Madison House Chef

What’s For Supper Tonight?

• Ragu
• Pasta (brought home in the suitcase from Italia)
• tofu (topped with ragu; not only do I find the combination to be satisfying, I don’t end up with the bloated feeling of having eaten pasta)
• green salad

Shrimp Tacos with a hint of Lime

shrimp cooked with lime and spices, served on a fresh corn tortilla, avocado, and chipotle infused sour cream

Here’s a new (to MHC) recipe that has already gone to “family favorites” status.

Rick Bayless’ Soft Taco Filling offers a no-fail, delicious (delicioso!), fresh tasting recipe that takes only a few minutes to cook. The shrimp can be served hot, for example on tacos, or cold as on a salad.

What’s for Supper Tonight?

Happy Oktoberfest!

• Weiner Schnitzel
• garlic sausage (sadly, not Usingers… it’s time to order)
• saurkraut
• pomme frites
• German style soft pretzels (homemade)
• senf (Bavarian mustard)
• dessert: mini key lime cupcakes

Oktoberfest Celebration: Weiner Schnitzel

Weiner Schnitzel, kraut, pomme frites, soft pretzel, and bavarian senf (Bavarian mustard)

My husband Ken and I have long enjoyed Munich as a place to relax, to eat good food and drink exceptionally good beer. This year after leaving Florence, thirsty for a tall Augustiner Edelstoff and wanting to show the kids the amazing Deutsches Museum, we spent several days in Munich. During the time there both kids discovered a love for Weiner Schnitzel.

Soup Stock and Saturday Morning Stirring

My eyes popped open this morning at 5:13 a.m.. Not that this should surprise me, really since during the week my alarm is set for 5:00 a.m.. In theory, I slept in today! The conundrum arose at 5:18 a.m. when my eye lids were still open. To stay in bed and “rest” with the hopes of falling asleep again for another hour or two, or get up and start the day off with a cup of coffee and a little quiet time… oh, and make soup stock….which to choose? The absolute latest I would be permitted to sleep, barring any other noise, distraction, or eyelid popping, would be 7:15 a.m.. I have a professional meeting to attend this morning that begins at 9:00 a.m. with registration beginning at 8:15 a.m. with coffee/breakfast. Sleep/’rest’ OR get out of bed?

Chickpea “burgers”

 
Chickpea Burgers

These were delightful, full of flavor, not too spicy – perfect for a Meatless Monday. Ken remarked that he didn’t even miss the meat. That’s a true endorsement.

As we rethink our eating habits, it's nice to begin to discover some meatless options. 

 

 

Leftover Wine Ice Cubes

 

 Who has leftover wine!????  

…couldn’t resist posting this photo. It’s a great idea, I suppose, but honestly…leftover wine?

~Enjoy!

Packers Cupcakes

In honor of the first Packers game of the NFL season, I’m sending Packers cupcakes to UTPA with Ken tomorrow. One of the other guys in his department is from Wisconsin and is also a diehard fan. Together they can celebrate with these Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with a Dark Chocolate Ganache filling. The “grass” frosting is vanilla butter cream.

Go Packers!

 

Tiramisu

This is one of the ugliest pieces of tiramisu I’ve seen in a while, but it was one of the few
pieces left because it was light and delicious!

Last night we had dinner with the other faculty that went to Florence summer 2011. We, of course, ate an Italian dinner and I brought a Tiramisu for dessert which I came to realize that I have never blogged.

I plan to make tiramisu in Florence during summer 2012 since last year we were able to buy the most delicious Lady Finger cookies that had a hint of citrus. They were amazing! Plus, the moka coffee is a delight and will add depth to the flavor that even Italian roast cannot match.

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Sprouts Sandwich

Delicious!

Since the MHC household is back into the school year routine, it’s packed lunches for us all. This morning I put a Smoked Salmon sandwich with cream cheese, capers, and alfalfa sprouts on Nature’s Own Sandwich Rounds (a recent find). Their Nutrition Facts show a decent product and they rate an A on Fooducate.

Here are the layers for this satisfying sandwich.

The Aroma of Christmas via Chex Mix

Oh the weather outside is frightful … 102 degrees. But the fire is so delightful … in the BBQ grill at least. And since we’ve no place to go … at least not until it’s time to pick up Gregory … Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  Don’t I wish!

Okay. I admit that the above may seem like a non sequitur, but hang with me for a moment, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.

 

Red Curry Glazed Salmon

One evening not long ago the four of us sat at the kitchen table playing the card-board game Sequence. Just for the record, Ken and Madeleine managed to beat Gregory and me 2 games to 1. To what shall we attribute this victory? Luck? Good strategy? Cheating? (No!)

We shall attribute their win to the fact that Madeleine had eaten BRAIN-FOOD: salmon.

 

 

Minion Cupcakes

  

These are Madeleine’s requested Minion Cupcakes that I made for her third grade class birthday celebration.

Italian Cooking Cards

These tips and tidbits were shared at the Thursday night Italian Cooking class for students who are traveling to Florence this summer. They can be downloaded and printed on 4x6 cards or referenced here on the Madison House Chef website.

Download Cooking Survival cards in Word*

Download Cooking Survival cards in .rtf*

or continue to read article ...

The MOST Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies

These are positively the best Peanut Butter Cookies bar none.

They are chewy without being oily, crisp at the edge without being the least bit dry and the flavor is amazing.

They’re quick and easy to put together and the taste is rich and peanut buttery without being sickeningly sweet.

 

Pineapple Jalapeno Goat Cheese White Pizza

 

 

Another fabulous combination of sweet and savory. The goat cheese was creamy and added a wonderful complimentary taste to the fresh mozzarella.

 

 

 

 

Fresh Veg from the Back Porch

 

Since the beginnings of married life, I’ve had an herb garden that included basic herbs and simple vegetables growing.  Even in Washington D.C. (when neighbors were giving me a good natured ribbing about farming in the city) I managed a few carrots and leaf lettuce in otherwise uninhabitable soil.  In North Dakota I had a HUGE garden, and in both Michigan and Indiana we had back door kitchen gardens with an abundance of herbs and the occasional tomato and pepper plants.

 

Playing with My Food: Alphabet Pancakes

 

 

Breakfast time at our house frequently includes laughter and creativity but these pancakes added tasty frivolity.

 

 

 

 

Baked Salmon with Fresh Baby Spinach

 
This is still one of our all time favorite ways to eat baked salmon; even the kids eat it.

When I first posted this recipe we were eager to eat and thus I missed the photo op prior to the first bite.  This time I clicked the shutter just prior to the first application of the fork.

The sauce has a pan asian flair with the sweet orange juice and the savory ginger balancing one another nicely.

 

Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro, Lime, and Peanuts

 

These Grilled Shrimp with cilantro, Lime and Peanuts are fresh with a great balance of flavors.

They’d be great as tapas, for lunch with a salad or simple light sandwich, or with cocktails.

We enjoyed these as part of a grilled tapas/small plates dinner (also made Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites and Mini Burgers on Chips)

 

Mini Burgers on Waffle Fries

 
bacon cheese burger

Bite size (or two).
Creative.
Personalized.

These would be great for a party, either served in a bzillion different condiment combinations OR served as a mini ‘burger bar’ set up.

 

 

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites

These bacon wrapped jalapeno chicken bites were extraordinary. 

The technique for preparation was quite easy and the result a combination of salty, creamy, and spicy. By grilling them over a medium heat the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken perfectly done without being overcooked or dry. The other benefit of the charcoal grill is the smoky flavor that impacts all three tastes.

 

Cardamom Cookies

When I think of cardamom, my waters for a Christmas time favorite cardamom bread.  But Gregory, hungry for cookies and eager to bake, discovered this recipe in the always faithful Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook. He’s a fan of the savory cardamom spice and decided to give these a try.

It’s also worth noting that this is a cookie with nuts for kids who don’t like nuts in their cookies.

 

Basic White Loaf

 

 

Back to basics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Onion and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza

 

 

Oh my!
Luscious. Delicious. Savory. Oniony.

Amazing!

Party Planning Hints – Party/Event Debriefing Cards

 
main table, right view

My husband and I enjoy entertaining: dinner, desserts and coffee, Sunday dinner or birthday celebrations, and at least one annual holiday party during Advent.  While I have a few recipes that I’ve come to be known for (cheesecake) and could serve at every party and no one would complain, I do like to mix things up a little. 

Question: How can I remember what was served and who attended?

Guinness and Bailey’s Cupcakes

 

I wasn’t a cupcake fan until I discovered these ...   Guinness and Bailey’s Cupcakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pepperoni Jalapeno Pizza

 
Here’s another version of the Pepperoni – Jalapeno Pizza I’m fond of.  This time, since we were out of fresh jalapenos, I used the jar ones. The jar peppers, while adding heat and spiciness, didn’t have the same fresh appeal that the unprocessed ones do. I’ll stick with fresh.

Ken did a great job on the crust (as always). The crust was thin, yet held strong with weighty, wet ingredients. Bravo!

Mace Cookies (Great for Cookie Cutters)

 

Written on the back of an old envelope, this is one of my favorite cookie recipes of all time, especially for making cut out cookies to decorate with colorful sprinkling sugar, like these Valentine's cookies.

Family: Can you identify this envelope? Hint below…

(HINT: In the original photo the envelope has the return home address of my cousin whose fiance’s home was in Virginia. (you should know already) They’ve been married over 20 years (you should definitely know now). Last hint: the zip code was 22031.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Yeast from Home Brewed Beer to make Bread

first loaf

The ongoing search for the best fresh bread.

These lovely loaves were created with the same basic bread dough recipe we use, but the yeast used was from the bottom of the fermenting barrel from the Belgian ale that Ken brewed.

When Ken first brewed the beer I wondered aloud whether or not the yeast would be suitable for baking – the answer: YES!

 

Red Cabbage

 
Cooking red cabbage reminds me of my grandmother’s dinner table with a vague recollection people, family probably, eating bone in pork chops. 

The warm savory cabbage comes through my family of origin as a German food – probably inspired by the peasants for whom simple meals of winter crops that would last through extended cold snaps was the norm.

 

Fudgy Brownies: Chewy Edge VS. Moist Center

 
Chewy edge or moist center? That’s the dilemma.

Do you realize that it is now possible to purchase a baking pan where every piece has an edge. Really! There’s no endorsement here, just a certain curiosity… though while I’m mentioning it, the website is hilarious.

These chewy and moist brownies tickle the taste buds in every bite.

 

White Bean Soup / Minestrone di fagioli

This flavorful White Bean Soup, served with fresh bread, provides a simple, hearty meal.  The recipe serves 4-6 people. If you’re cooking for one or two people, it’s still worth making a full recipe as it is easy to heat up the next day as an encore performance either as a meal itself or as a soup course to accompany a protein, a salad or a panini.

 

 

Basic Tomato Sauce / Sugo de pomodoro all napoletana

 

 

This very basic tomato sauce is quick, easy and most of all delizioso!  It works best with fresh tomatoes, but canned will also work.

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Cut Out Heart Cookies (Shipping Cookies in the Mail)

 

 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this valentine’s treat is sure to please your valentine as you ask, “Be Mine.”

These are Mace Cookies, buttery dough cut out cookies with a subtle savory flavor behind the sweetness of a butter based sugar cookie.  This old family recipe has a story all it’s own.

Sending a Long Distance Valentine in the Mail? If you are sending a long distance care package to your sweetie, these cookies pack and ship very well. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Fudge

 
Creamy peanut butter fudge that is sure to delight any sweet tooth.

Ken was a little skeptical at first since it’s made in the microwave and not on the stove top.  Would there be enough control of temperature and checking for the consistency of the candy? Yes.  The recipe appears to be fool proof as peanut butter is much less temperamental than chocolate.

Moo Shu Pork with Mandarin Pancakes

This version of Moo Shu pork was a wonderful surprise that everyone at the table ate and enjoyed. I must add that this was better than any MSG laden, Chinese carry out Moo Shu I’ve ever eaten.

Plus, the mandarin pancakes were simple and tasted good as a vehicle for the veg or as a stand alone carb (per MELG).

New Year’s Eve Hors d'oeuvre

It’s that time of year again when I’m looking through my recipes to decide what hors d’oeuvres to serve as my family celebrates the New Year together. 

But what exactly is an hors d’oeuvre?

 

 

 

 

Christmas Snowball (Giant Cream Puff)

 

 

Having grown up in the heart of dairyland one of Ken’s favorite desserts at any time of year is cream puffs.

Candy Bar Tarts

 

 

Quick. Easy. Delicious. These Candy Bar Tarts have been on the To Bake list for quite sometime and they are as good as I expected.

Here's the back story ... 

 

 

 

Mini Pecan Tarts (with tips for preparation)

On Friday of this week we are having a small party – desserts and coffee (though actually we’ve more red wine drinkers than coffee drinkers).  I finalized the menu and shopped on Monday and then began the baking. Yesterday was peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies and simple sugar cookies (Alton Brown) that will be filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar (a multi step cookie creation based on what I have in mind). Today… mini pecan tarts and peanut butter fudge (also Alton Brown).

Duck Breast with Red Wine Reduction

The key to unlocking all of the flavor this simple duck preparation is two fold: 1) rendering the fat and then spooning it over the breasts while they cook and 2) the red wine reduction. This simple preparation creates a rich and sweet meat.

Breakfast for Lunch (Bento)

 
Mini pancakes, small omelette, bacon, onion garnish.

Breakfast for lunch is a common bento right now – most mornings I make a mini omelette and put it in Madeleine’s bento. It’s also not uncommon to find one or more of the following: pancakes, bacon, muffins, cereal (Mini Wheats, Cheerios), strawberries (not in season right now), green grapes, mini bagel, nuts (walnuts) granola or homemade granola bars with peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Sweet Potato Fries, baked (with photos)

 

These potatoes are delicious!  A great snack, a fabulous side, these are good anytime.

Sunday Pizza: Mediterranean and The Valley Come Together

Wow! Wow! Wow!  

This week I couldn’t decide what toppings to have and thus my terrific pizza chef husband made a half and half pizza for me.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp (with photos)

When we lived in South Bend there was a tiny, delightful, store front Thai restaurant downtown that had the most amazing tofu stir fry (for lack of a better title or term), Thai spring rolls, and a sweet and sour sauce for the spring rolls that was simply amazing.  It was a perfect blend of sweet and savory/sour with a hint of heat.  I have drooled for that sauce time and time again. Tonight, I think I found it!

 

 

Gingerbread House Part 1: Recipe and Baking

 

What a festive way to celebrate – by making a Gingerbread House!

Homemade Tortilla Strips

 

These are the most delicious tortilla strips and they are not nearly as greasy nor as salty as the store bought ones. And best yet… they are quick and easy.

Tortilla Soup (with photos)

This is a reworking of our original version of Tortilla Soup. This recipe is incredibly flavorful and since it’s an easily modifiable recipe, the ‘heat’ is determined by your preference.

Enjoy my homemade tortilla strips in this luscious soup.

Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes (with photos)

 
A flock of cupcake turkeys patiently await Thanksgiving Dinner!