Blueberry crumb cake

Blueberry crumb cake
Several months ago I made  Country Apple Crumb Cake. I wanted to try the same recipe with fresh blueberries, so I did. It turned very good and much better than with apples. Essentially, it's the same recipe, only I used blueberries. I think, I can use frozen berries in a winter time. This cake is delicate and delicious compliment to a herb tea or lemonade. It's really classy.
Servings: 12

Cake
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lemons, zest of, grated

2 cups fresh blueberries (I think, you can use frozen ones in a winter time)
Crumb Topping
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly butter a 9 inch square pan and dust with flour (you can also use nonstick spray).

For the cake, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
With an electric mixer, cream the butter (1/2 cup) and cream cheese in a large bowl.
Gradually add in the sugar, 1/2 cup at a time.
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the flour mixture, a third at a time, blending well after each addition.
Add the vanilla and lemon zest.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it with a spoon. Sprinkle with blueberries

To finish the topping, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you have uniform crumbs.
Sprinkle crumbs over the blueberries,

Bake the cake on the center rack for 50-60 minutes. When the cake is done,it will pull away from the sides and the top will be golden brown.
Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.

Черничный пирог с хрустящей корочкой
На 12 порций.

Тесто:
1/2 чашки мягкого сливочного масла
1 3/4 чашки муки
1 чайная ложка разрыхлителя
3/4 чайной ложки соли
180 грамм (6оz.) сливочного сыра Филадельфия
1 1/2 чашки сахара
1 чайная ложка ванильного экстракта
4 яйца,
свежая цедра из одного лимона

2 чашки свежей черники

Тертая крошка:
3/4 чашки муки
3/4 чашки сахара
1/4 чайной ложки корицы
1/8 чайной ложки соли
6 столовых ложек холодного сливочного масла, порезанного на мелкие кусочки.

Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Смазать маслом квадратную 9-дюймовую форму.

Приготовить тесто для пирога. Перемешать муку, разрыхлитель и соль в небольшой посуде. В другой посуде взбить миксером сливочное масло и сливочный сыр. Добавить яйца и мучную смесь из первой посуды. В конце добавить ванильный экстракт и свежую цедру. Все хорощо перемешать. Вылить тесто в форму.
Приготовить тертую крошку смешав муку, сахар, корицу и соль. Добавить холодное сливочное масло и растереть до крошек.
Выложить чернику на тесто и посыпать крошкой. Поставить в нагретую духовку на 50-60 минут. Готовый пирог вынуть из духовки и остудить, нарезать на порционные кусочки.

Cabbage and kohlrabi salad

Cabbage and kohlrabi salad

Despite of many people don't use kohlrabi a lot, I do for my salads. I was happy to see one more recipe in a new cooking book by  Yotam Ottolenghi "Plenty". By the way, I choose several recipes from his book and intend to make all of them. Now now I made a new and refreshing salad.

Serves 4
1 medium large kohlrabi
1/2 white cabbage (8 or 9 oz)
large bunch of dill, roughly chopped ( I used cilantro)
1 cup dried whole sour cherries (I used dry cranberries)
1 medium size cucumber (peeled and sliced) - my addition
grated zest of 1 lemon
6 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
salt and white pepper to tasted
2 cups alfaalfa sprouts (I omitted)

Peel the kohlrabi and cut into thick matchsticks that are about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. (I grated my kohlrabi). Cut cabbage into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
Put all ingridients, apart from sprouts, in a large mixing bowl. Use hands to massage everything togehter for about  minutes so the flavors mix and lemon can soften the bcabbage and sherries. (I massged cabbage separately, then mix all ingridients together). let the salad sit for about 10 minutes.
Add most of the sprouts and mix well again with your hands. (I did not add sprouts). Taste and adjust the seasoning; you need a fair amount of salt to counteract the lemon.
Garnish with the sprouts and serve ar once.

Салат из белокочанной капусты и капусты кольраби
На 4 порции

1 средняя головка кольраби
1/2 головки белокочанной капусты
2 столовых ложки укропа, мелко порезанного (если Вы предпочитаете петрушку, то можете ее использовать)
1 стакан сухой клюквы
1 небольшой огурец, очищенный и нарезанный на небольшие кусочки
тертая цедра 1 лимона
6 чайных ложек лимонного сока
1/4 чашки оливкового масла
1 зубчик чеснока, измельченного
соль и белый перец по вкусу

Тонко нашинковать белокочанную капусту.Положить капусту в большую миску. Добавить немного соли и руками перетереть. Очистить кольраби и натереть на крупной терке. Перемешать кольраби и белокочанную капусту. Добавить укроп, огурец и сухую клюкву. В отдельной небольшой посудине приготовить соус, смешав цедру лимона, лимонный сок, оливковое масло и чеснок. Залить соусом салат и хорошо перемешать. Попробывать, и если нужно добавить соль и перец. Дать постоять салату 10 минут.

Homy apple cake

Here's a typical and classic, easy and delicious apple cake, which anyone can make. Each woman used to have a very own recipe. I'm sure you can find many variations of the recipe below. I'm sure, many of them are really easy and tasty. Enjoy mine!  

Homy apple cake
Makes 8 servings
2 & 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine room temperature
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs + 1 small egg
6 tablespoons sugar + 2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons sour cream
3 medium size apples, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon heavy cream, half and half or milk.

In a big bowl add flour. Preheat oven to 350F. Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl and toss together. Drop in the butter. With your fingertips, 2 knives, or a pastry blender, blend the ingredients together, working quickly, until you have a mixture of tiny, irregular flakes and bits about the size of coarse bread crumbs. Add baking powder, 2 eggs, 6 tablespoons sugar, sour cream and make a dough.

To make filling, in a large bowl, toss together the apples, granulated sugar, bread crumbs, and lemon juice until well mixed.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out half of the dough into a 9-inch round. Fold the dough in half and then into quarters and transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish. Unfold and gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish. Transfer the apple filling to the cake shell.

On a work surface, roll out the remaining dough into a 9-inch round about 1/8 inch thick. Cover apple mixture evenly with second round of the dough. Seal the edges. Prepare egg wash.

Mix 1 small egg with 1 tablespoon heavy cream, half and half, or milk. Paint the top of your dough with an egg wash (this will make a nice finish).

Bake at 350ºF (180ºC) for 45-50 minutes. Allow cake to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature before serving. Enjoy!

Cucumber and Israeli Couscous Salad

Cucumber and Israeli Couscous Salad
The search for healthy food is endless. We're looking for healthier ways to cook and eat all the time. I found this recipe on NY Times website and immediately decided to make it. It's quite fresh, easy, healthy, festive-looking, and very good for any occasion. I think, I will make it again for Holiday Season.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Israeli couscous
6 to 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped
3/4 pound cucumbers (1 European or 4 Persian), seeded if using regular cucumbers, cut in fine dice
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped, or 1/4 cup chopped chives
Salt to taste
1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried
Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions or chives and salt to taste. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.

Израильский салат с кускусом и огурцами
На 6-8 порций
1/4 чашка оливкового масла
1 чашка израильского кускуса (крупный)
6-8 столовых ложек свежего лимонного сока (добавлять по вкусу)
3 чашки мелко нереззанной свежей петрушки
1/4 чашки мелко нарезанной мяты
250 грамм мелко нерезанных свежих помидор
350 грамм мелко порезанных свежих огурцов (1 большой или 4 небольших)
1 пучок мелко нарезанного зеленого лука (я взяла немного красного  и немного зеленого)
Соль и перец по вкусу.
1 головка "romaine lettuce", листья отделить, помыть и посушить.
Нагреть 1 столовую ложку оливкового масла в невольшой кастрюле и добавить кускус. Варить 4-5 минут, слегка помешивая. Добавить 2 чашки воды и соль по вкусу, довести до кипения, уменьшить огонь, накрыть крышкой и варить 15 минут. Снять с огня, отцедить оставшуюся жидкость.
Переложить кускус в большую миску, дать немного остыть и перемешать с лимонным соком, петрушкой, мятой, помидорами, огурцами, и луком. Добавить оливкового масла, соли и перца. Подавать на "lettuce" листьях

Recipe from Martha Rose Shulman is the author of  "The Very Best of Recipes for Health" printed in New Times

Honey Cake

Rosh Hashanah is coming. In 2 months we will celebrate one of the major Holidays and, of course, we have to have tested recipes for the feast. I began testing earlier. Therefore, my readers and I will have time to experiment at the kitchen. Last several years I tried different recipes for honey cake, and this year I began with recipe from "Joy of cooking". It's easy, healthy and can satisfy 10-12 people. Here its' is.

Honey Cake (Lekach)

Makes 1 big Bundt cake
Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine in a medium saucepan and cook, stirring gently, over low heat until well combined.
1 & 1/2 cups honey (I took 1 cup)
1 cup coffee
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoon vanilla
Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Whish together in a large bowl:
3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 & 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 chopped walnuts
Beat in a medium bowl on high speed until thick and pale yellow, 4-5 minutes:
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
Beat the cooled honey mixture into the eggs. Add the dry ingredients and beat until well blended. Scrape the batter into Bundt cake form and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes (I baked 1 hour).
Let cake cool completely in the pan on a rack before cutting.

Beef tonque with pink horseradish sauce

Beef tongue with pink horseradish sauce
Many years ago it was a delicatessen in any table, especially Jewish one. We used to eat beef tongue only (exclusively) for Holidays. It goes very well with any veggie salad.
1 beef tongue
Salt to taste
2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pink horseradish
Pink horseradish is available in all Russian stores, if you can not find, please add a 1/2 teaspoon of tomato paste to regular horseradish.
Place the tongue in a soup pot with the salt, and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until the outer skin begins to peel off, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Peel off the thick outer skin, cut, and serve.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and horseradish and serve along with tongue.

Вареный говяжий язык с розовым соусом.
1 говяжий язык
соль по вкусу
2-3 столовых ложки майонеза
1 чайная ложка горчицы
1 чайная ложка розового хрена (если нет, то добавить 1/2 чайной ложки томатной пасты к белому хрену.)
Положить язык в глубокую суповую кастрюлю, добавить воды, чтобы покрывала язык, закипятить и варить до того момента пока внешняя шкурка не будет легко отделяться, приблизительно 2 &1/2 - 3 часа. Готовый язык, вынуть из кастрюли, очистить от внешней кожуры, дать остыть, нарезать на порционные куски и подать с розовым соусом.
Для соуса смешать майонез. горчицу и хрен.

Fresh Cherry Gallette

Fresh Cherry Galette

Makes 4 portions.
1/2 package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury) - 1 disk
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 1/2 cups pitted fresh cherries (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Preheat oven to 400F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll pie dough onto parchment, and roll to a 12 1/2-inch circle. combine 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch, stirring wuth a whisk. Sprinkle cornstarch mixture over the dough, leaving 2-inch border.
Combine cherries, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, rind, and juice; toss well to coat. Arrainge cherry mixture over dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold dough border over cherries, pressing gently to seal (dough will only partially cover cherries). Brush edges of dough with buttermilk. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar over cherries and edges of dough. Bake at 400F for 25 minutes ot until dough is browned and juices are bubbly. Remove from oven; cool on pan at least 20 minutes.

Французская галета с черешней или вишней

На 4 порции

Галета - французский термин, обозначающий любой круглый,плоский торт,выпеченный не в форме,а на противне. тесто может быть дрожжевым или простым пресным, как в данном случае. Галета может быть сладкой или острой, с начинкой из джема, орехов,мяса или сыра,а также фруктов...Это довольно грубоватые на вид торты подают во Франции в деревенских бистро и на фермах к ужину.

1 диск теста из пакета с замороженным тестом для пая (фирма Pillsbury)
3 столовых ложки сахара
1 1/2 чайной ложки кукурузного крахмала
3 1/2 чашки черешни или вишни без косточек
1/2 чайной ложки свежей лимонной цедры
2 чайные ложки лимонного сока
1 1/2 столовыe ложки кефира
1 столовая ложка крупного сахара (turbinado)
Нагреть духовку до 400Ф.

Приготовить лист пергаментной бумаги. На него положить и развернуть тесто. Раскатать тесто в круг диаметром около 25-30 см., присыпав стол и тесто небольшим количеством муки. В небольшой миске перемешать 1 столовую ложки сахара и 1 1/2 чайных ложек кукурузного крахмала. Посыпать смесью тесто, оставляя от края 4-5 см на бордюр. Добавить в вишню 2 столовых ложки сахара, цедру и лимонный сок. Перемешать и выложить на тесто, оставляя 4-5 см на бордюр. Завернуть края теста, частично покрыв вишню. Смазать край кефиром и посыпать крыпным сахаром. Выпекать в духовке 25 минут. Вынуть из духовки и остудить в течении 20 минут.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light

Cashew Curry Shrimp Salad

Cashew Curry Shrimp Salad

This recipe adapted from magazine "Diabetes & you", summer 2012, available at all Walgreen stores. Yiddishe mama is diabetic type II. Moreover she does not like shrimps. she was so skeptical about my attempt to make the salad, but... She loves it.  Can of shoestring potatoes is available in any American supermarket in snaking aisle. It's a quite fulfilling salad, therefore you can not eat too much of it. It's good for family brunch or potluck.  

Curry Dressing
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemons juice
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Salad
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1 package (12 oz) frozen cook deveined peeled shrimp, thawed, drained, tails shells removed
2 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely shopped (my addition)
1 1/4 cups shoestring potatoes
1/2 cup cashew halves
1 head Belgian endive (optional)

In a small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients.
Cook and drain peas as directed on a bag. Rinse with a cold water; drain. In medium bowl, place shrimp, celery, onion and peas. Add dressing, toss to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
Just before serving, gently stir shoestring potatoes and cashews into shrimp mixture. Arrange endive leaves, pointed ends out, around edge of medium serving platter. Spoon shrimp mixture into center of platter.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

It's a quick and classical Italian dish, which I make often in a summer after work. I'm  the biggest fan of mozzarella and ricotta cheese and use them a lot in my cooking. I think, it's a good addition to our very Americanized menu. I wish all of you to use such great Italian ingredients in your cooking.
Serves 4

6 large ripe tomatoes ( I used cherry tomatoes)
4 balls mozzarella
Bunch of fresh bazil
Good quality olive oil
Fine sea salt
Freshly groupd black pepper
Good quality balsamic vinegar

Slice tomatoes nice and thing, and do the same with the cheese. Arrange on a large serving dish. Rip the basil leaves (I shopped nicely) and sprinkle them on top of tomatoes and cheese. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, and season with a bit of salt and black pepper.
I mixed the salad to bring all flavors together.

Салат-каприз

Это быстрый и полезный итальянский салат, который я делаю после работы. С моцареллой и рикоттой я познакомилась в Америке. Много лет тому назад в Советском Союзе об этих сырах никто ничего не знал. Теперь уже не представляю свою кухню без этих сыров. Я даже делаю тесто для пирожков с яблоками из рикотты.  Надеюсь, что Вы будете использовать это сыры на Вашей кухне.

На 4 порции
6 больших спелых помидор
4 средней величине шарика свежей моцареллы
Небольчой пучок базилика
Оливковое мало
Морская соль
Черный перец
Бальзамический уксус

Порезать помидоры на тонкие полукольца (я брала маленькие помидоры). Тоже сделать с сыром. Положить помидоры и сыр на тарелку. Мелко нарезать базилик и посыпать сверху. Посыпать солью и перцем и побрызгать оливковым маслом и уксусом. Дать постоять. Я перемешала все вместе, чтобы салат почился сочным.
Recipe adapted from "LA Cucina Italiana" magazine.

Fish in aspic

Fish in aspic (Ryba Zalivnaya)

It's a very old and very traditional Yiddish dish. It was made by my mom according to a recipe from her mother-in-law Ronya.

1 (6-lb) whole bass fish (with skin), gutted and cleaned, head and tail left intact. If you don't have a long pan for cooking, cut into a big pieces (see the picture).
1 large onion, cut into thing round slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 small red beets, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch round pieces
cold water
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Salt to taste
1 package of gelatin (2 1/2 teaspoons (7g) unflavored gelatine)
3-4 fresh parsley sprigs for decoration

Wash bass inside and out and sprinkle inside with salt.

Pour olive oil on a frying pan. Heat the skillet on high until the oil is very hot but not smoking. Add half of the onions all at once and reduce the heat to low-medium low. Using a spatula, turn (toss) the onions so that all the pieces get some oil on them. Continue to turn the onions with the spatula about every 2 to 3 minutes. Cook until onion is translucent. Remove the onions, turn off the heat and cool a little bit.

Place second half of the onions, carrots, and beets on the bottom of the pan. Add fried onions, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Place fish pieces on a top of vegetables. Add water enough to cover all pieces. Bring to boil, partially covered, over the high heat. Check for salt and pepper (Add as need it.) Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Pour 1 cup of broth through a sieve into a small bowl. Add gelatin and mix very well.

Lift fish pieces out of broth and drain well, then transfer to a large long shallow fish plate and chill for 10-15 minutes. Pour gelatine mixture over the fish. If it's not enough to cover all fish use liquid from the pan. Use carrots and parsley to decorate a dish. Chill fish, uncovered. Put in refrigerator for several hours. Take out before serving.

Cooking class with Michael Natkin

I was invited to a book presentation with Michael Natkin, who is an author of new vegetarian cookbook "Herbivoracius". He was in Minneapolis on June 6, 2012. I really like his book full of new ideas and recipes. In a near future, I will try some of his recipes and, hope, to post on my blog. His book is the excellent resource for learning and experimenting. Moreover, all of his recipes are absolutely healthy. In our time it's quit important. I hope, some of you will express interest to his book and read through.

Cooking class with Zehorit

As I promised, yesterday I went to a community cooking class. The class was offered by local branch of AISH with a tremendous help of  local chef Zehorit Heilicher. First of all, I have to thank you all organizers, who worked tirelessly to put together this delicious event, which is quite rare in our community. For a second, I would like to share with all of you some recipes from this event. The recipes were created by Zehorit Heilicher specially for the event and, believe me, they are delicious and very healthy. All recipes use only kosher ingredients. I hope, you will enjoy them as I did. I wish we would have more delicious events like this one. Definitely we need a cooking class for Jewish men.

Tomato-Eggplant Platter
Serves 6-8
3 slender eggplants, sliced into 1/4" circles
8 large tomato, sliced the same
1/4 cup fresh basil, minced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
In a large frying pan heat 1/4 cup olive oil. Lightly fry each slice of eggplant until golden brown. Place on paper towel covered plate to cool. Repeat with the rest of eggplant slices, adding more oil as needed. On a non-reactive platter, place slices of eggplant interchanging them with tomato slices. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil and chopped garlic. Season slices with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle over tomato and eggplant slices. Serve at room temperature with thin baguette slices.

White bean & sage "Hummus"
Serves 6
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (save liquid)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium garlic cloves, diced
2 tablespoons fresh sage, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper
In a large saute pan, heat olive oil then cook onions until translucent over medium high heat. Add garlic and saute until fragnant; add beans and sage then season with salt ans pepper. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook beans, stirring often, for 5 more minutes. Take beans off heat and set aside to cool.
Place cooled beans, onion and sage in a food processor. Add lemon juice. Puree beans until smooth and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning. (if too thick, add some of reserved canned liquid).

Herb & dried fruit couscous pilaf
Serves 6
1 package couscous
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fime
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Optional 1 medium sweet red pepper - diced small
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, diced small
1/2 cup currants, blueberries or cherries
1/2 cup dried cherries, cut in half
1/2 cup minced scallions
Dressing
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar or apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
In a medium frying pan over medium heat, combine olive oil, garlic and herbs and cook until fragrant. taste the herbs and then season with salt & pepper.
Turn off the heat, add currants, cherries and scallions and toss gently to combine. Prepare couscous according to package directions and then fluff with a fork into a large bowl. Add the herb mixture and stir gently. Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over couscous, mixing gently to combine.
Taste couscous and season with salt ans pepper if needed. This couscous is best served cold or at room temperature and is wonderful for a picnic.

Mixed greens salad with hearts of palm and avocado in lemony dressing
Serves 6-8
6 cups mixed greens
2 cups hearts of palm, sliced 1/3" think
1/2 medium red oniln, sliced thinly
2 medium avocados, peeled and sectioned
1/2 cups candied pecans (optional)
Vinaigrette
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 tablespoon olive oil
Whisk all ingredients of vinaigrette except the olive oil. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. Taste the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Place avocado sections and the heart of palms in a medium bowl and gently coat with a tablespoon of vinaigrette. Combine greens and onion slices in a large bowl and then top with avocado and hearts of palm mixture. Sprinkle with candied pecans on top and serve immediately. For another variation try adding blue cheese crumbles to the salad.

white bean pate

Old-fashioned country style white bean pate.

Many people ask me what we used to each when we live back in Ukraine many years ago. It's not easy to describe in a couple words our menu. Living in America, we still make some of the traditional dishes. One of them is a white bean pate. It's old-fashioned, tasty, and fulfilling. Living in Ukraine many years ago we did not have a variety of ingridients which are available in western supermarkets and farmer's markets. Moreover, in many cases fresh fruits and vegetable were available for only short period of time. We used to make a big bowl of white bean pate and eat with meat, fish, salad or even shmear on bread. Yes, it's an old-fashioned, but that we used to make and eat many years ago. Nowadays, most of Jewish women  make much lighter version of this dish and enjoy only as a appetizer. Many years ago, we did not have a canned white beans, we used to make pate from raw white beans.  We soaked beans in a large bowl with cold water for overnight.  In the morning, we simmered beans for another 1  to 1 & 1/2 hours.  It was a long process, but the dish is really tasty. My mam asked me to blog about such old dish, so I did.

1 medium to large size white onion, chopped
1 tablespoon shmaltz
2 medium size potatoes, cook it in its skin
1 large carrot, cooked it in its skin (you can cook together with potatoes)
2 cups canned white beans, drained
2 eggs, hard-boiled
2-3 teaspoons lemon juice
salt, pepper to taste

Melt the schmaltz in a heavy skillet and sauté first half of the onions until just browned. Pour the onion into a mixing bowl of food processor. Add second half of onions.
Peel off potatoes and carrot.  Add potatoes, carrot, white beans, eggs, and lemon juice into mixing bowl of food processor, and puree until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer pate to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. Enjoy!

Традиционный паштет из белой фасоли.

1 большая луковица, мелко порезанная
1 столовая ложка куриного жира
2 небольших картофелины, сваренных в кожуре
1 большая морковка, сваренная в кожуре
2 чашки консервированной белой фасоли, воду отцедить
2 круто-сваренных яйца
2-3 чайных ложек лимонного сока
соль и перец по вкусу

Растопить куриный жир на горячей сковороде. Добавить половину нарезанного лука и пожарить до золотисто-коричневого цвета. Переложить лук в чашку кухонного комбайна. Добавить оставшийся лук. Очистить от кожуры картофель и морковку. Положить в чашку кухонного комбайна картофель, морковку, белую фасоль, яйца и полить лимонным соком. Включить кухонный комбайн и прокрутить до того момента, пока почти не образуется пюре. Вынуть смесь из чашки кухонного комбайна, выложить в глубокую посуду. Поперчить и посолить. Накрыть и поставить в холодильник.

Imitation Crab-meat Corn salad

It's very popular salad among Russian immigrants. Many of us use an imitation of crab-meat in our cooking. It's great, non-expensive, and, most important, healthy ingredient for many dishes on immigrant kitchen.   

Imitation Crab-meat Corn salad
Makes 5-6 portions.
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
4 oz imitation crab-meat, chopped
1/4  large red onion, chopped
3/4 cup boiled rice
1/2 cup canned corn, drained
1 tablespoon dill or parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
In a large bowl, combine eggs, crab-meat, onion, rice, corn, dill. Pour the mayonaise into the crab mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add salt and pepper. If you want, add some lemon juice. Mix again. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Кукурузный салат с крабовыми палочками.
На 5-6 порций
3 круто сваренные яйца, мелко нарезанные
120 грамм крабовых палочек, мелко нарезанных
1/4 большой красной луковицы, мелко нарезанной
3/4 чашки вареного риса
1/2 чашки косервированной кукурузы, отцедить от воды
1 столовая ложка мелко порезанного укропа или петрушки
3 столовый ложки май онеза
соль и перец по вкусу
1 столовая ложка лимонного сока (по желанию)

В большой миске перемешать яйца, крабовые полочки, лук, рис, кукурузу и укроп. Добавить май онез и перемешать. По вкусу добавить соль и перец, пожеланию лимонный сок. Все хорошо перемешать. Накрыть и поставить в холодильник на 1 час перед подачей на стол.

Greek Spinach dip

 

Greek Spinach dip

make 2 1/2 cups

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped shallots
4 green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 oz. spinach, washed well and heavy stems trimmed
1/2 teaspoon each salt and finely shredded lemon zest
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup plan Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup finely crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped dill
Freshly ground black pepper.

Cook garlic, shallots, and green onionis in oil in a large frying pan over the high heat until fragnant. Add spinach, cook until wilted.

Scoop spinach into a food pricessor using slotted spoon, pulse until roughly pureed. Add salt, lemon zest and juice, yogurt, feta, and dill. Pulse one to mix. Add pepper to taste.

Греческая закуска со шпинатом

На 2 1/2 чашки

1 столовая ложка размятого чеснока
1/4 чашки мелко нарезанного маленького белого лука (можно взять 1/4 большой белой луковицы)
4 веточки зеленых лука, мелко нарезанного
2 столовых ложки оливкового масла
350 грамм свежего зеленого шпината (помыть и почистить как на щавлевый борщ)
1/4 чайной ложки свежей цедры лимона и 1/2 чайной ложки соли
2 чайной ложки лимонного сока
1 чашка греческого йогурта
1/2 чашки брынзы
2 столовых ложки мелко нарезанного укропа
Черный перец по вкусу.

Разогреть оливковое масло на большой сковороде. Добавить чеснок, белый лук и зеленый лук. Жарить на большом огне несколько минут. Добавить шпинат. Жарить в течении 5 минут. Снять с огня и остудить.

Выложить шпинатную массу в кухонный комбайн. Добавить соль, лимонную цедру и сок, йогурт, брынзу и укроп. Все прокрутить в течении 10 секунд. Добавить черный перец по вкусу.

Russian-speaking readers are not familiar with dishes with spinach. Many years ago we used to make a green borscht from spinach and that's it. It's something new for them. I hope, they will enjoy this new dish with potato chips. It's a really healthy and quick. And... it's quite good for summer potluck.

Recipe adapted from Recipe from The Sunset Edible Garden Cookbook: Fresh, Healthy Cooking from the Garden

Zucchini cookies

About a week ago I took a new cooking book from the library. The book is "The Sunset Edible Garden Cookbook: Fresh, Healthy Cooking from the Garden".  I have found several good recipes and started to make them. Here's one of them. I like experimenting with vegetables and fruits, especially in a spring and summer. Actually I have another zucchini cornmeal cookies recipe from Martha Stewart and, hope, to make them. For now I plan to make Greek spinach dip and Plum buckle from the same book.

Zucchini cookies.
Makes 45 medium size cookies
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup each chopped walnuts, semisweet chocolate chips, and sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a large baking sheet.
Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. beat eggs and vanilla. Stir in zucchini.
Whisk flour in a medium bowl with baking powder and salt. Add to zucchini mixture. Stir in walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut, and raisins.
Drop cookie dough by tablespoons onto prepared Baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. 

Печенье из зеленых кабачков
На 45 печений
1 чашка сливочного масла, комантной температуры
1 1/2 чашки сахара
2 яйца
1 чайная ложка ванильного экстракта
2 чашки натерных кабачков (2 маленьких)
2 3/4 чашки муки
2 чайные ложки разрыхлителя
1 чайная ложка соли
По 1 чашке мелконарезанных грецких орехов, шоколадных чипсов и кокосовой стружки.
1/2 чашки изюма
Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Приготовить большое деко.
В большой посуде взбить сливочное масло и сахар, добавить яйца и ванильный экстракт. Добавить кабачки и хорошо перемешать.
В другой посуде поменьше, перемешать муку, разрыхлитель и соль. Добавить мучную смесь и кабачковой. Добавить орехи, шоколадные чипсы и кокосовую стружку. После этого замесить тесто. Тесто будет липким.
Столовой ложкой выложить печенье на деко. печь в течении 15-20 минут. Потом переложить печенье на тарелку или решетку, чтобы остыло.

Recipe from The Sunset Edible Garden Cookbook: Fresh, Healthy Cooking from the Garden

Jewish style mini pot-roast

Jewish style mini pot-roast.
one 2 kg [~ 4 lb] beef shoulder roast,

3 tbsp oil
1 large onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large green pepper, diced (I used 1 small red and 1 small yellow peppers)
1 large carrot, sliced in 1/4" pieces
1 large stalk celery, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon sour salt (you can substitute on lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup red wine
Reserved liquid from the can, if need it.
Prepare the vegetables: slice the onions, mince the garlic, and dice the pepper, slice the carrot and dice the celery. Set this aside in a bowl or on a plate.
Wash (important!) and dry the meat. Cut the roast into 3-inch pieces. Add oil to heavy dutch oven style pot. Heat a pot over medium heat. When it is hot, the pieces of meat and let the meat sear for a good 10-15 minutes.Turn the meat and sear it on all sides.
Then add the onions and garlic, add the rest of the vegetables and spices. Cover the meat with the ketchup and wine. Put the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium low. Let this "roast" on the stove top for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add reserved liquid if need it. After first 1/2-hour, adjust salt and pepper. In 1 1/2-2 hours, turn off the heat and let rest for 20-30 minutes.

Тушеная говядина (ростбиф) по-еврейски.
2 кг свежей говядины (толстый край (первые 4-5 рёбер))
3 столовых ложки подсолнечного масла
1 большая луковица, мелко нарезанная
3 дольки чеснока, очень мелко нарезанного
1 большой зеленый перец (Я взяла 1 маленький красный и 1 маленький желтый перцы), мелко нарезанный
1 большая морковка, нарезать по диагонали на небольшие кусочки
1 палочка сельдерея, мелко нарезанного
1 (450грамм) баночка консервированных помидор (diced tomatoes)
2 чайных ложки соли
3/4 чайной ложки паприки
2 столовых ложки коричневого сахара
1/4 чайной ложки лимонной кислоты (можно заменить лимонным соком)
1/2 чайной ложки черного молотого перца
1/4 чашки кетчупа
1/4 чашки красного вина.
Жидкость из консервированных помидор.
Приготовить овощи: порезать лук, мелко нарезать чеснок, мелко нарезать перец и сельдерей, нарезать на диагональные пласты морковь. Все сложить горками на большой тарелке.
Слить жидкость с помидор и оставить ее, если понадобится добавить в ходе тушения.
Помыть и обсушить мясо. Нарезать на куски, приблизительно с размер спичечной коробки.
Влить подсолнечное масло в большую кастрюлю. Нагреть на среднем огне. Когда масло будет горячим, выложить куски мяса в кастрюлю и прожарить со всех сторон в течении 10-15 минут.
Затем добавить овощи и специи. Залить кетчупом и вином. Довести до кипения, оставить на среднем огне. Тушить 1 1/2 - 2 часа. После первого получаса, проверить или достаточно соли и перца. если нужно добавить.
Когда мясо приготовится, выключить огонь и закрыть кастрюлю на 20-30 минут.

Recipe slightly adapted from http://is-that-my-bureka.blogspot.com/2006/12/jewish-style-beef-pot-roast-to-end-year.html I'm really sorry, the one of the best Canadian Jewish bloggers stop blogging. I found his recipes are very helpful and delicious. I wish he will start again.

Country Apple Crumb Cake

I love experimenting with apples. This time I made country apple crumb cake. It's quite delicious and festive. I really like the texture of the base dough and crumb topping. I found the recipe a long time ago and only now found time to make it.  I think second time I'm not going saute apples with butter. Instead of apples, I will try raw pears or blueberries.One thing I would like to mention. I found this recipe on many cooking sites. It looks like many people have already tried, but not many of them mention about an author of the recipe. His name is Ken Haedrich and he is  author of the book "Pie: 300 tried-and-true recipes for delicious homemade pie" published by Harvard Common press. I really thank you him for the quite interesting recipe. I hope to make again and try another fruit.

Servings: 12

Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lemons, zest of, grated

Apple Crumb Topping
1 tablespoon butter
3 cups golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and sliced crosswise ( about 2.5)
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly butter a 9 inch square pan and dust with flour (you can also use nonstick spray).
For the topping, melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add the apple slices and saute over medium high heat for 2 minutes (stir often). Move the slices to a plate and allow to cool while preparing the cake.
For the cake, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
With an electric mixer, cream the butter (1/2 cup) and cream cheese in a large bowl.
Gradually add in the sugar, 1/2 cup at a time.
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the flour, a third at a time, blending well after each addition.
Add the vanilla and lemon zest.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it with a spoon.
To finish the topping, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you have uniform crumbs.
Sprinkle half of the crumbs over the batter, then add the apple slices.
Top with the apples with the remaining crumbs.
Bake the cake on the center rack for 50-60 minutes. When the cake is done,it will pull away from the sides and the top will be golden brown.
Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.


Крестьянский тертый пирог с яблоками
На 12 порций.

Это очень необычное угощение, которое хорошо сочетается и с чаем, и с молоком. Я делала этот пирог первый раз и строго следовала рецепту. Во второй раз я думаю, что буду брать груши или чернику вместо яблок. И естественно не буду их предварительно тушить с маслом. Пирог получился очень вкусным, необычным и хочется его спечь его еще и еще раз.

Тесто:
1/2 чашки мягкого сливочного масла
1 3/4 чашки муки
1 чайная ложка разрыхлителя
3/4 чайной ложки соли
180 грамм (6оz.) сливочного сыра Филадельфия
1 1/2 чашки сахара
1 чайная ложка ванильного экстракта
4 яйца,
свежая цедра из одного лимона

Яблочная начинка
1 столовая ложка сливочного масла,
3 чашки яблок, предварительно очищенных и мелко порезанных (приблизительно 3 яблока. Я думаю, что можно взять 4 яблока)

Тертая крошка
3/4 чашки муки
3/4 чашки сахара
1/4 чайной ложки корицы
1/8 чайной ложки соли
6 столовых ложек холодного сливочного масла, порезанного на мелкие кусочки.

Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Смазать маслом квадратную 9-дюймовую форму.
Положить 1 столовю ложку масла на разогретую сковородку. Добавить кусочки яблок и протушить 2-3 минуты. Яблоки нужно все время помешивать.  Снять с огня и дать остынуть.
Приготовить тесто для пирога. Перемешать муку, разрыхлитель и соль в небольшой посуде. В другой посуде взбить миксером сливочное масло и сливочный сыр. Добавить яйца и мучную смесь из первой посуды. В конце добавить ванильный экстракт и свежую цедру. Все хорощо перемешать. Вылить тесто в форму.
Приготовить тертую крошку смешав муку, сахар, корицу и соль. Добавить холодное сливочное масло н растереть до крошек.
Посыпать крошкой тесто. Выложить яблоки и опять посыпать крошкой. Поставить в нагретую духовку на 50-60 минут. Готовый пирог вынуть из духовки и остудить, нарезать на порционные кусочки.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread

I'm always looking for new recipes to put on crackers, crostini or bagels. Here is one of the recipes I used to make. It goes with fruits very well.
4-ounce bar of cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 ounces (1 cup) cold crumbled blue cheese, such as Stilton
Crackers or crostini, for serving
In a medium bowl, stir cream cheese with a wooden spoon until softened. Mix in walnuts; season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in blue cheese, breaking up as little as possible. Transfer
mixture to a small bowl; smooth top. Serve with crackers or crostini.
To store: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, up to 1 week.

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Easy Jam-Filled Cookies

Make 4 dozen or 48 serving, one cookie each

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/3 cup Walnut Pieces, finely chopped
3/4 cup raspberry preserves (mixed with 3 teaspoons breadcrumbs)
1 tsp. powdered sugar

PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Beat cream cheese, butter and granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Separate 1 of the eggs; set egg white aside for later use. Add yolk, second (whole) egg and vanilla to cream cheese mixture; mix well. Gradually add combined flour and baking powder, beating until well blended after each addition.

DIVIDE dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into 12x1-inch log; place, 2 inches apart, on large ungreased baking sheet. Use handle of wooden spoon or fingers to make depression down length of each log, about 1/2 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. Beat reserved egg white with fork; brush over dough. Sprinkle with walnuts. Fill depressions with preserves, using about 3 Tbsp. preserves in each log.

BAKE 25 to 27 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks; cool slightly. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut each log into 12 diagonal slices.


Recipe from http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-jam-filled-cookies-107774.aspx

Dilled Salmon Salad

If you have salmon leftovers from First Seder, please make this salad. It's goes with matzos really well. I made this salad for the Second Seder.

Dilled Salmon Salad

1 (20-ounce) skin-on salmon fillet, pin bones removed
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup small-dice red onion
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
3/4 cup small-dice celery
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

Heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the salmon skin-side down on the foil. Drizzle the oil over the salmon, rub it into an even layer with your fingers, and season generously with salt and pepper. Bake the salmon until it’s just opaque all the way through or the center of the thickest part of the fillet registers 135°F to 140°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 to 17 minutes.

Using a flat spatula to get between the skin and the flesh, lift up the salmon and transfer it to a plate, leaving the skin behind. (It’s OK if the salmon falls apart a little bit.) Discard the foil and skin. Let the salmon cool slightly at room temperature, about 5 minutes. Refrigerate uncovered until completely chilled, at least 2 hours. (If you’re not using it right away, cover the chilled salmon and refrigerate it up to 24 hours.)

Stir together the onion and vinegar in a large, nonreactive bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Using your hands, flake the chilled salmon into bite-size pieces and place them in the bowl with the onion-vinegar mixture. Add the remaining ingredients and gently stir to combine, being careful not to break up the salmon too much. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 4 hours.

Салат из лосося с укропом.
350 грамм филе лосося
1 чайная ложка оливкового масла
1/3 чашки мелко нарезанного красного лука
3 столовых ложек уксуса
3/4 чашки мелко нарезанного сельдерея
2 столовых ложки сметаны
2 столовх ложки май онеза
2 столовых ложки консервированных каперсов
1 столова ложка мелко нарезанного свежего укропа
1/2 чайной ложки соли
1/2 чайной ложки свеже молотого черного перца.

Нагреть духовку до 425Ф. Положить фольгу на дечку. Выложить лосось на фольгу, полить оливковым маслом. Втереть масло в лосось и посыпать солью и перцем. постацить запекать в центре духовки на 10-17 минут. Готовность лосося можно проверить термометром. Воткнуть термометр в толстую часть тушки лосося и он должен показать 135-140 Ф.

Вынуть мясо лосося из духовки, отделить филе от шкурки. Дать лососю остыть. Остывший лосось можно положить в холодильник на несколько часов или даже на сутки. если у Вас остался лосось после большого застолья, то из него можно сделать этот салат через день.

Замариновать лук, смешав лук с уксосом. Дать постоять 15 минут. Нарезать лосось на небольшие кусочки и смешать со всеми остальными ингридиентами. Добавить маринованный лук. Попробовать салат, если нужно можно добавить еще соли и перца. Перед подачей можно поставить в холодильник.



Recipe adapted from http://www.chow.com/recipes/30318-dilled-salmon-salad

Quick Salmon Mousse

I have just finished an article about 2 new and quite good cooking books. One of them is "The Whole Food Kosher Kitchen" by Levana Kirschenbaum. The first recipe I decided to try is a Quick Salmon Mousse. It's absolutely delicious appetizer and goes along with matzos very well.
About my article... It's for Russian-speaking readers. It's going to be publsihed on my website www.allastar.net and several Russian newspapers. I really want Russian people to know about new and, specially important, healthy ideas in Jewish cooking.

Quick Salmon Mousse
1 (15 oz) can red or pink salmon, 1 envelope unflavored gelatin, 1/2 cup boiling water, 1 small bunch dill, juice and grated zest of one lemon, 1 small onion, 1 cup dairy-free cream cheese (I took regular cream cheese), 1 tablespoon paprika, pinch cayenne, pinch nutmeg, ground pepper to taste, 1/4 cup very thinly sliced chives (I did not take it)
Pour the liquid from the salmon can in a bowl and stir in the gelatin. Let the mixture stand a few minutes, then stir in the boiling water, mixing thoroughly. Reserve the mixture. Place salmon and all remaining ingredients except chives in a food processor, and process until perfectly smooth. Add the reserved gelatin mixture and process a full minute, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. Stir in the chives with a spoon. Pour the mixture in a bowl or loaf pan and refrigerate a few hours, until the mixture is set. Serve chilled. Makes a dozen servings.

Быстрый мусс из консервированного лосося.
1 (15 оz.) банка консервированното лосося (canned red or pink salmon), 1 пакетик желатина, 1/2 чашки горячей кипяченной воды, 1 небольшой пучок укропа, сок и лимонная цедра одного лимона, 1 небольшая луковица, 1 пачка (8 oz.) сливочного сыра (cream cheese), 1 столовая ложка паприки (paprika), щепотка натертого мускатного ореха (nutmeg), черный молотый перец по вкусу.
Отцедить жидкость из банки консервированного лосося. Добавить желатин и перемешать. Дать постоять смеси несколько минут и добавить горячую воду.
Положить все остальные ингридиенты в чашку кухонного комбайна (food processor) и размельчить до образования однородной смеси. Добавить жидкость с желатином в чашку кухонного комбайна и провернуть в течении 30 секунд. Вылить в посуду и поставить в холодильник на несколько часов.
Recipe from Levana Kirschenbaum "The Whole Food Kosher Kitchen"

Green-on-Green Salad

Green-on-Green Salad

Finally, I'm reading "the Bonne Femme Cookbook: by Wini Moranville, Finally, I can try some of the recipes. First recipe I tried is Green-on-Green Salad. I really like and will make again especially the dressing. I will try some salads with dressing I used for this salad. Definitely, it's a good salad for incoming Pesach seder.

1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black peppers to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
1 or 2 drops red pepper sauce
4 cups baby arugula
1/2 cup halved, thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 avocado, peeled and sliced

In a small bowl, use the back spoon to mash the garlic clove with salt and pepper. Add the lime juice and whisk until the salt is dissolved. Add the olive oil, whisking until incorporated. Whisk in honey and red pepper sauce.

In a large bowl, toss the arugula with enough dressing to make the leaves appetizingly slick. Arrange the arugula on a platter. Toss the cucumber and scallions with a bit of the avocado slices atop the salad. Drizzle just a little more of the dressing atop the avocado and serve.

Зеленый французский салат.

1 зубчик чеснока, мелко нарезанный
соль и перец по вкусу
2 столовых ложки свежего сока лайма
4 столовых ложки оливкового масла
2 чайные ложки меда
1 или 2 капли "red pepper sauce"
4 чашки арагулы
1/2 чашки свежего огурца, тонко нарезанного
1/2 чашки мелко нарезанного зеленого лука
1 авокадо, очищенного и нарезанного на тонкие кусочки

Приготовить соус. В небольшой мисочке растереть чеснок с солью и перцем. Добавить сок лайма и все хорошо перемешать до растворения соли. Добавить оливковое масло и опять все хорошо перемешать. Добавить мед, "red pepper sauce" и перемешать.

В большой посуде перемешать арaгулу с небольшим количеством соуса. Добавить огурцы и лук. еще добавить соус и перемешать. На верх выложить авокадо и полить оставшимся соусом.

Apple turnovers

Apple turnovers Russian way

Finding a wright recipe for apple turnovers became a historic experience for me. For years I used to make an yeast dough for turnovers. I made myself, I bought a various types of dough from the store. Today, I decided to make a very simple recipe recommended by one of the cooking groups on Russian social web site. I love to bake with farmer's cheese or ricotta cheese. I always have a fun testing new recipes with ricotta cheese. Here's one more successful recipe for apple turnovers, which we used to called "pirozhki".

Make 35 medium size turnovers ("pirozhki")


Dough
1 & 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sugar
9 tablespoons milk
9 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 or 3 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling
5-6 large apples, cored, peeled, and diced
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 cup raisins or dry cherries (optional)

Egg wash
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk

Place ricotta cheese and sugar in a big bowl. Stir together, add milk and vegetable oil. In a separate bowl mix flour with baking powder. Mix in flour mixture: 1 cup at a time until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and does not stick to your hands.

Prepare filling. Mix together apples, sugar, lemon juice, bread crumbs and raisins.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C).

Place the dough onto floured surface and divide into 30 equal balls. Flatten the balls by hand until they are 3 to 4 inches across. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center and fold in half to enclose. Pinch the edges together to seal in the filling.
Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the pirozhki onto the baking sheet, leaving a little bit of room between them for them to grow.
Mix together egg and milk and brush each turnover.
Bake for 20-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.


I keep the Russian version as it is:

Творожные пирожки с яблоками и изюмом
Ингредиенты:
Тесто:
пастообразный нежирный творог - 150 г.
мука - 300 г.
1 пакетик разрыхлителя (15 г. )
6 ст. ложек яичного ликёра (можно заменить на молоко, сливки, "Бейлис"," Амаретто"...)
6 ст. ложек растительного масла без запаха
1 пакетик ванильного сахара ( 8 г. )
60-70 г. сахара

Начинка:
яблоки - 700 г.
сахар - 75 г.
изюм - 50 г.
лимонный сок -2 ст. ложки
(В качестве начинки очень хорошо подходят так же замороженные ягоды + сахар. Ягоды не нужно предварительно размораживать!)

Приготовление:
Для начинки яблоки очистить от семян, порезать кубиками и вместе с сахаром, изюмом и лимонным соком уварить на среднем огне в течении 10-15 минут до загустения, иногда помешивая. Оставить остывать.
Духовку включите греться на 180 °C. Для теста перемешать миксером творог, сахар, ликёр, ванильный сахар и масло. Всыпать просеянную муку и разрыхлитель и замесить гладкое, мягкое тесто. Возможно, оно будет немного липнуть к рукам...

Рабочую поверхность слегка! присыпать мукой. Тесто нужно разделить на 12 равных кусочков. Каждый кусочек раскатывать в круг толщиной примерно 0,5 см . На каждую половинку круга выкладываем примерно 2 полные чайные ложки начинки. Края теста смазываем слегка водой и закрываем начинку второй половинкой круга, несильно прижимая края. Выпекать пирожки в течении 15 минут до зарумянивания. Готовые пирожки после остывания можно покрыть глазурью из сахарной пудры и лимонного или яблочного сока, посыпать миндальными пластинками или фисташками или украсить как пожелаете.
Recipe from http://vk.com/wall-4806561_79938?hash=c841e3a73dfe23526f

Crispy hamantashen

Crispy Hamantashen

This year I decided to add one more interesting recipe to my hamantachen collection. Previously I did 2 different type of dough for hamantachen. Both of the are good, but this time I tried something new.


Couple weeks ago I baked Raspberry fan cookies. My cookies were a hit among my coworkers, and one the coworkers mentioned that dough is quite good for hamantashens. So, I tried this type of dough for my hamantashen.

here's a recipe:

Make 40 hamantashen

Prep: 1 hour
Chill: 1 to 2 hours
Bake: 8 -10 minutes

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 can of "solo" poppy-seed filling
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
Finely shredded lemon peel (optional)

Directions
1. In a very large bowl, combine butter and cream cheese. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in the 1 teaspoon lemon peel, the vanilla, and lemon extract until combined. Beat in cornstarch. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 375 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough portions to an 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round 2-1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out dough. Place dough rounds 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Mix poppyseed filling with bread crumbs and mix well. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of the poppyseed mixture onto the center of each round and shape the hamantashen

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Repeat with the remaining dough portions. If desired, sprinkle cookies with additional lemon peel before serving.

5. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Dough recipe from Better Homes and Gardens magazine

How to make chocolate Babka

Here's a second recipe from "Healthy and easy kosher cooking" by Leach Schapira. enjoy !

Eggplant & Tomato fettuccini

Several weeks ago I received a cooking book "Fresh and Easy kosher cooking" by Leah Schapira. Right away I decided to go through all recipes from the book. I spent all evening reading and choosing recipes to make. Before beginning to make some recipes, I payed attention to the quality of publishing work. It's being done very well. Many of the recipes have wonderful pictures. The first recipe I want to try is a eggplant and tomato fettuccini. The recipe sounds healthy, easy and extremely delicious for the eggplant lover.



So, I decided to treat my mom and myself with a good lunch on President's Day.

Eggplant & Tomato fettuccini

1 medium eggplant
1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
5 Tbsp olive oil, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb fettuccini, prepared according package directions

Olive Oil dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 450F. Wash eggplant and dice into 1/2-inch cubes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 30 minutes.

Slice the tomatoes in half and place on a baking sheet lines with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 12 minutes.

Combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked cooked fettuccini.

To prepare the olive-oil dressing, combine the oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Toss pasta with the sauce and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm.