Shooting StarMosa

I can't think of a better way to start the day than with a cold, frothy mimosa (preferably served in bed).  Lately, I've tried a few variations of mimosas and this is one that works perfectly for a sun-filled summer morning.  Christian turned me on to this version which is inspired by a fresh-squeezed, vitamin boosting juice served at Northstar Cafe in Columbus.  The Shooting StarMosa is a light, subtle and sparkling twist on the classic brunch boisson.

Shooting StarMosa

1 Part Orange Juice
2 Parts Carrot Juice
Topped off with Champaign

In a glass, mix the orange and carrot juices.  Top with Champaign and swirl to combine.

Baby Greens Salad with Accoutrements

From time to time, my body just craves something light and healthy.  I don't know if it's the yoga I've started doing or the warmer, longer days, but this weekend was a good time to eat light.  And this salad hit the spot.  I've said it before, but salads can be really good or really boring.  I like to experiment with different fruit and veggies, nuts and cheeses in my salads - there are many winning combinations.  This salad is sweet and tropical with golden brown chicken and a satisfying crunch.  

Baby Greens Salad with Accoutrements

Baby Greens

Chicken, sliced (grilled, pan-fried or rotisserie)

Gorgonzola Cheese

Strawberries, sliced

Mandarin Orange wedges

Nuts (almonds, pistachios or pecans)

Champaign Vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)

Salt & Pepper

In an extra large bowl, toss the mixed greens in a couple tablespoons of the salad's dressing.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  (This is how they do it in a restaurant; so the salad is completely coated, but not soggy).  

Transfer the greens to a plate and top with the chicken, cheese, fruit and nuts.  Top with more dressing and salt & pepper.  

Honduran Holiday Pork

This recipe is inspired by a traditional holiday meal served in Honduras.  I fell in love with it over dinner with a friend’s family and now I make it every year around the holidays.  This pork is dynamic and robust, with wonderful citrus flavors and smoky spices.  It’s incredibly easy to make and it will fill your home with delectable aromas.

Guide to Latin T Dishes:

Torta - sandwich on soft bread
Tortilla - obvious, but flat bread made from corn or flour
Tostada - crispy tortilla piled high with latin goodies
Taquito - rolled and fried tortilla with meat and cheese
Taco - if I have to explain this one to you, you may be reading the wrong blog

Crockpot Orange Pork

1 Pork Shoulder (one that will fit in your crockpot)
Salt & Pepper
1 T. plus 1 t. Smoked Paprika, divided
1 T. plus 1 t. Cumin, divided
1 T. plus 1 t. Sugar, divided
2 Red Onions, cut into slices
2 Oranges, cut into large chunks
1 Lime, cut into large chunks
¼ C. Olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
Cilantro, Orange slices & Avocado, for garnish
Tortillas, for serving

Add the pork and onions to a large bowl and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper and the spices.  Squeeze the citrus over the pork and drizzle with the olive oil.  Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate overnight. 

In the morning, squeeze whatever is left from the citrus over the meat and onions.  Remove the citrus from the bowl and discard.  Carefully transfer the pork, onions and marinade from the bowl to a crockpot.  Set to high and cook for 8-9 hours until the pork is cooked through, tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. 

Move the pork to a large bowl and shred with 2 forks.  Skim the fat from the juices in the crockpot and doctor up the sauce with the butter and about one teaspoon of smoked paprika, cumin and sugar.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Add the meat back to the crockpot so it can soak up all those good flavors. 

To serve, pile the pork onto a warm tortilla and garnish with fresh cilantro, orange and avocado. 

Happy holidays and happy eating!

Millefeuille à la Mure (Blackberry Napoleons)

“Millefeuille” is a French word that literally means “a thousand sheets.”  It is most famously used in the French Napoleon, which is made of many layers of puff pastry, cream and fruit preserves.  My version is slightly different.  I’ve used Filo (which to me is ever so much more like a thousand sheets), pudding and whole blackberries. 

This impressive and elegant dessert is good for special occasions and holidays.  I made it a couple years ago on my birthday and it was a huge hit.  The crispy layers of sugary filo contrasted against the creamy pudding create a delicious juxtaposition of texture and flavor. 

1 packet of Filo dough (about 20 sheets)

Sugar, for sprinkling

2 Vanilla Pudding Packets

Zest of 1 orange

1 t vanilla

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Fresh Blackberries

Preheat oven to 350.  Lay out one sheet of Filo dough at a time on a sheet of parchment paper.  Brush each Filo sheet with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.  Lay another piece on top and repeat.  When you have layered 5 sheets, bake in oven at 350.  You will need 4 sets of Filo, 5 sheets each. 

Follow the directions on the pudding packets and once they have been thoroughly combined, add the zest of 1 orange as well as 1 t. of vanilla.  Allow to set and cool in the refrigerator. 

When the pudding is set and the Filo has cooled, layer the ingredients.  Smear a large spoonful of pudding on top of the first set of Filo and cover with blackberries.  Place another set of Filo on top and repeat.  Place the last layer of Filo dough on top of the dessert and dust with powdered sugar.  To serve, carefully cut through the layers of Filo, pudding and blackberries.  Garnish with more blackberries.

Orange Cranberry Scones

I’ve been on a ‘scones kick’ lately, so I made these this morning.  I used the same recipe as the Lemon Blueberry Scones, with a few minor changes.  These biscuits are light and sweet and drizzled with a fresh orange glaze.  They can be elegant or rustic – you decide.  Next time I think I’ll add some cardamom right into them – stay tuned for the results.  Happy Sunday.

2 C. flour

2 t. baking powder

Scant 1/2 C. sugar

½ t. salt

1 t. orange zest

½ pint of frozen cranberries, thawed

1/2 stick of frozen butter, diced

2 eggs

1/2 C. whole milk, plus more for glazing

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, zest and salt.  When mixed, add butter and combine with a pastry tool until butter is the size of small peas.  Add one egg at a time and cut into the pastry with a knife and a fork until well combined.  Fold in cranberries.  Pour in about 1/2 C. milk and fold gently until the mixture is slightly wet and sticky.  Add a bit more if it feels too dry.

On a floured surface, roll out dough until it is about 1" thick.  Cut into your desired shapes with a cookie cutter and place on a greased sheet pan.  Brush with more whole milk so that when it bakes it will have a beautiful golden glaze.  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden (add more milk glaze if necessary).  Serve warm with butter, or cooled with orange glaze.