And I love this :)
Mrs. Carla Monti
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day! The man and I celebrated with a little midnight dessert (is there a better time to eat dessert?!)...
And I love this :)
And I love this :)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Pizza, Chili and Chocolate Cupcakes!
I LOVE making pizza. Once you have a staple pizza crust recipe, making pizza inevitably becomes one of the easiest and most versatile dishes to whip up in very little time. I'm going to Spain and Portugal at the end of this week so I was on a mission to cook and bake with the intention of using up plenty of my fridge/freezer items. With an abundance of cheeses (ricotta, mascarpone, parmiggiano, mozzarella) and some leftover pesto, I made a simple and satisfying lunch. My favorite go-to recipe is definitely Katie's pizza crust!
Pizza con Pesto e Quattro Formaggi! I think naming it in Italian sounds so much better, don't you? ;) I was very happy to successfully use my new clay pizza stone too!
Made on 02/12/12.
Here it is, in all it's four cheese bubbly goodness.
Next up I decided to attempt chili from AmyBites which never lets me down with her awesome and healthy recipe recommendations!
Variations: I used ground beef instead of turkey, and made the dish on the stove instead of in the slow-cooker, letting it cook at low-heat for a total of 2 1/2 hours. I didn't add any chili powder or cayenne since the flavor from the stewed tomatoes (which already had spices) was delicious enough on it's own!
Chili!
Made on 02/12/12.
Top with a scoop of low-fat sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
Last but not least, double chocolate cupcakes with mascarpone and cream cheese frosting! These were made for a special friend of mine's birthday and since her birthday is also on Valentine's Day, I topped them with some little cinnamon candy hearts! :)
Chocolate and Mascarpone Cupcakes!
Made on 02/12/12.
Chocolatey deliciousness!
Thanks to Kirbie's Cravings!
Pizza con Pesto e Quattro Formaggi! I think naming it in Italian sounds so much better, don't you? ;) I was very happy to successfully use my new clay pizza stone too!
Made on 02/12/12.
Here it is, in all it's four cheese bubbly goodness.
Next up I decided to attempt chili from AmyBites which never lets me down with her awesome and healthy recipe recommendations!
Variations: I used ground beef instead of turkey, and made the dish on the stove instead of in the slow-cooker, letting it cook at low-heat for a total of 2 1/2 hours. I didn't add any chili powder or cayenne since the flavor from the stewed tomatoes (which already had spices) was delicious enough on it's own!
Chili!
Made on 02/12/12.
Chocolate and Mascarpone Cupcakes!
Made on 02/12/12.
Chocolatey deliciousness!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Chicken Piccata and Couscous!
One of my favorite chefs is Giada De Laurentiis, who never steers me wrong! The woman is beautiful and can cook, is there a better combination? Last night I made Giada's Chicken Piccata!
Made on 02/07/12.
I also ventured out of my comfort zone and made my own accompanying side. I've had a bag of Israeli couscous in my pantry for longer than I care to admit, and finally decided to make it last night. First I sauteed two diced shallots with three minced garlic cloves in olive oil over medium heat, and then added two diced zucchinis. After cooking the couscous in boiling, salted water and fluffing it with a fork, I added the veggie mix and topped with sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. The dish was bright and fresh, and went great with the lemony/garlicky Chicken Piccata. :)
Made on 02/07/12.
I also ventured out of my comfort zone and made my own accompanying side. I've had a bag of Israeli couscous in my pantry for longer than I care to admit, and finally decided to make it last night. First I sauteed two diced shallots with three minced garlic cloves in olive oil over medium heat, and then added two diced zucchinis. After cooking the couscous in boiling, salted water and fluffing it with a fork, I added the veggie mix and topped with sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. The dish was bright and fresh, and went great with the lemony/garlicky Chicken Piccata. :)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Exam De-Stressing!
Exams are coming up so I am taking plenty of cooking breaks in between :)
Starting with Giada's Turkey Meatballs!
Variation: I baked the meatballs instead of cooking them on the stove. For the sauce, I roasted some tomatoes in olive oil and then pureed them with cream, garlic, and red wine. Simple and delicious!
Made on 02/04/12.
I saw these on My Baking Addiction and knew I had to make them very very soon, Chocolate Chip Muffins!
Made on 02/04/12.
Starting with Giada's Turkey Meatballs!
Variation: I baked the meatballs instead of cooking them on the stove. For the sauce, I roasted some tomatoes in olive oil and then pureed them with cream, garlic, and red wine. Simple and delicious!
Made on 02/04/12.
I saw these on My Baking Addiction and knew I had to make them very very soon, Chocolate Chip Muffins!
Made on 02/04/12.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Chicken Tortilla Soup and Garlic Corn Muffins!
Annie's Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Made on 02/03/12.
Served with Giada's Garlic Corn Muffins!
Made on 02/03/12.
Made on 02/03/12.
Made on 02/03/12.
Dinner Photography....
I am lucky enough to have a lovely man who also happens to be an amazing chef. We love to cook together and we've made some amazing meals thus far...or sometimes he cooks while I watch and drink wine :)
11/17/2011
Scallops with maple-glazed bacon with roasted asparagus, zucchini, and squash platter.
12/01/2011
Garlic bread, lobster tails, breaded veal cutlets, mussels, creamed spinach, crab ragu.
12/15/2011
Garlic bread, breaded shrimp, flounder française, portabella mushrooms in marsala wine.
01/30/2012
Filet mignon, roasted asparagus, steamed mussels, breaded shrimp, garlic bread, portabella mushrooms with creamy spinach.
Sparkling wine and strawberries for the birthday boy :)
02/02/2012
Roasted bell peppers and asparagus, breaded flounder filets, garlic rice, crab mix shells, shrimp with peach, orange, and wine sauce.
Yay!
11/17/2011
Scallops with maple-glazed bacon with roasted asparagus, zucchini, and squash platter.
12/01/2011
Garlic bread, lobster tails, breaded veal cutlets, mussels, creamed spinach, crab ragu.
12/15/2011
Garlic bread, breaded shrimp, flounder française, portabella mushrooms in marsala wine.
01/30/2012
Filet mignon, roasted asparagus, steamed mussels, breaded shrimp, garlic bread, portabella mushrooms with creamy spinach.
Sparkling wine and strawberries for the birthday boy :)
02/02/2012
Roasted bell peppers and asparagus, breaded flounder filets, garlic rice, crab mix shells, shrimp with peach, orange, and wine sauce.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Chickpea Burgers!
Chickpea Burgers!
Made on 02/01/12.
Variations: I added 1/4 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest, half a small yellow onion, 1/4 tsp curry powder, and 1/4 tsp paprika (in place of chili powder and cayenne).
Made on 02/01/12.
Variations: I added 1/4 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest, half a small yellow onion, 1/4 tsp curry powder, and 1/4 tsp paprika (in place of chili powder and cayenne).
I used whole grain sandwich thins as the "buns" and topped the patty with shredded cheddar, mozzarella cheese and iceberg lettuce.
Serving suggestion: serve with a side of Cupcake Red Velvet wine! :)
Berries & Cream!
Inspired by my über-healthy ladyfriend, I put together a work snack last night with no recipe (gasp!). It is healthy, yummy, colorful, simple, etc. Mix blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and 2-3 tablespoons of white sugar in a bowl and add 1/4 cup mascarpone, 2 (6 oz) containers of fat-free plain yogurt, 2/3 cup rolled oats, and a 1/4 teaspoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Made on 01/31/2012.
Not particularly lovely photos, but true deliciousness inside! :)
Made on 01/31/2012.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Black Bean Burgers ... take 1!
Black Bean Patties with Corn Relish and Avocado Cream!
Made on 01/31/12.
Variations: I made the relish with corn, cucumber, and lime juice, and used whole wheat sandwich thins for bread. I used half greek yogurt and half nonfat plain yogurt to cut the tartness in the avocado cream.
Thanks Annie's Eats!
Made on 01/31/12.
Variations: I made the relish with corn, cucumber, and lime juice, and used whole wheat sandwich thins for bread. I used half greek yogurt and half nonfat plain yogurt to cut the tartness in the avocado cream.
Thanks Annie's Eats!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The BF Edition!
My boyfriend, killer chef, happens to make the best midnight-breakfast-sandwiches ever! Here are some he has made for me so far :)
White Chocolate Godiva Liqueur Cupcakes!
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur Cupcakes!
Made on 01/25/12.
The cake part dyed pink ... can you tell I love food coloring? :)
Thanks to Foodies Kitchen! :)
Made on 01/25/12.
The cake part dyed pink ... can you tell I love food coloring? :)
Thanks to Foodies Kitchen! :)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Homemade Tagliatelle al Ragù (Bolognese)!
My biggest challenge yet: handmade pasta! Made on 01/23/12.
First off: 6 large eggs, 5 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Make a well 6 inches across inside the mounds of flour and crack the eggs into it, along with the olive oil.
Whisk together the eggs with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour.
The mixture slowly forms a paste.
Keep whisking away.....
Eventually it forms a ball of dough, so set it aside to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough, reflouring the surface often, until it is very thin.
Using a pizza cutter, slice off the edges to form a perfect square.
Slice thin strips.
Put all the tagliatelle together on a floured tray and leave to dry for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Yay!
Drying out a little...
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and drop the pasta in for 2-5 minutes. (My boyfriend does a good job) :)
Dropping it in!
All done! Serve with Ragu alla Bolognese! and a bottle of merlot ;)
The finished plate!
Thanks to Joy The Baker! :)
First off: 6 large eggs, 5 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Whisk together the eggs with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour.
Keep whisking away.....
Eventually it forms a ball of dough, so set it aside to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough, reflouring the surface often, until it is very thin.
Slice thin strips.
Put all the tagliatelle together on a floured tray and leave to dry for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Yay!
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and drop the pasta in for 2-5 minutes. (My boyfriend does a good job) :)
Thanks to Joy The Baker! :)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
What I Have Made Thus Far .... Yes I Want Cake Edition!
Three Chip Oatmeal Cookies!
Made on 01/21/12
Spinach, Zucchini, and Eggplant Pesto Pizza!
Using this Pizza Crust recipe! It's a "Green Pizza" :)
Made on 01/21/12
Thanks to Yes I Want Cake! :)
Made on 01/21/12
Spinach, Zucchini, and Eggplant Pesto Pizza!
Using this Pizza Crust recipe! It's a "Green Pizza" :)
Made on 01/21/12
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Lemon Cupcakes!
Lemon Cupcakes!
My love affair with food coloring continues .....
Made on 01/11/12.
Thanks to My Baking Addiction!
My love affair with food coloring continues .....
Made on 01/11/12.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Happy Anniversary!
Last night it was my parents 27th wedding anniversary. In honor of this, my boyfriend and I made dinner and here is the result: :)
Lobster tails in butter and white wine, garlic cheddar biscuits, garlic bread, green beans in olive oil, sea salt, and balsamic vinegar, portabella mushrooms in marsala wine, rib eye steaks, grilled oregano eggplant slices, and of course a lovely Italian red!
And dessert (of course!) - Mini fruit tarts and brownies.
And some Italian cakes ...
Congrats Mom & Dad!
Lobster tails in butter and white wine, garlic cheddar biscuits, garlic bread, green beans in olive oil, sea salt, and balsamic vinegar, portabella mushrooms in marsala wine, rib eye steaks, grilled oregano eggplant slices, and of course a lovely Italian red!
And dessert (of course!) - Mini fruit tarts and brownies.
And some Italian cakes ...
Congrats Mom & Dad!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Happy New Year 2012!
In my first non-food-related post, I want to post an interesting article I came across at work today. Perhaps something to consider with a new year, new slate, new beginning! :)
30 Things to STOP Doing to Yourself!
30 Things to STOP Doing to Yourself!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Honey Ricotta Cheesecake!
Honey Ricotta Cheesecake modified using Panettone crust!
Made on 12/24/11, Merry Christmas Eve!
The ingredients: Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, lemon, vanilla bean paste, white sugar, butter, triple sec (orange liqueur), eggs, honey, panettone, and pistachios and raspberries (not pictured):
Slice the panettone in half and break it up into rough chunks. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 220 degrees F for an hour. Put chunks into food processor and pulse until crumbs.
Add melted butter and place firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan with aluminum foil around it. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes and then cool completely on cooling rack.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the ricotta and cream cheese mixture until smooth. Add white sugar.
Add lemon zest, honey, vanilla bean paste, and orange liqueur and mix until smooth.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and place pan into a large roasting pan filled until halfway up the springform pan with hot water.
Bake at 350 degrees F for an hour and 10 minutes. Cool completely on cooling rack and refrigerate overnight.
Frost with pink whipped cream, crushed pistachios and raspberries!
Made on 12/24/11, Merry Christmas Eve!
The ingredients: Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, lemon, vanilla bean paste, white sugar, butter, triple sec (orange liqueur), eggs, honey, panettone, and pistachios and raspberries (not pictured):
Slice the panettone in half and break it up into rough chunks. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 220 degrees F for an hour. Put chunks into food processor and pulse until crumbs.
Add melted butter and place firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan with aluminum foil around it. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes and then cool completely on cooling rack.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the ricotta and cream cheese mixture until smooth. Add white sugar.
Add lemon zest, honey, vanilla bean paste, and orange liqueur and mix until smooth.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and place pan into a large roasting pan filled until halfway up the springform pan with hot water.
Bake at 350 degrees F for an hour and 10 minutes. Cool completely on cooling rack and refrigerate overnight.
Frost with pink whipped cream, crushed pistachios and raspberries!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Chocolate Espresso Macarons!
Chocolate Espresso Macarons!
Made on 12/21/11.
Here are the ingredients for the macaron shells:
(slivered almonds, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, white sugar, egg whites)
Grind slivered almonds in the food processor:
Add in confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder and combine.
Whip egg whites on medium speed.
Whip until stiff peaks form.
Incorporate the almond-cocoa powder-sugar mixture into the egg whites.
Fold the two mixtures into each other quickly.
Fold batter into a large ziplock bag and cut off the corner.
Pipe out small rounds onto a silicone baking sheet and leave the shells out for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Put the sheet in the oven heated at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Cool the shells on a wire rack.
Assemble the ingredients for the espresso ganache:
(cream, butter, sugar, espresso powder, bittersweet chocolate)
Heat cream, butter, and sugar until combined. Chop bittersweet chocolate.
Whisk together the cream mixture and chocolate, adding in the espresso powder until well mixed.
Match the cooled macaron shells by size and spread the espresso ganache in between.
Spread the filling evenly so it doesn't ooze from the sides.
Here they are!
Yay! :)
Thanks Annie's Eats!
Made on 12/21/11.
Here are the ingredients for the macaron shells:
(slivered almonds, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, white sugar, egg whites)
Grind slivered almonds in the food processor:
Add in confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder and combine.
Whip egg whites on medium speed.
Whip until stiff peaks form.
Incorporate the almond-cocoa powder-sugar mixture into the egg whites.
Fold the two mixtures into each other quickly.
Fold batter into a large ziplock bag and cut off the corner.
Pipe out small rounds onto a silicone baking sheet and leave the shells out for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Put the sheet in the oven heated at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Cool the shells on a wire rack.
Assemble the ingredients for the espresso ganache:
(cream, butter, sugar, espresso powder, bittersweet chocolate)
Heat cream, butter, and sugar until combined. Chop bittersweet chocolate.
Whisk together the cream mixture and chocolate, adding in the espresso powder until well mixed.
Match the cooled macaron shells by size and spread the espresso ganache in between.
Spread the filling evenly so it doesn't ooze from the sides.
Here they are!
Yay! :)
Thanks Annie's Eats!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sweet Potato Flatbread!
Sweet Potato Almond Flatbread!
Made on 07/24/11.
And again on 12/31/11:
Thanks to From Apples to Zucchini! :)
Made on 07/24/11.
And again on 12/31/11:
Thanks to From Apples to Zucchini! :)
What I have made thus far .... Tyler Florence Edition!
Lemon Pudding Cake!
Made on 06/07/11.
Blueberry Lemon Scones!
Made on 05/08/11.
And again....
Made on 09/10/11.
Thanks to Tyler Florence! :)
Made on 06/07/11.
Blueberry Lemon Scones!
Made on 05/08/11.
And again....
Made on 09/10/11.
Thanks to Tyler Florence! :)
Friday, December 16, 2011
What I have made thus far .... All Recipes Edition!
Spinach Quiche!
Made on 05/24/11.
Lemon Creme Cupcakes!
Made on 03/20/11.
Bacon Chocolate Cupcakes!
Made on 03/13/11.
Salmon Cakes!
Made on 06/09/11.
Champagne Cupcakes!
Made on 05/28/11.
Vanilla Ricotta Cupcakes!
Made on 11/12/11.
Cheddar Garlic Biscuits!
Made on 12/31/11.
Spinach Phyllo Cups!
Made on 12/31/11.
Thanks to All Recipes! :)
Made on 05/24/11.
Lemon Creme Cupcakes!
Made on 03/20/11.
Bacon Chocolate Cupcakes!
Made on 03/13/11.
Made on 06/09/11.
Champagne Cupcakes!
Made on 05/28/11.
Vanilla Ricotta Cupcakes!
Made on 11/12/11.
Cheddar Garlic Biscuits!
Made on 12/31/11.
Spinach Phyllo Cups!
Made on 12/31/11.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)