Thursday, July 19, 2012

60 Million LemHANS REISER Loafs



THIS IS EXCITING! So VERY exciting! I  got to spend last week watching the Hans Reiser civil trial. I guess what I found so great was the fact that I had the opportunity to see the case go from paper filings (which I helped with!) to the courtroom, to ultimately a jury verdict. All the writing and researching I've been doing this summer finally seemed real. Plus, since I have never served jury duty before, this was really my first true exposure to the insides of a courtroom. Honestly, I was expecting to like it, but I wasn't expecting to LOVE it so much--I really wasn't. Anyways, long story short -- I'm hooked! It was an amazing week and I want MORE! Just like you'll want some more of these lemHANS loafs! Yummmmm x 60 million!

Three different loafs -- three different twists -- but three equally delicious results! The recipe for every loaf is the same; the only difference is the addition of berries to one and poppy seeds to another. Enjoy!

NOTE: Please please please PRETTY PLEASE use FRESH lemon juice! It's just not good if you don't.



What you'll need...

For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp lemon zest (approx. 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries OR 3 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp flour (if using blueberries)

For the Syrup:
- 1/3 cup FRESH lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar

For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp FRESH lemon juice




How you make the...

The Bread:
  Start by preheating the over to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of your loaf pan (I'm using mini loafs-- depending on size, cooking time will vary). Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl mix together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla, and oil. Then slowly add in the dry ingredients, making sure to incorporate it well.

If using blueberries, in a separate bowl, toss them with the tbsp of flour. Then add them to the mixture -- fold gently.

If using poppy seeds, add them in at this point.

Pour the batter into the pans and bake! If using a 9x5 dish, bake for approx. 50-55 mins or until a toothpick comes out cleanly. Remove and let cool completely.

Meanwhile, combine lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolves. Then cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit. Next, use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides of the loaf and brush with the lemon syrup until all of the syrup is gone.

The Glaze:
   Simply whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Then pour this over the top of the loaf. Let the glaze harden a little before serving.



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Listen, it's CapreHEARSAY Salad

So Italy might have lost the European championship, but this is still a winning Italian dish! (http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-italy-spain-soccer-20120702,0,2569775.story)

This is a freehand kinda recipe, meaning there are no exact measurements. I know this might scare some of you, but take this opportunity to step away from the recipe and trust your culinary self! (Plus, this is pretty fool proof). LIVE A LITTLE!

I first learned this recipe when I took a cooking class in 4th grade. We would sit in the school cafeteria and the teacher would show us how to make smoothies, salads, crepes, etc. I came home and made this for my family one day and it's been a staple ever since.

It's super easy, very fresh, and deliciously healthy!

What you'll need:
- fresh baby mozzarella
- tomatoes
- basil
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- salt

How you make it:

Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into about equal sized portions. Layer the tomatoes and mozzarella slices (see picture). Next, thinly slice a handful of basil and sprinkle over the tomato and mozzarella. Drizzle olive oil, then balsamic vinegar, and then sprinkle some salt (add pepper if you wish).

DONE! Enjoy this winning combo!

Link: http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=858