May 14 2012

Apple Ambrosia

An airy and light anytime delight!

Ingredients

2 apples
Lemon wedge
6 oz. frozen mango chunks
8 oz. crushed pineapple
½ pint vanilla ice cream
4 oz. Kraft® Cool Whip Lite
¼ cup golden raisins
½ cup Kraft® Jet-Puffed FunMallows
Mint sprigs for garnish

Directions

Core and chop the apples; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Cut the mango chunks into smaller pieces, if desired. In a large bowl, add the apples, mango, and crushed pineapple, followed by vanilla ice cream and cool whip; mix together. Fold in the raisins and miniature marshmallows. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve with fresh mint as a garnish.

Cook’s note:

Be my guest and substitute your favorite fruit.

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

Jan 1 2012

Fall & Fruity

Apples & Yams

From our friend

Ingredients

1 can (21 oz.) Comstock® apple pie filling
1 can (16 oz.) Bruce’s® candied yams, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons dried, sweet cranberries
Sprinkle of cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg
2 heaping tablespoons of light brown sugar
Butter as needed

Directions

Mix the apples, yams, raisins, and cranberries; place in a casserole dish.

Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.* Top with brown sugar, followed by a dot of butter.

Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly.

Serve warm.

Cook’s note:

Be our guest and sprinkle your favorite nuts as an extra topping.

Jan 1 2012

Brie with Bounty of Dried Fruits

The Cheese Stands Alone

From our friend

Ingredients

Wedge of Brie cheese or small round
Assorted dried fruits: Cranberries, cherries, blueberries, dates, apricots, raisins, plums, prunes
Tablespoon of honey

Directions

Dice the assorted dried fruits of your choice. Mix with honey; enough to adhere to cheese.

Arrange the fruit on top of Brie in a fashion pleasing to the eye.

Serve with French bread or favorite crackers or crostini.

Bon Appétit!

Cook’s note:

Be our guest and substitute your favorite dried fruits.

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’

Nov 10 2011

Hello world!

Welcome

Imagine… a journey filled with the many wondrous sights, seasonings, and tastes the world has to offer. Join me on my quest to strive for “cooking nirvana” as we travel the globe in search of the most delectable of flavors.

Be sure to pack your bags and bring your passport …

Our global journey of cooking enlightenment awaits!

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.

~ NRVANA

Travel Itinerary

First stop

A Hug from Halfway Around the World

My Cooking Nirvana

A Passport to Global Flavors

Tag Archives: Cooking

Apple Ambrosia

California Dreamin’

Fall & Fruity

Brie with Bounty of Dried Fruits

The Cheese Stands Alone

Hello world!

Welcome