Thursday: Fresh Corn Frittata with Broccoli-Tomato Salad

 

Whenever I make a Frittata dish for dinner, Hannah always sings "Hakuna, Frittata..." Guess who taught her that one? Yup, silly daddy. 

 This dish is perfect for the summer since Corn and tomatoes are plentiful right now. The smoked cheese provides a yummy flavor to the dish, but feel free to replace with your favorite cheese. Not only was this a budget meal but it was super quick to make. Have fun with this one!

Frittata Recipe
Serves: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes
 

3 ears fresh corn kernels (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 (22g, 1oz) cup shredded smoked Gouda
1 TB fresh basil, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
5 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Heat a medium ovenproof skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Add corn, sautee 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine 2 TB cheese, basil, and remaining ingredients. Add corn. Mix well. 
3. Heat ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. Add corn mixture. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until almost set. Broil for 5 minutes until set and browned. Cut into wedges. Serve with Broccoli-Tomato Salad.

Broccoli-Tomato Salad Recipe
Serves: 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 7 minutes
 

1 (450g) lb broccoli crowns, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
3 TB yogurt
1 TB lite Italian dressing

1. Place broccoli in a pan, and steam for 4-7 minutes until desired tenderness. In a large bowl, mix together yogurt and Italian dressing. Add tomatoes and drained broccoli. Mix well.

------------------------- 

Plan and Prep Ahead 

Here are some helpful techniques to make life a little easier once dinner time hits. These tips will especially help those that work full-time and don't have a lot of time to prepare dinner. 

~Husk and cut off corn ahead of time and keep in fridge until time of use.
~Shred cheese ahead of time, keep in fridge until time of use. 

------------------------- 

Who likes to CHANGE IT UP? 

~For those meat lovers, add some ground turkey, chicken or beef to the mix. 
~Try out different smoked cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
~Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese for a cheesier flavor.
~Add a couple shakes of chili powder to add a little punch. 
~Instead of fresh basil use your favorite herbs like oregano. 
~Chop up red bell pepper, and add to the corn.

-------------------------

Friday: Crepe-Mushroom Cannelloni with Green Beans

 

I found out from this meal, that I would NEVER make a good professional crepe maker! Man, I really stink at making these things. Do any of you ever have cooking flops, or bloopers where you were making this elaborate meal and things were just not going right from the beginning? That's what happened to me! Just look at these pathetic crepes. 

 Then, I thought I would try a different pan because mine was too big. Found out too late that the things stuck to the bottom like bubblegum on concrete. 

 

 But, I am proud to say I stuck with it (Ha, Ha! Literally!), and even though the crepes didn't look all that "pretty" this recipe was very forgiving and I just covered up the crepes with juicy red chopped tomatoes. If you would like to make a "fancy" meal, this would be it. The ingredient list is extensive and it does take a long time to make, but in the end it was delicious. I felt rewarded when my kids ate every last bite!

Crepe Cannelloni Recipe
Serves: 4 Prep: 40-45 minutes Cooking Time: 33 minutes
 

Mushroom Filling:


1 tsp olive oil
2 (8oz) packages mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 tsp oregano, dried
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 TB tomato paste
1 tsp all-purpose flour
1/2 (2oz) cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 TB (1/4 oz) fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp salt


Parmesan sauce:

3 TB all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup low-fat milk
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 TB parmesan cheese, grated 

Cannelloni:

8 basic crepes (see recipe below)

cooking spray

1 (14.5oz) can diced-tomatoes, drained

1 TB (1/4oz) Parmesan cheese, grated

Chopped parsley (optional)

1. Heat oil in nonstick large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes. Add oregano, garlic and saute 1 minutes. Add wine and cook for 3 more minutes. Stir in tomato paste and 1 tsp flour. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in ricotta, 1 TB parmesan and 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
2. Next, to prepare Parmesan sauce, place 3 TB flour in small saucepan. Gradually add the milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1/4 tsp salt and nutmeg. Place over medium heat, cook until thick for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in 2 TB Parmesan. Keep warm. 
3. Preheat oven to 425* Fahrenheit. 
4. For cannelloni, spoon 1/4 cup mushroom mix in center of each crepe, roll up. Place, seam sides down, in a 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray. Spoon half of tomatoes over crepes, and top with Parmesan sauce and remaining tomatoes. Sprinkle with 1 TB Parmesan. Bake for 15 minutes in oven. If cheese is not lightly browned. Preheat broiler while dish is still in oven. Broil for 3 minutes until cheese is melted and browned. Garnish with parsley.

------------------------- 

Plan and Prep Ahead 

Here are some helpful techniques to make life a little easier once dinner time hits. These tips will especially help those that work full-time and don't have a lot of time to prepare dinner. 

~Make crepes ahead of time.
~Cook mushroom filling ahead of time. 
~Make Parmesan sauce ahead of time and keep in fridge. Warm when ready to use. 
~Grate Parmesan ahead and keep in fridge.

------------------------- 

Who likes to CHANGE IT UP? 

~Instead of or in addition to mushrooms, add ground beef, turkey or chicken.  
~Replace crepes with cannelloni noodles.
~Use Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan.
~Add a couple shakes of chili powder to add a little punch. 

-------------------------

Sweet Stuff: Olive Oil Cake

 When I first saw this recipe in a Bon Appetit magazine, it definitely piked my interest. Olive Oil...really? Apparently this recipe is originally from a coffee shop in Manhatttan called Abraco, and it is one of the items on their menu that is a big hit. 

My first thoughts were, "Well, if it's good enough to sell at a coffee shop, I think I will give it a try." If you are looking for a pound cake with a bit pizazz, this is it! Super yummy and easy to make with minimal/no-fuss ingredients. It has a hint of citrus and olive oil goodness when you take your first bite, but at the same time a very moist, melt in your mouth texture. Enjoy!

Olive Oil Cake Recipe
12 servings 

1 1/2 (7.5oz/210g) cups unbleached white flour (I've done half whole wheat, half white which turned out good as well)

1 cup sugar (225g)(I usually do 3/4 cup honey, agave or maple syrup)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
3/4 (180 ml) cup milk
1/2 (120 ml) cup mild-flavored olive oil (notice: mild flavored or light flavored...important...extra-virgin won't give you the same kind of flavor)
2 tsp orange peel, finely grated 

1. Preheat oven to 325*F/190*C. Spray cooking spray into a 9x5x3 metal bread loaf pan, then dust with flour. Whisk first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk eggs, milk, olive oil and orange peel separately in a smaller bowl. Gradually whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. 
2. Bake for 60-65 minutes, until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes. Remove cake and completely cool.

What do Germans eat most?

Isn't it funny when you are away from a place or childhood home for a long time (it's been 12 years for me); how you start comparing the difference between that and your current home? Since I am such a food connoisseur, the first thing I noticed is how much MEAT the Germans eat. They literally have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and I wouldn't be surprised if they sneak it into dessert! :)  Not that it's a bad thing. Their meat is usually very fresh, from the butcher, and probably was slaughtered that day (sorry for those of you with a vivid imagination!). So, you are getting the best of the best. Here are some of the typical German dishes that you would find in a restaurant or delicatessen that I was able to sample and enjoy.

Schnitzel 

 

Schnitzel is a dish that you will find in every German restaurant. It's a veal or pork cutlet that is coated with breadcrumbs and then baked or fried. Super delicious! It is usually served with a couple lemon slices and either some kind of potato dish or spätzle (soft, doughy type of egg noodles). 

Want to make your own? Check out one of my previous posts: Parmesan Pork Schnitzel

Bratwurst

 

A staple food in Germany is bratwurst (sausage). It is normally served with Pommes Frites (potato fries) and curry ketchup. My earliest memory of eating bratwurst, was at Oktoberfest when I was 5 years old. I had a little red German felt hat on, and a nearby horse kept trying to take a bite out of my bratwurst. Isn't it amazing the memories that stay imprinted in your brain from childhood? 

Leberknödel with Sauerkraut

The best way I can describe Leberknödel is the biggest meatballs you have ever seen! Literally, they are translated as Liver Dumplings, and are quite tasty. Probably not something I would eat on a regular basis, but when you are in Germany, you might as well eat as the Germans do. :) The Germans are really big into sauces as well. This is your typical brown sauce with a mound of sauerkraut on top of it. Of course sauerkraut is a typical German side dish as well and has an excellent flavor, not too vinegary.

German Salad 

 Don't these salads look terrific? This was probably my favorite thing to order. German "green" salads are different than a typical American one. They marinate a bunch of stuff in a vinegar solution like cut up cucumbers, cabbage, and carrots before they top it on the lettuce. The dressing is exceptional too! That will be my next task; searching for a dressing on the internet that is at least comparable. 

Döner Kebap  

I know, I know this meal is not "typical" German BUT they have these Turkish Kebap places EVERYWHERE there. Döner kebap is this giant vertical spit of roasted meat (traditionally lamb, but some places have a variety like chicken) that they shave pieces off from. The word Döner means "turning" and they definitely are constantly turning this spit to make sure the meat is browned on all sides. The shaved pieces of meat are tucked into a warm pita, and topped with tomatoes, cabbage, grated cucumber and then a dollop of cucumber-yogurt-dressing is generously poured on top. This was one of our favorite lunch items to eat...BUT don't expect to eat anything the rest of the day. They sure are filling!

Spaghetti Ice Cream

Hands down, this is my favorite dessert of all times. I get a chuckle every time I put a spoonful in my mouth, because I'm eating something that looks like spaghetti, but is really vanilla ice cream pushed through a type of spaghetti strainer. So, here is how they assemble this thing. They start with a mountain of whipped cream in the middle, top it with the ice cream strands, pour strawberry or raspberry sauce over top of it, and then shaved white chocolate for the "paremsan." LOVE IT!!! It makes my mouth water, just thinking about it!    


So, this is just a fraction of the kinds of things you can get when you visit Germany, but hopefully you were able to at least get a "taste" of what you might find there. I hope you have enjoyed your little tour of German eating, and starting next week, I will be posting our regular meal plan meals.

Why haven't I updated anything in a while?

I'm visiting my parents in Germany for 2 weeks (actually it would be better to say "Oma and Opa get to hang out with their beloved grandchildren"), and taking a little break from blogging. BUT before you panic and leave me for good...I will be back and ready to add some yummy dishes starting Monday July 12th. :) I've actually really missed updating my blog, and can't wait to get back into it. 

Also, I am excited to share with you some of the dishes they make here in Germany and the food that I grew up with; including pommes fritz (potato fries), schnitzel (breaded pork steak), spatzle (dough noodles), knackwurst (sausage), Deutsches Brot und Brotchen (german bread)and super yummy German salad. Now, if I can only convince some of the German ladies to give me their recipes, I would jump for joy!

Need a sidedish to bring to a 4th of July party you are going to? Try my super-duper easy Red, White & Blue Spinach Salad. It is super yummy, plus strawberries and blueberries are in abundance right now. Click on the link here to access it:

Strawberry-Blueberry Spinach Salad

Happy 4th everybody!