Cornbread for Khrushchev

Cornbread for Khrushchev

"Say "Khrushchev" and Russian will laugh and immediately cry kukuruza (corn)! And so, in memory of Nikita "kukuruznik" (corn man) Khrushchev and his loony cruisade to hook our Union on corn. Mom and I wanted to prepare a maize tribute, " - Anya von Brenzen.

Serves 6

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing pan
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups fine yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon soda
2 cups grated or finely crumbled feta cheese (about 12 ounces)

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (I did 350F) with rack set in the center. In a large bowl, throughly stir together the first four ingredients. In another bowl sift together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until smooth. Add the feta and whisk to blend throughly. let the batter stand for 10 minutes.

2. Butter a 9x9 x 2-inxh baking pan. Pour the batter into the pan and tap to even it out. Bake the cornbread until light golden and firm to touch. 35-40 minutes. Serve warm.

Кукурузный кекс для Никиты Хрущева.

На 6 порций.

2 больших яйца,  немного взбитых
2 чашки молока
6 столовых ложек сливочного несоленого масла, растопленного, плюс еще немного для дечки
1/2 чашки сметаны
2 чашки кукурузной муки
3/4 чашки обыкновенной муки
1 чайная ложка сахара
2 чайные ложки разрыхлителя
1/2 чайной ложки соды
2 чашки мелко накрошенной брынзы или натертой на мелкой терке (приблизительно 350 грамм)

Нагреть духовку до 400Ф (Я сделала 350Ф). Установить полку в духовке на середину. В большой посуде хорошо перемеать первые четыре ингридиента. В другой посуде смешать кукурузную муку, обыкновенную муку, сахар, разрыхлитель и соду. Всыпать мучную смесь в жидкую и хорошо перемешать. Добавить врынзу и еще раз хорошо перемешать. Дать постоять тесту 10 минут.

Промазать маслом  деко размерами 9х9х2 дюймов. Вылить в деко тесто. Печь кекс 35-40 минут до появления коричневой корочки. Подавать теплым.

Recipe came from the book  "Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking" by Anya von Bremzen

Sweet and Lemony Coleslaw

Sweet and Lemony Coleslaw

Serves 2

Dressing
2 Tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
2 tespoons lemon juice
Salt, pepper

Salad
1/2 head medium size cabbage, very thinly sliced
1/2 tespoon salt
1 medium carrot, shredded
3 tablespoons golden raisins

1 teaspoons chopped dills for garnish

For dressing, in small bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, maple syrup, and lemon juice.

For the salad, place cabbage on a large cutting board and massage with 1/2 teaspoon of salt for 1-2 minutes. Place cabbage, carrot and raisins in a bowl and toss gently. Add dressing and toss well to coat all salad ingridients. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for 1 hour before serving.  Garnish with chopped dill.

Салат из капусты с кленовым сиропом и лимонным соком.

На 2 порции.

Соус-заправка

2 столовые ложки подсолничного или оливкового масла
2 чайные ложки кленового сиропа
2 чайные ложки лимонного сока
соль и перец.

Салат
1/2 средней головки капусты, очень тонко порезанной
1/2 чайной ложки соли
1 средняя морковь
3 столовых ложки светлого изюма

Для соуса, перемешать в маленькой тарелке подсолнечное масло, кленовый сироп и лимонный сок.

Для салата, выложить нарезанную капусту на большую доску и посыпать солью. Перетереть с солью в течении 1-2 минут и выложить капусту в большую посуду. Добавить натертую морковь и изюм. все перемешать. Полить соусом и еще раз хорошо перемешать. Добавить соль и перец по вкусу. Поставить в холодильник на 1 час и подать на стол. По желанию можно посыпать мелко нарезанным укропом.

More coleslaw from my blog:

 1. Southern-Style Slaw with Pecans and Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
 2. Apple Corn Slaw
 3. Spicy Cilantro-Peanut Slaw
 4. Cabbage and kohlrabi salad
 5. Classic Coleslaw1

Hang This In Your Kitchen

Information came from http://www.lifebuzz.com/kitchen/#!Rr28i

Sour cream fried pirozhki

Sour cream fried pirozhki

1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tespoon baking soda
2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Oil for frying

 In a mediaum bowl, mix together sour cream, buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, and sugar. In another bowl whisk together salt, baking soda and flour. Slowly add flour mixture to sour cream mixture. Form the dough and let it to rest for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile prepare any filling you like

Roll out the dough on a floured surface, about ⅛ inch thick. Using a glass or cookie cutter, cut out 3.5 inch rounds. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of filling in the center, fold it to create a half moon and seal the edges using your fingers or a fork

Pour 1-2 tablespoons vegetable  oil on frying pan. Heat the frying pan to a medium low flame.Place pirozhki on frying pan. Cook for about two minutes on each side. (the color of the dough must golden brown). Remove from the frying pan and let cool for 15-20 minutes.

Жареные пирожки на сметанном тесте.

1/2 чашки сметаны
1/4 чашки кефира
1 яйцо
1 столовая ложка растительного масла
1 чайная ложка сахара
1/2 чайной ложки соли
1/2 чайной ложки соды
2 & 1/4 чашки муки

В небольшой посудине перемешать сметану, кефир, яйцо, растительное масло и сахар. В другой посуде перемешать соль, соду и муку. Медленно добавить мучную смесь к жидкой. Замесить тесто и оставить отдыхать на 30 минут.

Пока сделать начинку, которую Вы любите.

Раскатать тесто толщиной 2-3 мм, стаканом или кружкой вырезать кружки, на которые выложить начинку. Каждый кружок закрыть и защипить пальцами или вилкой.

Налить 1-2 столовые ложки растительного масла на сковороду. нагреть сковороду на медленном огне. Выложить пирожки и жарить по 2 минуты на каждой стороне. Пирожки должны получиться золотисто-коричнового цвета. Поджаренные пирожки выложить на тарелку и дать остыть в течении 15-20 минут.

Cauliflower "Fried Rice"

Cauliflower "Fried Rice"

Ingredients
(adapted from Family Fresh Meals)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Small onion, chopped
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1/2 Cup shredded carrots
1/4 Cup peas
1/2 inch grated fresh ginger (my addition)
2 Cups grated cauliflower
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
2 Tablespoons scallions, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste

To grate the cauliflower, place about 5 - 6 florets into the bowl of a food processor and pulse about 25 times.  The cauliflower will have a rice-like consistency.  Set aside.

Add the olive oil to a large pan and saute the onion and garlic on medium heat until soft and translucent.  Add the carrots and peas and continue cooking on medium heat for another couple of minutes.  Add the soy sauce, raise the heat to high and add the cauliflower.  Saute for a couple of minutes until the cauliflower is heated through.

Make a well in the center of the pan and crack in the egg.  Whisk until the egg scrambles and distribute it throughout the mixture.  Season with salt and pepper, top with the scallions and serve hot.  Makes approximately 2 servings.

Жареный рис из цветной капусты.
На 2 порции.

1 столовая ложка оливкового масла
1 небольшая луковица, мелко нарезанная
2 зубца чеснока, мелко нарезанного
1/2 чашки мелконарезaнной моркови
1/4 чашки зеленого горошка
1 см свежего  натертого имбиря.
2 чашки крошки цветной капусты
1 яйцо
1 столовая ложка соевого соуса
2 столовых лозхки мелко нарезанного зеленого лука для украшения
соль и перец по вкусу

Чтобы сделать крошку из цветной капусты, положите соцветия капусты в кухонный комбайн и пропульсируйте 25 раз. Полить оливковым маслом большую сковороду. Выложить в нее лук и чеснок и зарить на среднем огне 5-7 минут. Добавить морковь и зеленый горошек и жарить еще несколько минут. Добавить соевый соус, натертый имбирь,  добавить огня и выложить в сковороду цветную капусту. Жарить 5-10 минут.

Сделать углубление в центре сковороды и разбить в него яйцо. Тут же, до того,что яйцо зажариться, вмешать яйцо в цветную капусту на сковороде. Посолить и поперчить по вкусу. Снять с огня, дать немного остыть и посыпать мелко нарезанным зеленым луком.


Recipe came from http://hungrycouplenyc.blogspot.com/2013/05/cauliflower-fried-rice.html

Pareve Hamantaschen

Pareve Hamantaschen

Makes 40 medium size pastries

2 & 1/2 cups  all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cups sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tespoon vanilla extract

1-5 teaspoon water (if you need. I did not need it)

Filling: favourite one

Into a bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl  mix sugar with orange zest, add eggs, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture, stirring, until a smooth dough is formed. Gather dough into a ball and flatten into a disk. Let rest for 30 minutes on a counter.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Halve dough. On a lightly floured surface roll out half of dough 1/4 inch thick. With a 3-inch cutter cut out as many rounds as possible. Transfer rounds with a metal spatula to a large baking sheet, arranging about 1/2 inch apart. Reroll scraps and cut out more rounds. Put 1 teaspoon filling in center of each round and fold up edges to form triangular cookies resembling a tricornered hat, pinching corners together and leaving filling exposed. (Pinch dough tightly enough so seams are no longer visible and sides are taut enough to prevent cookies from leaking filling as they bake.)

Bake hamantaschen in middle of oven 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden. Cool hamantaschen on baking sheet 5 minutes and transfer to racks to cool completely. Make more hamantaschen with remaining dough and filling in same manner. Hamantaschen keep in an airtight container at room temperature 5 days.

Sephardic Passover Walnut Cake

It's one of the best cakes I tried so far in America. It's absolutely delicious and refreshing for Holiday table. I will make this one over and over again. It's really good!

Sephardic Passover Walnut Cake

1 cup of matza cake meal
1 cup ground walnuts
2 tbsp of Passover baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
5 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅔ cup vegetable oil
1 cup kosher sweet wine

Preheat the oven at 350F. Generously coat a Bundt pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, mix cake meal, ground walnuts, baking powder and cinnamon. Set a side.
Beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks, sugar and vanilla at medium speed, until creamy pale yellow, 3-5 minutes.
Slowly pour oil. Beat for another minute until well incorporated.
Reduce speed and add wine. Beat until well combined.
Add flour mixture and beat at low speed for another minute.
Using a spatula, carefully fold egg whites into cake batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350F for 45-50 minutes.
Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes.
Run a butter knife around the sides. Place a serving plate on top of the pan, flip it over shaking it slightly. Remove the pan. When the cake has completely cooled, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

Recipe from May I have that recipe

Passover Tart Lemon Squares

Note: Now I can add a couple words about them. They're good  just couple hours after baking and next day. Hope, you can eat them quickly. I have plans to test a couple more Passover recipes. Wait for my posts.

Passover Tart Lemon Squares
Pastry
110 grams (4 oz) unsalted butter
¼ cup caster sugar
½ cup superfine matzo meal ( I took matzo cake meal)
½ cup potato flour (starch)

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350°F
Grease and line a 23cm square cake tin with baking paper.
In a food processor, combine the pastry ingredients and process until a soft dough has formed.
Otherwise, cream the butter with the sugar in a small bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Stir in the potato flour and the matzo meal until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough into the tin.
Bake at 180ºC/350°F for 15 – 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Topping
3 eggs
1 cup caster (superfine) sugar
3 tablespoons potato flour (starch)
¼ cup of lemon juice
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon

If you have a food processor, combine all the ingredients and whiz until mixed. Otherwise using a spoon, combine the sugar, the potato flour and the lemon rind in a small bowl.
Add the eggs one at a time and gently mix until smooth.
Lastly add the lemon juice.
Pour the lemon mixture over the cooked base and return to the oven.
Bake until just cooked, about 20-30 minutes.
While still warm, sift with icing sugar. (During Passover, you can make this at home by putting superfine sugar into a food processor and blitzing it).
Allow to cool in the tin before cutting into squares.

Пасхальные лимонные пирожные

Тесто
110 грамм (1/2 чашки)  сливочного масла комнатной температуры
1/2 чашки сахара
1/2 чашки мацовой муки (matzo cake meal)
1/2 чашки картофельного крахмала

Нагреть духовку до 180Ц/350Ф.
Накрыть пекарской бумагой формочку/деко размером 23  х 23 см. Промаслить бумагу и немного подогреть в духовке

В чашу кухонного комбайна положить масло, сахар, мацовую муку и картофельный крахмал. Все провернуть до получения однородного теста. Выложить тесто тесто в приготовленную форму и равномерно распределить по дну формы. Поставить в духовку и печь 15-20 минут, Тесто должно быть бледно-коричневого цвета.

Тем временем приготовить лимонную начинку.
3 яйца
1 чашка сахара
3 столовых ложки картофельного крахмала
1/4 чашки лимонног сока (сок одного большого лимона)
свежая цедра одного лимона

Все ингридиенты положить в чистую чашку кухонного комбайна и провернуть до получения однородной массы. Вынуть тесто из духовки и равномерно вылить лимонную начинку поверх. Поставить в духовку и печь 20-30 минут.

Вынуть из духовки и дать немного остыть. Пока еще лимонные пирожные теплые посытпать сахарной пудрой и дать остыть. Нарезать на квадраты и подавать на стол.

Recipe comes from Jillian Leiboff blog. This site has a lot of Passover recipes to choose from.

Carrot Raisin Salad From 'Down South'

Carrot Raisin Salad From 'Down South'
Yield: Serves 4 to 6

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder, preferably homemade (see below)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Juice of 1 lemon
1 pound carrots, peeled and shredded (about 4 cups)
2 cups good-quality raisins
1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, thinly sliced

Homemade Curry Powder
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons cardamom seeds
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Heaping 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Procedures

    1 In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the curry, salt, cayenne, and lemon juice. Fold in the carrots, raisins, and parsley. Refrigerate for an hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

    2 To make the curry powder: Toast the cumin, cardamom, and coriander seeds in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat until the seeds are lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely. Add the turmeric, mustard powder, and cayenne and mix to combine. Grind the spices in a coffee grinder. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Recipe from http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/03/carrot-raisin-salad-from-down-south.html

Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

3 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes
2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped scallions, green and white parts
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 Tablespoons plus 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for pan-frying
Sour cream, for serving

Note: add salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, egg and 3 tablespoons flour until combined. Using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a compact ball then flatten it into a pancake about a 1/2-inch-thick.

Place the remaining 1/2 cup of flour in a shallow dish and carefully dredge each pancake in the flour.

Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. (Add enough oil to thoroughly coat the bottom of the pan.)

Fry the pancakes, in batches, until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Add more oil to the pan as needed between batches. (Do not overcrowd the pan and do not flip the pancakes too soon or they won't develop a crisp crust.) Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle them with salt.

Serve the potato pancakes topped with sour cream and garnished with additional chopped scallions.

Блинчики из картофеля-пюре и сыра

3 чашки остывшего картофеля-пюре
2/3 чашки натертого сыра Чеддар
2 столовых ложки мелко нарезанного зеленого лука
1 яйцо
3 столовых ложли плюс 1/2 чашки муки
подсолнечное масло для жарки
сметана для подачи на стол

Если нужно добавить соль и перец в катртофель-пюре

В большой посудине перемешать вместе картофель, сыр, лук, яйцо и 3 столовых ложки муки. Руками сформировать 12 шариков. В небольшую тарелку насыпать 1/2 чашки муки и обкатать каждый шарик в ней. Слегка приплюснуть и выложить на предварительно нагретую сковороду.

Пожарить блинчики с обеих сторон. Выложить блинчика на бумажные полотенца, посыпать солью и дать остыть.

Подавать на стол со сметаной и зеченым луком.

Recipe from http://best-foood.blogspot.ca/2013/12/cheesy-mashed-potato-pancakes.html?m=1

Lemon hamantaschen with Chocolate-Chestnut filling.

Lemon hamantaschen with Chocolate-Chestnut  filling.

I created the recipe by myself putting together lemon cookie dough with Chocolate-chestnut filling from Giada de Laurentiis. First of all, filling is quite delicious and can be used for many delicious pastries. For a second, cookie dough and such unique fulling creates unbelievable good treats. I hope, many of you will enjoy. And most important I found a new and very kosher ingridients for my daily menu.

Serves:
28 to 30 cookies

Lemon cookie gough

zest of one lemon
¾ cup sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine, softened
juice from 1 lemon
1 egg
2 cups flour (if you need more flour, please add a little bit)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix the lemon zest and sugar together, then let sit for 5 minutes.
Beat the butter and lemon sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, lemon juice and continue beating until combined.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix until just combined. Gather the dough together and wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Chocolate Chestnut filling

2 cups roasted chestnuts
2/3 cup sugar
Pinch kosher salt
4 tablespoons amber rum
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) mini semisweet chocolate chips

Blend the chestnuts, sugar and salt in a food processor until the chestnuts are finely ground. Add the rum, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Blend until the filling is almost smooth, scraping down the work bowl as necessary. Add the chocolate chips and pulse until combined. (Can be made 2 days in advance).

On a well-floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4" thick. If it's very sticky, you may want to knead in some extra flour.
Using a 2 1/2" round cutter - this can vary on your preference - cut out circles as close together as possible.
Place about 3/4 of a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold up two sides of the circle, and pinch together well to seal, then repeat with the remaining side, pinching both corners.

Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes, until just beginning to brown at the corners. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely

NEPTUNE SALAD

NEPTUNE SALAD
Piccadilla Cafeteria Copycat Recipe

2 (8 oz.) pkg imitation crab or lobster meat
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced green pepper ( I took orange one)
1 celery heart stalk, diced
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
lots of crushed black pepper

I added:
3 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard


Flake the imitation crab pieces and place all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well.

Салат с крабовыми палочками

2 (240 грамм) пакета крабовых палочек или мяса лобстера
1/2 чашки мелко нарезанного красного лука
1/2 чашки мелко нарезанного зеленого перца (Я взяла перец другого цвета)
1 палочка сельдерея, мелко нарезанного
1 чайная ложка сухих семян укропа
1/2 чашка майонеза

Я добавила:
2 чайные ложки лимонного сока
1 чайная ложка горчицы Dijon

В небольшой посуде разделить крабовые палочки на небольшие кусочки, добавить все остальные ингридиенты. Хорошо перемешать.

Recipe from http://lubysathome.blogspot.com/2013/03/neptune-salad.html

Passover brownies

Working on a new article for Passover, I found a very interesting cooking site running by author of cooking book "Cooking in Israel" Orli Ziv. Site has a lot of new recipes and one of the Passover brownies. Here they are:

Passover brownies

Makes 10-12 brownies.

Ingredients
3/4 cup matzo flour
1 cup sugar
20 gr. (1 Tbs) vanilla sugar
2 eggs
150 gr. (0.3 lbs) bittersweet chocolate
75 gr. (0.15 lbs) butter
1/4 cup brandy
Walnuts – handful
Chocolate chips – handful

Instructions
1. Mix the matzo flour, sugar, vanilla sugar.
2. Melt chocolate & butter.
3. Mix chocolate with the flour.
4. Add to the mixture eggs, brandy, walnuts & chocolate chips.
5. Bake in a baking pan 20 x 30 cm. in 170c (350f ) about 25 min.
6. Cut into squares while the cake is still hot.

Пасхальные шоколадные пирожные

На 10-12 пирожных

3/4 чашки мацовой муки
1 чашка сахара
20 грамм (1 столовая ложка) ванильного сахара
2 яйца
150 грамм темного шоколада
75 грамм сливочного масла
1/4 чашка коньяка
1/2 чашки мелко нарезанных грецких орехов.

Смешать мацовую муку, сахар и ванильный сахар в отдельной посуде.
Растопить шоколад со сливочным маслом. Добавить шоколадную смесь к мучной. Добавить яйца, коньяк и грецкие орехи. Все хорошо перемешать.

Приготовить дечку размером 20 на 30 см с высокими бортиками. Вылить тесто на деко и запекать в предваретельно нагретой духовке при температуре 350Ф (170Ц) 25 минут. Вынуть из духовки и сразу нарезать на небольшие квадраты. Подавать с мороженым и фруктами.

I promise to try more recipes from Orly Ziv's site.

Golden Vanilla Pound Cake

I love to try recipes from King Arthur Flour web site. It's my fourth recipe and it turned out very delicious cake. For those who are lookign for a good baking recicpes, please, use King Arthur Flour site.
Golden Vanilla Pound Cake

Cake
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon if you use salted butter)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
5 large eggs, at room temperature
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons King Arthur Cake Enhancer, optional (I did not use)
1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Topping
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon water
1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 5" x 2 3/4" loaf pan, or a 12" x 4" x 4" tea loaf pan. To avoid overflow, be SURE to use the correct size pan!
2) In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, salt, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
3) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; the mixture may look slightly curdled/grainy. After you've added the final egg, beat at high speed for 3 minutes. Once all the eggs are added, stir in the milk.
4) Add the cake enhancer, then sprinkle in the flour gradually, with the mixer going at low speed. Mix just until combined. The batter will be smooth and thick, but still pourable. Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
5) To make the topping, combine the sugar, vanilla, and water. Stir until the mixture is syrupy. At first it'll seem very stiff, but will become "drizzlable" as you stir. Set the topping aside.
6) Set the cake on a baking sheet, for easiest handling and as a precaution against potential overflow (which shouldn't happen if you use the correct size pan). Bake it for 55 minutes (for either size pan).
7) Remove the cake from the oven, and brush/drizzle with the sugar mixture. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven, and set it on a rack. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If you use an instant-read thermometer, the center should register about 200°F to 205°F. The very top, right under the crust, will still be kind of soggy; don't worry about it.
8) After 5 minutes loosen the cake's edges and turn it out of the pan to cool completely on a rack.

Recipe from http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/golden-vanilla-pound-cake-recipe

Dried Plum-and-Port Bread

 I decided to make something interesting for Valentine's Day.

Dried Plum-and-Port Bread

2 cups chopped pitted prunes (dried plums)
1 3/4 cups port or other sweet red wine
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat or all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt $
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind $
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or granulated sugar

Preparation
Combine prunes and port in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine all-purpose flour and next 5 ingredients (all-purpose flour through cinnamon) in a medium bowl; stir well with a whisk. Make a well in center of mixture. Drain prunes in a colander over a bowl, reserving liquid. (prunes will be mushy) Combine reserved liquid, oil, and next 4 ingredients (oil through eggs); stir well with a whisk. Stir in prunes. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Recipe from  Cooking Light NOVEMBER 2000

Butternut squash yogurt latkes

Since I used half of  butternut squash for soup, I have to use another half. I decided to make some latkes. The recipe is mine and really delicious.

Butternut squash yogurt latkes

Makes 16-18 large latkes.

1 & 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 medium size peeled and shredded butternut squash
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 eggs

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Then add the squash, yogurt, sugar, and an eggs. Done. Mix everything together.

Heat a pan or griddle over medium-low heat; melt a little butter to the bottom or coat lightly with cooking spray. Ladle approximately 1/4 cup batter into the pan for each pancake and cook until the undersides are browna nd the tops are lightly speckled with bubbles. Flip pancakes and cook until undersides are browned.

Serve immediately.

Roasted Vegetable Soup with Herb Dumplings

Roasted Vegetable Soup with Herb Dumplings

It's my first attempt to make this recipe. I made without dumplings and, definitely, will make again and again with dumplings. It's exceptionally delicious and healthy.

Serves 6
For the soup:
1/2 butternut squash
3 carrots
2 parsnips
1 sweet potato
2 leeks, white and light green parts only
1 yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Chile powder (optional)
7 cups vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
For the dumplings:
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon finely chopped marjoram
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
1/2 cup milk
Chopped parsley, green onions and grated cheese for garnish
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Peel and chop the butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato into 1-inch chunks. Cut the leeks into chunks. Peel and quarter the onion. Leave the garlic cloves unpeeled. Toss with enough olive oil to coat, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper and a pinch of chile powder, if desired. Spread the vegetables evenly on two baking sheets. Roast until tender, 30-40 minutes. Squeeze the soft, roasted garlic from the skins.
Working in batches, puree the vegetables in a blender, adding vegetable stock as necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Transfer the puree to a large pot along with the remaining vegetable stock and the bay leaf. Season to taste and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and rub with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the herbs. Add the milk and stir until combined.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
To serve, ladle soup and dumplings into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, grated cheese and chopped onions..

Суп с запеченными овощами и клецками

1/ 2 сквоша
3 моркови
2 корня пастернака
1 сладкий картофель
2 лука-порей, только белые и светло-зеленые части
1 желтый лук
4 зубчика чеснока, неочищенные
оливковое масло
соль
перец
Чили порошок (по желанию)
7 чашек овощного бульона
1 лавровый лист
Для клецок:
1 чашка муки
2 чайные ложки разсрыхлителя
1/2 чайной ложки кошерной соли
2 столовые ложки охлажденного сливочного масла, нарезанного на мелкие кусочки
1 столовая ложка мелко нарезанного майорана
1 столовая ложка мелко нарезанной петрушки
1 столовая ложка мелко нарезанного тимьяна
1/2 стакана молока

Очистить и нарезать свош (тыкву) , морковь, корень пастернака и сладкий картофель на небольшие кусочки. Нарезать лук-порей на куски. Очистить лук и нарезать на 4 части . Оставить дольки чеснока неочищенными. Добавить  в овощи достаточно оливкового масла, несколько щепоток соли и перца и щепотку чили порошка. Перемешать и разложить на противне.Запечь до готовности, 30-40 мин.

Вынуть из духовки. Приготовить чашки кухонного комбайна, в которую переложить все запеченнье овощи и выжать чеснок из шкурок. Провернуть все в комбайне до получения пасты.
Нагреть бульон и выложить все обощную массу в него. Добавить лавровый лист и варить на менее 10 минут.

Между тем, приготовить клецки. Смешать муку, разрыхлитель и соль. Добавьте масло и втиреть пальцами или вилкой, пока смесь будет напоминает крошки . Добавить травы и молоко. Замесить тесто. Столовой ложкой выложить тесто в кипящий суп. Накрыть крышкой суп и на медленной огне варить 5-10 минут.

Выложить в тарелки и украсить петрушкой, мелко нарезанным зеленым луком и натертым сыром.

Recipe came from http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-roasted-vegetable-soup-with-herb-dumplings-recipes-from-the-kitchn-178828

Egg salad sandwich everyone loves

Egg salad sandwich everyone loves

Makes enough for 4 sandwiches

6 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonaise
2 tablespoon chopped scallions or shallots
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leadf parsley
Salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 to 2 tespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
8 slices Whole Wheat or Multi-grain Sandwich Bread
1 small bunch watercress or baby arugula, rinsed, dried and stemmed or 1 generous cup shredded lettuce

Quick changes

Replace the paprika with 2 teaspoons curry powder, a popular seasoning for egg salad
Ig you want some crunch, add 1/2 cup finely diced riv of selery, or some choppe toasted walnuts or pecans.

To cook the eggs, put tham in a saucepan where they'll fit in a single layer and cover them by several inches of cold water. Place on medium heat and bring to a full rolling boil. Set times and cook the eggs for exactly 5 minuts, so that the very centers of the yolks are still slighly soft. Put a bowl in the sink and use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to the bowl. Let cold water run over the eggs as you use the back of the spoon to gently smash the shell of each one in several places, then add about 2 cups of ice cubes and enough water to cover eggs in a bowl.

Remove and peel the eggs one at a time and set aside. Rinse the peeled eggs under running water and return them to the bowl of ice water until they are full cold. Transfer to a dry bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigirate until needed.

When you're ready to make salad, whish together the mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mustard, and paprika in a medium mixing bowl. Coarsely chop the eggs and add to the bowl, then gently fold everything together.

Divide the salad evenly among 4 of the slices of bread, spreading it flat. Then top with the green and tomato slices (optional) Cover with remaining bread and cut in half.

Бутерброд с яичным салатом

на 4 порции

6 яиц
1/4 чашки майонеза
2 столовые ложки мелко нарезанного зеленого лука
2 столовые ложки мелко нарезанной петрушки
соль и черный перец по вкусу
1 столовая ложка лимонного сока
1 или 2 чайные ложки Dijon горчицы
1/2 чайной ложки венгерской паприки
8 кусков хлеба, желательно испеченньго из раный сортов пшеницы
1 чашки свежей зелени.

Положить яйца в кастрюлю, залить холодной водой, довести до кипения и кипатить 5 минут.
Снать с огня и поставить под холодную воду. Подержать несколько минут. Вынуть яйца, дать им остыть. Почистить яйца от скорлупы, мелко нарезать, добавить майонез, зленый лук, петрушку, соль, перец, лимонный сок, горчицу и венгерскую паприку.

Нарезать хлеб, положить предварительно помытую о посушенную зелень на хлеб, выложить яичную массу  и накрыть сверху еше одним куском хлеба. Рзрезать пополам и подать на стол.

Recipe came from Nick Malgieri's Bread

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Ingredients

Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. (next time I would preheat the even to 350F)

Cookies:

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

Glaze:

Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours. Pack the cookies into a decorative container.

Recipe from Food Network