Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Touched by an angel?

When Mother Superior baked this delightfully airy dish the other day, I was surprised. And not only because we apparently suddenly had a nun living with us. But I loved the eggie goodness you normally taste with puffy German pancakes. Only these nun's puffs, with their sweet and crispy outside and melt-in-your-mouth insides, can be enjoyed without a fork.

Fortunately, this recipe exists and I was willing to try it out. Unfortunately, it only made 11 puffs. I bet I can get 12 out of it next time, though.

THE RECIPE:


1/2 c. butter

1 c. milk

3/4 c. flour

4 eggs

2 Tbsp. sugar

Honey (optional, but it's a good option)


Grease muffin tin, including edges and around tops of cups. In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add milk. Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until mixture until you can form it into a ball that does not separate. Remove from heat. Cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute with a wooden spoon after each addition. Divide dough evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy. Serve with honey, if desired.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Brushing up on bruschetta

This bruschetta chicken bake is a unique dish that's easy to throw together, because one of its main ingredients is boxed stuffing. Even at that, it doesn't taste like dinner from a box.

THE RECIPE:

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cloves garlic, pressed
Fresh chopped tomato, as much as desired
1 pkg. Stove Top stuffing for chicken
2 chicken breasts, cut up
1 Tbsp. dried basil leaves
Handful toasted pinenuts
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place canned tomatoes with liquid in medium bowl. Add garlic, stuffing mix and 1/2 c. water. Stir and set aside. Place chicken in 9x13 dish. Sprinkle with basil, cheese and pinenuts. Top with stuffing mixture. Sprinkle with fresh tomatoes. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan for looks. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Note: You may want more cheese. I always do.