25 Sep 2015

Fruit, Granola and Yogurt Parfait

I had my first breakfast parfait in a restaurant in Washington, DC. It was so good, I had to make it. This is a great way to start the day. Berries, yogurt and granola, what else do you need?

Ingredients
Berries – Combination of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries
Granola – See Homemade Granola Recipe
Yogurt – Regular or Greek
Honey – Optional

Instructions

In a parfait glass, layer yogurt, berries and granola until you reach the top of the glass. Drizzle some honey over the last layer and sprinkle with additional granola.

25 Sep 2015

Chopped Salad

by matt | posted in: Chopped Salad | 0

There is nothing easier than this salad. You can use any ingredients that you have on hand and it is delicious. When you chop all these vegetables up small, it releases an enormous amount of flavor. I usually only add salt and pepper to this salad. The vegetables cut so small give off lots of natural juice. If you are watching your weight, this is the salad for you.

Ingredients
Lettuce – any kind
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Bell Peppers – or any color
Onion
Cucumber
Avocado
Green Beans
Artichoke Hearts
Black Olives
Slivered Almonds
Salt and Pepper
Dressing is optional

Instructions

Chop all ingredients the same size and put in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add dressing as desired.

25 Sep 2015

Dessert Salad

by matt | posted in: Dessert Salad | 0

Someone made this salad at my job and I loved it. I came home and immediately made it for my family and they loved it also. This is really good. The green apples and the caramel sauce are so good. But, how can any dessert be bad if it has Snickers bars in it?

Ingredients

16oz Cool Whip
1 3.4 oz pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding
3 Large Granny Smith Apples
6 Snickers Bars
1 Cup Walnuts
Caramel Sauce

Instructions

Combine the Cool Whip and pudding and mix very well

Chop the apples, removing the seeds and core, then add to the bowl. Add the chopped snickers bars and the walnuts. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. Sprinkle with caramel sauce and additional nuts before serving.

25 Sep 2015

Tomato & Cucumber Salad

by matt | posted in: Tomato & Cucumber Salad | 0

This is a great Summertime salad When the tomatoes and cucumbers are so fresh. This is a good side dish as well as an appetizer with good bread.

Ingredients
1 Cucumber
1 Cup Red Cherry Tomatoes
1 Cup Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
3 TBSP Olive Oil
1 tsp Lime Zest
2 TBSP Lime Juice
1/4 Cup Red Onion
1/2 tsp Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 TBSP Cilantro

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the oil, lime juice, lime zest, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Wash and dry the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumber giving it a striped effect. You can also use a fork to give the cucumber smaller lines down the skin. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the seeds. Cut the cucumber in 1/4 inch pieces and add to the bowl of dressing.

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the bowl.

Chop the red onion small and add it to the bowl with everything else.

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, toss very well making sure that the cucumber and tomatoes are completely covered in dressing. Add the cilantro and give it another good stir. Put the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. The longer this salad sits, the better it gets. Enjoy.

25 Sep 2015

Strawberry and Walnut Pancackes

by Warern van der Biezen | posted in: Breakfast, Strawberry and Walnut Pancackes | 0

Pancakes are great for breakfast any day, but put this strawberry sauce on them and they are truly something special. The sauce is so flavorful and thick, its great.

Ingredients

1 ½ Cups Flour
3 TBSP Sugar
1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Cup plut 2 TBSP Milk
4 TBSP Melted Butter
1 Egg
1 Cup Sliced Strawberies
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Instructions

Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda together. In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla, milk, butter and egg. Combine both mixtures. Add the strawberries and walnuts. Mix gently. There may be lumps, which is ok.

Brush the griddle with butter. Use ¼ Cup batter for each pancake. Cook over med/low until the underside is golden, about 4 minutes. Flip over, cook until the other side is golden, about 2 minutes.

Top with warm Strawberry sauce (recipe below) and additional walnuts.

Strawberry Sauce
1 LB Strawberries
¼ C Sugar
¼ C Water
½ Lemon

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients together. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Sauce will be thick.
Serve warm or cold.

Cooking