Nicole

Butterfly

Butterfly – A method of cutting meats so that it will lay flat and even. Difficult to describe without visual effects, but the meat is sliced in the center, without going all the way through, and opened to lay flat like the wings of a butterfly. In larger cuts, it is sliced in increments from middle to either side, and the flaps are opened like the pages of a book.

Source: http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html#B

Nicole

Crêpe

 Whether indulged as dessert, breakfast, or as a snack, savory, or sweet… a  crêpe, a French paper-thin pancake is a perfect dish anytime…any type.

1 c All-Purpose Flour

1/2 c plus 2 tbls. Water

1/2 cup Milk

3 Large Eggs

2 tbls. unsalted Butter, melted and cooled, plus some for the pan

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 Bananas

Nutella

Powdered Sugar

Whipped Cream, Optional

Strawberries

1 tsp. Granulated Sugar

Blueberries

In a blender or food processor blend flour, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, milk, eggs, butter, and salt for 5 seconds. Turn the motor off and scrape sides down, with a rubber spatula. Transfer the batter into a bowl and let it stand, covered, for 1 hour.

The batter may be made up to one day in advance. Heat a 7 to 8-inch crepe or non-stick skillet over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking and remove from heat. Brush the pan as necessary with butter. Stir the batter, half fill a 1/4 cup measure with it, and pour the batter into the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan quickly to cover the bottom with a thin layer of batter and return any excess batter to the bowl. Return the pan to the heat, loosen the edge of the crêpe with a spatula, and cook the crêpe until the under side is browned lightly. Turn the crêpe, brown the other side lightly and transfer to a plate. Crêpes can be made in advance, stacked, wrapped in plastic and stored refrigerated for 3 days or frozen.

To assemble crêpe you will need to prepare fruits. To slice strawberries, slice in half, in half again then thinly slice sideways. Place in a bowl and add granulated sugar, and mix, this is called masquerading. For bananas just slices them, looking just like coins. Set fruits aside. Then thinly spread a layer of Nutella on Crêpe. On a quarter of the crepe, Nutella side up add bananas. Fold in half, and fold in half again. Place on plate, then add a spoonful of strawberries, then scatter on some blueberries. Dallop some whipped cream on top and through a sifter, tap on top, and serve.

crepe-sm.jpg

Nicole

Babysitting my Bros!!!

I had the responsibility to take care of my little brothers, while my parents were out  – although grandma and grandpa were there just in case. It was the hardest thing you could do, especially with parents out, and taking care of  3 little wild boys. It was soon getting late, and our parents were still not here, so I had to make dinner on my own, beside watching my brothers. More hard work on top of more hard work!!! For dinner I steamed a fillet of tilapia fish, topped with lemon juice, capers, salt, and Mrs.Dash Seasoning (Onion, Black Pepper, Parsley, Celery Seed, Basil, Bay, Marjoram, Coriander, Oregano, Savory, Thyme, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin, Mustard, Rosemary, Garlic, Orange Peel, Tomato, Lemon Juice Powder, Citric Acid, Oil of Lemon) served on a bed of  mixed greens, seasoned with salt and pepper. As soon as mom and dad came, the tilapia was perfectly done.  We then all enjoyed the meal, together, as a family!

steamed-tilapia-sm.jpg

Nicole

Brown

Brown – Generally, when a recipe says to “brown”, it refers to cooking quickly in a hot pan, on the grill or under a broiler until all sides turn golden or brown in color. The purpose is to seal in the juices and add flavor.

Source: http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html#B

Nicole

Bread

Bread – The process of adding a coating to foods, usually for frying or baking. The food is usually first dipped in flour, then a mixture of egg and water, and finally very fine bread crumbs, corn meal or cracker crumbs. It’s a good idea to let the coated food refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before frying to ensure that the coating will stick.

Source: http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html

Nicole

Happy Father’s Day!!!

My Father’s Day was the best! I spent it at my grandparents house, with my loving family as well as my cousins and their family. I decided to make a D-A-D cake which I got in http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50245. I tweaked so that I made it my version all by scratch. Instead of making it a chocolate cake a made it a plain vanilla cake.  Since the website’s batter was too small to fit the father’s huge appetites and the other guests’, I had to double it. Instead of chocolate icing I replaced it with homemade vanilla whip cream, and I made it a bit more healthy by adding assorted fruits and slivered almonds. Every one enjoyed the cake, especially the event, where the whole family gets together and celebrates our loving father, or to me fathers. This picture is with my dad (left), grandpa (right), and I (middle) holding the cake.

dad-cake-sm.jpg   fathers-day-cake-sm.jpg

Hope all you fathers enjoyed your special day, Happy Father’s Day!!!

Nicole

Braise

Braise – To cook slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot. Foods are usually browned prior to braising to add flavor. Braising can be done on top of the stove or in an oven, depending on the recipe.

Source: http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html

Nicole

Boil

Boil – To heat liquids until bubbles form on the surface, and then to keep it at that temperature during the cooking process.

Source:

http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html

Nicole

Blend

Blend – To mix ingredients just until thoroughly combined. Not originally meant to be prepared in a blender, but can be in some recipes.

Source: http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html

Nicole

Blanche

Blanche – To partially cook food, usually vegetables or fruit, in boiling water or steam. Immediately after blanching, vegetables are usually placed in ice water to stop the cooking and set the color.

Source:

http://teriskitchen.com/glossary-a.html



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