Sunday, June 1, 2008

It's the Beautiful Bones Round-Up Part Two!

Bone-Building Mains

Arfi of HomemadeS from Tuakau, New Zealand

Tempeh is a mystery food to many people, but not to Arfi who learned the art of tempeh making from her late Indonesian grandmother (so you know you're in good hands with this recipe). Make from fermented soy beans, tempeh is a chewy, nutty soy protein that is a hearty meat alternative for vegetarians. And like most foods, it's even better when fried in batter, so try Arfi's Tempe Goreng Tepung (Fried Tempeh in Batter).

Michelle of Greedy Gourmet from Canewdon, UK

Prawns are sauteed in sizzling sesame oil until crisp then doused with rich soy sauce, sweet honey, and tangy lime. Simple, bold, and chic, that's Michelle's Pan-Fried Soy and Honey Prawns.

Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen from Utah

Kalyn has a new friend in the kitchen-- tofu. Kalyn's foray into the world of tofu was so successful with her pleasingly spicy, ginger-y Stir-Fried Tofu Recipe with Scallions, Garlic, Ginger, and Soy Sauce, that she already has another block of tofu in the fridge. I have a feeling their friendship will be a lasting one.


Wendy of A Wee Bit of Cooking from Iverness, Scotland

Have you heard about the crisis in Iverness, Scotland? There is a shortage of pasta machines there! That's right. How is a blogger to do her job when she can't buy a pasta machine? Well, she has to rely on ingeniousness. And that's just what Wendy did with her rich, satisfying Impromptu Cannelloni.


Lisa of Food and Spice from London, Ontario, Canada

Are you looking for an easy, crowed-pleasing, one-dish dinner to serves to guests? Then you must try Lisa's rich and creamy
Brown Rice and Blue Cheese Gratin with Cauliflower and Broccoli. She has made it several times for guests, and each time, they have asked for seconds, so you know it's a winner.

Nuria of Spanish Recipes from Barcelona, Spain

Think sardines can't look pretty? Think again. Nuria's Marinated Sardines (a.k.a. "poor man's sushi") are fresh, not canned. That means they are remarkably plump and glisten-y, and are exceptionally flavorful when marinated in Nuria's blend of fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon.

Lysy of Munchkin Mail from Warwickshire, UK

Lysy gets a gold star for creating a healthy, calcium-packed pizza. Yup, that's right, her delightfully named Spelty Shroomy Pizza is good for you. Made from the super grain spelt and topped with calcium rich goat cheese, rocket, and sunflower seeds, this is one pizza that will make both your belly and your bones happy.


Ranjeetha of Ranji's Kitchen Corner from Massachusetts, USA

If you've ever eaten in an Indian restaurant, then you have most likely tasted Palak Paneer, a popular spinach and cheese dish. According to Ranjeetha,
Palak Paneer is a Punjabi dish typcially eaten with Indian flat bread. Fortuatnely for us, Ranjeetha shares her recipe for homemade paneer cubes which will surely taste better than any restaurant's.

Susan from Food Blogga from San Diego, CA, USA

Keep your man's belly happy and bones healthy with this calcium-packed Sicilian Sardine and Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Just one can of sardines provides an amazing 20% of your daily calcium needs!

Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe from Melbourne, Australia

Everyone loves lasagne, right? Layers of fresh pasta, creamy cheeses, and tomato are perfection any way you slice it. Johanna has created her own slice of perfection but with a green twist: her Green Lasagne with Broccoli and Rocket Pesto takes traditional lasagne and makes it even better by adding calcium rich broccoli and rocket.

Stefany of Proceed with Caution from Chicago, USA

From the home of the deep-dish pizza comes Stefany's unique Shrimp and Tofu Pizza. Crunchy panko-breaded shrimp top this healthy whole wheat pizza crust that is coasted with a sweet and creamy mango sauce. This pizza is definitely gourmet.

Chris of Melecotte from Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Among super foods salmon reigns supreme. It's packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which do everything from increase your good cholesterol to make you smarter. Really. They're considered "brain food." (If only I knew that before taking my SATs). It's also super high in calcium, which is why Chris shares her recipe for these deliciously flavorful and crispy Salmon Burgers.

Ning of Heart and Hearth

In a word association game, it is likely that 9 out of 10 people would associate "oyster" with "
aphrodisiac." Ning, however, knows that oysters are also powerhouses of calcium, and when combined with eggs in her Oyster Omelette, present one serious bone-building meal.


Shibani of Any one can cook from Beijing, China

Shibani takes great pleasure in cooking healthful dishes for herself and her family. So it's no wonder that she likes to cook with soy, which contains beneficial isoflavones that have been linked to a decreased risk in osteoporosis. You'll experience great pleasure too when you taste Shibani's Soya Kebabs
seasoned with garam masala, ginger, and mint.

Zita of Simplicious from Amman, Jordan

The beauty of Zita's
Prawns with Tomato, Garlic, and Cilantro is that it can be whipped up in minutes for a week-week dinner yet looks and tastes utterly sophisticated.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, California, USA

Even the most tofu-averse person will gladly eat String Beans and Tofu with Thai Peanut Butter Sauce. Firm tofu and crisp string beans are smothered in a rich, creamy coconut milk and peanut butter sauce that is so good, you'll be tempted to eat it by the spoonful.


Marie of Proud Italian Cook from Chicago, Illinois, USA

Marie sounds like she's married to a typical Italian guy. He's not crazy about salmon but would always eat it whenever Marie cooked it. (Always a wise choice, guys). Ever since Marie created her Roasted Garlic Pesto Salmon, however, her husband actually asks her to make it. That's because Marie enhanced her traditional pesto with roasted garlic, creating a richer, smokier, flavor that is just irresistible on salmon.

Jeanne of Cook Sister! from London, UK

You just never know what foods will bring two people together. For Jeanne and her hubby, Nick, it was fish. Not just any fish. K
ingklip-- a thick, white, flaky fish from South Africa. Jeanne used her kingklip to make Spinach and Feta Fish Fillets for a get-together where she was trying to impress Nick. I think it's safe to say it worked. 10 years later, and they're happily married. So skip the chocolate strawberries next time and go for the big fish if you want to hook a live one!

DJM Isolated Foodie from Desolationville, American Desert, USA

It's grilling season, and in my book, that's cause for excitement. You're sure to get excited over DJM's Calcium Burger and Grilled Vegetables. Vegetables are transformed when they're grilled--they become caramelized, sweeter, crisper, and slightly smoky. They're the perfect companion for a calcium-rich soy burger smothered in creamy goat's cheese.

Rossella of Ma che ti sei mangiato from Rome, Italy

What's better than creamy, rich, egg and cheese laden carbonara? Rossella's Carbonara with Asparagus. She fries asparagus with the pancetta until it's crispy, then adds it to the pasta for an added dimension of flavor. This is the ideal spring time carbonara.

Janet from North Kingstown, RI, USA

Janet (Food Blogga's mom) says, "This Corn Sausage Casserole recipe comes from Louise Cola Giovanni. She and her husband used to rent an apartment in my mother's house when I was a little girl, so you know this is an old recipe! I'd say it's at least 60 years old. And I still love it after all these years. I don't have a recipe for it. I have made it so many times, I just know it by heart."

Amy of Runs with Spatula from Lansing, Michigan, USA

Amy's
Stir-Fried Tofu and Green Beans with Quinoa is just my kind of dinner-- easy, delicious, and good-for-you. Made with sauteed tofu, green beans, and quinoa, this dish is loaded with bone-building calcium and protein.

Lynne of And Then I Do The Dishes from Levis, Quebec, Canada

Unfortunately, Lynne knows the devastating effects of osteoporosis since her dad who has it recently broke his hip. (We're sending well wishes his way, Lynne.) So it's really important to Lynne to eat calcium and vitamin-D-rich foods like her Salmon Loaf. You'll love this recipe for it's nutritional value, quick preparation, and most especially, creamy, rich bechamel sauce that Lynne drizzles on top.

Priya of live2cook from Boston, MA, USA

Priya and her husband have started doing movie night dinner each week. They rent a movie and enjoy it with an easy-to prepare and delicious-to-eat dish like Priya's Crock-pot Enchilada Casserole. Since it's made in a crock-pot, you don't have to worry if you get caught in traffic on the commute home. Your dinner will be awaiting you when you walk through the front door.

Elizabeth of blog from OUR kitchen from Toronto, Canada

One of the best things Elizabeth ever did was subscribe to SAVEUR. After making their recipe for Sole Picatta with Green Beans, she made it again two nights later. (Hey, when it's that good, who could blame her?) Plus, each serving of the dish has an amazing 20% of your daily calcium needs! Be sure to check out Elizabeth's post for much more important information about osteoporosis.

Celia of English Patis from West Midlands, UK

Celia unfortunately knows the crippling effects of severe osteoporosis since several of her relatives suffer from it. Fortunately, she also knows how critical it is for her to take care of herself and eat well. It won't be difficult to do with her savory Family Style Bean Curd made with calcium-rich bean curd, chewy black Chinese mushrooms, and spicy oyster sauce.

Susan of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy from Florida, USA

We all have people who have touched our lives in meaningful often profound ways. That special person in Susan's life was her voice coach Ruth, who suffered from severe osteoporosis. To Susan, Ruth "was like a treasured piece of delicate, antique porcelain - beautiful and translucent, and so very fragile." And for a beautiful recipe, try Susan's Oysters Rockefeller Gratin.


Ms Meghan of Cupcakecore from Rhode Island, USA

Next time you feel like having pizza on a weeknight, save yourself the hassle and money of ordering out, and make Meghan's French Bread Pizza instead. It's satisfyingly crunchy and is topped with healthy veggies and lots of bubbly, gooey mozzarella. So long, Papa John.

Mimi of mimi on the move from New York City, New York, USA

Part of tofu's beauty is its versatility which Mimi really appreciates. Though she makes it many different ways, you'll really love her Golden Tofu Red Curry made with perfectly crisp, fresh, farmers' market sugar snap peas.


Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

Janet from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA

Janet (Food Blogga's mom) has been making Grapenut Pudding for as long as she can remember. The recipe was her mother's (who is currently 99 years old!). Grapenut pudding is pure comfort food--thick, creamy custard is topped with a layer of crunchy Grapenuts cereal. Janet says, "Grapenut pudding was always my Susan's favorite, and I think of her every time I make it." Isn't my mom a sweetheart?

Amy of Familiabencomo from San Jose, California, USA

Is there a more comforting dessert than rice pudding? One warm, creamy mouthful magically evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. So it's no wonder that Amy loves
Rich Risotto Rice Pudding made with vanilla bean, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.

Cathy X of Aficionado from Sydney, NSW, Australia

Move over Chunky Monkey, Pedro Ximinez is in town. Cathy X has made ice cream from the deep, amber colored sherry, Pedro Ximinez. This luxurious ice cream is served alongside her Elegant Pistachio Cream Tart proving that
dessert can be both nutritious and regal.

Lori Lynn of Taste with the Eyes from California, USA

It's so wonderful when desserts like Lori Lynn's creamy, silky Bahn Flan are actually good for you. And make sure you check out her post to see how you can recycle your soda cans while making this!

Nicisme of Cherrapeno from Kent, UK

Other than perhaps ice cream, is there another dessert so universally loved than cheesecake? Dense, creamy Lemon Cheesecake is laced with Nicisme's homemade lemon curd and topped with perfectly plump fresh raspberries. Aaahhhh.


Deeba of Passionate About Baking from India

Deeba has made her tropical homemade Mango Ice Cream twice already "to celebrate mango mania in the merry month of May." After one taste of this luscious ice cream studded with rich pistachios, you'll be making it 12 months of the year.

Ayin of Flower in the Kitchen from South Norway

Ayin shares a fantastically simple, fantastically delicious Caramel Pudding--vanilla laced pudding is drowned in caramel so sweet and sticky, you'll swoon. Just don't forget the cherry on top.

Elaine of The Italian Dish from Michigan, USA

Ben and Jerry's better watch out. Cherry Garcia has some serious competition from Elaine's perfectly pink Cherry Ice Cream. You'd better start stocking up on fresh cherries now to freeze for the winter, that way you can enjoy Elaine's ice cream all year round.



Helen of Tartelette from South Carolina, USA

Helen promises that her
Mini Pana Cotta with Blackberry Coulis is "easy peasy." Since I trust everything Helen says about baking, I think it's safe to take her word for it. Helen infuses her basic creamy panna cotta with vibrant garden fresh mint, then tops it off with a tangy blackerry coulis made from freshly plucked, plump blackberries.

Mary of Sweet Mary from Providence, Rhode Island, USA

Mary shares her recipe for clafouti-- the classic French custard-like baked dessert. Though clafoutis can be made with just about any fruit, Mary has chosen fresh sweet-tart raspberries for her Raspberry Clafouti. It's elegant enough for a tea party, yet simple enough for a quick week-night dessert. What's not to love about that?


TBC of The Budding Cook from the USA

TBC shares an authentic Indian dessert with us--
Raspberry Shrikhand. Shrikhand is made by straining yogurt until thick and smooth, then lacing it with sugar, cardamom and saffron. It was so delicious, that TBC is already planning on making it again with ripe, creamy mangos.


Minko of Couture Cupcakes from Australia

Have you ever baked with kiwi fruit? If not, then you should start with Minko's Kiwi Cupcakes with Strawberry and Kiwi Cream Cheese Frosting. Each adorable cupcake is studded with little bits of juicy kiwi and sweet strawberries. And as for the fruity cream cheese frosting-- don't feel guilty for licking the bowl, it's high in calcium.


Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA, USA

When I was a little girl, there was nothing better than coming home after school to a bowl of my Mom's Chocolate Pudding with Bananas and Graham Crackers. It was cool, creamy, and satisfying, just what every overworked elementary school kid needs.

Simona of Briciole from Northern California, USA

While visiting her friend, Marta, Simona spied
a little bag of anice stellato (star anise) on her counter top and immediately decided to make Gelato All 'anice Stellato. If you like gelato, then you'll be smitten with Simona's luscious, custard-y gelato, subtly laced with anise and vanilla bean. Make sure you visit Simona's site for great tips on making gelato and to learn to pronounce "gelato" like you're from Italy.

Marianna of Swirl & Scramble from Paris, France

If you've ever eaten in a Middle Eastern restaurant, then you've likely had Knafeh Bil Jibne for dessert. I have, but to be honest, never knew what it was called or how to make it. Thanks to Marianna's beautifully photographed and detailed post, now I do. And so do you! So hop over to Marianna's to discover how to make this crunchy, creamy, golden, cheese pastry that is drizzled with rose water syrup and pistachios.

Jyothsna of Currybazaar from Sharjah, UAE

Jyothsna shares her recipe for Mango Shrikhand which is made by straining yogurt until thick and smooth or by using
labneh, a strained yogurt with a cheese-like consistency. Since it's mango season in the UAE, Jyothsna has added cool, creamy mango to her shrikhand and enjoys it for breakfast, dessert, and for an any-time treat.

Annie of Mixed Salad Annie from Rhode Island, USA

Annie says her Key Lime Bars "are low fat, but you'd never know it." Just one look at that ultra-creamy bar is proof enough for me. By mixing low-fat cream cheese and fat-free sweetened condensed milk, Annie was able to keep the flavor and lose the fat. And with tangy key lime and toasty coconut, this bar just gets better and better.

Brittany of The Pie Lady from Seattle, WA, USA

You will cry with joy when you taste Brittany's seriously custard-y, rich Roasted Banana Ice Cream. Bananas are macerated in rum, lemon juice, and sugar and roasted to draw out their natural sweetness. Then they're adding to her satisfyingly thick and creamy ice cream. Brittany says this may be her finest ice cream achievement to date. No argument here.

Cakelaw of Laws of the Kitchen from Melbourne, Australia

With berry season upon us, it's time to bake some summer-y treats like Cakelaw's Blackberry Almond Yoghurt Cake. This ultra moist cake made from creamy yogurt and nutty almond meal is studded with brilliant purple sweet-tart blackberries. Don't limit it to dessert though; it's great for breakfast or a mid-day treat too.


Linda of make life sweeter! from The Hague, The Netherlands

Can cookies be good for your bones? They can if they're Linda's beautiful Hazelnut Cookies Sandwiched with Dulce de Leche since both hazelnuts and sweetened condensed milk are powerhouses of calcium. So eat 'em up! Your bones (and your belly) will love you for it.

JZ of Tasty Treats from Minnesota, USA

When the weather turns sultry, do like JZ, and make a batch of chilly, homemade Cheesecake Ice Cream. This is one luxurious ice cream--silky, creamy, and tantalizingly sweet. I feel cooler already.

Stef of Cupcake Project from St. Louis, Missouri

Stef shares her Tres Leches Cupcakes made with not one, not two, but three types of calcium-rich milk. That means they're three times as delicious too. Seriously, we're talking about someone whose blog is called "Cupcake Project." I think we're in good hands with this recipe.

Marta of An Italian in the US from Berkeley, CA, USA

Marta shares her Carrot and Star Anise Pudding, a unique version of a traditional pudding recipe called Bunet. The original is made from chocolate, coffee and amaretti cookies, but Marta's is lighter and healthier with freshly grated carrots and star anise-infused milk.

Healthy Libations

Medena of Cafe Chocolada from Michigan

Like many of us, Medena starts her day with a cup of coffee. Unlike many of us, she makes one glamorous cup a joe. Her Nescafe Late is a wake-you-up-in-a-hurry blend of strong coffee, milk, and whipped topping. The chocolate shavings are "optional." Yeah, optional.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA, USA

Need a little motivation to get to the gym? How about knowing you'll enjoy this dreamy Creamsicle Smoothie when you're finished? Hey, it works for me.

Nangil Girl of Nangil Girl's Adventures, Georgia, USA

What do you do with overripe bananas (besides making banana bread)? Nangil Girl makes a deliciously creamy and healthy Mango and Banana Smoothie. Made with both milk and yogurt, this is one powerful bone-building libation.


BalBanu of Be Foodie! from Istanbul

If you're like BalBanu, then you need your morning cup (or cups) of tea. Her green tea is highly beneficial: it contains antioxidants that may lower your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and it contains flavonoids that may help build bones and make your teeth stronger. So drink up!

Maybelle's Mom of Feeding Maybelle from Cleveland, Ohio, USA

What do you do when your wee one isn't feeling well and has trouble eating? You make her a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-swallow Warm Mango-Raspberry Oatmeal Smoothie. Of course, this smoothie is so good, that you'll keep making it well after your little one has recovered.

Christie of Edible Antics: Having Fun with Food from Wisconsin, USA

I don't know how you spent your Memorial Day Weekend, but mine was pretty boring compared to Christie's. She had a blast drinking Black Cows (root beer floats) at the World's Largest Brat Fest in Madison. ("Brat" is short for bratwurst.) Despite being a chilly 49 degrees that morning, the festival was a sure sign of summer's arrival in Wisconsin. And that's something to drink to.




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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Coconut-Lime Rice Pudding with Mangoes and Cashews

coconut lime rice pudding with mangoes and cashews

Do you ever get the Sunday night blues? You know, that feeling of disappointment that the weekend is over and Monday morning looms like a dark cloud?

It happens to me sometimes. And when I feel this way, I usually crave something comforting. This past Sunday it was rice pudding--the quintessential comfort food. That's because it's warm, creamy, and unabashedly carb-y. These are the good carbs though, the ones that make you feel like you're receiving a hug from your mom.

Even if you don't get the Sunday night blues, everyone needs a little comfort now and again. And rice pudding leaves you feeling good every time.

Though I typically use traditional flavorings like cinnamon and vanilla, I went a little tropical with this one by using coconut milk, grated lime zest, and toasted shredded coconut. It still has all the benefits of classic rice pudding but with a little sass. Top it with diced, ripe mango, crunchy cashew nuts, and toasted coconut, and you'll be laughing before you know it. And all of a sudden, Monday morning won't seem so bad.


Coconut-Lime Rice Pudding with Mangoes and Cashews
Serves 4
Print recipe only here.

1/2 cup Arborio rice
2 cups water
2 cups coconut milk (regular or light)
1/3 cup sugar
zest of 1/2 lime
4 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Garnishes:
1 small, ripe mango, diced
2 tablespoons sweetened coconut shreds, toasted
2 tablespoons unsalted cashew nuts, chopped
a pinch of lime zest

Place 4 tablespoons shredded coconut in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan handle gently in a back-and-forth motion for 2-3 minutes to ensure even toasting, or until coconut is golden and aromatic. Set aside.

Add rice, water, coconut milk, and sugar to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir well, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer, letting the rice bubble gently for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, the rice will be plump, and the pudding will be thick and creamy. Give it a taste--the rice should be fully cooked yet maintain a slight firmness.

Remove from heat, and stir in the lime zest and toasted coconut. Allow to cool slightly before placing in individual serving dishes. Garnish each dish with fresh diced mango, toasted coconut, chopped cashews, and finely grated lime zest.

You might also like these coconut-y desserts:

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons





Hello Dolly Cookie Bars





Coconut Lemonquat Tea Cake





Banana Coconut Almond Bread





Here are more delicious rice pudding recipes with coconut milk:

Arfi's Bubur Ketan Hitam (Black Rice Pudding with Cooked Coconut Milk)
Bea's Coconut Rice Pudding with Stewed Rhubarb and Strawberries
Kevin's Mango Coconut Rice Pudding
Peter G's Vanilla and Cardamom Rice Pudding

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Baking Fresh Cherry and Peach Upside-Down Cake on a Rainy Day

cherry upside slice cherries

Last Thursday I was driving home on the freeway at 3:45 pm when the local traffic report came on:

Well, the 163 in both directions is heavy. So is the 5 North and South and the 805. Looks like everybody is leaving work early to avoid the rain that San Diegans are expecting tonight.

Yup. It's true. Southern Californians leave work early when rain is expected. OK bloggers from Seattle, go ahead and laugh. We deserve it.

For the record, I have never left early because of rain. I mean what kind of a New Englander would I be? And what would my dad think of me?

I guess Southern Californians don't really know any better. Why should they? It hardly ever rains here, and when it does, it wreaks havoc. No, I'm not talking about flooding and mudslides. I'm talking about traffic. You can see a half dozen accidents on one commute and get stuck in a traffic jam that lasts hours. Seriously, it was easier to get home after the blizzard of '78 than it is to get home after a "heavy rain shower" here in SoCal.

So I avoided the madness by doing what any good blogger would do: I went home and baked a cake. Isn't there something so comforting about the aroma of baking wafting through the house as the rain patters gently against the windows?

cherry upside cake sliced

One of my favorites is my mom's Upside-Down Pineapple Cake, which was her mother's original recipe that is close to 70 years old! I will post the original in the fall, but today I wanted something that celebrated spring. With a gorgeous bowl of tart cherries and some sweet fresh peaches smiling at me, I found my inspiration. I added some freshly squeezed orange juice and zest which compliments the fruit and adds another dimension of flavor.

cherries and peach raw

This is an amazingly light, moist cake that is only made more irresistible by a thick, sugary crust that holds the plump cherries and peaches firmly in place. After one mouthful, you'll wish it rained every day.

cherry upside slice back

Fresh Cherry and Peach Upside-Down Cake

Makes 8 servings
Print recipe only here.

1/2 cup butter (8 tablespoons)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
3-4 small, ripe peaches, pitted and halved
1 cup flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Place a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Place butter in a 9-inch-round baking pan, and place inside of a warm oven until melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter. Add the peach halves, cut side down, then add the cherry halves, filling in all of the nooks and crannies.

In a medium bowl, combine sifted flour, baking powder and salt, and stir.

Using a hand mixer, in a metal or glass bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until fluffy. Set aside.

In a separate bowl beat egg yolks with sugar at medium speed until creamy. Add orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, and beat well. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, and beat until well combined. Fold in the egg whites with a rubber spatula. Pour cake mixture evenly over the fruit, and smooth with the spatula.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a blunt knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert carefully onto a plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

You might also like these spring-time desserts:

Quick Chocolate-Cinnamon Mousse with Cherries





Mini Custards with Limoncello-Spiked Raspberry Sauce





Strawberry-Rhubarb Sponge Pudding





PS--Witty Nuria just reminded me of that great 1974 song "It Never Rains in Southern California." It's an ideal match for my post, so I'm sending it to Elly for her fun Eat to the Beat event that runs through June. Make sure you watch this Albert Hammond You Tube video--it's worth it just to see his bell-bottoms and Bee-Gee's permed hair. Yikes.

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

How Many Whole Grains Can You Name?

bulgur n beets rosemary sprig

So you call yourself a foodie, huh?
OK, quick, how many whole grains can you name in 1 minute?

raw bulgur wheat

Time's up!
  • If you named zero
    • You're probably still eating Fruit Loops for breakfast and need to acquaint yourself with Kashi (no, it's not a country in Middle East).
  • If you named 1-5
    • You're actually reading your cooking magazines instead of just using them for coasters. Good for you!
  • If you named 6-10
    • Then you likely have posters of all the Iron Chefs in your bedroom.
  • If you named 11 or more
    • Then you either just Googled "whole grains" or you are a true smarty-pants and find you sometimes have difficulty getting along with others.
According to the Whole Grains Council, there are 19 whole grains:
  1. amaranth
  2. barley
  3. buckwheat
  4. bulgur
  5. corn
  6. farro
  7. grano
  8. kamut
  9. millet
  10. oats
  11. quinoa (keen-wa)
  12. rice
  13. rye
  14. sorghum/milo
  15. spelt
  16. teff
  17. triticale (trit-i-kay-lee)
  18. wheat
  19. wild rice
Technically speaking, whole grains retain the bran and germ as well as the endosperm unlike refined grains, which retain the endosperm only. Food Blogga translation: whole grains provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, so they're much healthier for you. When shopping, make sure products are labeled "whole grain" or "whole wheat."

So why should you eat whole grains?
  • They contain complex carbs, which your body digests more slowly, keeping you satiated longer.
  • They are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.
  • They contain beneficial vitamins and are high in calcium, which is needed to build strong bones.
  • They taste great.
Though I love many whole grains, I'm partial to chewy, nutty bulgur, which is a form of whole wheat that has been cleaned, parboiled, dried, and ground into different types of coarseness (medium and fine are most commonly available in the US). Therefore, it is a quick-cooking, highly nutritious grain. 1/4 cup dry bulgur is approximately 120 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 26 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains 5% of your daily calcium needs. It's high in manganese and iron and has more fiber than most whole grains.

raw bulgur wheat

When purchasing bulgur, buy those packages labeled either "bulgur" or "bulgur wheat." (It might also be spelled "bulghur.") Do not however buy "cracked wheat" which has not been parboiled and takes much longer to cook. I learned that the hard way.

This dish has a number of calcium-rich ingredients: bulgur, fennel, oranges, string beans, chick peas, nuts, and rosemary. Earthy beets, licorice-scented fennel, and sweet oranges, are enhanced by a warm and tangy fennel-honey-mustard vinaigrette. And it tastes even better the next day.

Would you like to participate in Beautiful Bones? You have until May 31st; the details are here.

bulgur n beets close up

Warm Bulgur Salad with Beets, Fennel, and Oranges
Serves 4
Print recipe only here.

Salad:
1 cup uncooked medium coarse bulgur wheat
4 small beets, roasted and sliced
1 cup sliced green beans
1/2 cup diced fennel bulb
2 medium navel oranges, peeled, sectioned, and chopped
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons toasted walnuts, pecans, or pistachios

Warm Fennel-Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette:
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or from a carton)
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cut off beet tops, and clean beets. (If you’re keeping the beet greens; submerge in cool water to release any dirt, then drain. Par-boil the greens by dropping them in boiling water for about 1 minute; remove and plunge into a bowl of ice water.) Shocking the greens like this will maintain their vibrant color. Drain, and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

To roast the beets, wrap them in foil and place in a 400 degree oven for about 1 hour, or until tender when pricked with a fork. Let cool slightly; rub off skins. (You might want to wear gloves and an apron for this part). Slice and set aside.

To make the bulgur, add 1 cup uncooked bulgur and 2 cups water to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then simmer with the cover on for about 10 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed and the bulgur is cooked (it should retain some firmness).

Meanwhile boil the string beans for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into a bowl of ice water. Drain and slice into 1-inch long pieces. Chop fennel and slice oranges; set aside.
To toast the walnuts, place in a small, dry skillet over medium. Shake pan handle to ensure even toasting, for 1-2 minutes or until slightly toasted and aromatic.

To make the vinaigrette, place anise seeds in a small, dry skillet over medium. Shake pan handle to ensure even toasting, for 1-2 minutes or until slightly toasted and aromatic. Add all other ingredients to skillet and keep over a low heat for about 1-2 minutes, whisking until well emulsified. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked bulgur, vegetables, oranges, chickpeas, and nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated. Sprinkle individual servings with toasted nuts and extra fresh minced rosemary, if desired.

You might also like:


Breakfast Quinoa with Dried Cherries, Raisins, and Pecans





Baby Artichoke and Asparagus Risotto





Italian Easter Rice Pie (though it's delicious 12 months of the year!)





Thursday, May 22, 2008

Are Your Kids Getting Enough Calcium (and Chocolate Pudding)?

choc pudding eating

Kids need calcium to build strong bones and teeth. And as much as they might wish it, chicken nuggets just ain't gonna cut it.

Here are some facts about kids, calcium, and bone health:
How can you ensure that your kids build strong bones and teeth?
  • Make sure they consume their needed amount of calcium every day through well-balanced meals. Click here to find out your child's calcium needs from birth to age 18.
  • Serve a healthy breakfast. Kid favorites such as pancakes, French toast, and waffles can be made with whole wheat flour and calcium-fortified milk or soy milk. Plus, did you know that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better on standardized tests?
  • Serve vitamin D enriched milk, which helps the body absorb calcium.
  • If your child is lactose-intolerant, then make sure he/she gets enough calcium from non-dairy sources, such as calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice as well as lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
  • Encourage them to get some physical activity for 30-60 minutes a day.
  • Make sure they see their doctor regularly.
Remember, building strong bones early in life helps prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Many thanks to all of you who have submitted entries for Beautiful Bones. We have an amazing array of calcium-rich dishes from breakfast to dessert. Would you like to participate? You have until May 31st, and can see the details here.


Now for the chocolate pudding...

When I was kid there was nothing better than coming home from school, opening the refrigerator, and seeing those old-fashioned ice cream dessert glasses filled with Mom's chocolate pudding, bananas, and Graham Crackers. Cool, creamy, and soothing, just what any kid could use after a long day at school. Plus it's low in fat and high in bone-building calcium, vitamin D and protein.

I make pudding with soy milk for me and skim milk for Jeff, and both always come out satisfyingly thick and creamy. Even though there are no children in our house, every time I eat this pudding, I feel like a kid again.

choc pudding 2 cups

Mom's Chocolate Pudding with Bananas and Graham Crackers

Serves 4
Print recipe only here.

This recipe also works well with vanilla or banana pudding partnered with Vanilla Wafers (my brother Paul's childhood favorite). You could also mix in some shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or Cool Whip--whatever makes your little one smile.

6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups soy milk (or skim milk)
pinch of salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8-10 low-fat graham crackers
1 large banana or 2 small ones, sliced

Optional garnishes:
toasted coconut shreds
chopped roasted peanuts
Cool Whip

Combine sugar and cornstarch in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup of milk, whisking until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Add the second cup of milk and salt, and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Lower heat, cooking pudding for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove pudding from heat for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the chocolate chips. Lightly whisk one egg with vanilla extract and slowly add to the pudding, whisking constantly. (Removing it from the heat will prevent the egg from cooking). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thick, stirring several times. Remove from heat.

Assemble 4 serving dishes. Place a layer of bananas on the bottom of each dish, then top with some pudding, then graham crackers, and repeat. Cover with Saran Wrap and refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with your choice of toppings.

Here are some other high-calcium recipes your kids might like:
Ivy thinks my blog is yummy! Thank you, dear Ivy, for bringing a big smile to my face. Here are more yummy blogs:
  • Anamika: Her cakes are works of art.
  • Linda : I'd love to bake in the kitchen with her.
  • Nicisme: I get a sugar high looking at her sweets.
  • Patricia: I become the Cookie Monster when I visit her blog.
I'm also sending a warm and fuzzy hug to Amy and Deeba for giving me the I Love You This Much Award. Amy and Deeba are always generous with spreading the love and always manage to brighten my day. Allow me to share this award with all of you!

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mini Custards with Limoncello-Spiked Raspberry Sauce

lemon custard

There are many things I miss about not living close to my family, such as seeing my young nieces dress up for their first father-daughter dance, visiting my grandmother at the nursing home, and celebrating family birthdays (like my dad's 70th last year). Thanks to Dad, I have something new to miss: homemade limoncello.

A couple of months ago, he and his long-time Italian friend, Tony, made homemade limoncello (lee-mon-chay-low), an Italian liquer made from lemons and flavorless grain alcohol like vodka. It's vibrantly lemony and mouth-puckeringly tangy.

Limoncello isn't just for drinking though. It enlivens sweet fruit sauces and is lovely whipped into mascarpone cheese and served with fruit.


These simple lemon custards I'm sharing today are beautiful in their simplicity. Creamy lemon-infused custard is topped with a chilled limoncello-spiked raspberry sauce that makes each bite pop. It's refreshing and sweet, and did I mention low-fat? What's not to love? That's why I'm sending it to Helen of Tartelette, host of Sugar High Friday #43: Citrus.

diving into lemon raspberry custard

Mini Custards with Limoncello-Spiked Raspberry Sauce
Serves 6
Print recipe only here.

Custard:
4 large eggs
3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
pinch salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (preferably Meyer lemon)
1 3/4 cups skim milk

Sauce:
1 cup frozen raspberries (unthawed)**
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon limoncello
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste

Garnishes:
fresh raspberries
lemon zest, optional
1-2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

**I actually prefer using frozen raspberries to fresh for the sauce because it comes much thicker and clings deliciously to the custard. If you would rather use fresh berries, then just use less liquid.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Coat 6 (3-inch-wide) ramekins with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

To make the sauce, puree all sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to several days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

In a large bowl, whisk all custard ingredients until smooth. Divide evenly among ramekins.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy. Cool on a rack.

Custards can be served either at room temperature or slightly chilled. Add a couple of spoonfuls of raspberry sauce to each ramekin, then garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon zest and chopped pistachios.

lemon custards straight from the oven
When you take the custards out of the oven, they are impressively puffy. Within 1-2 minutes, they will deflate, so you'd better be quick if you want to take a picture.

You might also like these citrus-spiked baked goods:

Coconut Lemonquat Tea Cake





Date, Fennel, and Pistachio Scones (Heart Healthy & Low Fat!)





Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary and Lemon





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Sunday, May 18, 2008

First Sweet Corn of the Season

corn raw ear

I knew last week was going to be a good week. On Monday, I opened my Henry's Market weekly flier and right there on the front page: "California Sweet Corn 3 for $1 - First of the Season."

I dropped everything and ran to Henry's (it doesn't take much to convince me to go to the market).

corn henrys flier

When I arrived, there was a huge table covered with ears of corn stacked three feet high. It was a beautiful sight. And since it was early in the morning, I could take my sweet time selecting only the fattest ears (perhaps the firemen overslept; oh, well.)

I gently peeled back the tops of the husks and what lay beneath? Thick, plump, creamy white kernels that I could practically taste drizzled with melted butter. I bought six.

They were good; not as sweet as the corn that will arrive later in the summer, but chewy and dense. This is the kind of corn that's ideal to cut off the cob and saute or add to salads and salsas. The easiest and safest way to cut corn off the cob is to cut the ear in half, then stand one half on its steady base and cut toward the cutting board.

corn cutting

Since I had a pristine bunch of fresh mint, I made one of my stand-bys: sauteed corn with mint, butter, and lemon. The result was a refreshing, satisfying combination of textures and flavors. A little buttery, a little tangy -- delicious.

Turns out the corn was the highlight of my week. First our washing machine died, which resulted in several trips to Mr. Bubbles and a stolen load of towels. Then we were rear-ended on the way to work, (fortunately there were no injuries). Finally our laptop croaked (for the third and final time). It is officially being laid to rest. On the bright side, I received a flier from Costco the other day with coupons for HP laptops. Plus they have great pineapples for only $2.99. Yeah, things are lookin' up again.

corn bowl close up

Sauteed Corn with Mint, Butter, and Lemon

Serves 2
Print recipe only here.

If you'd like to turn this into a main meal, just add some sauteed shrimp or tofu.

2 medium ears of corn
2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
a pinch of cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced

Cut off the corn kernels. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Saute corn for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the fresh ginger, cayenne, and salt, cooking 1-2 minutes more. The corn should be cooked through yet still firm. Add the lemon juice and mint; stir well, add a bit more salt, if necessary, and serve immediately.

You might also like these fresh vegetables dishes:


Farmers' Market Veggies with a Cumin-Chile Vinaigrette





Jacket Potatoes with a Rosemary-Artichoke Cream Sauce





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