puree in a blender.
- Return to the stove and add the cream.Stir and serve hot.
Baby Arugula,Beet and Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Dressing
After all the snacking during Superbowl I guess its time to eat some lighter foods like this Salad that is packed with vitamins and nutrients.I like to serve this with my Burger Patties like this or this for a light lunch or dinner.You could also use Apple or Pear instead of Beets for this recipe.I like the addition of a sweet fruit into my salads and its a good way to encourage our kids to try some too.
The salad has the sweet,salty,tangy going on with the balsamic dressing and it just elevates the overall flavor pattern.The vibrant colors,the smooth and crunchy texture, its one of my favorites.I’ve used Gorgonzola here but you could also use Goat’s Cheese if you prefer.So go ahead and try it.You’ll be glad you did!
Baby Arugula,Beet and Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
- Baby Arugula-2 cups
- Steamed Beets-3 sliced into rounds
- Gorgonzola cheese-crumbled
Balsamic dressing (Emeril Lagasse's recipe)
- Good quality Balsamic Vinegar-1/4 cup
- Chopped Garlic-1 tbsp
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper-1/2 tsp
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil-3/4 cup
- Salt-1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients for the balsamic dressing in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Arrange the salad on a platter and drizzle some of the dressing all over.Serve immediately. Refrigerate the remaining and use it as required.
10 Amazing Superbowl Appetizers
Superbowl is round the corner and if you’re still lost for menu ideas,I’ve got the perfect solution.My 10 Appetizer round-up has something for everyone and will surely get your guests raving.All these recipes are easy and packed with so much flavor.And if that isn’t enough, these recipes are also healthy so you don’t feel guilty when indulging.
Without further ado here’s my Top 10 for Super Bowl!Scroll down for the links!Enjoy!
- Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)
- Tofu Buffalo Bites
- Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings
- Indian Spiced Chicken Meatballs
- Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas
- Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese
- Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms
- Indian Tofu Vegetable Patties
- Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Quinoa Potato Cakes