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BLT Salad with Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette


On a recent trip to the farmer's market, we luckily got there early enough to pick up some beautiful handfuls of crisp, peppery arugula from Jones Valley Urban Farm, which is an awesome "teaching farm" here in Birmingham, AL.  There, they teach folks about the value of agriculture and the benefits of eating fresh, healthy ingredients.  It's awesome because they've transformed over 3 acres of vacant downtown property into a lush garden.  Pretty cool, huh?

Now, this particular arugula wasn't just peppery, it was flat-out spicy.  I topped it with thick-cut bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a quick and simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette.  It was the perfect light lunch after a morning at the market.  

A few slices of whole wheat bread on the side would make a great accompaniment to this easy-peasy salad.  

Bon Appetit, my friends!



BLT Salad with Arugula, Feta & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
Salad:
6 slices thick-cut bacon
4 cups baby arugula
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the bacon and fry until crisp, turning often, about 5 minutes per slice.  Transfer to a wire rack or to a plate lined with paper towels and drain. 


Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette - Place the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in an air tight container.  Shake to thoroughly combine.

Once the bacon has cooled, chop or tear into small pieces.

Toss the arugula in a large bowl, along with the tomatoes, bacon and desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette, reserving the remaining vinaigrette for later use.  Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top.


Enjoy!



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Lemon-Coconut Cake...Oh, Baby!


When it comes to mother-in-laws, I consider myself incredibly lucky.  Brad's mom, Carol, is a pretty fantastic woman.  She is the sweetest, most caring person, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.  In fact, we don't like the term "in-law" around here...She's Mom 2.  :-)

Every year on her birthday, she gives me a "birthday cake challenge."  See, she comes up with an interesting  flavor combination, and lets me run with the idea.  This year, she wanted a layer cake with both coconut and lemon flavors.  I immediately pictured a scrumptious coconut cake with homemade lemon curd between the layers. 

With that idea in mind, I got to work trying to find the perfect recipe and found just what I was looking for over at joyofbaking.com.  This is a spectacular recipe, which incorporates buttermilk in the cake batter.  This lends a perfect crumb and texture to the cake, which turns out moist and delicious.

The lemon curd comes together fairly quickly with the help of a double boiler, and adds a fresh, citrusy note to the cake.

Here are Mom 2's Past Birthday Cake Challenges:

Last year, she requested a cake flavored with fresh orange, coconut and pecan, so I came up with THIS CREATION, which was delish!

In 2010, she challenged me with a chocolate cake that had a coconut-cream cheese icing.  This Dreamy Coconut-Chocolate Cake with Coconuty Cream Cheese Icing was the fabulous result.

In 2009, the challenge was a cake inspired by a Mounds bar...something with chocolate and coconut.  My creation?  An incredibly decadent coconut cake, with actual melted Mounds bars as the filling between the cake layers.  This Mounds Bar Cake, my friends, is probably one of my personal favorites!

You may remember this Chocolate Kahlua Cake from back in 2008.  It was delicious, too!!

I wish that I had more photos of this year's Lemon-Coconut Cake.  However, it was so delicious, that the tiny little piece in these photos was the only piece left for me to shoot.  I guess that's a good thing?

I wonder what next year's challenge will be.  Stay tuned!

Bon Appetit, my friends!
Lemon-Coconut Cake
Makes one - 9 inch (23 cm) layer cake.

Ingredients:
Lemon Curd:
3 large eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons) (do not use the bottled lemon juice)
1 tablespoon (4 grams) finely shredded lemon zest (outer yellow skin of lemon)
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces

Coconut Cake Recipe:
6 large eggs
2 1/2 cups (325 grams) all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated white sugar, divided
1 tsp coconut extract
1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Frosting:
2 large (60 grams) egg whites
1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish:
2 cups (150 grams) sweetened shredded or flaked coconut (can use unsweetened dried coconut)

Directions:
Lemon Curd:
In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended. Cook, stirring constantly (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick (like sour cream or a hollandaise sauce) (160 degrees F or 71 degrees C). This will take approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. 

Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refrigerate until cold. The lemon curd can be made several days (up to a week) in advance.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Butter and flour two - 9 inch x 1 1/2 inch (23 x 3.75 cm) cake pans, and then line the bottoms with parchment paper (or spray with Bakers Joy).

Coconut Cake:
While the eggs are still cold separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another bowl. Cover the two bowls with plastic wrap and allow the eggs to come to room temperature before using (about 30 minutes).

In a mixing bowl sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In bowl of electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Gradually add 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.  

In a clean bowl of your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand mixer) beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup (50 grams) of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. With a rubber spatula gently fold a little of the whites into the batter to lighten it, and then fold in the remaining whites until combined. Do not over mix the batter or it will deflate.

Divide the batter and pour into the prepared pans, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the cake springs back when pressed lightly in center.  
 
Place the cakes on a wire rack to cool, in their pans, for about 10 minutes. Then invert the cakes onto a greased rack. To prevent splitting, reinvert cakes so that tops are right side up. Cool completely before filling and frosting.

Frosting: 
In a stainless steel bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, place the egg whites, sugar, water, and corn syrup. With a handheld electric mixer beat the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes on low speed. Increase the speed to high and continue to beat for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the icing is shiny and satiny with soft peaks.

Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and continue to beat on high speed for another 1 to 2 minutes or until the frosting is thick. Use immediately.

To Assemble: 
With a serrated knife, cut each cake layer in half, horizontally. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread with about 1/3 of the lemon curd and sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of coconut. Continue with the next layers, stacking and filling with the lemon curd and coconut. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the 7-Minute Frosting and then sprinkle with about 1 cup of coconut. Cover and refrigerate the cake until serving time.




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Fish Tacos with Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi



I recently saw a gorgeous photo of fish tacos that literally made my mouth water.   Ever since, I've been craving them like something fierce!  For the life of me, I can't remember where I saw that photo....I think it might have been a restaurant advertisement.  I keep thinking I'll see the photo again, but not so far.

Plus, the May issue of Food Network Magazine ran a special section on tacos, with 50 Taco Recipes.  Well, after seeing that original photo and seeing all the delicious taco options in FN mag, I've been on somewhat of a taco kick.  Do you ever get on food kicks?  

Well, fish tacos were at the very tip-top of my taco list, so I came up with the recipe below.  I have to say that they came out quite scrumptious...Gorgeous to look at with an incredibly fresh and citrusy flavor.  The creamy guacamole, paired with the fresh lime and cilantro in the pico de gallo results in a stellar combination.

Brad and I even made a special trip to our local fish market to pick out the perfect mahi-mahi filets.   You don't necessarily have to use mahi-mahi.  If you have another favorite, that's a-okay.  You'll just want to use a thick cut of a fish that's not too flaky. 

These have earned a spot on my top-rated recipes...You'll really LOVE these!

Bon Appetit, my friends!!




Fish Tacos with Pan-Seared Mahi-Mahi
Ingredients:
Fresh guacamole (recipe below)
Fresh Pico de Gallo (recipe below)
1 small head red cabbage, shredded
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 lbs. mahi mahi, cut crosswise into 1-inch strips
1 tbsp butter 
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Ten 7-inch tortillas, warmed

Directions:
Prepare the fresh guacamole and pico de gallo according to the recipes below.  Put both into the fridge until ready to use.

In a large bowl, toss the cabbage with the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.  Set to the side.

Add the butter and olive oil to a medium skillet and melt over medium heat.  Season the strips of mahi mahi with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet.  Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, turning once.  Drizzle the fish with the remaining 1 tbsp of lime juice.  Once cooked, remove from the heat and put to the side.  

To assemble the tacos:
Spread about 1 tbsp of the guacamole on one half of a warmed tortilla.  Top with several strips of mahi-mahi, along with a large spoonful of the cabbage slaw.  Finish it off with a large spoonful of pico de gallo.

Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!




Fresh Guacamole
Ingredients:
2 Hass avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp. minced red onion
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 tomato, diced
Salt & pepper, to taste
Extra Cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork.  Add the lime juice, red onion, cilantro and tomato.  Stir well.  Season with salt & pepper, to taste.
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole until ready to use.  (This will help prevent it from changing color).  Garnish with a fresh sprig of cilantro.
Enjoy!



Pico de Gallo
Ingredients:
1 large tomato, diced into small pieces
1/2 red onion, diced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh lime juice, to taste

Directions:
Mix all ingredients. Stir well and chill in the fridge. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!
 
 
 
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Fresh Guacamole



When summertime draws near, I find myself craving light, citrusy and fruity flavors.  This recipe for fresh guacamole hits all the right marks this time of year.  It's great in everything from Fish Tacos (which will be my next post!) to simply served alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

Plus, avocados are packed with health benefits.  Although avocados have a high fat content, it is mostly the healthy, monounsaturated fat.  Avocados can also help you to maintain a healthy heart, lower your cholesterol levels, as well as help fight against cancer and inflammation.  Check out these 15 Health Benefits of Avocados.

This particular recipe for Guacamole is my favorite way to make it.  I love the bright splash of lime juice, paired with the creamy avocado and fresh cilantro.  Juicy tomatoes are the perfect way to finish it off.

Bon Appetit!


Fresh Guacamole

Ingredients:
2 Hass avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp. minced red onion
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 tomato, diced
Salt & pepper, to taste
Extra Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork.  Add the lime juice, red onion, cilantro and tomato.  Stir well.  Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole until ready to use.  (This will help prevent it from changing color).  Garnish with a fresh sprig of cilantro.

Enjoy!


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Homemade Egg Rolls


Not sure how to wrap an egg roll?  Don't worry...It's easy and fun.
Delno - This video is for you!  :)


Today, I'm excited to share with you what has always been a family favorite of ours...Homemade Egg Rolls.  My family has been making these for as long as I can remember, and we've tweaked the recipe here and there to make it just right.  

The wonderful thing is that these rolls are so much fun to make, and this recipe is enough to feed a small army of your hungriest, most favorite people.  Which, makes them perfect for a party or family gathering.

My awesome sisters were in town recently to visit, and we couldn't resist the urge to whip up a batch of these yummy egg rolls.  We tried something new this time around, by putting a few in the oven to see how they would taste baked.  Our thought was...Maybe, just maybe, they'd be just as delicious baked, which would save on calories.  But alas, the baked rolls paled in comparison to their fried counterparts (no surprise there).  I'm not one to fry much AT ALL, but this is one exception I'm very willing to make.

When we first started making these, we would chop up our own cabbage and carrots.  But, using bagged coleslaw mix is a super trick and cuts down the prep time drastically.  Sweet & Sour sauce is also an accompaniment that must not be forgotten, along with soy sauce and yellow mustard.  

Yellow mustard?!?   Yes...just trust me on this one!

And as for the Sweet & Sour sauce, Ty Ling is our favorite brand.  However, we were able to purchase a huge container of it from our favorite local Chinese restaurant.  This tasted even better and was actually cheaper!

I hope you enjoy the little video I put together to go along with the recipe.  I had fun making it.  :)

Bon Appetit!





Homemade Egg Rolls
Servings:  Makes approximately 40 egg rolls

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef
2 (16oz) bags coleslaw mix
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 onion, diced
8 oz. white button mushrooms, diced
1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
Garlic salt, to taste
Salt & Pepper, to taste
2 packages of egg roll wrappers
Canola oil for frying
Sweet & Sour sauce, yellow mustard and soy sauce for dipping
Directions:
In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through.  Drain on paper towels and set to the side.

In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, Worcestershire sauce, beaten eggs, onion, mushrooms, bean sprouts, garlic salt, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Mix together very well (Clean hands are great tools for mixing the filling and makes the job easier...Don't be afraid to get your hands a little dirty!).

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.  This will allow the flavors to come together.

To Assemble:
1.  Place filling diagonally on wrap.
2.  Fold bottom corner over filling;  roll snugly half-way to cover filling.
3.  Fold in both sides snugly against filling; moisten edges of last flap.
4.  Roll wrap up and seal top corner;  lay flap-side down until ready to cook.

To Fry:
Add oil to a large dutch oven or saucepan, until it comes approximately 2 inches up the side of the pan.  Heat oil to 350 degrees F.  Carefully place egg rolls flap-side down into the hot oil, a few at a time.  Don't crowd the pan.  Turn the egg rolls occasionally, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove egg rolls from the oil and prop up vertically on paper towels (I do this by placing a baking sheet covered with paper towels on the counter.  Then, I prop a 2nd baking sheet behind the first, so that the egg rolls have something to lean against).  This method will allow the excess oil to drain from the egg rolls.  Rolling the egg rolls snugly and sealing them tightly will help keep the excess oil to a minimum.

Serve immediately, alongside Sweet & Sour sauce, soy sauce, and yellow mustard.



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Giveaway Winner!


I'm pretty excited about this particular giveaway for a 5 lb. Food Scale with Pull-Out Display from OXO.  And now, I'm even more excited to announce the winner.  Without further ado, the winning comment, chosen by random.org, is......................................
Jennifersaid...
I am definitely ready to start cooking with zucchini and summer squash. I have some yummy recipes already and a few new ones to try. I can't wait!

CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer!!!  :-)

Please email me at sugarandspicebyceleste@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered this giveaway!

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

We love Mexican food around our house.  It's delicious, inexpensive, and seems to always hit the spot.   So, in honor of Cinco de Mayo this year, what do you say we celebrate with one of the following Mexican-inspired recipes?  These are all favorites that I've previously blogged about and enjoyed.  Gosh...I'm getting hungry just writing this post!

Now, go get those margarita glasses ready and have some fun!














Happy Cinco de Mayo!

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