Breakfast, Dessert, Lactose Free, Recipes

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

August 29, 2020

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

This sweet and moist cake recipe comes from King Arthur Baking Company.  The topping seeps down into the cake which makes it extra moist, and the rich, buttery pecans are truly delightful.  I wanted a smaller cake so I cut the recipe in half and used an 8×8-inch baking pan.

Melted Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, Brown Sugar, Pecans

Heaton Farm Pecans

A guest who visited my workplace last Christmas brought me a container of pecans from his hometown. I’ve kept them in my refrigerator so they stay nice and fresh.  I was able to put these excellent pecans to good use with this recipe.

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

The cake itself is pretty straight forward.  Butter, brown sugar, eggs and buttermilk all play a part in making this moist cake.  It may look like any other cake, that is, until you add the topping to it.  The cake then goes back in the oven for another 10 minutes and the topping warms up becoming a gorgeous glaze.

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

The thick topping has now become a beautiful glaze.  You can serve it right away at this point, but I like to let the cake cool for an hour or two until the glaze has set.

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake

Farmhouse Buttermilk Cake
 
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Adapted from King Arthur Flour
Author:
Serves: 1 8x8 cake
Ingredients
  • Cake:
  • ¼ cup (57g) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks (or unsalted butter) at room temperature
  • 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) lactose free buttermilk at room temperature (add 1 tablespoon white vinegar to a 1-cup measuring cup, add lactose free milk to measure 1 cup total, let sit 10 minutes to thicken)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1½ cups (180g) unbleached all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • Topping:
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) melted Earth Balance Buttery Sticks
  • ½ cup (107g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ⅛ c (29g) milk
  • ½ cup (57g) diced pecans
  • *add ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt if using unsalted butter
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of an 8x8-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the pan.
  2. Beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and beat until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Add baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients, beating until thoroughly combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 30 minutes.
  3. Towards the end of the baking time, prepare the topping by stirring the butter and sugar together. Add the milk and pecans. The glaze will be thick but pourable.
  4. Pour the topping over the baked cake making sure to spread it evenly (corners too). Return the cake to the oven for another 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven. The topping will look very runny. Letting the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours will allow the glaze to set. The cake can be frozen for a couple of months.

 

Canning, Fruit, Jams & Jellies, Lactose Free, Recipes

Mango Lilikoi Jam

August 24, 2020

Mango Lilikoi Jam

This delightful lower sugar jam combines the taste and texture of Hawaii’s favorite fruit, mango, with the exotic flavor and scent of lilikoi (passion fruit).  With two prolific mango trees in our yard, every year we make dozens of jars of this jam, which has become our favorite.

Homegrown Rapoza & White Pirie Mangos

We have two varieties of mango trees in our yard, White Pirie and Rapoza.  The jams are usually a mix of the two.

Crushed Mangos

After peeling and removing the seeds from the mangos, I roughly crush the fruit with my hands for a more rustic texture.  You could also chop the fruit with a knife into 3/4-1-inch pieces.

Purple Lilikoi

Pictured above are lilikoi from our garden.  The best way to juice them is to place the pulp in a blender and mix on low speed. This will break up the membranes and release the juice. We use our food mill to remove the seeds but pressing through a sieve will work too.

Essential Canning Utensils

Essential canning utensils: large ladle, jar lifter, canning funnel, headspace measuring tool, long handle spoon.

Low or No-Sugar Pectin & Fruit-Fresh

Low or no-sugar pectin and Fruit-Fresh (ascorbic acid/vitamin C).

Mango Lilikoi Jam on English Muffin

Mango lilikoi jam on homemade English muffins.

Mango Lilikoi Jam
 
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Author:
Serves: 8 half pint jars
Ingredients
  • 6 (generous) cups of crushed or chopped mango (1,450g)
  • ½ cup fresh lilikoi juice
  • ¼ cup bottled lemon juice (best for safe canning)
  • 4 cups granulated sugar (800g)
  • 3 tablespoons low/no sugar pectin
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Fruit Fresh (ascorbic acid, optional but recommended for maintaining vibrant color of jam)
Preparation
  1. Special equipment: Boiling water canner with jar rack, 8 half-pint mason jars with two piece lids, 8-quart stock pot, large ladle, jar lifter, canning funnel, headspace tool, long handle spoon.
  2. Prepare boiling water canner, 8 half-pint mason jars and two piece lids: Wash jars and lids, place jars in canner pot and fill with water to 1-inch over top of jars. Place on stovetop and heat to a simmer.
  3. Peel and seed about 12 mangos, crush or chop into irregular pieces, about ¾-1-inch in size. You are aiming for a rustic look. You want to to have a generous 6 cups total (1,450g). Place mangos in large 8-quart stock pot, add lilikoi and lemon juice. Add pectin and Fruit-Fresh and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove pot from burner.
  4. Remove jars from canning pot (water from jars can be emptied back into canner), and ladle hot jam into jars leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims with a damp cloth or a paper towel and affix lids and rings. Turn rings with fingertips until just tight, reverse, and tighten again until just finger tight. Place jars into canner, cover with lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, set timer for 10 minutes, adjust burner temperature to maintain steady boil. At the end of 10 minutes, turn off burner, remove lid and let jars sit in the canner for 5 more minutes.
  5. Remove jars, wick off water from lids with a towel and let cool for 24 hours on a kitchen towel or cooling rack. Remove rings, check that lids are sealed. Sealed jars are shelf stable for 18 months. It's a good idea to date your jars.

 

 

Dinner, Italian, Lactose Free, Pasta, Recipes, Veggies

Summer Weekend Pasta

August 21, 2020

Summer Weekend Pasta

This is a lovely, summery pasta dish whose ingredients can be adjusted to include whatever fresh veggies you might have on hand.  Now that corn is in season, make sure to include it along with the bacon (yum).  I do love the bright green specks of zucchini tucked in-between the orecchiette, but that’s not to say that you couldn’t switch it out for another green vegetable such as julienned kale or thin strips of asparagus.  Whatever you choose, keep in mind they should be cut, grated, or sliced into petite sizes so they meld nicely with the orecchiette.

Orecchiette

Orecchiette is the perfect pasta for this dish.  The domed shape of this pasta is ideal for catching the little nuggets of corn, bacon, and zucchini.

Zucchini, Corn, Basil, Bacon

Bacon = Happiness.

Grated Zucchini

The zucchini is grated and salted before being squeezed to extract as much liquid as possible.  This will ensure you do not end up with watery pasta.  The final dish is a bowlful of summer flavors.

Summer Weekend Pasta

 

Summer Weekend Pasta
 
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Adapted from Food52
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 4 slices thick bacon, cut crosswise into ¼-inch pieces
  • 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and crushed
  • pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 medium green zucchini, ends trimmed
  • ½ pound orecchiette
  • 2 ears corn, kernels cut from the cobs
  • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped or torn basil
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • olive oil for finishing
  • grated parmesan cheese for serving
Preparation
  1. Grate the squash on a box grater or large hole grater. Place grated squash in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large saute pan with crushed garlic clove over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard the garlic clove.
  3. Once the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, take fistfuls of the salted squash and squeeze firmly to extract liquid. Set aside in a bowl.
  4. Drain the pasta but don't shake it; you want a little pasta water to help create a sauce. Pour it back in the pot. Add the pressed squash, corn kernels and bacon to the pot. Toss everything together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Add basil and red pepper flakes if using. Toss once before serving and sprinkle with grated parmesan.

 

Dinner, Japanese, Lactose Free, Pasta, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cold Miso Sesame Ramen

August 13, 2020

Cold Miso Sesame Ramen

Cold noodle dishes have always been a favorite of mine, especially during the summer when it is blazing hot.  Dressings and sauces made with light miso are always so tasty.  I enjoy its mild and slightly sweet flavor. This is such an easy meal to throw together if you are short on time.  You can make it in advance, just leave the dressing out until you are ready to serve it.

Hakubaku Ramen

Hakubaku dried ramen is a good choice if you can find it.  Otherwise use your favorite ramen or substitute it with thin spaghetti.

Cucumber, Cilantro, Fresno Pepper, Green Onions

With just a handful of ingredients, you can quickly put together a satisfying lunch.  The Fresno pepper adds a little bit of heat, and a beautiful firecracker red color.

Miso Dressing

The miso dressing is also excellent tossed with crispy greens such as iceberg lettuce, watercress, red and green cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and radishes.

Hakubaku Ramen

For its ease and flavor, this has become a new favorite dish of mine no matter what time of the year it may be.

Cold Miso Sesame Ramen

Cold Miso Sesame Ramen
 
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Adapted from Bon Appetit magazine
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 small Fresno chile
  • 2 mini Japanese cucumbers
  • 2 - 4 green onions
  • cilantro (optional)
  • 2 limes (2 tablespoons + wedges for serving)
  • ¼ cup mild miso
  • 2 teaspoons roasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons grapeseed or canola oil
  • 8 ounces dry ramen
  • roasted sesame seeds for serving
  • cilantro sprigs for serving (optional)
Preparation
  1. Heat water for ramen in a large pot. Meanwhile, cut Fresno chile in half lengthwise (I use disposable gloves when handling chile peppers). Remove the ribs and seeds (leave ribs in for spicier flavor). Slice into strips and finely chop.
  2. Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into ¼-inch thick half-moons. Thinly slice green onions.
  3. Cut ½ lime into wedges for serving. Juice the other half along with the second lime into a small dish, until you have 2 tablespoons.
  4. Whisk together 2 tablespoons lime juice, miso, sesame oil, brown sugar and garlic in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk in grapeseed oil until dressing is smooth and thick. Whisk in water 1 tablespoon at a time until dressing is the consistancy of heavy cream (1½ - 2 tablespoons). Set aside.
  5. Cook ramen according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly, shaking off any excess water (excess water will dilute the dressing). Transfer noodles to a large bowl and toss with the sauce. Add chile, cucumbers, and green onions. Toss again. Divide noodles among shallow bowls. Top with roasted sesame seeds, sprigs of cilantro if using, and lime wedges.

 

 

 

 

 

Dessert, Fruit, Lactose Free, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

August 6, 2020

 

Baked Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

I received a gorgeous, ripe pineapple recently.  I thought about making more mango-pineapple jam but our mangos were not quite ready.  I found this recipe from Southern Living and thought it would be the perfect way to use up the entire pineapple.  The recipe turned out to be a real delight.  The pineapple really shines with its fresh sweet and tart flavor.

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

A crisp crust is layered with fresh chopped pineapple and crumb topping that includes sliced almonds.

Perfectly Ripe Pineapple

A gorgeous pineapple perfectly ripe and ready to eat.

Fresh Pineapple

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bar Crust

The crust is baked and cooled before the pineapple and crumb topping are added.  I used almost the entire pineapple as the recipe calls for 4 cups of chopped fruit.

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bar Crust Topped with Fresh Pineapple

The pineapple mixture is spooned over the baked crust and the crumb topping sprinkled over it.

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bar Crust Topped with Fresh Pineapple & Crumble Topping

Once in the oven, the pineapple crumble will bake for 45-55 minutes.  The scent of fresh pineapple fills the air as it bakes.

Baked Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

Baked Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars
 
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Adapted from Southern Living
Author:
Serves: 16
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (254g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⅓ cups (200g & 66g) sugar, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 cups (20 ounces or 570g) chopped fresh pineapple
  • ¼ cup (30g) corn starch
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ heaping cup (30g) slivered almonds
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray pan with cooking spray.
  2. Beat flour, butter, vanilla, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 1 minute. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture in a small bowl for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into bottom of prepared pan.
  3. Bake crust until golden brown, about 18 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack, and cool completely, about 45 minutes (preheat oven again to 375 degrees after 30 minutes cooling time)
  4. Meanwhile, gently stir together chopped pineapple, cornstarch, lemon juice, remaining ⅓ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Spread pineapple mixture over cooled crust.
  5. Stir together the almonds and reserved crumb mixture in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over pineapple mixture on crust. Bake at 375 degrees until the topping is lightly browned, about 45-55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 16 squares. Leftovers may be frozen. Separate layers with waxed paper.

 

Beef, Dinner, Japanese, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sauces

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks

July 31, 2020

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks

Over the course of a month or so, I have been on a quest to find the best cut of meat for my teriyaki meat sticks.  I first tried ribeye which turned out to be just fine but not exactly what I was hoping for.  The next time I bought thinly sliced “teriyaki style” meat from my local market.  The thin slices of meat caught my attention but as it turned out, they use round steak which is generally quite tough.  I asked the butcher for his suggestion and tri-tip was his recommendation. Stan kindly offered to slice the meat for me so we made a plan.  I would pick up the meat the following day so he would have the chance to freeze the meat for a bit which makes it much easier to slice in to thin strips.

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks with Oi Kimchi & Onigiri

Tri-Tip

Stan was absolutely correct.  The trip-tip was tender and flavorful.  I appreciated that he offered to slice the meat for me which saved me some time.  It’s fairly easy to slice the meat at home once you freeze it for about an hour to firm up.  All you need is a steady hand and a good knife.

Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce smells divine.  The secret ingredient in the sauce is Sherry.  Look for a decent dry or medium Sherry (from Spain=the real deal) if possible.

Medium Sherry

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks with Oi Kimchi, Mac Salad, Rice

Leftover meat sticks makes a tasty lunch the following day.  I wrap them in foil and heat in the toaster oven for a 5 minutes. Serve with kimchi and mac salad.

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks

Best Teriyaki Meat Sticks
 
Save Print
Author:
Serves: 14 meat sticks
Ingredients
  • 1 pound tri-tip, sliced into strips that are ⅛-inch thick and 1-inch wide
  • 14 bamboo skewers
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons sherry (Hartley & Gibson's Amontillado Medium Sherry recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 2 medium garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
  • roasted sesame seeds to finish (optional)
  • Note: If you want extra sauce to drizzle over the cooked meat sticks increase recipe by half. Use ½ cup + 3 tablespoons of sauce to marinate meat strips. Reduce the remainder of the sauce in a small saucepan over very low heat (or sauce will burn) until slightly syrupy, about 5 minutes or so. Brush or drizzle the sauce over the cooked meat sticks before serving.
Preparation
  1. Soak 14 bamboo skewers in water while you prepare the sauce and meat sticks
  2. Combine sugar, soy sauce and sherry in a medium bowl, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Mix in oil, garlic and green onions. Set aside.
  3. Slice tri-tip in to ⅛-inch thick and 1-inch wide strips. Place in medium-sized bowl and pour in teriyaki sauce. Toss meat in sauce, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (no longer or meat will be too salty), turning meat in marinade occasionally. Thread beef strips weaving back and forth, onto soaked bamboo skewers.
  4. Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high to high heat. Clean and oil grill grates. Place meat sticks on grates and cook, turning several times to ensure they are nicely charred. Cooking time is about 3-4 minutes total on a hot grill.

 

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