Recipe Mutiny: 07/31/19

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

What makes the best ever tuna sandwich? It's all in the combination of ingredients—the best tuna you can find, cottage cheese and mayo, and good use of fresh dill, parsley, and more.

Continue reading "Best Ever Tuna Salad Sandwich" »

from Simply Recipes https://ift.tt/2ucyHIc
via IFTTT

11 Ways to Use Hemp Seeds & Why You Should

A One-Bowl Apple Snacking Cake for Hangry Kids

Baker, recipe developer, and cookbook author Jessie Sheehan shares her recipe for an easy one-bowl apple snack cake that’s perfect for after-school snacking, or really any other time. Dust it with powdered sugar, dress it up for dessert with ice cream, switch up the fruit in season, and prepare to bake on repeat.

In my house, after-school snacks run the gamut—from fresh mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with flaky sea salt and pints of raspberries for my 14-year old, Jack, to chunks of manchego cheese, slices of salami, and pints of blackberries for my 16-year-old, Oliver. And lest you think that sounds awfully wholesome, and like I might even be bragging, both boys love—above all else—packets of applesauce and tubes of yogurt that can literally be squeezed right into their mouths. There was a time when packaged snacks were verboten in my kitchen, particularly those of the squeezable variety, but those days are behind us, and I tend to purchase (within reason) whatever it is they request.

Icebox Cakes: Recipes for the Coolest Cakes in Town, $15.16 on Amazon

Sheehan shares recipes from the classic chocolate wafer version to lemon curd and Black Forest cake-inspired takes.

Buy Now

But I do draw the line at store-bought baked goods. Breakfast muffins and scones, the occasional loaf of (no-knead) crusty bread, (most) cookies, pies, and ALL cakes are homemade. This is due in part to the fact that making such goodies is what I do for a living, but also because serving from-scratch treats to my boys feels special. Perhaps it is because I did not grow up eating said sweets myself, or perhaps it is because they are just so darn delicious, but offering Jack and Oliver a slice of freshly-baked cake—maybe even still warm from the oven—when they get home from school is, in my opinion, one of life’s sweetest pleasures. And if said cake is a snacking cake, well then, all the better.

Jessie Sheehan

What Is a Snacking Cake?

A snacking cake is one of my all-time favorite cakes to make and to eat. I love its petite size, the speed with which one assembles and bakes it, the ease with which one decorates it—via a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, a simple glaze, a fast and dirty swoosh of American buttercream—or doesn’t decorate it! (I kind of dig naked cake, FYI.) And its versatility—cake for mid-morning tea, cake for after school (obviously), cake for dessert after a weeknight dinner, and cake for late-night Netflix binge-watching sessions—can’t be beaten. Lucky for me, my kids are pretty into snacking cakes too. Chocolate is probably Jack’s favorite—with just a dusting of confectioners’ sugar—and Oliver loves my brown-sugar caramel one, with the salted caramel glaze.

But in the fall, right after school begins, and just as everyone is adjusting to new classes and teachers and schedules, they both look forward to apple snacking cake. It is a moist, oil-based, one-bowl cake, studded with cinnamon-sugar coated chunks of apples. Like all good snacking cakes, it takes almost no time to put together and is as delicious naked as it is with a dollop of lightly whipped cream (or, if being served after dinner, or during “Dead to Me,” a scoop of vanilla ice cream). I can begin assembling the cake within an hour of when they are expected home, and serve warm cake to them as soon as they enter the front door. The cake is not super sweet, but nor is it sugar-free by any stretch. However, the apples do indeed give it a wholesome, seasonal vibe, and even Jack and Oliver prefer eating apples via cake to those pureed and served in a squeezable packet. And that feels like a pretty good parenting-win.

So, if you find yourself at a loss as to what to offer up your hangry kids post-school (or in a literal show-down with them about it), might I suggest an apple snacking cake. I guarantee they will be pleased, and I’m pretty sure you will be, too.

Jessie Sheehan

Apple Snacking Cake Recipe

This cake has a soft and tender crumb and is studded with chunks of fresh apples, generously coated with cinnamon. It’s one-bowl, which means assembly is lightning-fast and clean up is a breeze. Prior to baking, the top of the cake is sprinkled with turbinado sugar, providing the prettiest sparkle and a delightful crunch. If apples are not your fave, substitute chunks of stone fruit (no need to peel peaches or plums) or even blueberries in their place, and omit the cinnamon if you like.

Apple Snacking Cake

Makes: 1 cake (12 servings)

Ingredients

1/2 cup mild olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 medium apples (I like Granny Smith)
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
turbinado sugar for sprinkling
confectioners’ sugar for dusting
whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8x2-inch pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugars, and vanilla.
Add the egg, and then the yolk, whisking after each.
Add the buttermilk and whisk until incorporated.
Sift the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda onto a sheet of parchment, and using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in three additions, until just incorporated. Do not over mix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, scraping the bowl well.
Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Place them in the now-empty bowl, wiping it with a paper towel first, if you so desire.
Sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar and toss with your hands to coat.
Top the cake batter with the apples in a single layer—you may have some leftover apple pieces. Sprinkle the cake with the turbinado sugar.
Transfer the cake to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan after 20 minutes (the cake is done when a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs).
Bring to room temperature before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and serving along with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cake will keep wrapped in plastic wrap for three days on the counter—and some claim it gets better with age.

Non-Stick 8-Inch Square Cake Pans (Set of 2), $13.98 on Amazon

The ideal sized non-stick pan for this snacking cake recipe.

Buy Now

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2MzDv4K
via IFTTT

A College Student’s Guide to Grocery Shopping on a Budget

For college students, upgrading from that tiny dorm room to a spacious apartment is like hitting the jackpot. One of the best parts of having an apartment is being able to trade in the boring dining hall food for the power to cook your own meals in your very own kitchen.

But we all know that “with great power comes great responsibility,” and groceries don’t just buy themselves. Here are some ways college students can successfully take on food shopping without breaking the bank.

1. Buy in bulk.

“Sometimes it pays to stock up,” says Elizabeth Matteo, a registered dietitian at Boston University’s Sargent Choice Nutrition Center. “You may find certain products have a lower cost per unit when you bulk-buy.”

Be careful that you’re not buying too much of something that’s perishable, though: “Know whether you can use up the items or store them safely for later use,” says Matteo.

Dry foods like beans, pasta, rice, and oatmeal are the way to go for bulk-buying, along with other household products like toilet paper, toothpaste, and laundry detergent.

Pixabay

It might also save you some trips to the store, so you can get some more studying in.

2. Shop seasonal.

When you buy fruits and veggies during their peak seasons, not only do they taste better, they are also cheaper! Just make sure you’re following these tips for how to store fresh fruit and vegetables so they last longer and you don’t end up with a bunch of food waste (and wasted money).

Shutterstock

3. Go in with a plan.

“Think about what meals you plan to prepare and whether you can utilize similar ingredients across meals to minimize food waste and maximize your dollar,” says Matteo.

Make a list on a piece of paper or in the Notes app on your phone and stick to it. If not, I guarantee you you’ll forget everything you need once you step into the overwhelming grocery store.

nutrition fact: how to read a nutrition label

Shutterstock

4. Don’t be embarrassed by using coupons.

As a broke college student, coupons can be your best friend. Websites like Coupons.com and SmartSource can help you access savings on tons of grocery items. Big chain grocery stores also tend to have digital coupon services. Embrace them all.

5. Take advantage of student discounts.

There are a lot of perks to being a student, and discounts are one of them. Keep an eye out for student discounts and always, always have your student ID on hand. (If you can swing an Amazon Prime account, you can get a student discount on that too.)

6. Eat before you go to the store.

Chowhound

This may seem obvious, but never, and I mean never, go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. You’ll end up with a cart that’s packed to capacity with food you probably don’t even like. A full stomach will ensure you’re buying only what you need.

7. Remember, budgeting doesn’t end at the store.

There are ways to minimize spending back at your apartment, too. Matteo says, “Plan to use perishable goods earlier in the week before they spoil, and think about repurposing dinner leftovers for lunch the next day.”

Also don’t forget about the benefits of a freezer: “Store extra ingredients in freezer-safe containers or try batch cooking and dividing up leftovers into individual portions to freeze for another day,” she adds.

Read More: Our Favorite Meal Prep Containers

Wallet-Friendly Recipes

Check out a selection of some of our favorite cheap meals, but here are a few more easy and inexpensive recipes using ingredients you probably already have on your grocery list.

Basic Chicken Fajitas

Chowhound

All you need for this delicious recipe is some chicken, veggies, and tortillas, in addition to flavors like chili powder and garlic that you probably already have in your cabinet. It’s an ideal meal if you’re hosting some friends for the night and want to impress them. If you’re feeling extra hungry, serve with some guacamole or salsa. And if you don’t eat meat, sub in some tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead. Wrap leftovers up into a burrito and bring it along for lunch the next day.Get our Basic Chicken Fajitas recipe.

Basic Garlicky Spaghetti

Chowhound

You really can’t go wrong with yummy, garlicky pasta and it has to be one of the easiest meals you’ll ever make. If you’re missing the protein, you can always add in some chicken, shrimp, or whatever meat you have lying around. Or bulk it up with veggies, and dress it up with any herbs you have starting to wilt in the crisper drawer. Get our Basic Garlicky Spaghetti recipe.

Vegetarian Taco Salad

Chowhound

The beauty of salads is that you can put just about anything you want in them, and this recipe calls for a variety of beans, tomatoes, peppers, and more delicious ingredients. It’s a great dish to make a large portion of and divide into lunch for multiple days. The dressing calls for ranch dressing, sour cream and, of course, taco seasoning for a boost of extra flavor. Get our Vegetarian Taco Salad recipe.

— Head photo: flickr (1Flatworld).

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2LRkpYx
via IFTTT

What Is the Difference Between Peaches and Nectarines?

You probably just read “What Is the Difference Between Peaches and Nectarines” and are feeling pretty sure you know the answer to the titular question. It’s fuzz, right? That’s the difference. Well, essentially yes. Peaches are just furry, unshaven versions of smooth-as-a-baby’s-bottom nectarines. But these two summery fruits actually share a gene variant which accounts for why they’re so similar (as well as that one major difference). Let’s get down to the science behind this age old peach vs. nectarine condundrum.

As we’ve already established, peaches have a soft, fuzzy coating on their exterior. This is the result of a dominant allele (a variant form of a gene). Nectarines, unlike peaches, have a recessive variation and, thus, have smooth skin. They also tend to be firmer and smaller in size than their peach cousin.

Related Reading: Why You Should Be Grilling Fruit This Summer

Otherwise, peaches and nectarines are rather similar. They both come in yellow and white varieties and can be either freestone (meaning that the pit easily comes free from the fruits’ flesh) or clingstone (meaning the pit sticks tightly to it). In terms of cooking, peaches and nectarines are nearly interchangeable, given their juicy, sweet flavors. Just be sure to peel the peaches. No one wants fuzz in their pie, after all!

If you’re looking to use these stone fruits in desserts, check out the below recipes for ample inspiration for all your pie, crisp, and cobbler needs. We also love adding these summer fruits to salads, drinks, and more. Try making them all before peach season is over!

Easy Peach Cobbler

Chowhound

This recipe is so simple, even the most amateur baker can master it. Top the flaky pastry with some vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience that’s out of this world. Get our Easy Peach Cobbler recipe.

Peach Caprese Salad

Chowhound

This fruity addition to a traditional Caprese Salad is perfect for summer. Even toss in some tomatoes for added flavor and texture if you’re feeling adventurous. Get our Peach Caprese Salad recipe here.

Peach Pie with Pecan Streusel

Chowhound

Again with the pecans! I guess there’s no better nut to complement the pride of Georgia. Try making this one for Thanksgiving to give the holiday a well-needed hint of summer. Get our Peach Pie with Pecan Streusel recipe.

Corningware Stoneware 9 Inch Round White Pie Pan, $27.35 at Walmart

This classic white pie pan is perfect for all of your summer baking needs.

Buy Now

Grilled Nectarine Crumble

Chowhound

Pecans and brown sugar give this crumble a nutty edge—one that will have you constantly asking for seconds. Get our Nectarine Crumble recipe.

Nectarines Baked with Pistachios and Fresh Ginger

Chowhound

If you want to get the most out of your nectarines this summer, try baking them whole with this impressive recipe, which stuffs the fruits with pistachios, ginger and buttery white wine sauce. It’s a more sophisticated dessert that’s still perfect for picnic weather. Get our Nectarines Baked with Pistachios and Fresh Ginger recipe.

Peaches ‘n’ Cream Ice Pops

Chowhound

Try these Peaches ‘n’ Cream ice pops this summer for a delicious, easy-to-make treat. If you’re a fan of creamsicles, make sure to test out this recipe! Get our Peaches ‘n’ Cream Ice Pop recipe here.

Oak Leaf Popsicle Molds, Set of 6, $9.99 at Walmart

These reusable popsicle molds will have you making ice pops all summer long!

Buy Now

Chipotle-Nectarine Barbecue Sauce

Chowhound

Not even barbecued chicken is immune to the charms of stone fruit. Try sweetening up your grill game with this homemade barbecue sauce which pairs nectarines with chipotle for a balancing act of smoky and sweet. Get our Chipotle-Nectarine Barbecue Sauce recipe.

Peach Frozen Yogurt

Chowhound

If you’re sick of baked goods featuring peaches, than this recipe is for you. Try making your very own soft serve for a chiller approach to summer’s best fruit. Get our Peach Frozen Yogurt recipe.

Peach Bellini

Chowhound

While Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas are typically the most popular boozy brunch beverages, we love sipping on these flavorful Peach Bellinis during the summer. Get our Peach Bellini recipe here.

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2mS9Pln
via IFTTT

from Simply Recipes https://ift.tt/2YBhnxs
via IFTTT