Tag: Easy

Appetizers, Sauces

Recipe—Mango Salsa

Diva di Cucina

I have traveled to the Hawaiian Islands several times and I can’t even begin to describe how incredible the regional cuisine is. Hawaii is known for it’s tropical fruits grown in rich volcanic soil and some of the best quality fish in the world. Every time I make this vibrant colored salsa it takes me back to the islands. It goes great served with just tortilla chips, but pairs incredibly well with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, and crab cakes. Another favorite way to dish it up is over warmed Brie served with Triscuits. It may seem like more of a summer recipe, but I enjoy making it year round. Mix yourself up a refreshing Mai Tai and pretend like you are on an island getaway while you are enjoying this tropical treat.

INGREDIENTS
2 mangos, diced
1 jalapeño, diced (deseed the pepper if you don’t want it to be too hot)
1/4 red bell pepper, diced
1 green onion, chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp sugar
pinch of salt

STEPS

  • Mix together mangos, jalapeño, red bell pepper, green onion, and cilantro.
  • In a separate small bowl mix together lemon juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  • Pour liquid mixture over salsa and mix well.
  • Cover and allow to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

See my crab cake recipe here for a great pairing for this mango salsa (skip the spicy remoulade if serving with the mango salsa):
https://divadicucina.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/recipe-crab-cakes-with-spicy-remoulade/

Dinners

Recipe—Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Diva di Cucina

During the cold winter months I am a glutton for comfort foods. One of my favorite comfort foods is a big serving of rich and creamy beef stroganoff. Beef stroganoff is a traditional Russian dish typically made up of pieces of beef in a sour cream based sauce. I love that this recipe is not only delicious, but also really quick and easy. And what’s not appealing about a dinner that can be made in one pot? This makes after dinner dishes and cleanup a breeze. Beef stroganoff is filling and the leftovers are just as good as the night you made it.

Note: Be sure you use thinly sliced beef so that it doesn’t become tough.

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
1 c chopped onion
2 c sliced mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp flour
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 (14 1/2 oz) can beef broth
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp paprika
12 oz bag egg noodles, uncooked
1 1/2 c water
3/4 c sour cream

STEPS

  • Heat oil in large deep skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic until tender.
  • Add meat and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
  • Mix in flour.
  • Stir in peppers, beef broth, mustard, and paprika and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Add noodles and water and again bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in sour cream and cook for an additional minute heating through.
Side Dishes

Recipe—Oven Roasted Zucchini

Diva di Cucina

Zucchini is definitely one of my favorite vegetables. I find that it goes great with all types of protein and is even a nice way to top off a pasta dish. This is one of my favorite ways to serve zucchini. It is relatively quick and easy, and of course delicious. You just toss it in the oven while whipping up the rest of dinner. The thyme is a great compliment to the zucchini and adds a nice blast of flavor.

INGREDIENTS
4 zucchini, sliced
1 white onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
salt and pepper to taste

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 425º.
  • Toss together zucchini, onion, olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper on a baking sheet.
  • Roast 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Sweet Treats

Recipe—Peanut Butter Cookies

Diva di Cucina

With the holidays taking up so much of our time I love having a quick and easy cookie recipe that I can whip up in no time. Plus, these are inexpensive to make. You can probably even find all of the ingredients in your pantry at home. This is a classic peanut butter cookie that goes fantastic with a big cup of milk. These cookies turn out soft but still have a slight crumble. The fork marks add a nice decorative touch, but aren’t necessary. I hope you and your families enjoy these melt in your mouth cookies!

Note: For a little extra something try adding in peanut butter chips, M&Ms, or topping each cookie with a Hershey’s kiss. 

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c softened butter
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Sugar for sprinkling on top

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • Mix together the first six ingredients.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Roll into balls and place at least an inch and a half apart on a greased cookie sheet.
  • Press down with a fork leaving hatch marks on top.
  • Sprinkle cookies with sugar.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes.