Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Grapefruit, Onion, and Basil Salad
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
2 grapefruits, trimmed of skin and cut into large slices
1/2 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup pitted chopped black olives
1 bunch basil, leaves thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped chives
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Place the grapefruit slices in a slightly overlapping pattern on a serving platter. Sprinkle the onion slices over the grapefruit. Then sprinkle the olives. Top with the basil and chives. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.
From: foodnetwork.com
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Filet Mignon with Balsamic Syrup and Goat Cheese
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
* 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 6 (5 to 6-ounce) filet mignon steaks (each about 1-inch thick)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
Directions
Boil the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a heavy small saucepan over
medium-high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup, stirring occasionally,
about 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Melt the butter in a heavy large
skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and
pepper. Cook the steaks to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side
for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a baking sheet. Crumble the
cheese over the steaks and broil just until the cheese melts, about 1
minute. Sprinkle with pepper.
Transfer the steaks to plates. Drizzle the balsamic sauce around the
steaks and serve.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Individual Strawberry Trifles
Level: Easy
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Marinated strawberries:
* 1 quart fresh strawberries, halved
* 1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar
Whipped cream:
* 3 cups heavy cream
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1 (1 pound) fresh pound cake
* 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur
* 2 amaretto cookies, for garnish
* Demerara sugar, for garnish
Directions
In a small shallow casserole dish, toss the strawberries with vinegar
and let stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. After the
strawberries have marinated, check for sweetness, adding sugar if
desired.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, whisk the cream to soft
peaks. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Whip until stiff
peaks. Set aside.
Using a serrated knife, slice pound cake lengthwise into 1/2-inch
thick slices. You will only need 4 slices. Using a 2-inch cookie
cutter, cut out circles from each cake slice. Line up 2 high ball
glasses and place 1 cake circle in the bottom of each. Brush cakes
with amaretto liqueur. Add 2 tablespoons of marinated strawberries and
spread evenly. Using a different tablespoon, add a large dollop of
whipped cream and spread evenly. Add a second layer of cake, pressing
down lightly. Brush with amaretto liqueur. Add 2 tablespoons of
marinated strawberries and spread evenly. Top with a large dollop of
whipped cream, spreading evenly. Use remaining cake, cream and
strawberries to create a more humble trifle dish.
Cover trifles with plastic wrap and refrigerate for impromptu
indulgence, Keeping in mind that it will store for up to 2 days.
To serve, remove and discard plastic wrap. Grate amaretto cookie on
top and sprinkle with demerara sugar.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Balsamic Chocolate Truffles
Level: Easy
Yield: 36 truffles
Ingredients
* 8 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (recommended: Valrhona)
* 1/4 cup cream
* 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Directions
Melt the chocolate and cream in a double boiler over hot but not
simmering water. Place melted chocolate in a small bowl. Stir in the
balsamic vinegar. Cool the chocolate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 2
hours, until firm but moldable.
Use a teaspoon to scoop out chocolate. Use your fingertips to shape
into balls about the size of a cherry. Set the chocolate balls on a
parchment-lined tray.
Place the cocoa powder in a small shallow dish. Place 6 truffles at a
time in the cocoa powder and roll the truffles around to coat, and
return the coated truffles to the baking sheet. Continue with the
remaining truffles. Place the truffles in a serving dish or airtight
package.
From: foodnetwork.com


