Eggs – a little note

With Passover around the corner I decided my Monday Morning re-blog should be this little note about eggs. It comes in handy. Happy Cooking. Happy Holidays.

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I always say to use room temperature eggs. Let’s face it sometimes you are just not ready with the eggs. It’s not great to bake with really cold eggs. Here is a little trick if you forget to leave the eggs out.

Take a bowl of water and soak the eggs in the warm water for about 15 minutes. Remember , not hot water we don’t want to cook the eggs just remove the chill.

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Passover Cobbler

photo 1 (65)photo 3 (51)photo 1photo 4 (2)I stumbled upon this recipe in my recipe file, haven’t a clue as to where it’s from but it looked good and I tried it and it is definitely worthwhile. Very easy to make and small prep time. It’s nice to make this with a few different fruits , I used apples, pears and strawberries. Use whatever fruits you like, but I will say that the strawberries added the zing it needed, I wouldn’t omit them. I used a whole pint of strawberries and sliced them thinly. Pretty tasty for a Pesach cobbler.

Ingredients:

3 large eggs (room temperature)

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup Vegetable oil

3/4 cup matzo meal

2 tablespoons potato starch

6-8 cups fruit, peeled and sliced like apples, pears, and strawberries ( I used a whole pint of strawberries, 2 apples and 2 pears)

1/8 cup cinnamon sugar ( you can just make this yourself, 1/8 cup of sugar mixed with a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×9 square baking pan.

Beat eggs with sugar until well blended. Add the oil, matzo meal and potato starch and blend well. I used an electric mixer.

Put all the fruit in the pan and sprinkle with most of the cinnamon sugar, reserving a little for the top. Spoon the batter over the fruit, covering as much of the fruit as you can. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.

Bake until the topping is set and just turning a tan like color, about 45 minutes. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

*If you let the fruit sit for a while with cinnamon sugar mixture the flavors really soak in. So if you have the time I would do this. If not , it’s fine as well.

This will freeze perfectly . Just let it completely cool down before freezing. I cut into squares for freezing.

 

Ellen’s Passover Apple Cake

Made this last Passover and it was wonderful. If you’re looking for another Passover cake here’s a really good one. Enjoy! Happy cooking and Happy Holidays .

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DSCN2642 DSCN2649 DSCN2643 DSCN2634 My friend Ellen who has supplied CWC with some wonderful recipes gave me this recipe last Passover and I baked it and we all totally enjoyed it, but for some reason it never made it on here. I have pictures and everything! . It was light and delicious, and not too difficult at all. Enjoy! and thanks again Ellen for all your support.

Ingredients:

6 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups cake meal ( for Passover)

2 tbs. Potato Starch

salt (a pinch)

Directions:

Beat eggs, add sugar and beat well. Blend oil, cake meal, starch and salt to eggs. Pour 1/2 the batter into greased 13 x 9 pyrex pan. Then add apple mixture on the top of this. See below.

Apple Mixture:

2 pounds apples , (any kind you like) pared and sliced

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/3 cup sugar

juice of 1/2 lemon or 2 tsp.

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Maple Dijon Salmon

photo 2 (3)photo 1This is a very easy and light salmon recipe that is perfect for dinner. I used 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise but feel free to omit it.   I would cook for a very short time next time and check the doneness of the salmon frequently. It really only needed 8 mins. to roast , and about 3 minutes with sauce on it under the broiler. You can always brush a little more sauce after it is cooked. You’ll just want salmon to be cooked through perfectly–not over and definitely not undercooked. I used a silicone brush to put sauce on salmon and was left with a lot of sauce so I served on the side. Don’t be afraid of the mayonnaise because you really only use such a small amount on the fish itself. The lemon and garlic give it another layer of flavor in addition to the mustard/maple flavor. This is so easy and try the White Beans and Spinach to serve with it.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 pound wild salmon, cut into 4 pieces , I leave the skin on but if you’d like you can remove it. I cooked with skin on but skin stuck to the parchment paper anyway.

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard, I used Dijon tonite

2 tablespoons Mayonnaise ( you can definitely use Light Mayo) I did

2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup (nothing beats the  flavor of a real maple syrup) It’s worth it

1 clove garlic, minced

juice of 1/2 lemon

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place salmon pieces on a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets. Season fish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; be liberal with salt. Put in oven for 8-10 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine mustard, mayonnaise,  maple syrup, garlic and lemon juice. Whisk or stir very well to get rid of lumps of mayonnaise. After the first 8-10 minutes of cooking, brush salmon with mixture and return to the oven for approx.3 – 5 minutes under the broiler or until salmon is just cooked through (which will also depend on the thickness of your salmon pieces.)  I let salmon sit for about 5 minutes before serving. It will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from oven.

Cooking times will vary depending on size of fillets and your oven. In my oven it was 8 minutes to roast and 3 minutes under the broiler. You can play around with these times depending on your needs. Total cooking time was only 11 minutes! I served with a side of delicious white beans and spinach , and for Joel some roasted butternut squash . Rice is always perfect with fish.

*recipe for White Beans and Spinach in a Pan on cookingwithcandi.com

White Beans and Spinach in a Pan

photo 2 (4) photo 1 (2) photo 1 photo 2 (2)I made the Maple Dijon Salmon and I was in the mood for spinach so I made this as my side dish. It was so totally delicious with the salmon served on the side . I didn’t feel like making or eating another salad, so I used baby spinach and cannellini beans right from the can. Total cooking time was under 10 minutes. Of course I ate this alone because Joel would never touch spinach but that’s an old story by now one we are very used to hearing. His loss as I always say. If you like spinach and I very much do this is a delicious spin on just plain sautéed spinach. Beautiful brilliant ingredients go together to make a really delicious side dish to almost any meat or fish. Or serve with some quinoa or tofu as a vegetarian alternative. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of olive oil divided, 2 and then 1 when you add the beans

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

15 ounce can of white beans, I used Cannelini Beans but you can use chick peas or any other white beans you would like, drained and rinsed.

1 lb. fresh spinach , I used baby spinach because I really like it. Wash and dry the leaves.

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high. Add spinach and toss gently. Once the spinach wilts. Lower the heat to a medium-low heat, then add the beans and another 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve. If not serving immediately you’ll just heat it up right before serving. Yum.

 

 

 

Banana “Ice Cream” not really – Vegan and Non-Dairy

Re-blog Monday with a fresh new take on a dairy free, sugar free dessert. Originally posted May ’13 from Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook. This is delicious, smooth and creamy like ice cream with no dairy and no sugar, all of the sugar comes from the bananas. Something new to make for dessert. Enjoy!

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DSCN0173 DSCN0181 DSCN0175 DSCN0182 DSCN0184 Now you all know how very much I love bananas and I also love nuts. My favorite snack is unsalted roasted almonds. I always eat them after the gym and just love to have a handful as a snack. When I first saw this recipe in Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cookbook, “It’s All Good” I was struck by how wonderful this would be for all the vegan non-dairy eaters out there. So it’s not really ice cream but will satisfy that craving for something smooth , sweet and crunchy. A little salty and a little sweet. I decided to give it a whirl and it’s a keeper for sure. This one’s for you Chloe, hope you enjoy it. There is no refined sugar in this and it tastes delicious, just the right amount of sweet but you gotta love bananas. Of course you can omit the nuts. Sugar free and Dairy…

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Judy’s Apple Matzoh Kugel for Passover

DSCN2653

photo (37)DSCN2642DSCN2539If you ask me, kugels are the best part of Passover. Put together in a casserole dish these sweet and savory dishes are my absolute favorite dish on the Seder table.  It was always about the kugel with me from the time I was a kid. This is an awesome recipe from a family friend which came to me via Karyn, so thanks Judy and thanks again Karyn. I used to make this recipe all the time and over the years I replaced it with something else and completely forgot about till another friend asked me for the recipe. Karyn came to the rescue. This is a delicious sweet addition to the table and if I remember correctly everyone loved it. It is easy and not too many ingredients and hardly any steps at all. Enjoy! Happy Passover.

Plan ahead:

Kugels can be made a day or two ahead. On the day of the serving, allow the dish to come to room temperature. Then heat it, covered in a preheated 350 degree oven until warm, 30 – 40 minutes. My experience has always been that the kugels hold together better when they are pre-made.

Ingredients:

12 sheets matzoh

9 eggs beaten, use eggs at room temperature

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

6 large apples, peeled and sliced (any kind will do)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3 Tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 cups white raisins

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Break matzoh into colander and run warm water over it, just to soften, then drain and put in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs, add salt , sugar , apples, oil, cinnamon and raisins and pour into a pre-greased ( or cooking sprayed) baking dish . Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes. Enjoy!

*first time baking it keep it uncovered, when you re-heat you will cover it so it doesn’t dry out.

 

Cathy’s Passover Popovers

Sometimes I think I posted a recipe and for some inexplicable reason when I go back to find it I can’t. That’s what happened with Cathy’s Passover Popovers. I made them last year ( see pics)  and thought I posted this wonderful easy recipe but couldn’t find it. Obviously I am re-writing and posting it since it is a wonderful addition to your Passover Table. Super easy and Super light and delicious. Give this one a try. Once again I want to thank Cathy for her support and her contributions . These are also delicious during Passover with some preserves in the morning. Enjoy and Happy Passover Cooking from my kitchen to yours. I used a muffin tin and it worked out perfectly.Bake these light airy treats for your Seder to rave reviews. One per person is perfect , this recipe yielded 9 popovers. photo20130321-113701.jpg photo

Ingredients:

1 cup cake meal

4 eggs — always work with room temperature eggs unless otherwise stated for best results

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 cup water

1/2 cup peanut oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix the cake meal, salt and sugar in a bowl.

Bring oil and water to a boil, add cake meal mixture and remove from stove.

Beat in one egg at a time and mix a lot. It will be thick.

Allow to stand for 15 minutes.

Drop into a well-greased muffin or popover tin using a tablespoon to 3/4 full. I spray with cooking spray . I used a Canola Oil baking spray, or lightly grease pan with canola oil.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes till medium golden brown. I placed pan in the center of the oven .

Warm before serving if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ranch Dressing – BLT Salad

Monday morning re-blog with this awesome salad and salad dressing. This dressing is perfection. A perfect lunch or dinner salad with grilled chicken or fish. Or go vegetarian and leave out the bacon. Enjoy!

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photo (2) DSCN0290 photo DSCN0292 One of the best things to come out of writing this blog is being in touch with so very many different people and getting inspired by their ideas as well as my own. Bree emailed me to tell me about this dressing that she made from Ina Garten. I was so happy for the email and a new dressing to make. I followed the salad dressing recipe decreasing the salt and changing the salad to a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato salad. So yum, and thanks again Bree for thinking of me and writing to me, I love that you thought of me and that you inspired me to make this new dressing.  This is one helluva great dressing and it would make one helluva great dip. Another perfect summer salad. Thanks!

Ingredients:

3 scallions, white and green parts , chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

2 tablespoons…

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Halibut with Hoisin

photo 3 (42)photo 3 (49)This is one of the most simple and tasty fish dishes I have ever made. I usually would do a mix of honey and soy sauce with some mustard , but I had the Hoisin Sauce in the house and picked up some scallions , I always have soy sauce on hand . Doesn’t get much easier than this, no excuse not to eat a little more healthy without going to great lengths to do so. You can find Hoisin in almost every grocery store today. No excuses. Prep Time is super short, cook time and prep in under 45 minutes.

Inspiration once again to Jessica Seinfeld and her new book, “The Can’t Cookbook” . If you haven’t looked at this book you should. Even though I can cook I love her recipes and it has become a go-to in my house. Check it out.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup hoisin

1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

8 scallions

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4 pieces skinless, halibut fillets about 1 ” thick.  You do want the pieces to be around the same size so they cook evenly.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a small bowl combine the Hoisin and soy sauce, I whisk it together with a small whisk.

Cut off the roots from the scallions and peel off the outer membrane. Wash the scallions. Cut off about 2″ from the top of the dark green tops of scallions. Use the tip of your knife to cut the scallions down the middle lengthwise. I spray a nice size baking dish with Cooking Spray for easy clean-up and then Place scallions in a large baking dish. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Arrange the scallions in a single layer.

Wash and pat dry the halibut with paper towels. Place the halibut on top of the scallions. Spoon and spread the sauce evenly over the halibut pieces. Cover the dish with foil making it airtight.

Bake until the halibut flakes easily when pierced with the tip of a knife. app. 12- 15 minutes depending on your oven and size of fish pieces. I plated it with the scallions and a side of brown rice and I roasted up some butternut squash alongside.