Death by Chocolate Trifle

A trifle is an English dessert.  The first trifle was mentioned in 1596 in a book titled The Good Hyswife's Jewell by T. Dawson.  Although, it was not until the 18th century that the trifle as we know it today began to emerge.  Traditionally, trifles consist of sponge cake soaked in sherry or brandy, custard, jam or fruit and cream.  

Today, you will find traditional and non-traditional variations of trifles.  Death by Chocolate  is an impressive dessert when layered in a trifle bowl.  I find that this is easy to make and with only 6 ingredients, it is budget friendly as well.  This dessert is moist, rich - but not too sweet and perfect for chocolate lovers.  Bring Death by Chocolate to your next party or potluck, but do not expect to have any leftovers.  The recipe that I use is from allrecipes.com and you can find it here.  I modify the recipe and use devils food cake instead of German chocolate cake.  Pouring black coffee over the cake pieces will keep them moist.  Toffee candy, whip cream and pudding all combine to make a heavenly chocolate trifle.  Not a fan of toffee?  Try using peanut butter cups, Snickers or Oreos instead.  Get creative and enjoy!

Photo by ThatSillyGirl

Grilled vegetable panini with creamy Italian dressing

Here is a tasty sandwich that is easy to prepare utilizing an indoor or outdoor grill.  This is how I make a grilled vegetable panini with my George Foreman Grill. 

• 1 red bell pepper cut lengthwise
• 1 Japanese eggplant thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 small red onion cut into 4 slices
• 1  zucchini thinly sliced lengthwise
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Ciabatta bread
• Creamy Italian dressing 

Preheat your grill.  Coat the zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, and eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Grill vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes.  Remove vegetables from grill and set aside. 

Brush olive oil top and bottom outer sides bread layer grilled vegetables.  Grill sandwich 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve with a side of creamy Italian dressing for dipping.

A pie in a jar: what a sweet gift!

Are you looking for a homemade gift idea?  Check out these gourmet mini pies in a jar by LetThemEatPie.  They have flavors such as blueberry, peach, strawberry rhubarb and many more to choose from.  These homemade pies are made to be baked in the jar.  Pick four at a time to be shipped in whatever flavors you want.  LetThemEatPie also fulfills larger orders are well.

Photos by LetThemEatPie

An interesting concept

Hi everyone!  I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. 

Check out an interesting article/concept I found here.

Chef Mike Lee created a seven-course dinner where the dishes look almost identical, but the the ingredients are different.  This dinner was for 20 vegetarians and 20 omnivores. 

Vegetarian Pita with Morning Star Chik'n Strips

There is a place called the Pita Pit where you can walk in and order a pita just how you want it.  The Pita Pit has many sauces to choose from such as Caesar,  BBQ , Tzatziki , Ranch , honey mustard, ancho chipotle , mayo and many more.  They have a large assortment of veggies and cheeses (and meats for the meat eaters) as well.  With so many options, at first the menu may seem a bit overwhelming! I had my first Pita Pit experience in Portland, Oregon and highly recommend it.  Check out their website to find a location near you.   

I believe that if preparing healthy food can be quick, easy and customizable, then maybe people will find it easier to start eating better.  

This is how I make my pitas at home:

You will need:

Morning Star Chik'n Strips

Pitas

Shredded Lettuce

Banana Peppers

Diced Tomato

Red Onion

Honey Mustard or Ranch

Salt and Pepper

Cook the Chik'n strips for 2 to 3 minutes until the strips start to brown.  Cut a pita in half and stuff the pocket with veggies.  Add the Morning Star Chik'n Strips, sauce, salt and pepper.

Get creative and try adding pineapple and teriyaki sauce to your pita.  What other flavorful combinations can you come up with?

Build you own vegetarian tostadas

Build your own tostada night is convenient and you can easily add chicken or beef to the tostadas for the non-vegetarians.

You will need:
Tostada shells
Vegetarian Refried Beans
Colby/Jack shredded cheese
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Guacamole
Sour Cream

Place the tostada shells in a preheated oven at 350° for 5 minutes.  Heat the refried beans in a saucepan and spread on the warm tostada shells.  Top with cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole and/or sour cream.

I use Mission tostadas which I purchase at WalMart. 

 

Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A new twist on an old favorite

I love sandwiches that are easy to make and the Italian Grilled Cheese is certainly one of them.  Here is a new twist on an old favorite. 

You will need:
Italian Bread
Butter
Garlic
Mozzarella
Marinara Sauce

Make a butter garlic mixture and spread on one side of each slice of bread.  Next place the thinly sliced or shredded mozzarella (I prefer sliced) on the non-buttered side of bread.  Top with other slice of bread and cook for 3 minutes on each side until the cheese has melted the bread is starting to brown.  Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.  Want to add a little something extra?  Add a slice of tomato for an Italian Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich.  Enjoy!