Apple-Bacon Galette

Gabby, enjoying a slice of the Apple-Bacon Galette...bacon pieces with maple glaze... already eaten!

Glorious Bacon...who doesn't love bacon? In this day-and-age, we're all trying to cut down on fatty foods; but cutting down on bacon, is the hardest thing to do. Do not even go out for 'breakfast', if you're going to skip bacon!


 Breakfast is so complete with a side of couple slices of bacon...crispy, crunchy and beautiful bacon!

 

What is there not to like about American Bacon? ...is it because it's 'pork'...or is it because it's fatty?...actually when you fry or bake it real crispy, you release all the fat grease and that's when you enjoy the best part about the yummy crispy bacon.
Of course, you cansubstitute turkey bacon, which is less calories and fat and you get to enjoy all the benefits of bacon inspired creations.

If you love bacon, I really suggest you check out the March issue of Food Network magazine...it's all about BACON; which is the Bacon Issue!

For the recipe, which the only adaptation I made was...I sprinkled Turbinado sugar on top of the galette, before I baked it! Click here, to get the recipe>>APPLE-BACON GALETTE

 

  

 

 

 

Chicken Cutlets with Radicchio and Tangerine Salad

Photography by; Gabby (12 yr. old granddaughter)

I'm finally coming around...and actually posting foods; not that I haven't been cooking its just that I did not feel like taking photos of it. Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day and here in South Florida, we have huge celebrations, which started a week before, in different sections of Palm Beach County, each day. I have not been to any of these events for years... because there's usually a huge crowd of people and you cannot find parking space, unless you're willing to pay $10. for parking.

Everybody that joins the celebration, will be wearing 'green color'...as I am, today, and tomorrow. On St. Patrick's Day here in the U.S. everybody is IRISH! I haven't met an Irish person that I didn't like...they are such great people; friendly, outgoing, and hard working Irish-Americans!

One day in the near future, I would love to visit Ireland
and see the beautiful Emerald Isle...the rolling green hills, overlooking the beautiful sea, and visit an authentic Irish Pub...a dream-come-true holiday/vacation!

One thing for sure, I will not be cooking Corned Beef and Cabbage; although I used to make that just about every year in the slow cooker, for my family! Last year, I made Irish Soda Bread...which was exceptionally beautiful, and delicious. No green beer, in this household, and no Irish Coffee, but I thing Irish Beef Stew would look and sound comforting and delicious; not making that, either!

Just check out these photos, and you will probably notice that this is not my style of taking food photos, and its with a professional Canon camera with an expensive lens. My granddaughter, who is in middle school...a 'school of arts'...studying drama, and photography, besides her other studies wants to be a professional photographer. She has been taking some very nice shots, (clicks)...even 2 years ago, and she is still only 12.

Chicken Cutlets with Radicchio and Tangerine Salad
inspiration, and adaptation... from; Food and Wine...
 (they made theirs with pork cutlets)

1. 1/2 cup light mayonnaise 
2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
3. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
4. 1 teaspoon dried dill
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
7. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
8. 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
9. 2 cups panko
10. Four, to six thin pieces of boneless chicken breasts 
11. Kosher salt
12. Freshly ground pepper
13. 3 tablespoons olive, or vegetable oil, plus more for frying
14. 2 tangerines, peeled and divided into segments 
15. One 10-ounce head of radicchio—halved, cored and thinly sliced  (few pieces of cherry tomatoes)...(optional) 
16. 2 cups packed parsley, chopped
17. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
18. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19. Freshly shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for garnish (optional)
20. In a shallow bowl, add the mayo. In another shallow bowl, whisk the flour, panko, ginger, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and paprika. 
21. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dip them in the mayo and coat with the flour, and  panko mixture; transfer to a baking sheet. 
22. In a very large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil. Add half of the cutlets and fry over moderately high heat, turning once, until just light brown. Transfer to a aluminum foil lined bake pan. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.
23. Bake in a preheat 375 degrees F. oven for about 6 minutes, turn them over, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes longer until they are nicely medium light brown and crispy. Place cutlets, on few sheets of paper towel, to soak up excess oil...and set them on a platter.
24. In a bowl, toss the tangerine segments, radicchio, parsley, lemon juice, and mustard with the 3 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the cheese. Serve the pork schnitzel with the salad.

Make Ahead The recipe can be prepared through Step 2 up to 3 hours in advance.

 

 

selfie photo from 3yrs ago!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hugs,

Elisabeth

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...JUNO BEACH, FL.

Juno Beach Art Festival, March 9, 2014...Elderly folks lined up on the bench, enjoying the ocean view!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...{People of WALMART}

Florida WALMART...where else?

 

Smoked Salmon on Toast Points

I already posted two "Wordless Wednesday' post...almost did a 'Silent Sunday', but I can't stay 'wordless'...and I can't stay 'silent'! It's been such a torment and grieving period for me; first, the 'denial', and second the 'shock and grief'. Never in my life have I witnessed a favorite pet, passing away, and I never want to experience that as long as I live. I really think that poor little Mush missed Prince so much since he's been gone for the past two years...she grieved for her 'best buddy' for over a year. A few months ago, I found out that she has 'heart murmur' and I have been giving her pills daily, but in the end she gave up.

Although, she has been a lot closer to me (meaning, that she wanted to sit on my lap and literally patting my hand to pet her, (so cute, which I did anyway)...I cancelled her last appointment to the vet, and I cannot forgive myself. The hardest part is; when I walk through the door...just like to 'poem says'...she is no longer there to greet me!

I always have fresh herbs on 'hand'...eggs, capers, cream cheese, and occasionally buy smoked Nova Salmon. Not cheap by all means, but oh, so good. The best way that I love it is to make little 'open faced' sandwiches, or on bagels. These cute little whole grain party breads are a perfect choice...better than cutting up bread for 'toast points'...I prefer making toasts out of the little party loaf, and you have the perfect little snack to enjoy...and healthy too!

I have not been eating dinners at all since Mushy died...just snacks in the middle of the day, skipping breakfast as well! (not a good idea, just have no appetite)

Now that I pulled out my dear departed Hungarian grandmother's hand crocheted doily from my 'secret' drawer; she made this lovely piece and more for me, years ago which I kept it in meticulous condition; I'm proudly displaying that, as well!
As for me, I can totally just eat appetizers, and skip dinner! I love the Spanish inspired Tapas, as well and have been checking them out to make something really inspiring. Of course, the Italian Antipasti is not too 'shabby'...love the small bites!


Smoked Salmon on Toast Points
slightly adapted from Williams- Sonoma

For the herbed cream cheese:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
• 6 slices white or wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, each cut into 4 triangles
• I used whole grain party bread
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
• 6 oz. smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup capers, finely chopped
• 3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and grated
• Dill sprigs for garnish

To prepare the herbed cream cheese, in a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives and dill. Stir with a wooden spoon until well blended. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat an oven to 350F.

Brush the bread on both sides with the melted butter. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the toast points are golden and slightly crispy, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

To assemble, spread the herbed cream cheese on the toast points and place 1/2 to 1 whole slice of salmon on top. Garnish with the onion, capers, hard-cooked eggs and dill sprigs. Arrange on a platter.

Alternatively, arrange the toast points and smoked salmon on platters. Place the herbed cream cheese, onion, capers, hard-cooked eggs and dill sprigs in separate serving bowls and let guests assemble their own hors d’oeuvres. Serves 8 to 10.


Thank you for all your kind and caring words of comfort, I appreciate each and every one of your kind comments. I do apologize for not visiting and commenting on your blogs for almost 1 week now. I am getting back to the normal routine, and will not abandon my blog, or my favorite blogger friends! Your friendship means a lot to me, and I hope to stay in touch with you for a long time to come! Hugs,
Elisabeth

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Mush was always at my side...even on her last day sitting on my lap while I was at the computer. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep on; 2-18-14 @ 4:44 A.M.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

I love my beautiful city...West Palm Beach, Florida
Linking to:Be there 2 day-Wordless Wednesday

Spicy Chickpea Soup with Egg Noodles

Homemade Spicy Chickpea Soup, from 'scratch'...you bet!

It's been almost a week now, since I last photographed the beautiful beach 'sunrise'. I just did not have the desire to even photograph anything I have cooked or baked. It takes time, effort, and either the proper light for food photos, you should not even waste your time. Both of my children and I have started to have dinner once or twice a week since a year ago...a new 'tradition'... (just us, and the four grandchildren, on a weeknight... it's really a special event for us. to have this time and reminisce about the past when they were little...sharing stories for my grand kids!

Unfortunately, some Nostalgic stories, and memories do 'pull my heartstrings'...seeing them as adults with their young children; watching the years passing by before our eyes. You have to keep in mind that the past no longer has a 'life force'...IT IS OVER~...it's the current situation that is in your hands. You can reminisce all you want about the past...regret the things that went wrong...it is the only part of your life that you cannot change!

 I realized that Nostalgia does not...has not make us happier...dwelling on the past Our life is like 'chapters' in a novel...a 'never ending novel' learning from that long journey we took...leaving the past behind...greeting each morning as we awaken. Learning lessons of the past...being who you are today, and not who you were 'yesterday'! Our past should not define us who we were yesterday!


I felt the need to make a soup, today... I'm so glad I had all the ingredients in pantry, fridge, freezer, and cupboard...just had to make the decision...bake, or cook something comforting...so soup is always the right choice, with a sandwich!

Homemade soup of any kind is so easy to make...just have either homemade broth, canned, or in a carton...chicken, or vegetable broth, onion, garlic, celery, parsley, carrots, tomatoes, and canned beans, or frozen vegetables of your choice.
Here's my easy method:

Saute chopped onion, 2 cloves sliced, or chopped garlic, along with chopped celery in reg. olive, or vegetable oil.(also, a few scraped and sliced carrots) Add crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, cumin powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper to taste...

 (I didn't have fresh parsley) 1 Tbsp. of paprika paste, (tomato paste works well, or 1 Tbsp. of  paprika powder) 1 bay leaf...saute until onion is translucent, add a small amount of broth (32 ozs. in total broth)..Also, you can add frozen sliced carrots, abt 12 ozs. (I added frozen crinkle sliced carrots)....let the vegetable cook for another 15 min.

Add fresh chopped tomatoes...or canned diced tomatoes...tomato sauce works well,
You can add 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce in place of the (canned, or fresh diced tomato...I used Italian POMI strained tomatoes, about 1/2 container.

 Bring it to a boil, and now, add 2 cans of chickpeas, or garbanzo (same thing)...let it boil again, and add about 1/4 pkg of a 1lb. bag of egg, (or no yolk noodles)...let the noodles cook right in the soup for about 12 min. and it will be perfectly cooked...and delicious! When soup cools down, you can save them in plastic containers...even better re-heated~

I'm sharing with some really awesome 'thrift' finds with you...which I haven't in a while. I have a friend that does not approve of  buying someone's 'used' things...but the reality of it, and the most fun of it is that the majority of these wonderful useful things are donated by people who have paid 'good money' for the stuff, and most of the items are almost...if not 'new'...or barely used.
Every item has a 'story' behind it...where it came from, and why?...it was donated!

Just look at the bottom of this adorable little saucepan...LE CREUSET...made in France~
I love, love, Le Creuset pots, and pans. I bought a lasagna pan, and a skillet in the past few years (gave it to my daughter, she loves it)
The quality of this brand is 'unmatched'...cost 'an arm and a leg'...so expensive. very heavy cast iron, coated with super heavy enamel...food just tastes better, in Le Creuset. This particular little saucepan is an 'oldie, but goodie'...cost @ Goodwill, $6.99


I posted about these whimsical waiters, carrying bottles of champagne...by artist; Guy Bulut


I have this awesome and 'conversation' print hanging on my dining room wall for at least 3yrs now. Very well mounted, and framed, even with the wire hanger on the back. ($24.99)

So, what are the chances of finding another 'Bulut' print...3yrs later?...waiters in apron...in a Paris Café...I love this matching print...so well mounted and framed....couldn't just hang it simply...had to have it drilled with 'heavy duty hanger'...what a superb find...($29.99) ...worth so much more, and in great condition.










 A close up of this amazing print...such a 'conversation peace'...makes you feel like you're sitting in that French Café...just where I would love to be someday...soon!

 

Well, enough posting for now...I'll be watching the Winter Olympics from Russia ...and all day tomorrow!
Have a wonderful weekend! xo

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Sunrise on our beach, Palm Beach, Florida...Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014...7:00AM

My granddaughter Gabby and I decided to take photos of the sunrise...depending on the weather, which happened to be a lovely sunny and pleasantly warm Sunday!
Linking to:
Be there 2 day...Wordless Wednesday

Eerily  quiet morning, virtually empty beach... a bit 'nippy' mid 60's, gentle winds, and waves caressing the sand...@ 7:04 AM