German Tomato-Cucumber Salad

German Tomato-Cucumber Salad
1 large, peeled English cucumber. Thinly sliced
3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Place all ingredients in bowl; set aside.

Dressing
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons whole milk or cream
Salt to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
Place dressing into bowl with tomato-cucumber mixture. Toss gently.
Place in cover bowl in refrigerator for at least two hours.

Making sauerkraut, week one.

Making homemade sauerkraut. It takes 6-8 weeks to ferment. Mine is currently on week one. It’s talking to me by making bubbling sounds. That’s supposed to be a good thing. It means it’s doing it’s fermenting magic.

Homemade Corn Tortillas

Homemade Corn Tortillas

You’ll never buy store bought again. Homemade corn tortillas are not hard to make or at least they don’t have to be.

Ingredients:

2 cups instant Masa Harina

3/4 teaspoon salt

about 9 oz. hot water

Purchase a tortilla press either at a Latin Food store or online.

Using a gallon size zip-loc bag, cut the zipper portion off and cut down the sides. The end product is one large piece of heavy plastic. The plastic is used in the press to keep the dough from sticking to the press and also ease of removal of the tortilla.

 

In a large bowl whisk together the Masa,and salt until well combined. Pour the hot water into the masa and stir to combine. The dough should not be too dry or too sticky. If too dry add more water, if too sticky add a small amount of masa. Roll the dough into a ball and place back in bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Allow the dough to rest and finish absorbing the water within the dough for about 15-20 minutes.

Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and roll into balls. Place on a tray , lightly covered with plastic wrap.

Heat a flat griddle on high heat.

Using the tortilla press lay the plastic over bottom of press with the other half available to lay over the dough ball. Place a dough ball onto the press. Cover the dough ball with the other half of plastic; press gently. Corn tortillas will be slightly thicker than flour tortillas.

Carefully pull the plastic from the top of one side of the tortilla. Flip over onto your hand and again finish removing the rest of the plastic.
Slap the tortilla onto the heated flat griddle and allow to cook there undisturbed for about 45 seconds or until edges begin to curl and tortilla is loosened from griddle. Flip the tortilla and continue to cook on other side until it begins to brown slightly. Flip back on to griddle and cook about 15 seconds more. Wrap the cooked tortillas in a damp kitchen towel. Best if served warm/warmed and the day they are made.

 

 

 

Low Carb Cabin Cajeta-Cheesecake

Low Carb Cabin Cajeta-Cheesecake

This is a not too sweet cheesecake. I choose less sweet because of the decadent, gooey Cajeta sauce. More Stevia sweetener could always be added for more sweetness, if desired.

Crust:

1 1/2 cups almond flour/meal

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 Tablespoon Stevia sweetener

4 Tablespoons melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the crust ingredients well and press into the bottom of a 9-10 inch greased spring form pan. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely.

Cajeta Sauce:

2 cups goats milk

2 cups Stevia sweetener

1 vanilla bean, split and seeded

1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Combine milk, Stevia, split vanilla pod, scraped of seeds in to a large heavy bottomed pan. Place over medium heat.

Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until Stevia is dissolved. Remove from heat and remove the vanilla pod; stir in the baking soda dissolved in water. Mixture will bubble up. When the mixture stops bubbling, return to heat; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often until thick and golden. Once golden, stir  constantly until Cajeta is a deep rich brown and coats the back of a spoon. Set aside.

 

Filling:

1 1/2 lbs. cream cheese , room temperature.

3/4 cup Stevia sweetener

2 Tablespoons soy flour

3 eggs, room temperature

1 egg yolk, room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the cream cheese and Stevia until blended smooth but not over beaten. Blend in the soy flour. Add the eggs one at a time. Pour in the cream and add vanilla extract. Blend until well combined. Evenly pour into prepared cooled crust. Wrap the outside of cheesecake pan with foil . Place foil wrapped cheesecake in a larger roasting pan . Pour hot water half way up the sides of the roasting pan.

Bake for about 1 1/2 hours in a water bath until set 3/4 of the way into the center. Remove from the water bath to cool completely.

Spread the cooled Cajeta sauce over the top.

1/2 cup Cinnamon covered almonds, chopped, optional. Used to sprinkle over top as garnish.

Low Carb Cabin Quiche

One of my sons asked me to develop some Low Carb recipes. This is one of them with more to come.

Low Carb Cabin Quiche

Make 2 nine-inch deep dish quiches
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Low Carb Crust

3 cups Soy Flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 1/3 cups cold shortening

about 8 tablespoons ice cold water

Filling:

1 lb. diced bacon, cooked crisp, removed to paper towel lined plate

8 oz. sliced baby bellas/cremini mushrooms

1 bunch green onions,sliced

1 bell pepper, diced

5 oz. baby spinach

2 cups grated Gruyere cheese

2 cups grated Emmentaler cheese

salt and pepper , to taste

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

16 eggs, room temperature

3 cups heavy cream, room temperature

Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours and salt. Cut in the cold shortening until pea sized. Add cold water and combine gently until dough comes together. Divide dough in half . Roll out and place each half into the deep dish pie plate or deep fluted tart pans. Set aside.

Filling:

Saute the mushrooms and bell pepper until tender in the remaining bacon fat. Remove to a colander on a plate using a slotted spoon to drain and cool. Add the spinach to the pan and sauté just until wilted and place in colander to drain well and cool. Place the cooled bacon, mushrooms, bell pepper, green onions and wilted spinach in a bowl; toss to combine. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, nutmeg and salt and pepper.

Divide the bacon, vegetable mixture between the lined baking dishes; spread evenly on bottom. Divide grated cheeses evenly between the two baking dishes. Carefully pour the egg mixture between the two baking dishes.

Place each quiche on a baking sheet. Lightly tent the baking sheet with foil. Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden and set. Remove to rack to set at least 10 minutes before serving.

Lemon Blueberry Bars

Crust:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 lb. plus 4 tablespoons chilled butter , cubed

Filling:

3 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

7 eggs, lightly beaten

grated zest and juice from 4 lemons

6 oz. blueberries

powdered sugar for dusting finished cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 17×12 inch x 1 inch jelly roll pan; set aside.

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the dry ingredients for the crust and pulse 2-3 times until combined. Add the chilled butter cubes and process until the mixture comes together into a dough ball. Press the dough evenly into the pan and 1/4 inch up the edges of the prepared pan. Bake for about 12 minutes or until beginning to turn golden brown and just slightly under done. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Meanwhile prepare the filling in a separate bowl. In a bowl whisk the eggs and sugar together until combined. Add the juice and zest and combine. Sift in the remaining filling ingredients except the berries and stir to combine. Pour the filling over the cooled crust . Sprinkle evenly over the filling the blueberries. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and allow to completely cool. Carefully cut into squares and dust them with powdered sugar.

For thicker bars these can also be made in a 9x13x2 inch pan . Complete as the recipe states except pat the dough half way up the sides and bake a little longer. The crust may puff up during baking; if this happens, remove from oven and gently press back down and continue to bake crust as directed. Once crust is filled with lemon/blueberry mixture bake as directed but as long as needed to become firm. Cool several hours before cutting.

Healthy Fruit and Berry Blast Granola with Flax Seed and Millet

Granola is so easy to make yourself. This recipe is just a guide. Follow it to the tee or add whatever your favorite fruit nuts and seeds are.

Healthy Fruit and Berry Blast Granola with Flax Seed and Millet

6 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon table salt

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup flax seed

1/2 cup millet

1/4 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries

1/4 cup freeze dried blueberries

1/4 cup freeze dried raspberries

1/4 cup dried apples, coarsely chopped

1/8 cup dried cherries

1/8 cup dried apricots, chopped

1/8 cup dried raisins

1/8 cup dried cranberries

1/8 cup dried blueberries

1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

3/4 cup honey or to taste

3/4 cup egg whites

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with foil and oil them; set aside.

In a large bowl combine the oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit; toss. In a separate bowl whisk together the melted coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, honey and egg whites until combined well. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture and toss until evenly coated. Divide granola mixture in half between the two prepared baking sheets. Spread out granola in even layer on baking sheet. Bake each sheet for 25-35  minutes or until edges are crisp and golden brown. Allow to cool completely on rack. Once cooled, break into clumps and store in airtight container.

Quick Chocolate Mousse

Quick Chocolate Mousse

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon instant espresso

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup half-and-half

3 egg yolks, beaten

7 oz. dark bittersweet chocolate, melted-cooled

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or flavored liqueur

about 1/2 cup-1 cup cold heavy cream

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.

Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream , 1 cup half-and-half and instant espresso until smooth.

Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly.

Reduce heat: cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

Remove from heat .

Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper the egg: return all to pan, stirring constantly.

Bring to a gentle boil: cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

Remove from heat: gradually whisk in slightly cooled melted chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

Cover top with plastic wrap and allow to cool in refrigerator completely.

Once mixture is completely cooled, remove from refrigerator and plastic wrap. Pour in a small amount about 1/2 cup of cold heavy cream and whip until smooth and combined. Add enough cold cream to create a smooth fluffy mousse.  Place in serving dishes: garish with mint, berries or plain.

 

Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza

Pulled Pork BBQ Pizza

Beer Pizza Crust:

1 cup beer

1 tsp. salt

2 teaspoons sugar

3 1/4 cups bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast

Toppings:

About 2 cups BBQ pulled pork with BBQ sauce added to taste

about 1 1/2 cups favorite BBQ sauce

1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella

Cole slaw:

one 1lb. bag shredded cabbage mix of red, green cabbage and carrots

1 bunch green onions, sliced

1 red bell bell pepper , diced

3/4 cup mayonaise

2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon chipotle mustard or your favorite

1/2 teaspoon salt

Crust:

Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and blend with dough hook attachment until smooth. Place in a oiled bowl , cover and allow to rise until doubled. Form into a thin round pizza crust.

This crust can also be made in a bread machine on the dough setting , placing ingredients in the order as stated with the machine.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Preheat with pizza stone if using one.

Spread 3/4 of the BBQ sauce over the rolled out crust. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the crust. Evenly scatter the pulled pork and drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the pork.  Sprinkle remaining cheese and bake. Bake until topping are hot and bubbling and crust in golden and done; about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile make the Cole slaw. Combine all the ingredients and toss well to combine.

When pizza is cooked, add the some of the Cole slaw on top. Use the extra as a side dish.

 

Chocolate Coconut Tarts

Chocolate Coconut Tarts

Coconut Crust:

1 cup cream of coconut

2 tablespoon light corn syrup

4 egg whites

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 cup flaked sweetened coconut

1 cup toasted chopped almonds

Filling:

1/2 cup sugar

6 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups half-and-half

6 egg yolks

14 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Almond Topping:

1/8 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa

1/2 cup almonds

Crust:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut out squares of parchment paper to fit about (16-18) 4-inch pie tins. Center the parchment paper on each tin and place each lined tin on top of each other and weight down while completing recipe.

In a large bowl whisk together the cream of coconut, corn syrup, egg whites, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Stir coconut and chopped almonds. Lightly spray the lined tins with nonstick spray. Press the coconut mixture into each tin , forming a crust. Place tins on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven; using the back of the spoon gently press down the center of the crusts, if they have puffed up. Turn off oven and return the sheet pans back to the oven with oven door held ajar.

Filling:

In a large saucepan, whisk the cornstarch, espresso powder, sugar and sat until combined. Whisk in the heavy cream and half-and-half until incorporated. Place over medium high heat, whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble. Reduce heat; continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.

Remove from heat. Whisk in a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Whisk in the tempered egg yolks back into the remaining hot mixture; whisking constantly.

Return to medium heat and bring back to a gentle boil; cook 2 more minutes longer.

Remove from heat and whisk in the cooled melted chocolate and vanilla extract until combined. Place the filling in a glass bowl and cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Set aside to cool completely.

Almond Topping:

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cocoa. Over medium heat bring to a boil; add the almonds . Continue to cook while stirring until the liquid has evaporated and formed a thick syrup. Pour the almond mixture over the prepared pan and allow to cool completely. Once cool, chop in coarse pieces.

Assembly:

Remove the crusts form the oven and allow to cool completely before filling. Fill the cooled crusts with the cooled filling and top with the almond topping. Gently lift the tarts from the tins with the parchment paper liner; serve.