Sun-Dried Tomato DressingFrom The Joy of Cooking Ingredients:1-2 shallots, quartered 1 to 2 garlic cloves, halved 6 sun-dried tomato halves in oil, drained and chopped (I used a half jar of Trader Joe’s julienned SDT’) 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (I used white balsamic) 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil (or 1 tsp. dried basil) salt and […]
Shirley Temple Floats
Being a mom to young kids, I am fond of non-alcholic cocktails and mixed drinks. I particularly like a nice, cold Shirley Temple, especially when it’s warm outside. A Shirley Temple can be made with ginger ale, 7-Up, or Sprite. It may or may not contain orange juice. Grenadine provides the lovely pink color, and a […]
Chocolate Mint Cake with White Chocolate Mint Ganache Filling and Chocolate Fudge Icing
This chocolate mint cake features layers of tender dark chocolate cake, white chocolate ganache filling, and a rich chocolate fudge icing. Chocolate and mint lovers…this one’s for you! My dear, dear friend just had a baby. Another friend and I took dinner to her. My assignment was dessert. I remembered my friend telling me that […]
Traditional Madeleines
I have a little confession to make– I didn’t want to make madeleines for Tuesdays With Dorie this week. Up until yesterday afternoon, I was positive I didn’t really care for madeleines and couldn’t understand what the big hype was all about. Plus I didn’t own the correct pan. Let me explain–I’ve never had a […]
Crustless Potato and Ham Quiche
My husband really loved this “quiche”. I made it up as I went according to what I had in the fridge. Certainly you could substitute any ingredients you like or have on hand. Just make sure to use half-and-half or cream, or the quiche won’t be as custardy. We ate it with a loaf of […]
Arugula, Watercress, and Goat Cheese Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette
Last time I was at Trader Joe’s, I noticed they had some hydroponically grown watercress in the produce section. I was overjoyed! I love watercress and have waited and waited to see it again at Trader Joe’s. I also bought a ton of arugula and a log of yummy Chèvre from the Vermont Butter […]
Spring-Summer Menu #3
Wow. It’s been a great week around Cafe Johnsonia–the actual one, the kitchen I cook in. We’ve been eating some pretty great meals. See what can happen when I plan? My husband has been a very happy boy. Last night we had another wonderful, healthy dinner. Bonus: It took less than 30 minutes to make! […]
Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Tilapia is a great fish for anyone who doesn’t love fish. It’s mild and versatile, and is very low in fat. It’s a great fish for those who are counting calories. Lemon Pepper Tilapia Ingredients:1 tsp. olive oil4 tilapia loins (or filets)2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning Instructions:Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking […]
Pasta with Arugula, Tomatoes, Feta and Toasted Garlic
I really love arugula, also known as rocket. It’s absolutely perfect in salads and pasta dishes.Last night’s dinner required me to use up some ingredients I had on hand–tomatoes and feta. The arugula was bought for a salad I’ll be making for tonight’s dinner–it’s gonna be SO good. And I always have tons of garlic […]
Red and Black Raspberry Jellies
Red and Black Raspberry Jelliesoriginal recipe Ingredients:1 cup frozen or fresh berries (we used black and red raspberries)1/2 sugar (depending on the sweetness of the berries)a little water, if needed1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin (one 1/4 oz. packet)4 Tbsp. water Instructions:Place berries in a large bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Toss to coat. Let stand for […]
