Champagne Grapes

Champagne grapes are also known as Black Corinth grapes, named for the Greek city where they originated.  Despite their name; however, these delicate, miniature grapes are not used for making champagne or wine.  They were labeled as the “champagne grape” when featured in a magazine photo alongside a champagne flute.   They are more commonly dried and transformed into raisins known as Zante currants.  Many specialty grocers and farmer’s markets carry champagne grapes.  They are deliciously sweet right off the stem, but they would also be lovely as a table decoration draped around French cheeses and crackers, now wouldn’t they?  Look for them in your local markets.

Creamy Swiss Bow Tie Pasta with Edamame

This creamy sauce is comforting on any weeknight.

You could replace edamame with steamed asparagus spears if you like.

4 T. butter

1 T. minced garlic

1/4 cup flour

1 3/4 cups skim milk

1/4 cup white wine

1 t. worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 t. ground pepper

1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 lb bow tie pasta, cooked, drained

1 cup edamame, steamed, shelled

Heat butter in saucepan with garlic on med-low heat until butter is melted and bubbly.  Add in flour and whisk constantly while pouring in milk and wine a little bit at a time and whisk until completely smooth and thick.  Stir in worceshire, mustard, salt, pepper and cheese.  Stir and keep on low heat for 5 minutes.  Toss cheese sauce with bow tie pasta and stir in edamame. 

Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad

Traditional potato salad with a twist!

5 med potatoes, peeled, cubed, boiled

8 oz macaroni pasta, cooked, drained

4 pickles, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 cup mayonnaise

1 T yellow mustard

1 T honey mustard

1 t. sugar

1 t. pepper

1/2 t. salt

Once potatoes and macaroni are cooled, add rest of ingredients and toss until completely mixed.  Refrigerate.

Donut Holes

What a way to wake up on a snowy, winter morning!

These bite-sized morsels are made using a cake donut recipe.

3 cups cake flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. each cinnamon and nutmeg

2/3 cup milk

1/4 cup melted butter

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

Peanut oil for frying

Combine all dry ingredients and add wet ingredients to flour mixture.  Cover dough and let chill for 1 hour.  Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness and use a shot glass to cut out little circles.  Roll circles gently in hand, forming more of a round ball.  Fry in peanut oil that has been heating up in saucepan (should be at least 4-inch deep)  6-8 balls at a time until they are light golden brown.  Drain on paper towels and shake in either cinnamon/sugar mixture or powdered sugar while still warm.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes

Cupcake idea for your next brunch!

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Keep these simple by dipping cleaned, but dry strawberries in melted semi-sweet chocolates and drizzle with melted white chocolate.  Refrigerate to harden.  The stems make for easy handling.  What a romantic dessert!

Frosted Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies with cream cheese frosting

Yum!

Happy Heart Day!

Margarita Pizza

What could be easier and more satisfying than homemade pizza?

You are in control of the type of crust, the amount of cheese and assurance of fresh ingredients.

This pizza was made with Trader's Joe's ready to roll out whole wheat crust.  Sprinkle with olive oil once rolled out to the shape you like and topped with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and a dash of oregano.  Bake at 350 for about 12 minutes and then add fresh basil.