Jan 20 2014

Cranberry Apple Chutney Tart

A sophisticated savory sweet sensation

Ingredients

1 Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pie Crust, thawed
8 teaspoons of Stonewall Kitchen® Apple Cranberry Chutney
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored, and thinly sliced
Sprinkle of lemon juice
Cinnamon sugar to taste

Directions

Divide refrigerated pie crust sheet into 4. Press each piece onto an individual sized round porcelain flan dish.

For each dish, spread 2 teaspoons of chutney and arrange slices from half an apple. Sprinkle apples with lemon juice and cinnamon sugar as desired.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or so, until bubbly.

Serve warm.

Cook’s note:

Be our guest and substitute your favorite chutney.

Feb 15 2013

Citrus Dill Tilapia

A savory and delicate seafood combination

Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons McCormick^® Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning
4 boneless and skinless tilapia fillets, ~ 4 ounces each
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lemon, quartered and additional wedges for garnish
4 teaspoons capers and 4 teaspoons juice from capers’ bottle
4 teaspoons coarsely chopped freshly dill and few sprigs for garnish

Directions

Combine flour and Grill Mates seasoning in a shallow dish. Season each side of tilapia with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Lightly dredge fillets in seasoned flour.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium high heat. Add the first fillet to the sauté pan for at least 3 minutes and sear until you have a golden crust. Turn the fish over and add a tablespoon of butter to pan. Squeeze juice from a lemon quarter over the fillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of capers and 1 teaspoon of capers’ juice to pan. Sprinkle chopped dill over the fish. Heat for another 3 minutes or so until tilapia is fully cooked. Note: cooking times may vary due to thickness of fillets.

Transfer fillet and bits to a serving plate and tent while repeating the cooking process for each fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon and dill sprigs; sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Bon Appétit!

Feb 6 2012

California Dreamin’

Like the famous song by The Mamas and the Papas calls for at this time of year, I find myself daydreaming about warmer, sunnier days and of course fond food memories of my visits to California … a yearning for a light, crisp style of cooking, emphasizing fresh ingredients, that really does let the individual flavors shine through. Oh I’m dreamin’ about you, California’s eclectic food sensations.

Question: Where is “The Salad Bowl of the World?

Answer: Salinas, California ~ Famous for its lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and strawberries, just to name a few of its Salad Bowl stars.

In Salinas, fresh and vibrant food is what you’ll find, paired with oh so flavorful wine. So shake the winter blues away. Be inspired and find a way to bring warm and bright Cali to your winter cooking. Surf’s up … you’ve just traveled to sunny California! ~ NRVANA

Destination:  U.S.A.
Welcome, your passport has been stamped! 

Note to the Epi-curious:  Confirm your travel plans
by sharing your very own cooking nirvana experience -
be it a treasured memory, location, or recipe.

Shangri La Cafe

Raspberry Mango Candied Walnut Daydream Salad

Travel log entry

The Mamas and the Papas California Dreamin’ Excerpt

Nov 11 2011

The Cheese Stands Alone

Who doesn’t remember that fond childhood nursery rhyme that ends “the cheese stands alone.” Cheese, like a treasured nursery rhyme, brings with it a reassuring feeling of coziness and comfort.

Whichever way you slice it, cheese has the power to be the ultimate comfort food or solo menu dish. Who doesn’t love cheese paired with their favorite glass of wine?

Question: Where’s one place cheese stands alone?

Answer: Cheese reigns supreme in France.

Cheese rates top billing in France; whether a tasty treat, a savory main course, or a sweet end to a satisfying meal.

So put on a pot of hot, bubbling fondue; perfect for a chilly wintry night and share your favorite childhood cheese memory. Smile! Say cheese … you’ve just traveled to France. ~ NRVANA

Destination:  France
Bonjour, your passport has been stamped! 

Note to the Epi-curious:  Confirm your travel plans
by sharing your very own cooking nirvana experience -
be it a treasured memory, location, or recipe.

P.S.

A happy coincidence! France is the birthplace of cheesecake.

Shangri La Cafe

Brie with Bounty of Dried Fruits
Cranberry Mango Brie Tartlets

Next stop – California Dreamin’

My Cooking Nirvana

A Passport to Global Flavors

Category Winter

Cranberry Apple Chutney Tart

Citrus Dill Tilapia

California Dreamin’

The Cheese Stands Alone