The quickest strawberry tarts

The quickest strawberry tarts

1 Pillsbury Regrigerated Pie Crust (softened as directed on package), 2 1/2 cupls sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, whipped light cream

Heat oven to 450F. Remove pie crust from pouch. Unfold crust; Sprinckle crust with sugar; cut 6 rounds of crust with 4-inch round cookie cutter.

Spray back of muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Fit rounds over backs of sprayed muffin cups. Prick eash pastry generously with fork.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes. Carefully remove from muffin cups. Cool 30 minutes or until completely cooled. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine strawberries and sugar; stir gently to mix. Refrigirate 15-20 minutes.

Just before serving, spoon 1 tablespoon of macirated strawberries into each shell. Top each with whipped ligh cream.

Pumpkin latkes (pancakes)

Pumpkin latkes (pancakes)
Makes 8 to 10.

Enjoy FAT FREE, HIGH IN FIBER, AND BETA CAROTENE RICH BREAKFAST

For a spiced breakfast treat, whisk 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon each cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup milk, 6 tablespoons canned pumpkin purée, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 egg; fold mixture into dry ingredients. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat; pour in 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook pancakes about 3 minutes per side; serve with butter and syrup. Makes 8 to 10.


Блинчики из тыквы.

Смешать 1 1/4 чашки муки, 2 столовые ложки сахара, 2 чайные ложки разрыхлителя, 1/2 чайной ложки корицы, 1/2 чайной ложки соли, 1/8 чайной ложки свеже натертого мускатного ореха. В отдельной посуде перемешать 1 чашку молока, 6 столовых ложек тыквенного пюре, 2 столовых ложки растопленного сливочного масла и 1 яйцо. К полученной жидкой смеси добавить смешанные сухие компоненты. Все хорошо перемешать до получения жидкого теста.

Нагреть масло в сковороде с антипригарным покрытием и выкладывать смесь столовой ложкой. Обжарить блинчики с двух сторон. Подавать со сметаной и фруктами.

Recipe from Martha Stewart Living

Better Bran Muffins

Better Bran Muffins

Makes 12 muffins
1 cup raisins, 1 teaspoon water, 2 1/4 cups All-Bran Original sereal. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 large egg, 1 large yolk, 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 tablespoonс molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 1 3/4 cups plain whole milk yogurt

Heat the oven to 400F. Spray standard-sized muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Combine raisins and water in small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic with paring knife, and microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Let stand, covered, until raisins are softened and plump, about 5 minutes. Transfer raisins to paper towel-lined plate to sool.

Process halp of bran cereal in food processor until finely ground, about 1 minute. Whisk flours, soda, and salt in large bowl to combine: set aside. Whisk egg and yolk together in medium bowl until well-combined. Add sugar, molasses, and vanilla. Add melted butter and whisk to combine; add yogurt and whisk to combine. Stir in processed cereal and unprocessed cereal; let misture sit until cereal is evenly moistened about 5 minutes.

Add wet ingridients to dry ones and gently mix with rubber spatula until batter is combines and evenly moistened. Do not overmix. Gently fold raisins into batter. Using 1/3 cup measure scoop, divide batter evenly among muffin cups, dropping batter to form mounds.

Bake until muffins are dark golden, rotating pan halfway through baking. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Classic bran muffins rely on unprocessed wheat bran, but our supermarket survey showed that few stores carry this specialized ingredient. We wanted to make a real bran muffin—a moist, hearty muffin redolent of bran's rich, earthy flavor—without tracking down unprocessed bran.

We turned to the cereal aisle of our store. Our first goal was to narrow down the bran cereal choices, which we classified as twigs, flakes, and granules. Twigs (especially Kellogg's All-Bran Original) gave our muffins the most robust bran flavor, but at first they didn't dissolve into the batter, even sticking out of the tops of the baked muffins. To get the chewy, rustic texture we wanted, we pulverized half of the cereal and kept the other half whole—the twigs softened perfectly in only five minutes. The other secrets proved to be relatively easy to unearth. Whole milk yogurt was the tasters' first choice for the moisture component. And replacing the baking powder with baking soda gave a coarser crumb that fit the rustic muffins. Our final challenge was the raisins. We found that to get them soft enough, we needed to plump them in the microwave with a little water before baking.

Recipe from Cook's

Chicken Marbella (simply the best even after 25 years)

Chicken Marbella (simply the best even after 25 years)

10 Servings
1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1 cup pitted prunes, 1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives, 1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice, 6 dried bay leaves, 1 head of garlic, peeled and finely puréed, 1/4 cup dried oregano (optional), Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 4 chickens (2 1/2 lbs. each), quartered, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup dry white wine1/4 cup Italian (flat-leaf) parsley or cilantro, finely chopped.

In a large bowl combine the olive oil, vinegar, prunes, olives, capers and juice, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover the bowl and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon the marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour the white wine around them.

Bake for 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. The chicken is done when the thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest part, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice.With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken, prunes, olives, and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pour the remaining pan juices into a sauceboat.

Note: To serve Chicken Marbella cold, cool to room temperature in the cooking juices before transferring the pieces to a serving platter. If the chicken has been covered and refrigerated, reheat it in the juices, then allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Spoon some of the reserved juice over chicken.


Курятина "Marbella"

1/2 чашки оливкового масла, 1/2 чашка уксуса из красного вина, 1 чашка чернослива, 1/2 чашки зеленых испанских оливок, 1/2 чашки консервированных каперсов, 1 зубец мелкo нарезанного чеснока, 1/4 чашка сухого орегано (по желанию), соль и перец по вкусу, 1.3 килограмма свежей курятины, 1 чашка коричневого сахара, 1 чашка сухого белого вина, 1/4 чашки мелко нарезанной петрушки, 6 лавровых листочков

В большой посудине смешать все ингридиенты (маринад), кроме вина и вложить куски свежей куратины. Все перемешать, накрыть крышкой и поставить в холодильник мариноваться на ночь.

Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Положить маринованные куски курятины на деко, выложить маринад на деко и залить оставшейся жидкостью, сверху посыпать коричневым сахаром и полить вином.

Запекать 1 час, поливая соком из того же дека. Вынуть из духовки, остудить и подавать в теплом виде.

Recipe from "Silver Palate" Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins

Once upon a time - about 25 years ago - a wondrous jewel of a food store opened on Manhattan's Upper West Side. It was christened The Silver Palate. Tiny though it was, the shop's gem-like offerings - from tempting salads to whole meals and heavenly desserts - quickly attracted customers from far and wide. The spot became a refuge for harried executives, neighborhood couples, families and solitary diners who yearned for exciting, honest foods but who didn't have lots of time to prepare them.

Для русско-язычной общины Нью-Йорка я рекомендую посетить магазин на Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Avocado-Cucumber Tomato Salad

Avocado-Cucumber Tomato Salad

Serves 6

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, 2 cucumbers, peeled, 2 cups chopped and seeded tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped red onions, 2 cups seeded and chopped avocados, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 cups chopped fresh greens leaves (my personal addition)
To make dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and avokado in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and feta cheese. Chill until serving.

Салат из авокадо, огурцов и помидор

На 6 порций.

3 столовые ложки свеже выжатого лимонного сока, 2 столовые ложки оливкового масла, 1 чайная ложка сахара, 1/4 чайной ложки соли, 1/4 чайной ложки свеже молотого перца, 2 чашки мелко нарезанных помидор, 1/4 чашки мелко нарезанного свежего красного лука, 2 чашки мелко нарезанного авокадо, 1/2 чашки крошек брынзы, 2 чашки нарезанных зеленых листьев салата.

Для соуса смешайте лимонный сок, оливковое масло, сахар, соль и перец. В отдельной посуде смешать огурцы, помидоры, лук, авокадо, листья салата. Смешать с соусом и посыпать брынзой. Дать постоять в холодильнике 30 минут до подачи.

From Lunds and Byerly's specialty gourmet foods stores

Freestyle Fruit Tart

Freestyle Fruit Tart
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 50 min

Makes: 8 servings, one slice each
1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3 cups sliced peaches(about 3 medium, you can choose any fruit you want instead of peaches)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon sugar (3/4 tsp. granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon)
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place pie crust in greased 10-inch pie plate. Carefully spread cream cheese in 6-inch circle in center of crust; set aside.
Toss plums with granulated sugar and flour; place over cream cheese. Gently fold edge of crust about 2 inches over peaches, leaving center of peaches uncovered. Prepare an egg wash from 1 egg and pour over the top. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over tart.

Bake 35 min. or until crust is golden brown and fruit juices are bubbly. Cool slightly before lifting out of pie plate. Cut into slices; top with whipped topping.


Быстрый открытый фруктовый пирог

Приготовление: 15 минут
Время выпечки: 35 минут
На 8 порций.

1 замороженный лист теста для "ready-to-use pie", 1/2 чашки сливочного сыра "PHILADELPHIA", 3 чашки тонко нашинкованных свежих фруктов (персики на картинке), 1/4 чашки сахара, 2 столовые ложки муки, 1 чайная ложка корицы (по желанию), 1 яйцо для смазки.

Разморозить тесто. Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Приготовить круглую форму для выпечки тортов или американского пая диаметром около 20 см. Аккуратно разложить тесто на дно и бока круглой формы. Фрукты обсыпать мукой, сахаром и перемешать. Выложить сливочный сыр на дно формы и равномерно распределить по всему дну. Сверху выложить приготовленные фрукты и прикрыть тестом, оставляя центр открытым. Помазать яйцом и посыпать сахаром, корицей (по желанию).

Запекать 35 минут до золотистого цвета. Вынуть из духовки, охладить и подавать со взбитыми сливками.

От еврейской мамы: из одной упаковки замороженного теста для американского пая получается 2 тарта на 16 порций. Это очень недорогой и вкусный дессерт, который к тому же готовится очень быстро. Тесто и сливочный сыр продаются в одном и том же отделе супермаркета. Фрукты и специи можно изменять по Вашему вкусу и сезону.

Recipe from www.kraftfoods.com

Lettuce with Oranges, Avocado & Shallot Vinaigrette

Lettuce with Oranges, Avocado & Shallot Vinaigrette
4 servings:

2 medium oranges, 1 head green romain lettuce, 1 medium shallot, finely diced; 1 large or 2 small avocados, peeled, pitted and diced; salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

Combine the oil, vinegar, shallot, salt and pepper to taste.
Using a paring knife, carve away the skin of an orange and finely dice. Inspect the lettuce: trim or discard bruised or damaged inner leaves. Cut Romaine lettuce into medium-size pieces. Combine lettuce, oranges bites, and avocado in a salad bowl and toss thoroughly. Pour a prepared dressing over and toss again. Taste and correct the oil, vinegar, or salt.

Салат из авокадо и апельсин
На 4 порции

2 средних по размеру апельсина, 1 головка зеленого салата ("romain lettuce"), 1 небольшая луковица, 1 большой или 2 маленьких плода авокадо, соль, перец, 1/4 чашки оливкового масла, 2 чайные ложки белого уксуса.

Мелко нарезать лук и перемешать с оливковым маслом, уксусом, щепоткой соли и перца. Дать соусу постоять 10 минут. За это время очистить апельсины от кожуры и мелко нарезать. Нарезать зеленый салат, авокадо очистить от кожуры и порезать на небольшие кубики. Все смешать, залить соусом и если необходимо добавить соли и перца.

Recipe from "The Zuni Cafe Cookbook" by Judy Rodgers

Lemon Loaf Cake (simply the best one)

Lemon Loaf Cake (simply the best one)

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes

This recipe from master baker Norman Love of the Ritz-Carlton brings us this rich, dense pound cake that gets its tang from lemon peel. Easy to make, it's a delightful addition to the holiday buffet and also great for gift giving.

4 eggs at room temperature, 1 1/3 cups sugar, pinch of salt, grated zest of 3 large lemons, 1 3/4 cups cake flour, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature, 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour, shaking out the excess.

Working in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt for just a minute, until foamy and smoothly blended; the mixture should not thicken. Whisk in the grated zest.
Spoon the flour and baking powder into a sifter and sift about a third of the dry ingredients over the foamy egg mixture. Whisk the flour into the eggs, mixing lightly - there's no need to beat. Sift the flour over the eggs in two more additions and whisk only until everything is incorporated. Whisk the heavy cream into the mixture. Switch to a rubber spatula and gently and quickly fold in the melted butter.

Baking the cake: Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pan - it will level itself - and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center of the cake crowns and cracks and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake to a cooling rack to rest for 10 minutes before unmolding. Cool to room temperature right side up on a rack.

You can serve this cake as soon as it cools, although there are those who believe that a pound cake needs a day to ripen.Spread with glaze and cover the top with chocolate sprinkles. Make a taste test for yourself. In any case, the cake should be sliced with a serrated knife and served in thin slices, a pair to a plate.

Storing: Once cooled, the cake should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for 3 or 4 days or, if double-wrapped, can be frozen for a month. Thaw, still wrapped, at room temperature.

Lemon glaze.
1 cup powdered sugar, juice of 1 lemon. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth

Лимонный кекс
4 яйца комнатной температуры, 1 1/3 чашки сахара, щепотка соли, свеже натертая цедра 3 лимонов, 1 3/4 чашки муки, 1/2 чайной лоцки разрыхлителя, 1/2 чашки сливок комнатной температуры, 5 1/2 столовых ложек сливочного масла предварительно растопленного и остуженного.

Нагреть духовку до 350Ф. Подготовить формочку для выпечки кексов (9х5 инчей).
Смешать вместе яйца, сахар и соль. Добавить цедру. Медленно добавить муку и разрыхлитель. В последнюю очередь добавить сливки и сливочное масло. Все хорошо перемешать, но взбивать не нужно.

Перелить жидкое тесто в формочку и печь 50 - 60 минут. Вынуть кекс и oстудить в течении 10 минут. Проготовить лимонную помадку: смешать 1 чашку сахарной пудры и свежий сок одного лимона. Залить верх торта. Посыпать шоколадной крошкой.
Этот кекс прекрасно сохраняется при комнатной температуре в течении 3-4 дней.

Recipe from "From Baking with Julia" by Dorie Greenspan