July 23, 2008

Greek Yogurt Peppercorn Ranch Dressing

I'll be completely honest with you...I used to detest Ranch dressing. I don't know what it was, but I just didn't care for it, but recently I've been really hooked on homemade Ranch dressing. A lot of time the bottled stuff just comes off as too sweet, which is sort of silly given it shouldn't be sweet at all, but the homemade stuff I can handle, though it's fun to kick it up a notch and that is just what I did.

Greek yogurt gives this ranch a nice under tone, while the freshly cracked pepper gives it a nice kick. It's just perfect for salads, vegetable dipping or even oven baked chicken. It's always nice to have a versatile, quick and ridiculously easy dressing to go to! If Ranch is your dressing of choice then this is a must try for you!

What You'll Need:
1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of light mayonnaise (Note: I like Hellmann's.)
1 cup of fat free Greek Yogurt (Note: As always I recommend Oikos.)
1 envelope of dry Ranch dressing/dip mix
Freshly ground black pepper

Mix together buttermilk, mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until completely smooth. Stir in Ranch dressing mix until completely incorporated. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until well mixed. Chill for at least 1 hour and serve or serve immediately.

Notes: You could leave out the black pepper if you liked, but I really like the flavor it adds.

Posted by Dianne at 10:23 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

March 26, 2008

Double Onion Dip

For a while now I've been wanting to try and make some onion dip from scratch and the other night when we had some friends over for dinner I decided to test my theory. Most of us have had the onion dip that you make with onion soup mix and sour cream, but I thought about it for a while and wondered if you couldn't make a good dip without having to use the over processed soup mix and this is what resulted. It's creamy and has the illusion of being rich, all while packed with fresh onion and garlic. I actually ended up liking it better than the soup mix equivalent!

What You'll Need:
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 a large red onion, chopped
1/2 a large sweet onion, chopped
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
A generous addition of freshly ground black pepper
A pinch of sea salt
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 - 16 ounce container of light sour cream (Note: As always you can use fat free, light or regular sour cream, though fat free would make this sickeningly sweet as the onions themselves give the dip a natural sweetness.)

Sauté onion with thyme, rosemary, pepper and salt until onions are tender and slightly caramelized:

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until garlic is done.

Remove onions from the stove and pour into sour cream. Stir to mix. Store dip in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving and stir before putting out to eat. Serve with vegetables and/or bagel or pita chips.

Notes: You could use any type of onion that you like. You could also switch up the herbs if thyme and rosemary aren't your thing.

Posted by Dianne at 7:13 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 11, 2008

Roasted Garlic and Mushroom Spread

Since the my first batch of ricotta was a wash yesterday I thought I'd come up with a recipe that utilized the goat cheese that I made that came out so beautifully! I'll get back to the ricotta next week sometime, but for now something with goat cheese is always good! ;o)

This spread (or dip...you could use it either way) is a good replacement for Tapenade if you're not a fan of anchovies. It's creamy and has just the right combination of flavors. You can use it as an addition to a sandwich, or as a spread on toast bits or even just dip into with some cut up vegetables. Versatility is always good!

What You'll Need:
1 bulb of garlic
1 - 12 ounce package of button mushrooms
1/2 cup of black olives (Note: You want the type of olives that are stored in brine. You can normally find these in the salad area of your grocery store. And do yourself a favor and get the ones that are already pitted, unlike me who wasn't paying attention to them when she purchased them and had to cut out all those little pits!! ;o))
1/3 cup of goat cheese
3 tablespoons of mushroom broth
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F. Wrap an entire bulb of garlic in aluminum foil and roast garlic until tender. (Note: Approximately 25-30 minutes usually does the trick. Just stick it with a fork if you're unsure and if it's not soft keep baking!) Let garlic cool until it's cool enough to touch and handle.

While garlic is cooking and/or cooling place mushrooms in a stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until mushrooms are tender. (Note: This process makes a basic mushroom broth. You'll need a few tablespoons of this broth for this recipe. Reserve the rest of the liquid, add a pinch of sea salt and some black pepper and you can use it as you would any broth. You can even use it as a substitute for beef broth in a French Onion type soup. The broth can be stored in the fridge for two weeks or frozen for months before use.) Once mushrooms are tender drain and reserve broth.

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle cut the top of the bulb off and squeeze the roasted garlic into your food processor. Add mushrooms, olives, goat cheese. mushroom broth and black pepper to the garlic and process until smooth (or you can do chunky either one...It's completely up to you and what you like). Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes: You can serve this warm or cold. It's delicious either way. Thyme and/or rosemary would be a good addition. You could also add in some caramelized onions. You do not need to add salt to this recipe as the olives are salty enough to season the entire spread. If you can find them, olives in sea salt are always better than the those brined in table salt.

Posted by Dianne at 10:47 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 8, 2008

Butter

It would appear we're having an unofficial dairy week here at Dianne's Dishes with mozzarella yesterday, butter today and goat cheese coming up either tomorrow or Thursday! ;o) After making the mozzarella cheese yesterday Alexis became curious about what else was made with milk and I'm all about encouraging curiosity! We make yogurt so she knows that that has milk, but her inquiring mind wanted to know what else was milk based so I started naming off products and when we landed on butter she asked "How do you make that?" I happened to have a pint of heavy cream left over from Christmas baking from South Mountain Creamery that was going to expire soon so I decided to let her make some so she could see how it works. This is really sort of ironic given she doesn't eat butter, but hey it can be frozen and used later or I happen to know a certain sister who adores butter as much as I adore goat cheese so maybe we'll share with her! ;o)

What You'll Need:
1 pint of heavy cream
1/4-1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (optional)

In the bowl of your mixer add cream and salt. (Note: For unsalted butter omit salt.) Beat on high speed for 3-6 minutes until cream thickens to butter consistency.

The process itself is extremely easy. You dump the cream and the salt, turn on your mixer and sit back and watch. First it will make whipped cream, but you need to go past that point to where it thickens a bit. The consistency should be of spreadable, softened butter. Store in an airtight container and use as you would butter you buy at the store. You can even freeze to use later. The most important aspect of this is again you control what goes into it, including salt levels and that's always a good thing.

Notes: If you can find it use actual heavy cream instead of heavy whipping cream, though either will work. This makes roughly 3 cups. The container that is pictured above holds 3.2 cups and the butter filled most of the space.

Posted by Dianne at 8:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 6, 2007

Pimento Cheese

Once in a blue moon I get the taste for a Pimento Cheese sandwich. When I was a child my Mom would make it occasionally and the kind you make is oh so much more satisfying than the type you buy in your local deli. It's not something I eat often, but every other year or so I'll whip up a batch. It's one of those comfort foods at their finest and it's simple to make to boot. Easy comfort...What's not to like?

What You'll Need:
1 - 8 ounce bar of cheddar or Colby cheese, shredded
2 - 4 ounce jars of pimentos, drained
2-3 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise (Note: I use Helmann's Light.)
Freshly ground black pepper
Sea salt (Note: Optional. I only add salt depending on the cheese I'm using. Most of the organic varieties are a bit less salty, so taste the mixture and if it needs salt then add it accordingly.)

In a large bowl mix cheese through pepper until incorporated. Taste. If needed add salt. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes: This works well on bread as a sandwich topping or you can use celery sticks and scoop up the mixture. You can easily half this recipe as well.

Posted by Dianne at 3:08 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

October 22, 2007

Pumpkin Apple Butter

This is a fall time favorite of mine! The apple sort of fades into the background and sweetens the pumpkins. The combination together is very scrumptious. Try it and see!

What You'll Need:
2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree (Note: If you don't have fresh pumpkin or would rather not bother with it you can use 1 - 15 ounce can of pumpkin instead.)
2 peeled and grated apple (Note: Any type of apple will do. I normally use Fujis or Galas.)
1 cup of unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup of Natural Dark Brown Molasses sugar (Note: Any type of natural brown sugar will do.)
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of ground cloves
1/2 tsp of nutmeg

In a large pot dump in all ingredients and stir. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1 1/2 hours stirring from time to time. Apples will break down and mixture will thicken slightly.

You can either can this mixture if you like or you can store it in the fridge. If you do can it it needs to be refrigerated after opened. Once in the fridge it will last 2-3 months.

Serve on toast, biscuits, etc. This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc. Also it's very forgiving so a little more of something or a little less won't matter.

Notes: You could substitute maple syrup or honey for the brown sugar. Any natural sugar will work.

Posted by Dianne at 7:56 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

October 2, 2007

Homemade Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a big hit at our house, but I worry about the trans fats that come with commercial brands. Most of the big companies have gotten them down to a point where they can list that they are trans fat free, but if the word "hydrogenated" appears on the label, then the trans fats are still there!

Natural nut butters are the way to go and they are extremely easy to make. You just need some roasted nuts and a little honey. Combine the two and you've got a fantastic alternative to commercial varieties. Get the kids involved, they'll love this process! After you're done grab an apple and smooth on some Homemade Peanut Butter and you've got a fantastic snack!

What You'll Need:
2 cups of dry roasted peanuts (Note: Not salted. You can find plain dry roasted peanuts in most health food stores or natural markets. If you want a salt kick add in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.)
1/3-1/2 cup of honey (Note: Much like working with flour you might need more or less. When the "butter" starts to form and ends up to the consistency you like stop adding honey.)

In a food processor process peanuts until chopped fine. Start adding honey with the processor still going until "butter" forms to the consistency you like. Store in an air tight container.

Notes: This will work with any roasted nut. Also natural peanut butters tend to separate sometimes so you may need to stir before using. If you want a crunchy variety stir in a 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts.

Posted by Dianne at 10:02 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack

August 10, 2007

Blue Cheese Wedge Salad

I like to get this salad from time to time at steakhouses. Jamison is a big meat eater, and I am to some degree, though I've tried to steer away from it and I don't eat that much red meat, but for some reason I just crave it when I don't eat it, even when I've actually gone months without. Oh wait, that was a tangent...Where was I?

Oh yes, Blue Cheese Wedge Salads...This is a basic, simple dish that is classic in many ways. What's not to like about lettuce, tomatoes and homemade blue cheese dressing? And when the dressing is low-fat and just as delicious at the "normal" version it's a lovely, cool treat on a hot, steamy day and folks let's face it we've had a ton of those around here lately.

The Blue Cheese Dressing itself came about a few years ago when I couldn't find a commercially produced variation that was what I had in mind as to what blue cheese dressing should be. I wanted real, big chunks of blue cheese throughout and not those little bits of blue cheese that were present in most store bought varieties. Some varieties didn't even have chunks of blue cheese at all! That's not what blue cheese dressing should be!

If you like blue cheese dressing, then you'll love this version. Everyone I've ever served it to has loved it, in fact it was the first thing my sister requested for me to make for her after Nelson was born! This is one of my most requested recipes in the real world. :o)

What You'll Need for the Dressing:
1 cup of fat free buttermilk
1 cup of light mayonnaise
1 cup of light or fat free sour cream
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1-2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper (I add more or less depending on my mood.)
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or salt
1 cup of blue cheese, crumbled or chopped coarsely

In a large bowl or mason jar mix buttermilk, mayo and sour cream. Stir in sea salt, pepper and garlic powder. Then add blue cheese and stir or shake to mix. Serve immediately or can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.

What You'll Need for the Salad:
1/2 a head of a small Romaine lettuce or 1/4 a head of iceberg lettuce
1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced or quartered
2-3 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing

Place the lettuce wedge in the middle of a plate. Top with tomatoes and blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately.

Notes: This blue cheese dressing is much lighter than full fat versions and it's much better than any commercial brand I've ever tried, but then again that's not hard! ;o) It has about 70 calories for 2 tablespoons and according to MasterCook about 7 grams of fat, but MC does not have an option for light mayo or fat free buttermilk, so it might be slightly less. It tastes divine and you'll never miss those extra calories or fat! ;o) Other variations could be the addition of crumbled bacon, or sunflower seeds. Sometimes I omit the garlic powder or salt from the recipe too. It just depends on my mood.

Posted by Dianne at 7:55 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

June 26, 2007

Dill Onion Spread

I originally got this idea from a cream cheese spread that Whole Foods mixes up with three types of onion, but I decided it needed some dill and one less onion! This spread is great on bagels and it makes a heavenly cucumber sandwich! Just spread some onto a slice of bread and top with cucumbers for a scrumptious sandwich treat!

What You'll Need:
2 - 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of dill chopped
1/3 cup of chives chopped
2 scallions, chopped
A pinch of sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Place your cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer and beat until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until incorporated. Store mixture in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before use so it will spread easily.

Notes: You could add a little garlic if you like, but I wouldn't add too much as the chives and green onion already give it a little kick. Some red onion might also be nice, but again just a bit, don't go overboard.

Posted by Dianne at 7:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 22, 2007

Dianne's Barbeque Sauce

Nothing compares to homemade barbeque sauce! A lot of the commercial brands are full of high fructose syrup and/or nasty preservatives and really who wants that? This sauce is delicious and better than anything you buy in bottle! Jamison even liked it! Try it and see.

What You'll Need:
1 - 24 ounce bottle of Heinz Organic Ketchup (Most organic ketchups use cane juice or sugar in place of high fructose corn syrup)
1/2 cup of organic cane sugar
1/2 cup of natural brown sugar
1/4 cup of honey
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
A pinch of sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt with parsley
A dash of soy sauce

Mix all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for at least 1 hour.

Notes: The longer you cook it the more depth of flavor it will have. The flavors meld as it cooks. The sauce also thickens a bit. Use can use this sauce as you would any barbeque sauce. It's great for cooking, dipping, you name it!

Posted by Dianne at 7:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 18, 2007

Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

As I have mentioned before I'm all about fresh salad dressing. This little number is tart, a little sweet and oh so delicious!

What You'll Need:
1/2 cup of white balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of honey

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. (I like to mix it in a mason jar. Throw the lid on and shake! It's the perfect way to mix it all up!) Serve immediately. Store any leftovers at room temperature.

Note: I like the flavor of vinegar so I go heavier on the vinegar and lighter on the oil, but you can always reverse the proportions if you like and add 1/2 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of vinegar.

Posted by Dianne at 4:36 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

February 11, 2007

Salad Dressings

A year or so ago I stopped buying bottled salad dressing for the most part. I'm not a huge fan of Ranch dressing, though my family and Jamison's are and I kept having to throw it out, I couldn't find a Blue Cheese dressing that tasted the way I thought it should and I also couldn't find a thousand island dressing I cared for, so I started making my own! Much less waste, more natural, less preservatives and it tastes better to boot!

Today I made Ranch dressing and Thousand Island dressing for our guests this evening. The Ranch dressing is just my take on the recipe on the back of the box. I always tweak everything. That's just what I do! ;o) The Thousand Island dressing I came up with all on my own. Both are simple, delicious and MUCH better than anything you will ever buy in a bottle!

To Make The Ranch Dressing:
1 cup of light sour cream
1 cup of fat free buttermilk
1 cup of Hellmann's light mayonnaise
1 package of Ranch dressing mix
Freshly ground black pepper

Mix thoroughly and chill for at least 1 hour prior to serving.

To Make the Thousand Island Dressing:
1/2 cup of Hellmann's light mayonnaise
1/2 cup of organic ketchup (organic ketchup does not have high fructose corn syrup, while the ones that aren't organic normally do)
1/2 cup of sweet pickle relish
A pinch of sea salt

Add ingredients and stir to mix.

Like I said simple! Coming soon Honey Lime Vinaigrette and Blue Cheese Dressing!

Posted by Dianne at 4:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack