7.22.2009

toddler truffles

Makes about 24 balls
recipe from gourmet mom on the go

you don't need to be a toddler to love this fudgy dessert. i love how there is no flour, just black beans.

ingredients:

One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed*
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (optional) -- i used walnuts
1/4 cup (2 ounces) butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 c. cocoa powder
Pinch of kosher salt
2 eggs
sprinkles or powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray or butter an 8 by 8-inch pan; set aside.
In a large, deep bowl, combine the beans, sugars, nuts, butter, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Using a stick blender or food processor, start to work the ingredients around. When they are fully blended, add the eggs and blend to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until firm and the edges get slightly crisp. Cool and cut into small cubes or take a spoonful and roll into small balls in your palms. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkles.
Store covered, up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Variations:
• Substitute white beans, pintos, or adzuki beans. They can be found in the ethnic aisle of your store. The texture and color may change, but the idea stays the same—a cake made of beans!
• Add a tablespoon of orange zest, try different kinds of chopped nuts, or add dried currants after blending for a chunkier texture.

*jessica's note: a 15 oz can equals 1 1/2 cups of cooked black beans. i cooked 3/4 c. dry black beans instead of using canned. it was a little more than what i needed so i made sure to measure 1 1/2 cups for the recipe.

7.01.2009

bowtie chicken caesar salad

i got this recipe from my friend meg, who got it from her sister-in-law, joslyn. it makes a ton so it's ideal for bridal/baby showers and other large gatherings. but don't count on having any leftovers.

serves 30-40

16 oz farfalle pasta, cooked per package directions
2 heads romaine lettuce, washed, spun dry, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
1 - 4 oz pkg slivered almonds, sugared
1 - 6 oz pkg grated parmesan cheese
1 - 6 oz pkg croutons
1 - 8 oz carton mushrooms, sliced
24 oz of your favorite caesar dressing

to sugar the almonds: in a dry skillet, add 1/2 cup sugar and almonds, turn the burner to medium. in a few minutes, the sugar will start to melt. stir to coat the almonds. when the sugar reaches a light golden color-it will happen quickly, remove from heat and spread the almonds on waxed paper to cool, then break apart. you can also follow the directions on this website: jeenaskitchen

to prepare the salad: combine all the ingredients in two+ large bowls. (it make so much, you won't be able to fit it all in one.) toss to coat everything with the dressing.

jessica's note: i'm not a fan of soggy lettuce, so i wait until just before serving to stir it in. also, i didn't bother sugaring the almonds and the salad was still awesome.

coconut waffles with mango-strawberry compote

this recipe came from a chef i saw on oprah many years ago.

1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into small cubes
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar

1 3/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 stick of butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup coconut milk*
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut, roughly chopped
whipped cream

to make compote: toss mango, strawberries, and sugar in a medium bowl. cover and let stand for about 90 minutes.

to make waffles: heat a waffle iron and lightly oil the grids. whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl to combine. make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter, milk, eggs, and coconut milk. whisk just until smooth - do not over mix. fold in the coconut. spoon waffle batter into the waffle iron, cook until the waffle is golden brown, 3-4 minutes. serve the waffles hot, spooning the compote and whipped cream on top.

*this recipe only uses about a half can of coconut milk so make this recipe with the other half.