Tag: Quick

Brunch, Sweet Treats

Recipe—Peaches & Cream Cheesecake Bars

Diva di Cucina

The last few trips to the grocery store I have been overwhelmed with the smell of fresh peaches in the produce section. It’s peach season in California! Every summer I like to bake peach crisp and serve it a la mode. I love the combination of the sweet baked peaches with the creamy vanilla ice cream and the crispy strudel topping. I decided to mix it up this year with a new peach dessert that had all those same qualities.

This is a cool and refreshing peach dessert that combines the best of two worlds, a peach crisp and one of my other favorites, cheesecake! This was so quick and easy to put together. While it is rich enough to be a dessert I personally think it is equally perfect as a brunch item. It almost has the qualities of a peach danish, so why not have dessert for breakfast? You only live once!

INGREDIENTS
1 box dry yellow cake mix
1/3 c butter, room temperature
2 eggs
3 ripe peaches, sliced and peeled or one 29 oz can sliced peaches, drained
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • Spray a 7” x 11” baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl combine cake mix, butter, and 1 of the eggs.
  • Mix with a fork until nice and crumbly.
  • Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mix for your topping.
  • Evenly distribute the remaining crumb mixture in the greased pan and press into the bottom to make a crust
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Evenly distribute peach slices onto partially baked crust.
  • In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and the 1 remaining egg.
  • Beat using a mixer until creamy.
  • Pour mixture over the peaches and use a rubber spatula to help spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until crumb topping is a nice golden color.
  • Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  • Place in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Dinners, Sandwiches

Recipe—Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Diva di Cucina

When I was a very young girl I wasn’t a picky eater, but I certainly had my favorites. Whenever we went to a deli I ALWAYS ordered a ham sandwich with mayo on white bread. Yeah I was pretty adventurous. One day my dad took me to an Italian deli and I was devastated when they told me they didn’t have ham or white bread. I know what you are thinking, a deli with no ham or white bread?!? I looked at my dad with big eyes and I was at a complete loss as to what I should order. My dad made a decision and ordered me a French dip. I ate the whole thing in record speed and it was delicious! From that day on I had a new favorite sandwich.

If you have never had a French dip then you are missing out! A French dip is a hot sandwich made up of tender thinly sliced roasted beef on a roll and served with a cup of flavorful juice called au jus. You dip each bite of the sandwich in the au jus and take a bite of the juicy flavor packed beefy sandwich. Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering as I write this! This recipe takes my favorite popular sandwich and makes it cheap, easy, and convenient by cooking it in the crock-pot. The meat is incredibly flavorful and tender. It was a huge hit with my family. My hubby actually went back for seconds and then tried to snag our toddlers leftovers too. And I will say, my son was not having it. I only wish I made more because I would have loved to have some leftovers the next day.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2–3 lb chuck roast
garlic powder
Kosher salt and pepper
3 c beef broth
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
3/4 c red wine
French rolls
sliced provolone cheese (optional)

STEPS

  • Trim any excess fat from the meat.
  • Season the roast with garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
  • Spray crock-pot with non-stick cooking spray. (This makes clean up a breeze!)
  • In the crock-pot stir together broth, French onion soup, and red wine.
  • Add the seasoned roast to crock-pot.
  • Cook on low heat for 7–8 hours.
  • Remove roast from crock-pot and place on a cutting board.
  • Allow roast to sit for 10 minutes.
  • Using a ladle transfer half of the liquid (au jus) to a small saucepan.
  • Slice the roast (mine was falling apart tender so I ended up shredding it with a large fork) and return meat to crock-pot.
  • Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes while the meat soaks up some of the flavor packed juices.
  • Heat the au jus you removed from the crock-pot in the saucepan over low heat.
  • Lightly toast your rolls in the oven while meat is soaking and au jus is heating.
  • Using tongs squeeze excess juice from the meat and place on toasted rolls.
  • Top with cheese if desired.
  • Serve sandwich with a side of the au jus in a small bowl or ramekin for dipping.
  • Enjoy while hot and juicy!
Brunch, Dinners

Recipe—Chard and Mushroom Frittata

Diva di Cucina

By now you probably know, or have read that, I recently signed up for organic produce delivery. It’s always fun trying to come up with recipes that utilize as many of the ingredients as possible. I feel like I’m on an episode of Food Network’s Chopped. One of my latest boxes included red chard, crimini mushrooms, and green onions. As soon as I saw the produce I knew I had to make a frittata.

A frittata is an Italian version of an omelet and it somehow seems much fancier. Rather than having the ingredients as a filling like an omelet, a frittata’s ingredients are mixed into the eggs. Frittatas are typically started on the stovetop, finished in the oven, and served as slices. While it is typical to cook a frittata in a cast iron skillet I use a pie dish. Frittatas are fabulous in that they can be served for any meal and they are great for reheating. A frittata can be made up of any combination of ingredients so have some fun and get creative.

One of the many benefits of a frittata is that it’s a great way to get in some vegetables. Frittatas are low carb and are a healthy alternative to a cheesy omelet. I made this for dinner along with some sourdough toast and it was so quick and easy. Swiss chard is one of my favorite leafy vegetables and it is a fabulous source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It goes great when sautéed with garlic and is a wonderful complement to the earthy flavor of crimini mushrooms. I was very pleased with how this recipe turned out and will most certainly be making it again.

 Note: If chard is not available, spinach is a great substitute. 

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp olive oil
2 c crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 bunch red chard, thoroughly washed
8 eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 green onions, sliced
salt and pepper
1/2 c Parmesan cheese

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • Separate the stems from the leaves of the chard.
  • Roll the leaves of the chard up together and slice into strips about a 1/2” wide.
  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until mushrooms are soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the chard to the skillet and cook until limp but still a bright green color, about 4 minutes.
  • Remove skillet from heat and transfer veggies to a greased pie dish making sure that the veggies are distributed evenly.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, milk, green onions, and salt and pepper.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the veggies making sure that the mixture covers the dish completely.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until eggs appear set.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese and finish under the broiler for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for a minute.
  • Cut into slices and serve.
Sweet Treats

Recipe—Oreo Truffles

Diva di Cucina

This year for my birthday a very fabulous friend of mine made these for me after she heard me mention that Oreos were my favorite cookies. They were delicious! Eating these is like eating Oreos dipped in milk. They are rich, creamy, and addictive! They are incredibly easy to make and best of all require no baking! Be sure to keep them refrigerated since they have the cream cheese mixed in. If you are an Oreo addict like me, you will love these! Heck, even if you aren’t, you will still probably love them. Best of luck trying to only eat one!

Note: I used candy wafers for dipping because I think they harden up nicely. If you are unable to find the candy wafers at the store try white chocolate chips. Chocolate chips can be melted in a double boiler or in the microwave. If melting in the microwave heat in 30 second increments stirring with a fork between each heating session until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick for coating add a teaspoon of melted butter and mix in.

INGREDIENTS
1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
4 oz cream cheese, softened
12 oz vanilla flavored white candy wafers

STEPS

  • Using a blender or food processor chop the Oreos adding a handful at a time until the entire package is finely crumbled.
  • Set aside about 4 tablespoons of the finely chopped Oreos to be sprinkled on top for garnish.
  • In a medium bowl mix the cream cheese and Oreos until thoroughly combined. (Add more cream cheese if the dough isn’t sticking together.)
  • Roll the dough into balls about 1” in diameter and place on a wax paper covered baking sheet.
  • Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes allowing the truffles to chill.
  • After the balls are firm melt the wafers according to the package instructions.
  • Dip each ball into the melted wafers and turn until evenly coated and place back on the wax paper covered baking sheet. (I find using a fork works great to remove the balls from the melted wafers so that the extra chocolate can drip off between the prongs.)
  • Sprinkle the dipped truffles with the extra crushed Oreos that you set aside before the coating hardens.
  • Place the cookie sheet in the fridge to set.
  • Pour yourself a big glass if milk and enjoy!
Dinners

Recipe—Creamy Mushroom Artichoke Chicken

Diva di Cucina

This is a quick and simple chicken recipe that is easy enough to enjoy mid-week after work and impressive enough to serve up at a dinner party. Every time I have made this, my guests and family have “cleaned” their plates. It is a lovely creamy comfort dish that has loads of flavor. The Italian dressing from the marinated chicken and the capers give the dish a nice little zest and goes with the earthy mushroom flavor nicely. I love it served with rice or potatoes. You just will want to put this rich sauce over everything on your plate. Mmmmmm… If you actually have any leftovers they are great for lunch the next day! My work days always seem better when I know I will have a yummy lunch to enjoy later.

Note: If you are short on time you can cut the chicken into 1” cubes and it will cook much quicker.

INGREDIENTS
1 c Italian dressing
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 
tbsp butter, divided
8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
3 
tbsp rice vinegar
1 pt whipping cream
3 
tbsp capers, drained
1/4 
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6.5 oz jar artichoke hearts, drained

 STEPS

  • Marinade your chicken breasts in the Italian dressing for at least 1 hour.
  • Using a large skillet melt 1 tbsp of the butter over medium-high heat and cook mushrooms until brown and tender, about 5–10 minutes.
  • Remove mushrooms from skillet and place to the side.
  • Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet and add the chicken breasts.
  • Cook the chicken for 10–18 minutes or until no longer pink, turning occasionally.
  • Transfer chicken to a serving dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Remove skillet from heat and add the vinegar, stirring to loosen all the browned bits in the bottom of the skillet.
  • Return skillet to low heat and stir in cream, capers, and pepper.
  • Bring sauce to a boil and cook uncovered until thickened, about 4–6 minutes.
  • Return mushrooms to skillet and add artichoke hearts heating through.
  • Pour the creamy sauce over your chicken breasts and serve immediately. 
Salads, Side Dishes

Recipe—Classic Macaroni Salad

Diva di Cucina

Who doesn’t love good ol’ fashioned macaroni salad? It is a staple at summer bbqs and is the ultimate in summertime comfort food. With 4th of July right around the corner I thought that this would be a fabulous recipe to share. This macaroni salad is so basic and easy but it is still out of this world. It has just the right amount of creaminess. There is something about the way the vinegar breaks down the mayonnaise that makes it just right. The veggies give the salad the perfect amount of crunch to complement the soft noodles. I could seriously eat this stuff every day. It’s one item that I don’t think I could ever get sick of. This is a recipe that will suit everyone at your next gathering. Be sure to try this before summer ends. I have a feeling you will be happy you did.

Note: Be sure not to overcook your pasta or your salad will turn to complete mush. Once your pasta is cooked al dente, drain it in a colander and run cold water over the noodles to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. When you add the dressing it may seem too saucy but don’t fret. The pasta will end up soaking up quite a bit of the moisture once it chills in the fridge. Another important reason you don’t want your pasta overcooked. If it seems dry the next day just stir in some additional mayonnaise. 

INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 c mayonnaise
2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 lb macaroni, cooked and drained
1 c celery, sliced
1/2 c green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c green onion, chopped
1/2 c sliced black olives

STEPS

  • Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to make your creamy dressing.
  • Pour dressing over cooked noodles and stir in all remaining ingredients. (I like to leave out a few black olives and green onions to garnish the top of the salad with.)
  • Cover and chill until ready to eat.
Dinners

Recipe—Shrimp Tacos

Diva di Cucina

Seafood and Mexican are a match made in heaven. Throw in a margarita or Corona with lime and I am in heaven! For how delicious this recipe is you would think it would take longer to make, but that is not the case. It is relatively easy and comes together very quickly. The shrimp are so good that when I am on a low-carb diet I just eat a bowl of the shrimp with cheese and avocado. This meal is light, refreshing, and yummy in my tummy. Add my mango salsa and it’s a flavor explosion. I hope you enjoy the tacos as much as my family does. Buen provecho!

Note: This recipe is written for tacos but sometimes I use large tortillas filled with black beans and rice for some awesome burritos.

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp olive oil
1 c white onion, chopped
2–3 serrano chilies, deseeded and thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp garlic, minced
2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 c fresh cilantro, chopped
kosher salt
tortillas, warmed
2 limes

SOME FABULOUS GARNISHES
shredded  pepper jack cheese
guacamole or sliced avocado
sour cream
mango salsa (see recipe below)
pico de gallo

STEPS

  • Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
  • Add onions and chiles and cook stirring frequently until onions are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove vegetables from heat and place in a small dish to the side.
  • Melt butter in the frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Add shrimp to pan and cook until bright pink and no longer translucent. (Cooking time will vary based on the size of your shrimp. Cut to test and be sure they are cooked in the middle.)
  • Return cooked vegetables to your pan and stir in with shrimp.
  • Add cilantro, salt, and the juice from one lime.
  • Put shrimp into the tortillas and serve with a slice of lime on the side.

See my mango salsa recipe here for a great pairing with these tacos:
https://divadicucina.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/recipe-mango-salsa/

Beverages

Recipe—Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Diva di Cucina

Over the weekend I went to my little sister’s house and found that she had the most beautiful citrus trees in her yard. You could just smell the refreshing scent of lemons from a distance. It brought back memories of drinking ice-cold glasses of lemonade with my grandpa as a child. During the summer when we would go for visits he would have a pitcher ready to go in the fridge. It was the most fabulous drink you could ever imagine. Nothing beats it on a hot summer day. Fresh squeezed lemonade truly is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. After lightening the load on my sister’s lemon tree I left with an overflowing bag of beautiful yellow fruit. The smell of citrus wafted through my car the entire drive home. I could not wait to make my son his first ever glass of real lemonade. It was better than I remembered. Over the Memorial Day weekend we went through two entire pitchers of pure deliciousness and almost every glass I had brought back those memories with my grandpa. My son and I loved it! We sat on the patio outside and sipped our lemonade in true summer fashion.

Note: I found that on average 10 lemons produce about 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice. If you’re not a fan of pulp, pour your fresh squeezed juice through a sheet of cheesecloth to filter some of it out. For an adult twist on the perfect summer beverage add a shot of your favorite vodka or Bacardi Limón. Delish!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 c fresh squeezed lemon juice
6 c cold water
1 c sugar
1 lemon sliced with seeds removed.

STEPS 

  • Combine lemon juice, water, and sugar.
  • Stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add sliced lemon.
  • Chill.
  • Serve over ice.
  • Relax and enjoy!
Sweet Treats

Recipe—Strawberry Pie

Diva di Cucina

It’s strawberry season in California! It’s the time of year when you can find those big delicious bright red berries everywhere you look. At your grocery store, the farmer’s market, and sometimes even on your drive on backcountry roads. I grew up eating strawberries by the basketful. No seriously. Ask my mom. We used to have to get two baskets at the store just so one of them would make it home. I remember sitting in the front seat of the car on our drive home from the store and emptying one of those little green baskets. I would be covered in sticky sweet red berry juice.  Ahhhh… sweet memories. Speaking of, what ever happened to those green baskets? They were the best for crafts! Sorry, I’m getting off track. I love strawberries! That’s my point here.

This strawberry pie recipe is so perfect for the summer. I believe this pie coined the term, “easy as pie,” because anyone can make it, and in minutes at that. It is so refreshing and light and perfect for your next summer gathering. Heck, it’s perfect for any day of the week! You won’t need a special occasion for this refreshing and oh so delicious pie.

INGREDIENTS
1 sheet of refrigerated piecrust at room temperature
1 1/2 pints ripe strawberries
1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 c water
1/2 c sugar
1 pint heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 450º.
  • Unroll your piecrust and line a pie dish with a single sheet.
  • Pierce the bottom of your piecrust with a fork several times.
  • Bake at 450º for 9–11 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  • While piecrust is cooling thinly slice your berries.
  • In a medium saucepan mix the package of Jell-O with the cornstarch.
  • Add the water and sugar to pan.
  • Cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally until boiling.
  • Add the sliced berries to your piecrust making sure that they are evenly distributed.
  • Pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries.
  • Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow to chill for 4–5 hours or until it sets.
  • Before serving the pie, prepare your whip cream by mixing the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla using a hand mixer. Mix on high speed for 2–3 minutes or until desired thickness.
  • Top pie with your homemade whip cream.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Appetizers, Dinners, Sauces

Recipe—Chinese Chicken Meatballs with a Sesame Garlic Hoisin Sauce

Diva di Cucina

I saw a recipe for Asian meatballs made with pork and beef the other day and I thought that a great way to cut some of the calories would be to make something similar but with ground chicken. Two of my son’s favorite meals are chicken teriyaki and spaghetti with meatballs. You should have seen the size of his eyes when I told him we were having Chinese chicken meatballs. His eyes got really big and his mouth dropped open. I think he was excited for the marriage of two of his fave dishes. He really liked the sauce and gobbled dinner up. I served these over rice with steamed veggies but they would also make an excellent appetizer. I must admit the sauce really makes this recipe. It has so many different flavors in it. It really gets your taste buds going. This recipe is fairly quick and very easy. With the number of meatballs it makes it ended up being enough for two dinners so I have some in the freezer ready for a quick and easy dinner in a few weeks.

Note: Toss the cooked meatballs in a crock-pot and double up the sauce, heat on low and you have an awesome and healthy appetizer that will stay warm for hours.

MEATBALL INGREDIENTS
2 lbs ground chicken
2 tsp sesame oil
2 c panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 eggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c green onions, thinly sliced
salt
sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

SAUCE INGREDIENTS
2/3 c hoisin sauce
1/4 c rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until well combined.
  • Using an oversized spoon scoop about a ¼ cup worth of the meat mixture and shape into round meatballs. (Mine end up being about 1 1/4″ in diameter. This will yield about 28–32 meatballs.)
  • Place the formed meatballs in a large lightly greased baking dish.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until balls are lightly browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
  • While your meatballs are baking put all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until well blended.
  • Pour the sauce over the hot meatballs and garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.