Sunday 29 July 2012

Chocolate & Coffee Mousse



This is a great idea for a dessert, especially because it can be made the night before you have your dinner party. It's also great for a dinner for two or really any time you feel like having some chocolate mousse. Give it a shot and I promise everyone will love it! :)

Serves 4

Ingredients:

- 340g heavy whipping cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- 4 tbs sugar
- 100g chocolate chips
- 2 tbs butter
- 2 tbs water
- 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder

Process:

- In a small microwave-safe bowl combine the chocolate mix, water, espresso powder and butter. Melt everything together for 30-40 seconds or until the chocolate is melted and creamy. Let it cool.
- Whip the heavy cream in a bowl and put it in the fridge to cool.
- In a different bowl combine the egg yolks and the sugar. Whisk until the mix is pale in colour. Add to the melted chocolate and give it a whisk.
- In a different bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks.
- Mix the heavy cream, egg yolk chocolate mixture and egg whites together.
- Place in serving glasses/cups and let it cool in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. Enjoy!

Friday 27 July 2012

Arugula Pesto



This is a good way to use arugula (rocket) salad. I am not a big fan of raw arugula. I think it tastes too strong and over-powering. However, blended with some garlic and olive oil makes it very mild and enjoyable.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

- 100g arugula (rocket) salad
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- salt and pepper to taste

Process:

- Place the salad, garlic, lemon zest and juice in a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to break up all the ingredients.
- Slowly start streaming olive oil in the mixture and keep blending until the mixture becomes a paste. Check for seasoning and adjust.
- Serve with pasta, meat, or toasted bread and enjoy!


Eggplant Rollatini



What a great snack or side dish...

Serves 2

Ingredients:

- 1 eggplant
- 1 tbs flour
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 5 tbs yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove of garlic
- fresh thyme
- salt and pepper to taste

Process:

- Wash and peel the eggplant and cut it into thin slices.
- Put a little bit of salt on every slice and leave on a plate so the bitterness comes out.
- Dip every slice in flour and fry in olive oil for 3-4 min on each side.
- While the eggplant is in the skillet mix the yogurt, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Take out the eggplant slices and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Spoon the yogurt mixture on each of them, roll and place with the seam down.
- Cool the rollatini plate for a few hours. These can be served warm or cold.
- Serve with salad and enjoy!

Thursday 26 July 2012

Mozzarella in carrozza


Mozzarella in carrozza is nothing different from the regular grilled cheese sandwich... However, with a few little differences it tastes much more wholesome.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

- 4 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbs flour
- 8 mozzarella slices
- 1 tbs olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Process:

- Put the flour and eggs in two separate plates.
- Put the oil in a skillet and turn to medium high.
- Lay the mozzarella slices on 2 slices of bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Dip the sandwich in the flour.
- Then dip it in the egg mix.
- Place in the sandwich in the skillet and fry for 2-3 min on each side.
- Let it cool for a few minutes and enjoy!