Combine 2 ½ cups apple cider, ¾ cup white sugar (here, vanilla-infused sugar), ½ cup orange juice, the zest of one orange (here, a lemon), 3 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 vanilla pod (split lengthwise) in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Separately,… Continue reading Cider-poached pears
Tag: fruit
Oven-roasted plums in spiced syrup
In a small sauce pan, mix ½ cup sugar (here, vanilla sugar), ¾ cup water, 1/8 tsp each nutmeg and allspice, and a small cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, then pour over 2 ½ lb red plums (stems removed, placed stem side down). Roast in… Continue reading Oven-roasted plums in spiced syrup
Bananas Foster (without the booze)
This is an alcohol-free version. Using a large wok, heat ¼ cup unsalted butter. When melted, add 2/3 cup light brown sugar, 3 ½ Tbsp lemon juice, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp cinnamon. Once sauce starts bubbling, add 3 large or 4 medium bananas (sliced on a diagonal) and ¼ cup pecan… Continue reading Bananas Foster (without the booze)
Spiced winter fruit salad
We thought we would try out this recipe, which is designed for fruit available during this season. Recipe is here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spiced-winter-fruit-salad-recipe.html except we omitted bananas (which might get mealy in this preparation).Also, there is a typo in the recipe - it should be ¼ cup (not 14cup) honey. (Feb. 2015)
Roasted blueberry and banana purée
An easy and healthy dessert. Recipe is here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/roasted-banana-and-blueberry-puree-recipe.html. We added 1 tsp vanilla-infused sugar while pureeing. Somehow this reminds me of puréed camote, a purple yam I enjoyed in Mexico. (Feb. 2015)
Old-fashioned cornmeal mush with fresh blueberries
Recipe is here: http://ansonmills.com/recipes/475 . We recommend reducing the amount of salt to just 1/8 tsp (the recipe calls for 1 tsp). We also fold the hot milk (we use 1 or 2%, not whole) into the pot, rather than serving it on the side. (Mar. 2015)
Blueberry corn muffins
I have tried out a number of corn muffin recipes, and this one is my favorite. Preheat oven to 425. Stir 1 2/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup blue cornmeal, ½ tsp salt, 1 Tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/3… Continue reading Blueberry corn muffins
Pear, avocado, and spinach salad
I learned this recipe from my step-MIL, who ingeniously combined crisp pear with ripe avocado. The recipe is simple: line a serving dish with baby spinach, place one sliced (1/4") and cored pear (here, Bartlett, but any crisp pear will do) on top of the spinach, and then top with slices from one avocado (the… Continue reading Pear, avocado, and spinach salad
Vanilla-infused roasted berries
Recipe is here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/meringues-chantilly-with-roasted-berries-recipe.html,except that we used vanilla-infused sugar (instead of plain white sugar) plus a vanilla bean. We did not make the meringues. This compote goes well with vanilla ice cream or angel food cake (as shown), plain yogurt, or even on its own. (Mar.2015)
Cooking Adventures 