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"A passion for cooking is what I have...Sharing that passion is what I love to do." -Sarah Vasques, The Home Chef

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Bread Dip

Published by: Sarah

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  • Jan
  • 4

This recipe was one of many in Taste of Home’s “Quick Cooking” magazine in 2006. The magazine is now called  “Simple and Delicious” – Enjoy! 1 c. Mayonnaise 1 c. Sour Cream 1 Sm. Red Onion, minced 1 tsp. Dried Oregano 1 tsp. Garlic Powder ¼ tsp. Salt Boule Bread Bowl, hollowed and scraps reserved Pumpernickel Bread, torn […]

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This recipe was one of many in Taste of Home’s “Quick Cooking” magazine in 2006. The magazine is now called  “Simple and Delicious” – Enjoy!

1 c. Mayonnaise
1 c. Sour Cream
1 Sm. Red Onion, minced
1 tsp. Dried Oregano
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Salt
Boule Bread Bowl, hollowed and scraps reserved
Pumpernickel Bread, torn into bite size pieces

Combine first 5 ingredients and refrigerate 25 minutes. 
Spoon into hollowed out bread bowl.
Serve with bread pieces.

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Zucchini with Lemon & Thyme

Published by: Sarah

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  • Dec
  • 14

I love this side dish year round. But when my summer time herb garden overfloweth, I love it even more. 2 T. Balsamic Vinegar 2 T. Lemon Juice ¼ c. EVOO 2 T. Fresh Thyme Leaves, chopped – may sub. Oregano 1 clove Garlic, minced Salt & Pepper 1½ lbs. Zucchini Squash, sliced on an […]

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I love this side dish year round. But when my summer time herb garden overfloweth, I love it even more.

2 T. Balsamic Vinegar
2 T. Lemon Juice
¼ c. EVOO
2 T. Fresh Thyme Leaves, chopped – may sub. Oregano
1 clove Garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper
1½ lbs. Zucchini Squash, sliced on an angle

Combine vinegar, lemon juice, EVOO, thyme, garlic, salt & pepper in a bowl.
Add zucchini & coat thoroughly.
Let stand at room temperature for 3 hours.
Grill or roast in a 400° oven for 20 minutes (until tender crisp).

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Chive Dip with Homemade Pita Chips

Published by: Sarah

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comments:
  • Jun
  • 4

This yummy low fat dip is perfect for a summer snack. The healthy pita chips are a great compliment. For the Pita 2 pkg. (6 ct each) Whole Wheat Pita Bread EVOO Salt & Pepper 3-4 sprigs Fresh Oregano, chopped Preheat oven to 450°. Cut pita into 6th’s. Place on a baking sheet Drizzle with EVOO. […]

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This yummy low fat dip is perfect for a summer snack. The healthy pita chips are a great compliment.

For the Pita
2 pkg. (6 ct each) Whole Wheat Pita Bread
EVOO
Salt & Pepper
3-4 sprigs Fresh Oregano, chopped

Preheat oven to 450°.
Cut pita into 6th’s.
Place on a baking sheet
Drizzle with EVOO.
Season with salt, pepper & Oregano.
Bake 8-10 minutes.
NOTE: Watch carefully so not to burn the chips!

For the Dip
¾ c. Low Fat Sour Cream**
8 oz. Fat Free Cream Cheese**
1 c. Fresh Chives, chopped
4 strips Bacon, cooked crisp
Salt & Pepper

Combine all ingredients crumbing in the bacon.
Let rest until ready to serve.

**NOTE: The original recipe came from Giada DeLaurentis. It called for regular sour cream & Mascarpone instead of the cream cheese.

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Make Your Own Flavored Oils

Published by: Sarah

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comments:
  • Jun
  • 4

Don’t go spending massive amounts of dollars on flavored oils! Making your own is as easy as boiling water.  The trick is in the tecnique – Heat Infusion! Here are a few easy recipes to make your own.  NOTE: Because you are infusing the oil, you don’t need to buy the expensive stuff. Rosemary Garlic Oil Combine 1 medium sprig […]

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Don’t go spending massive amounts of dollars on flavored oils! Making your own is as easy as boiling water.  The trick is in the tecnique – Heat Infusion! Here are a few easy recipes to make your own.  NOTE: Because you are infusing the oil, you don’t need to buy the expensive stuff.

Rosemary Garlic Oil
Combine 1 medium sprig of rosemary, 3 cloves “smashed” garlic, 1 tsp peppercorns a pinch of salt & 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer until the garlic is golden.
Remove the garlic & let the oil cool.
Bottle with the rosemary sprig & peppercorns & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Basil Oil
Combine 1 c. of fresh chopped basil & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of  extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Cool completely.
Bottle with the basil & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Sun Dried Tomato Oil
Combine 1/2 c. of  fresh (not bottled) sun dried tomatoes chopped & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Cool completely.
Bottle with the tomatoes & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Sage Oil
Combine 1/2 c. of fresh whole sage leaves (bruised) & a pinch of salt with 2 c. of extra virgin olive oil in a sauce pan.
Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat.
Allow to simmer 5 minutes.
Strain & cool completely.
Bottle with 2 sage leaves (NOT bruised) & store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
NOTE: To bruise the leaves, gently hit them with the back of a knife.

As you can see, it really is very simple to make your own. Now get creative. Try using chives, oregano, tarragon or lemon verbena & send me your recipes using the oils!

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