May 13, 2018

Hummus

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Hummus

May 13/21: International Hummus Day

We like to snack on chips and dips, such as tortillas y salsa or potato crisps and creamy cheese spreads. But lately we have been eating baked pita chips with hummus as it is heartier and healthier.

Made with mashed chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and flavored with a few other simple ingredients, this Middle Eastern staple can be found pre-packaged at many grocery stores. But it is very easy to make at home and tastes much better and fresher than store-bought brands. Some creative cooks even make hummus with other ingredients, such as pinto beans, zucchini and roasted red pepper.

We stuck to the classic recipe for our blog post today in observance of Hummus Day, which can be celebrated either on May 13 or May 21.

Recipe

(Adapted from Food Network)

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas/garbanzo beans
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup tahini/sesame paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • paprika (optional)

Directions

Drain the cans of chickpeas, reserving some of the liquid. Remove and discard any of the remaining skins on the chickpeas.

Place the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, cumin and garlic in a blender or food process. Pulse until smooth. While running the motor, slowly pour in the olive oil. Puree until smooth. Season with salt. Add 2 tablespoons at a time of the chickpea liquid and blend to the desired consistency. Transfer to a small bowl. Sprinkle paprika, a little olive oil and a few whole chickpeas on top for garnish. Serve with pita bread or chips.

Notes

 

 

May 11, 2018

Mocha Brownie Torte

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Brownie Mocha Torte

May 11: National Mocha Torte Day

Now that we do not live in the same Texas city anymore as Islander’s brother Kahuna, we try to visit whenever we can and stay over at each other’s homes—except he lives in a religious community of priests and brothers, whereas our house is just the Highlander and Islander Inn. Fortunately there are guest rooms at their house and we are always welcome to stay there and join them for prayers and meals. So what is the compensation for our free room and board? Merely show up with something sweet, such as brownie mocha torte, and we are greeted at the door with big smiles from everyone! Kahuna’s community loves chocolate and this delicious dessert pays fits the bill with its nutty crunch and fudgy layers sandwiched between a coffee-and-cream flavored filling. We confess that this brownie mocha torte is both sinfully rich but heavenly tasting (but we can do some penance at the in-house chapel and campus gym across the street later).

Brownie mocha torte is a nice dessert to share with family and friends and perfect for observing National Mocha Torte Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

  • 2 family size (13 x 9 inch) package chocolate brownie mix
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (we used macadamias), toasted and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee (we used Kona coffee granules)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (we used C&H brand)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • chocolate curls or chips (optional garnish)

Directions

Toast the nuts and cool them. Set aside. In a large bowl, stir the water in the brownie mix. Blend well.

Beat in the eggs and oil. Add the chopped, cooled nuts. Divide the brownie batter into two greased 8-inch round pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Horizontally slice the brownies in half to make four layers. Place the bottom layer on a cake plate, board or platter. Set aside the three other layers.

In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee granules with brown sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla. Fold in the coffee-sugar mixture. Beat again until stiff.

Spread a quarter of the filling mixture on the bottom layer of the brownie. Place a brownie layer on top. Spread another quarter of the filling mixture onto this layer. Place another brownie layer on top. Repeat with the last layer. Frost the top layer with the remaining filling (or decorate with swirls using a star tip). Sprinkle the top with chocolate curls or chips. Cover and refrigerate to set. Before serving, remove from the refrigerator and let thaw for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • There are different definitions of torte. As a noun, a torte is a rich European-style cake made with many eggs and little flour and usually containing chopped nuts (this recipe contains just two eggs, some flour mixed with chocolate/cocoa powder and chopped nuts). As an adjective, a torte is a multi-layered cake (this recipe has four layers).
  • Search our blog for more chocolate recipes under the Theme Menus option.

 

 

May 7, 2018

Beignets

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Beignets

May 7: Founding of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana (1718)

At Islander’s first professional convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, some years ago, event organizers planned a welcome reception with a sampling of the city’s most popular foods. From jambalaya, gumbo, étouffée and po’boys to king’s cakes, bread pudding, pralines and beignets, the host committee showed the best of their southern hospitality.

Since Islander loves donuts (she even gave up Krispy Kremes for Lent once!!!)—malasadas, andagi, pączki, sopaipillas, cronuts, etc.—she immediately loved the beignets. Many cultures have deep fried dough (donuts) sweetened with a topping or filling. Beignets are typically covered in a blizzard of powdered sugar, although she has tried mini versions with a honey dipping sauce.

Beignet boxed mixes are sold at some grocery stores now but these fabulous French-style fritters can be made at home anytime. We make them for Mardi Gras but they can be prepared to commemorate the founding of NOLA! Bon appétit!

Recipe

(Adapted from What’s Cooking America)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water, lukewarm
  • ¼ cup sugar, white granulated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, room temperature, beaten
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups flour (all-purpose or bread)
  • 3 teaspoons yeast, instant active
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • powdered sugar for the topping

Directions

In a mixer bowl, dissolve the sugar into the lukewarm water. Add the salt, beaten egg and evaporated milk.

Stir in the butter. Add flour and yeast. Use the dough hook attachment to mix until smooth.

On a lightly-oiled, clean surface, turn out the dough and shape into a ball. Place in a large, lightly-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. On a floured, clean surface, turn out the dough and roll out to ½-inch thickness.

Cut the flattened dough into 3-inch squares. Deep fry in vegetable oil at 350 degrees, browning both sides until it rises to the surface and puffs up (about 3 minutes). Transfer the beignets to drain on paper towels. While still warm, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Serve immediately. Yield: Approximately 1 ½ – 2 dozen beignets.

Notes

  • The dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before rolling out, punch down again before cutting into squares for frying. The dough can also be frozen. Roll and cut into squares then freeze between parchment or wax paper and place flat in plastic zipper bags.
  • Search our blog for other donut and Mardi Gras recipes.

 

 

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