A Jeanne in the Kitchen

Normally, I do not write about my disappointments. Most of the time, I can make any recipe work. But this one …. Well, let’s just say its not my favorite. I LOVE anything with lemon and when I saw this recipe for lemon poppy seed muffins, I was really excited to try it. But when I made it, I was not all that impressed. First of all, it was not nearly lemony enough for my tastes. Though, if you prefer more subtle lemon flavors, these muffins may be just right for you. Secondly, they needed more flour. They were too soft, and almost mushy. I know, living in a higher altitude I need to make adjustments, like adding a bit more flour, reducing the oven temperature a bit and cooking it for a bit longer than the recipe calls for, but even with these adjustments, this recipe just didn’t really work out for me. Have no fear though, I am on a quest for the PERFECT lemon poppy seed muffin or cake, and I promise you I will find it or I will create it. 🙂

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 TBSP lemon juice

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

2 TBSP poppy seeds

The Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 TBSP lemon juice

1 TBSP milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/8 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 350* F.

Spray the muffin pan with cooking spray.

For the batter, mix all the dry ingredients together and set aside.

Then mix all the rest of the ingredients together well. Slowly add the flour mixture into with the wet ingredients and mix just long enough until everything is well incorporated. Then spoon the batter into the muffin pans, filling them completely.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted through the center.

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them form the pan.

Let the muffins cool completely before adding the glaze.

Mix all the ingredients together and drizzle over the cooled muffins, then serve them up and enjoy.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

For some reason, and I do not really know why, but whenever I have left over ham, a quiche is always in our future. Ham is very versatile and can be used in many different ways. Quiche is also very versatile and can be made with many different ingredients. But for some reason, ham and quiche just always seem to go together at our house. I think it is more Larry than me, since I love quiche with chicken and seafood too. Oh well, no matter how I make it, it always comes out very good. So I guess I will just keep on doing what I’m doing. 🙂

When I make my quiches, I make them with a lot of eggs; 8 in fact, so they are real light and fluffy, and grow to be “mile high”. (The city of Denver is the known as the Mile High City because its elevation is 5,280 feet above sea level, which is the equivalent of a mile, hence the name.) Mile High Crab Quiche You can certainly make quiche with less eggs, but I like the lighter, fluffier version much better.

There is really no specific recipe for making a quiche, because it really can be made with anything. The key ingredients, however, will always be eggs, cream or milk, cheese, and usually a crust or pastry shell of sorts as well, although, a lot of people are making them without the crusts now too. I also like to make mine in a springform cake pan for the additional support needed for the higher volume.

This time I made my quiche with ham, of course, spinach, mushrooms, garlic and shallots.

I cubed the ham, then sauteed the spinach, mushrooms, garlic and shallots with salt and pepper.

If you are making your quiche with a crust, roll out your dough to fit your pan.

Preheat the oven to 375* F or 190* C.

Spray your pan with cooking spray.

Firmly press the dough into your pan, then add a layer of cheese on the bottom of the dough. Add whatever you are using as your filling on top of the cheese. Whisk your eggs and cream or milk together, along with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg, then pour it on top of your filling mixture. Once the quiche is filled, carefully place it in the hot oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the center is firm and the crust is golden brown. If the crust is cooking faster than the filling, cover it with aluminum foil and continue cooking until the center is firm to the touch. Once the quiche is cooked, allow it to set for about 5-10 minutes before cutting it.

Quiche is a simple, rustic dish, so I usually serve it with simple side dishes as well. This time it was left over potatoes that I “smashed”, some warm bread, and a light, citrusy chardonnay. C’est manifique!

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

A traditional Italian Pomodoro sauce is made from extra virgin olive oil, onions, tomatoes, garlic, basil and other herbs and salt and pepper. It is the most classic Italian starter dish around. It is part of the Italian identity. But believe it or not, as much as we identify this dish as an Italian dish, it is really a fusion, as so many wonderful dishes are. Pasta originated in China and tomatoes were a gift presented to the Europeans from Spain via the New World.

The name Pomodoro literally means “golden apple”. The reason for the name is that first tomatoes in Italy were a little bit yellow in color, making them resemble their local apples.  Pomme, in French means apple. In Italy, tomatoes were originally called pomi d’oro or golden apple. Many sauces are made with a tomato base, including Pomodoro’s cousin, marinara sauce. What is the difference between the two sauces? They are both tomato based sauces, but a marinara sauce is usually a very thick, rich sauce, usually used with heavier, heartier food, whereas the Pomodoro sauce is very light and is not a thick sauce at all, and it is used with lighter dishes.

You all know how I get so tickled when I can recreate from my leftovers. When I made my bruschetta the other day, Wine and Nibblies I had quite a bit of my bruschetta mix leftover. I also had a bit more of another tomato based sauce I had made for something else. They were both more or less the same thing, with very similar ingredients, and were almost identical to a Pomodoro sauce. So I combined those together, added more garlic, shallots, sweet baby tomatoes and basil, along with some shrimp and angel hair pasta , and voila … Shrimp a la Pomodoro was created. I paired this up with some garlic cheese bread and a light chardonnay to make for a perfect Italian dinner.

I used leftovers for mine, but this is a recipe for a simple, traditional pomodoro sauce.

Shrimp a la Pomodoro

3 lbs tomatoes, diced

1-2 TBSP garlic

1/4 extra virgin olive oil

1-2 shallots

salt & pepper to taste

2-TBSP fresh basil, cut in chiffonade or cut into very thin strips

Saute the shallots and garlic in olive oil for about 5minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. Then add the tomatoes, basil and seasonings and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently.

I sauted my shrimp in one of my new olive oils from Viva Oliva !Viva Oliva! I used the Tuscan Herb olive oil for the shrimp. WOW!!! It added subtle hints of basil, oregano and thyme and the shrimp just came to life.

Once the shrimp were completely cooked, I removed them from the heat and made the rest of the sauce. I used my leftovers, and just added to what I already had, but if you were making your pomodoro sauce fresh, you would add the cooked shrimp into the sauce when it was done.

When everything is done, serve it atop some cooked angel hair pasta. Because this is a light sauce, you don’t want to use a heavy pasta. You will lose all the fresh flavors of the sauce if you do. Top it with a little extra fresh basil and Parmigiano or mozzarella if you like, and Buon Appetito! Dinner is served. !Mangia!

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

I just received my 2nd check from WordPress. WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!!! It’s more than it was last time, and it didn’t take nearly as long to make this money either. It may not be much, but every little bit counts. “A Jeanne in the Kitchen” is quickly approaching it’s 3rd birthday, and all of this is possible because of you. Many, many thanks to all of you.

Let’s all keep cooking together.

I just love celebrating birthday “month”. Some people only get to celebrate for a day. Me – I will celebrate it as much as possible! 🙂 I was very pleasantly surprised to find yet another birthday present outside my door this morning. It was delicious gift of gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegar from my dear friend Andrea, out in California. Andrea and I have been friends and family since we were 12, and the good times just keep on coming, even after all these years and being separated by a few states.

Viva Oliva is a gourmet olive oil shop located in Santa Barbara, CA. We all know California is known for its great wines, but it is also known for its great olive oils as well. Where there is wine, there are olives.

Viva Oliva has been in business since 2010, and they “have been dedicated to sourcing and retailing the freshest and highest quality extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and gourmet, artisan foods. The extra virgin olive oils that [they] sell all comply with the highest quality standard in the world, known as Ultra Premium (UP). [They] source [their] oils from both the southern and northern hemispheres of the world, thereby ensuring [they] always keep the freshest products in stock.” As you can see, they have a wide variety of specialty and gourmet items.

My Viva Oliva gift pack included 2 gourmet olive oils and one gourmet balsamic vinegar. The olive oils were an Arbequena Extra Virgin Olive oil and a Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and the balsamic vinegar is made from infusions of Black Mission Figs. Don’t those all sound amazing? I can’t wait to try them, especially the Black Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar. I already have something in mind for that too. You’ll just have to be a little patient and wait a bit. 🙂

Viva Oliva is located at 927 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. You can contact them by phone at (805) 886-4342 or on their website at http://www.vivaoliva.com or on Facebook at vivaolivasantabarbara. They will ship anything you like anywhere in the US.

Muchas Gracias mi Amiga. Te amo mucho.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

Is it a kitty carrier or a puppy carrier? Nicodemus is pretty sure this is a kitty carrier that belongs to both her and her brother Otis. But Juneau seems to think differently. Juneau seems to think this box is hers, at least for now. Don’t worry though Nicky and Otis, Juni Bug won’t be able to fit in here too much longer. Soon, it will be all yours once again.

It is always good to learn about new ideas and new techniques. It’s also always a good idea to refresh your knowledge on things you already know too. Today, I am presenting you with some more good things to know in the kitchen.

1. Do you know why sardines are packed in oil? The oil not only enhances the flavors of the fish, but it also preserves it.

2. What actually happens when something gets freezer burn? Freezer burn happens when the H2O or water molecules seep into the surface of the food, allowing oxidation to occur. This happens when you place something in the freezer that has not been properly wrapped.

3. Did you know dark chocolate can last, when properly stored, for up to 2 years? This is because dark chocolate does not have any dairy products in it.

4. What is the difference between broiling and grilling? Broiling means the heat source is coming from above the food. When grilling, the heat source comes from beneath the food.

5. When using wood for your grill, the 3 most popular types of wood used are Apple, Oak and Hickory.

I am always learning something new, and when I do, I love sharing it with all of you.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

We have all grown up with some form of chicken soup. It is universal. Not only is it just good comfort food, but it also seems to have magic, medicinal, healing powers as well. Because chicken soup is universal, there are many, many recipes and variations of how to make it. I make it in different ways all the time too. But there is something about a bowl of hot chicken soup that just makes you feel good all over.

For the past couple of days, we have been getting teased with a few flakes of snow here and there, and the weather has been very cold. It is winter after all, and when you live in snow country, you expect snow in the winter, although we have had a very mild winter so far. But when it’s cold outside, you want something that will really warm you up inside. There is nothing better to do that than a nice hot bowl of soup, and chicken soup seems to be one of the best remedies for that.

I like lots of stuff in my stuff, and that includes my soups as well. So I always add a lot of vegetables to whatever soups I make. This simple meal was completed by adding some warmed ciabiatta and a glass or two of a buttery chardonnay.

We had a leftover rotisserie chicken form Costco, so I cut it up and put it in the soup. Then I made some more chicken broth from the bones. I use a lot of chicken broth, so I always have some on hand, whether it is my own or from a can.

Another Bowl of Chicken Soup

2-2 1/2 lbs of cooked chicken, cubed

3-4 carrots, diced medium

1 onion, diced medium

2-3 celery stalks, diced medium

2 TBSP garlic

1-2 cups of peas

1 cup green beans, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

salt & pepper to taste

8 cups chicken broth, or more as needed

1-2 tsp thyme

1-2 tsp marjoram

4 TBSP butter and/or olive oil

4 TBSP flour

2 cups dry pasta – I used mini farfalle this time

Dice the carrots, onions, celery and add the garlic and set aside.

Cube the chicken and set aside.

Because I like my soups on the thicker side, I made a roux with equal parts fat (I used butter and olive oil) and flour, then I added the carrot and onion mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.

Add the green beans, peas, chicken, seasonings and chicken broth. Mix together well. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the pasta about 20 minutes before serving the soup and continue to cook. If you add the pasta too soon, it will turn to mush and it will also absorb the liquid.

When the pasta is completely cooked, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy. Sometimes I add cream, or add rice instead of pasta. It’s your soup. Make it how you like. As I mentioned above, I change mine around all the time. Like I always say, “play with your food”.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

Janet and Bob came over to help celebrate my birthday on Monday. Been Busy Celebrating We are all wine lovers so it was only fitting that we celebrated with wine. And wine is always better with nibblies, so I made up some quick nibbly platters for us all to enjoy.

I just made a simple cheese and cracker platter and then made a quick bruschetta as well. I didn’t know Janet and Bob were bringing gourmet olives, or I would have skipped the olives, and used the gourmet olives. next time. But I did combine some Greek olives, Kalamata olives and black olives. I also bought some chicken salad to top either our crackers or our crostini with as well.

I love a good, simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes. It just seems to go with everything.

Simple Bruschetta

1 baguette, sliced at an angle

olive oil for brushing the bread slices

3-4 tomatoes, diced fine – any kind of tomatoes will do

1 shallot, diced fine

1 TBSP garlic

salt & pepper to taste

3-4 TBSP olive oil

1-2 TBSP fresh basil chiffonade thin

Preheat the oven to 350* F or 180* C.

Brush the olive oil on both sides of the bread and bake for about 20 minutes, then flip the bread over and continue to bake for another 20 minutes or so. You want the crostini to be crispy and golden brown.

Dice the tomatoes fine, and mix with all the rest of the ingredients. This dish is completely vegan, depending on the bread that you use, but it is most certainly a vegetarian dish. I like to eat it at room temperature, after it has set for awhile, so all the flavors really pop.

This quick and easy appetizer is great for any occasion and goes great with whatever you are serving. !Buon Appetito e Mangia!

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.

Sunday, we had two birthdays in the house; mine and Vinnie’s. I don’t want to tell you have many turns around the sun I have seen, though many of you already have a pretty good idea. In dog years, Vinnie is quickly catching up to me, but I don’t like to count in dog years, so in my eyes he is still and always will be, my big baby.

We went out to brunch at EAT! Food and Drink; It’s Time To EAT!Again Video #16 – Eat at EAT! Food & Drink on Sunday morning with friends Jonathan, Priscilla and Laura, and then when we came home, my friend Suzanne came over to help me celebrate as well. The celebrations continued on through yesterday as well, when Janet and Bob came over for some wine and nibblies.

It’s always a celebration when getting together with loved ones, both friends and family, but it makes birthdays even better when friends and family are they to celebrate with you.

The presents. Both Priscilla and Laura decided I needed to pamper myself, and I could not agree more. Once again, great minds and great friends are thinking alike. 🙂

From Priscilla and Jonathan.

and from Laura.

Suzanne realized I have been out of my element of WATER for far too long, and it is definitely time to get reconnected and rehydrated.

Janet and Bob were appealing more to my connection with food and gave me some gourmet olives. I can’t wait to try those. They look so yummy.

Larry knows my biggest present and the best present was Juni Bug, even though she can be quite the pill. She was an early birthday present. But he also got me some fun little things as well.

Vinnie was not forgotten either. Suzanne brought him a big bag of bully sticks. And he knew these presents on the counter were for him too and was trying to help himself to them before Juneau got to them.

Larry put a bright blue bow on Juni Bug, to match her collar. She kept it on for a good portion of the day, which was pretty surprising. She did find Vinnie’s new toys and decided to help herself anyway. Vinnie is such a good big brother and he didn’t mind sharing his new toys with her.

Mommy and her birthday babies.

Life is good. Celebrate every minute of it, just like it is your birthday. Thank you all for helping to make mine and Vinnie’s day a special one.