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Fresh Basil Pesto

Fresh Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is a newer staple in my fridge.  It is something I can quickly whip up and use in so many different recipes.  Keep it in an air tight container or jar, drizzle some olive oil on top, and it will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.  You can also freeze it for months.  The easiest way to freeze it, is in smaller portions.  Section it out in an ice cube tray, then when it’s frozen transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.  Nuke it for 15 seconds in the microwave to quickly thaw.

Use this basil for a thin pizza sauce, toss with pasta, top some chicken, flavor a pastry and more.  In the near future I’ll be sharing some ways I’ve used the basil pesto.  As for now, I’ll leave you with the recipe I use to make mine.  Remember, pesto is always made “to taste”.  So, take away and add at your pleasure.

Fresh Basil Pesto

Printable Recipe

1 cup packed fresh basil
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 to 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Add basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulsate until thoroughly mixed. Slowly add the oil and pulsate until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Store in an air-tight container. Drizzle olive oil on top to keep fresh. Will keep for a few weeks in the fridge.

To freeze: Section pesto into ice cube tray and freeze. When frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for 3-6 months.

Source: Adapted from Savory Sweet Life

Cajun Fries

Cajun Fries
These fries are based on a local burger joint that Ben and I frequent.  They make their fries freshly cut and sprinkled with Cajun seasoning.  I decided to use my leftover potatoes (from this soup) and whip up some Oven-Baked French Fries to go with our Cornflake Chicken Strips the other day for lunch. Then, I remembered that I recently bought some Cajun seasoning for this Cajun Chicken Pasta dish and therefore could make my own Cajun fries!  Once I came to that realization, I jumped up with joy!

Just follow the recipe for Oven-Baked French Fries and add Cajun seasoning to the fries before baking.  You can control the heat by increasing or reducing the amount you sprinkle on.  Ben loved these and couldn’t get enough.  I loved them, too, but next time I need to remember to make half of the pan spicier than the other as it was a little too much heat for me!

Cajun Fries

Printable Recipe

Potatoes (Idaho or Russet)
Olive Oil
Salt, to taste
Cajun Seasoning, to taste

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.  Place oven shelf on second to highest rack.

Peel potatoes and cut into thin fry slices. Place the potatoes into a bowl with cold water as you cut them; this will help keep the fries crisp and white. Just before cooking, drain water and pat dry with paper towel. Put in a bowl; add olive oil, salt and seasoning. Toss well and lay out in single layer on nonstick baking sheet. Bake until light brown and crispy, about 30 to 40 minutes, turning frequently.

Toss with more seasoning as desired.

Source: Pennies on a Platter

Baked Bananas with Cinnamon Ice Cream

Plátanos al Horno
This was my favorite dish of my party.  Probably because I’m a dessert girl, and I love baked bananas!  However, this cinnamon ice cream surprised me on how creamy and delectable it turned out to be!  Paired with the baked bananas, it was a fantastic treat and I wished it wasn’t just a tapas sized portion.  My plate was empty in seconds.  Next time, I’ll bring on the huge bowl!

You’ll be astonished at how easy this ice cream is to make, as long as you have an ice cream machine.  I have this fairly inexpensive one and use it all the time.  If you love ice cream, I highly recommend you get your own ice cream maker, and pick up a copy of David Lebovitz’ book “The Perfect Scoop”, as his ice cream recipes seem to rise above the rest. I’ve also got my eyes on this gelato book, which can also be made in your ice cream maker!

Make the ice cream a day ahead to let the cinnamon flavor blend in.  Serve immediately on the warm bananas, but also eat it immediately or you’ll be drinking your ice cream!

Baked Bananas with Cinnamon Ice Cream

Printable Recipe

For the Cinnamon Ice Cream

1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
ten 3-inch (8-cm) cinnamon sticks, broken up
2 cups heavy cream
5 large egg yolks

Warm the milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon sticks and 1 cup of the cream in a medium saucepan. Once warm, cover, remove from the heat, and let steep at room temperature for 1 hour.

Rewarm the cinnamon-infused milk mixture. Remove the cinnamon sticks with a slotted spoon and discard them or save them for garnish and presentation. Pour the remaining 1 cup cream into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.

Stir the mixture constanly over medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula. Pour the custard through the strainer and into the cream. Stir until cool over an ice bath.

Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For the Baked Bananas

bananas
orange zest from 1 orange
juice from 1 orange
brown sugar
stick butter (preferably unsalted, sweet cream)

Preheat oven to 400˚F.  Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Peel the bananas and cut horizontally in half, then again vertically in half, so there are four pieces per banana.  Place the bananas in the baking pan in a single layer, cut side up. Pour the juice evenly over the bananas, then sprinkle on the zest and brown sugar.  Dot on the butter and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with a scoop of Cinnamon Ice Cream.

Source:  Cinnamon Ice Cream adapted from “The Perfect Scoop” by David Lebovitz, Baked Bananas adapted from Epicurious

Cheese & Olives Empanadillas

Cheese & Olive Empanadillas
When I first saw this recipe, I backed away because it included canned anchovies…yuck!  But, I was so wanting to make these that I kept the recipe and just made a few alterations, including eliminating the anchovies and replacing with artichokes (because I love artichokes.)

These have a unique and very flavorful taste.  I loved them because they were different.  You can prep these a day in advance and bake when you’re ready! If you just use pre-made frozen puff pastry, they are a cinch to put together.  They look so cute on the serving platter, too!

This is another dish you can serve at your Super Bowl party this weekend, that will wow your guests and have them asking “what’s in these!?”

Cheese & Olives Empanadillas

Printable Recipe

1 – 2 cups shredded Mexican flavor cheese
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
7 oz canned artichokes, drained and chopped (1/2 of 13.75 oz can)
pepper
2 Tbsp tomato paste
flour for dusting
4 sheets frozen puff pastry
egg glaze (egg yolk + 1 Tbsp water, beaten)

Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine all chopped ingredients in a bowl and mix gently. Stir in the cheese and tomato paste.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry. Cut into circles about 3 1/4-inch diameter.

Place 1 tsp of prepared filling equally in the center of each pastry circle. Dampen the edges with water and fold over in half, sealing the edges with a fork. You can store the pastries in the refrigerator at this point until you are ready to bake them.

Place the pastries onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush each with egg wash and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and well risen. Serve piping hot, warm or cold.

Source: Adapted from Cafe’ Nilson, originally from Tapas: 40 Delicious Traditional Spanish Recipes

Starbucks Giveaway – Winners Announced!

Starbucks Coffee
Wow!  You all have impressed me with your tips on saving money in the kitchen!  I did see a trend – a lot of you plan your meals.  Good for you!  It’s a difficult task, but if you stick to it you really do save not only money, but time!  I hope Pennies on a Platter has been able to provide recipes for you to add to your weekly planner!

Congratulations to the following winners, who were randomly chosen using the Random Integer Generator!  They will each receive one 20-ounce bag and two 5-ounce bags of Starbucks ground coffee, along with a Starbucks mug.  I will be contacting each of you by email for your mailing address information.

Angel“I try to plan meals ahead whenever possible. It’s easier said than done, most weeks. Also, I take my lunch to work every day.”

Manizor - “The envelope system for groceries! Keeps me in budget and helps me plan to indulge every once in a while if I know I have the extra to spend. It’s great!!”

Kelseysappleaday“My favorite tip is very simple – don’t waste food. I try to really plan my  meals and leftover consumption so I’m not throwing away food and dollars!”

Congratulations, again!  Thank you for your tips, enjoy your Starbucks coffee!

Multi-Colored Tomato Sauce

Multi Colored Tomato Sauce
Forgive me.  I lied.  This was supposed to be posted yesterday, as promised.  Well, I guess I didn’t lie, I just didn’t follow through.  Yesterday ended up busy, so busy got in the way. :)

This is the sauce I served with the Feta Stuffed Mushrooms.  I love tomatoes, so pairing this with the mushrooms was right up my alley.  Using multi-colored tomatoes enhanced the flavor and made for a beautiful display.  But, remember, if you don’t like tomatoes, the mushrooms are just as delectable without!

The great thing about this is you can make it ahead of time and reheat on the stovetop in a few short minutes the day of your party.  Just wait to add the balsamic and basil until just before serving.

Multi-Colored Tomato Sauce

Printable Recipe

2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced or crushed
16 oz package multi-colored grape or heirloom tomatoes, sliced in half or quartered depending on size (I found mine at Trader Joe’s)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp fresh basil leaves

Heat olive oil in sauce pan over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring 1-2 minutes until softened, but not burned. Add tomatoes, then cover and cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften but still hold their shape. Remove pan from heat, splash with vinegar and stir in hand shredded basil leaves.  Serve on top of the baked Feta Stuffed Mushrooms.

Source: Adapted from ZOMT Bakes

Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Before I even had this food blog, I made stuffed mushrooms that pretty much resembled the kind you can buy at your favorite chain restaurant.  You know, the kind that has some crumbled meat, cheese and maybe even breadcrumbs for the filling?  They were good, but for some reason I never made them again.  I think I figured out the reason why…it was just too much effort for just an “eh” taste.  Then I was introduced to these stuffed mushrooms and I have to say I’ll be making them again and again.  Why?  Because they were phenomenal and took very very very little effort.  My kind of dish!

Basically all you need to do to these is take the stem off the mushrooms, drizzle some olive oil on top, bake for a few minutes, sprinkle the feta cheese into each one and bake a few minutes more!  Magic!  This was the favorite dish from my Spanish Tapas party last weekend.  I think every single one of us kept popping another one into our mouth until the night was done.

I’m not including measurements for the ingredients as it really just depends on how many you want to make. I also served it with a tomato sauce that I’ll share the recipe for tomorrow.

Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

Printable Recipe

baby bella mushrooms
olive oil
feta cheese

Preheat oven to 350˚F.

Remove stems from mushrooms and place on a baking sheet, stem side up. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes.

Crumble cheese into each mushroom cup and bake until golden brown (5 – 10 minutes).

Source: Adapted from ZOMT Bakes

Oven-Baked Tortilla Española

Oven-Baked Tortilla Española
I decided to share this the recipe from my Spanish Tapas party first, because I think it would be a great appetizer for your Super Bowl party.  Instead of limiting yourself to only serving the usual chips and salsa, buffalo wings, meatballs, etc., you can mix things up a bit and delight your guests with this potato omelet dish.

Did I just throw you off by saying “potato omelet?”  Those of you that are familiar with this traditional Spanish tapas dish surely didn’t flinch.  But, others of you may be wondering why I’m referring to a tortilla as a potato omelet??  Don’t worry, I was once thoroughly confused as well.  First, you should know that the word tortilla means “small torte” so now you can expand from your vision of the round Latin flatbread staple and insert other “small torte” possibilities, like this dish.  In Mexican cooking, a tortilla is a thin, flat pancake made of cornmeal or flour, as you use with burritos or tacos.  In Spanish cooking, a tortilla is a thick omelet containing potato and other vegetables.  Traditionally, Tortilla Española is fried in a skillet and usually round.  However, I chose to make this rectangular oven-baked version in order to cut it into square tapas sized portions.

This recipe is very versatile as you can serve it as an appetizer/tapas, or largely as a main course for your lunch or brunch.  You can also choose to add more vegetables, or take some away.  You must, however, keep the potatoes.  :)   It can be enjoyed hot or cold.  My friend, who I threw the tapas party for, said that her family would pack these on road trips and eat them at room temperature!

You can prep this dish in just a matter of minutes, and then bake it when you’re ready.  Throw the cut pieces on a plate and watch your football loving friends devour them!  Oh, and chomp on a few yourself.  You won’t regret it.

Oven-Baked Tortilla Española

Serves: 16 as part of a tapas meal, or 6 as a lunch or bunch main course

Printable Recipe

4 large red-skinned potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, diced
4 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, white and green parts finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
5 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Spanish Rocal cheese
3 Tbsp snipped fresh chives (or about 1 tsp dried chives if you can’t find the fresh)
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375˚F.

Place diced potatoes in a sauce pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside to slightly cool.

Spray a casserole dish (approximately 7×10 inch) with cooking spray; set aside.

Place the 4 Tbsp olive oil, garlic, scallions and bell peppers in a skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring, for 5-6 minutes, or until the onions are softened but not browned. Let cool a bit, then stir in the cooked potato.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream, cheese and chives together. Stir in the vegetable-potato mixture, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and set in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool and set. Run a spatula around the edge, then invert onto a cutting board, browned-side up. If the surface looks a little runny, place it under the broiler to dry out. (I didn’t need to do this.)

Let cool completely. Neaten the edges, if necessary, then cut into one-inch squares. Serve on a platter with wooden toothpicks.

Source: Adapted from The Perfect Pantry