Monday, July 28, 2008

strawberry, walnut, & lemon quick bread

[Recipe adapted from Joy of Baking]

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbs grated lemon zest
1/2 c milk
1 1/2 c fresh strawberries (or other berry), chopped
1 c walnuts (or other nut), chopped


Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add 1/3 of the flour to the wet ingredients, then mix. Add 1/2 the milk, and mix. Repeat until the flour and milk have been completely incorporated. Fold in the strawberries and the walnuts, making sure to avoid smushing the strawberries.

Cook for about 1hr in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven. When the bread is done, poke the entire top with a fork. Top with lemon sugar syrup (1/3 cup sugar + 3 tbs fresh lemon juice, stir over medium heat in a saucepan until all of the sugar has dissolved).

Friday, July 18, 2008

fall / early winter israeli couscous salad

israeli couscous
sweet potato or butternut squash, diced
dried cranberries (golden raisins can be substituted)
toasted slivered almonds
chickpeas
shallot, diced finely, sauteed until soft in some butter or olive oil + chili flakes
spring onion, chopped
parsley, finely chopped
moroccan spice mix or garam masala (or cinnamon & nutmeg)
olive oil
salt & pepper


*post dedicated to anna antoniak

summer israeli couscous salad

equal parts israeli cous cous and green lentils
spring onion, chopped
celery, chopped
dried cranberries
slivered toasted almonds
parsley, finely chopped
olive oil
lemon juice
salt & pepper