Category Archives: silpat

Strawberries Balls for The Super Bowl

Posted
Filed under candy. chocolate, chocolate/ candy, deep flexipan, dessert, silpat, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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What type of food are you offering your guests for Super bowl??? Well, if I were hosting, I would be making all kinds of food… But I am not. We will be joining some friends of ours. So Guess what??? I will only be making a few things. Mini Pretzels, Mustard, Ham and Cheese Pretzels Bites and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

I will be posting those recipes very soon. But today I am just going to share with you the easiest of all desserts: Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

All you need is good quality Chocolate, and fresh strawberries.

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Ingredients for 1 box of chocolate or about 30 strawberries:

  • 1 box of strawberries
  • 6 oz. of bittersweet chocolate from Ghiradhelli
  • 1 0z of white chocolate

I love the Ghiradhelli Chocolate because it is the ONLY chocolate that will melt perfectly to a liquid form in the microwave so Do not use Hershey, or Nestlé. The chocolate will not melt unless you add butter.

  1. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Place the chocolate chips in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir and place it back into the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds if needed.
  2. Take one strawberry at a time, and dip it in the chocolate. Place the chocolate onto a large silpat that you would have previously placed on a perforated sheet for support. Repeat until it is done.IMG_4471
  3. Place the strawberries into the fridge to cool. When the chocolate has settled.
  4. Place the white chocolate into a small container and melt it the microwave for a few seconds ( 30 seconds). It should soft to the fingers. IMG_4532
  5. Pour the melted chocolate into a small plastic bag. Push the chocolate to the end of the plastic bag.IMG_4533
  6. Cut the tip and draw lines on the strawberries to make it look like the football.IMG_4473
  7. Place the strawberries back into the fridge to cool. Et voila!!!IMG_4519

 

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Football Strawberries for Super Bowl

  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for 1 box of chocolate or about 30 strawberries:

  • 1 box of strawberries
  • 6 oz. of bittersweet chocolate from Ghiradhelli
  • 1-0z of white chocolate
  • 1 plastic bag

I love the Ghiradhelli Chocolate because it is the ONLY chocolate that will melt perfectly to a liquid form in the microwave so Do not use hershey, or Nestlé.

  1. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Place the chocolate chips in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir and place it back into the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds if needed.
  2. Take one strawberry at a time and dip it in the chocolate. Place the chocolate onto a large silpat that you would have previously placed on a perforated sheet. Repeat until it is done.
  3. Place the strawberries into the fridge to cool. When the chocolate has settled.
  4. Place the white chocolate into a small container and melt it it the microwave for a few seconds ( 30 seconds).
  5. Pour the melted chocolate into a small plastic bag. Push the chocolate to the end of the plastic bag.
  6. Cut the tip and draw lines on the strawberries to make it look like the football.
  7. Place the strawberries back into the fridge to cool. Et voila!!!

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Stuffed Zucchini with Roasted Bell Pepper, and Purple Onion

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Filed under deep flexipan, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpat, vegetables, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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I love, love vegetables. I love to eat them, but I often find myself at loss on how to prepare them. Of course, you can grill, roast, steam, saute all your vegetables, and you can vary the spices that you use, but I am not very creative when cooking vegetables and like many of you I end up making the same vegetables over and over again.

I cannot remember where I saw a recipe of stuffed zucchinis, but I thought why not stuffed them with vegetables instead of meat to make it a truly vegetable dish. So  here it is :

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Ingredients for 4 :

  • 4 medium sized zucchinis about 4-5 inches long
  • 1 small purple onion
  • 1 whole roasted bell pepper ( a big jar can be found in grocery store or at Costco)
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan,  swiss cheese or even feta ( optional)
  • 1 tsp of demarle rosemary and thyme spice
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • 1/8 tsp of pepper
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil

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  1. If you have not purchased roasted bell peppers, you will need to roast the fresh ones yourself. It is quite easy. Since it  just takes times, you may as well prepare a few more to keep in your fridge for more recipes.  Slice the bell peppers in half. Place then onto the silpat skin up, and roast them for 30 minutes at 450. When they are roasted, let them cool first by placing a silpat over them to keep them from drying up. When they are somewhat cooler, place them into a plastic bag and let them cool completely. The reason why you will want to place them into a bag, is to allow them to “perspire” and it will be easier for you to peel the skin off. 
  2. After 30 minutes to an hour, when they are completely cool. Carefully peel of the skin. It should come off fairly easy. Et voila. 
  3. Slice and dice one whole bell pepper and place it into a large bowl.
  4. Rinse the zucchinis thoroughly under running water. Then with a sharp knife, slice the zucchini in half in its length. With a melon grater, or a little spoon, grate the inside of the zucchinis. Place the “meat” of the zucchinis onto a chopping block, and chop the zucchini “meat” finely. Empty it into a bowl where you would have already placed the diced bell pepper. Set aside. IMG_2879
  5. Chop the onion very finely. IMG_2877
  6. In a large saute pan, warm up a tbsp of olive oil and when the oil is warm, saute the onion until it becomes a dark amber color.IMG_2878
  7. Empty the onion in the bowl where you would have placed the zucchini’s “meat”.
  8. Add the salt, pepper, 1 tsp of rosemary and thyme and 1/2 cup of cheese ( optional). Mix well. IMG_2880
  9. Fill the zucchinis with the mixture and place them into a deep flexipan that you would have placed onto a medium perforated sheet. IMG_2951
  10. Cook for 20-30 minutes ( it will depend how big they are. the larger, the longer they will need). Enjoy!!!IMG_2884

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Stuffed Zucchinis with Bell Pepper and Purple Onion

  • Servings: 4-6 people
  • Difficulty: Super easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for 4 :

  • 4 medium-sized zucchinis about 4-5 inches long
  • 1 small purple onion
  • 1 whole roasted bell pepper ( a big jar can be found in grocery store or at Costco)
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan, swiss cheese or even feta ( optional)
  • 1 tsp of demarle rosemary and thyme spice
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • 1/8 tsp of pepper
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  1. If you have not purchased roasted bell peppers, you will need to roast the fresh ones yourself. It is quite easy. Since it just takes times, you may as well prepare a few more to keep in your fridge for more recipes. Slice the bell peppers in half. Place then onto the silpat skin up, and roast them for 30 minutes at 450. When they are roasted, let them cool first by placing a silpat over them to keep them from drying up. When they are somewhat cooler, place them into a plastic bag and let them cool completely. The reason why you will want to place them into a bag, is to allow them to “perspire” and it will be easier for you to peel the skin off.
  2. After 30 minutes to an hour, when they are completely cool. Carefully peel of the skin. It should come off fairly easy. Et voila.
  3. Slice and dice one whole bell pepper and place it into a large bowl.
  4. Rinse the zucchinis thoroughly under running water. Then with a sharp knife, slice the zucchini in half in its length. With a melon grater, or a little spoon, grate the inside of the zucchini. Place the “meat” of the zucchinis onto a chopping block, and chop the zucchini “meat” finely. Empty it into a bowl where you would have already placed the diced bell pepper. Set aside.
  5. Chop the onion very finely.
  6. In a large saute pan, warm up a tbsp of olive oil and when the oil is warm, saute the onion until it becomes a dark amber color. Empty the onion in the bowl where you would have placed the zucchini’s “meat”.
  7. Add the salt, pepper, 1 tsp of rosemary and thyme and 1/2 cup of cheese ( optional). Mix well.
  8. Fill the zucchinis with the mixture and place them into a deep flexipan that you would have placed onto a medium perforated sheet.
  9. Cook for 20-30 minutes ( it will depend how big they are. the larger, the longer they will need). Enjoy!!!

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Roasted Mushrooms and Asparagus

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Filed under deep flexipan, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpat, vegetables, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

 

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One of the thing that I hear often from my customers and cooking classes participants is that they do not know what to cook. Ladies, cooking does not need to be a challenge! It does not have to be difficult. On the contrary. If you can buy fresh vegetables in seasons, then you will be able to vary your meals and eat healthy. Most seasonal vegetables and fruits are so flavorful as they come, that little needs to be done to make them taste great. Today I wanted to offer you this easy side. It is delicious, quick to make and so so healthy. Plus, look at the colors, don’t you want to just get a fork and dig in????

Ingredients for 4-6 people:

  • 1 asparagus bundle
  • 1-2 packs of mushrooms of 8 0z. each
  • 1 tsp of olive oil
  • 1 tsp of fresh thyme chopped ( if you do not have 1/2 tsp of dry thyme)
  • salt and pepper to taste ( a dash of each)

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  1. Place the vegetables in a large colander, and rinse the vegetables thoroughly under running water.
  2. Break the end of the asparagus by holding the asparagus at 3/4 and at the end, and bend until it breaks. ( by doing so you will be sure that your asparagus are not chewy, but tender).
  3. Then chop them in 1/2 inch. Set them aside in a large bowl.IMG_1839
  4. Cut the tails of the mushrooms and cut them in half or even quarters if they are too large.IMG_1838
  5. Add them to the asparagus.
  6. Drizzle the 1 tsp of olive oil and mix well to coat the vegetable well.
  7. Lay the vegetables on top of the silpat. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and the chopped thyme.IMG_1843 2
  8. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes at 400.IMG_1844

9. Enjoy!!!IMG_1847

( And give it a try! Even those who came to my cooking class and who did not like mushroom or asparagus enjoyed it very much and even went for second;-)

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Roasted Mushroom and Asparagus

  • Servings: 4-6 people
  • Difficulty: Super easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for 4-6 people:

  • 1 asparagus bundle
  • 1-2 packs of mushrooms of  8 oz. each
  • 1-2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 tsp of fresh thyme chopped ( if you do not have 1/2 tsp of dry thyme)
  • salt and pepper to taste ( a dash of each)

 

  1. Place the vegetables in a large colander, and rinse the vegetables thoroughly under running water.
  2. Break the end of the asparagus by holding the asparagus at 3/4 and at the end and bend until it breaks. ( by doing so you will be sure that your asparagus are not chewy, but tender).
  3. Then chop them in 1/2 inch. Set them aside in a large bowl.
  4. Cut the tails of the mushrooms and cut them in half or even quarters if they are too large. Add them to the asparagus.
  5. Drizzle the 1 tsp of olive oil and mix well to coat the vegetable well.
  6. Lay the vegetables on top of the silpat. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and the chopped thyme.
  7. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or to your liking.

Bon Appétit and Happy Coooking!!!

Strawberry Bruchetta

Posted
Filed under appetizers, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpain, silpat, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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Ahh  Summer, so much vegetables and fruits to eat!! Everything looks delicious, it is really difficult not to purchase all that looks appetizing and that smells so delicious…

I am lucky to live in a location where we have tons of farmers and tons of local produces. Though it is a tad difficult to go to the produce market during the school year, I have enjoyed going these past few weeks. Everything smells so good in that store, that it is very tempting to buy everything that is at your fingertips;-)

Last time I went there, a couple of days ago, I bought a few peaches, a cantaloupe, a few red tomatoes and a gallon of strawberries. Yes, a gallon… That is a lot  I know, but I intended to use them in my morning shakes, eat them for a snack during the day, and give some away. I wanted to give some away to my mother-in-law, but when I went to here house, I saw that she, too, had purchased a gallon of strawberries … so I had to take mine back home and figure out what to do with them before they got spoiled.

Really, what can you do with strawberries?? especially a gallon of strawberries??? Of course you can make fruit salads, jams, tarts, cream, ice-creams and many, many more desserts!

I wanted to use them otherwise than as a dessert so I decided to make a Strawberry Bruchetta. It is actually quite easy to make, fast, inexpensive and it is beautiful to the eyes and your tastebuds;-) You would think that it is too sweet, but the tang of the goat cheese, and the fact that the strawberries are seasoned with vinegar, salt, and pepper, it makes them taste almost unsweetened. It was a delight for me;-) I dare you to try;-)

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Ingredients to make 30-40 individual pieces:

  • 1 French baguette sliced thinly,
  • 1 log of goat cheese at room temperature ( about 6 oz.)
  • 1 pint of fresh strawberries ( use local ones if you can, they taste so much better),
  • 1 tbsp of basil olive oil, I used the Demarle Basil olive oil.
  • 1 tbsp of traditional balsamic vinegar,
  • 1 tbsp of fresh basil chopped.
  1. Slice the baguette thinly, and place it on top of the silpain atop a medium perforated sheet. If you do not have either, place the bread onto a cookie sheet. 
  2. Cook the slices for 5-7 minutes or until they are crisp on both sides.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry topping. Chop the strawberries and place them into a medium-sized bowl.
  4. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, a dash of salt and of pepper, the chopped basil and mix well.IMG_1828
  5. When the sliced baguette are crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool down.
  6. Spread the cheese over the baguette.IMG_1827
  7. And spoon a bit of the strawberry mixture atop the cheese. Eat right away;-))) Miam.IMG_1832

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Strawberry Bruchetta

  • Servings: 8-10 people
  • Difficulty: Super easy
  • Print

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Ingredients to make 30-40 individual pieces:

  • 1 French baguette sliced thinly,
  • 1 log of goat cheese at room temperature ( about 6 oz. )
  • 1 pint of fresh strawberries ( use local ones if you can, they taste so much better),
  • 1 tbsp of basil love oil, I used the Demarle Basil olive oil.
  • 1 tbsp of traditional balsamic vinegar,
  • 1 tbsp of fresh basil chopped.
  1. Slice the baguette thinly, and place it on top of the silpain atop a medium perforated sheet. If you do not have either, place the bread onto a cookie sheet.  
  2. Cook the slices for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp on both sides.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry topping. Chop the strawberries and place them into a medium-sized bowl.
  4. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, a dash of salt and of pepper, the chopped basil and mix well.
  5. When the sliced baguette are crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool down.
  6. Spread the cheese over the baguette.
  7. And spoon a bit of the strawberry mixture atop the cheese.
  8. Eat right away;-))) Miam.

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Meyer Lemon Mousse and Blueberry Puree Verrine

Posted
Filed under Creams and Puddings, dessert, Mousses, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpat, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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Today is a very special day. It is the anniversary of our Flag. Indeed, on this special day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to adopt the current flag as our flag. According to Wikipedia, “The United States Army also celebrates the Army Birthday on this date; Congress adopted “the American continental army” after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.

1775 – The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress for purposes of common defense. This event is considered to be the birth of the United States Army. On June 15, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief.

1777 – The Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag of the United States. The Flag Resolution stated “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” On May 20, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 “Flag Day” as a commemoration of the “Stars and Stripes.”

As a special day, I thought I would share with this fun dessert. I had made it last year for my daughter graduation. Since it is quite simple to make (if you do not make those little stars;-), I thought I would make it again for this very special day.

Ingredients for about 6-8 medium-sized glass:

 The white chocolate and Meyer lemon mousse:

  • 300 gr.  or 11 oz. of white chocolate ( use good quality, either European or Guiradhelli)
  • 250 gr. or about of heavy cream
  • 250 gr. or about 9 oz. of greek yogurt
  • 1 envelope of gelatin
  • 2 tbsp of water 
  • the zest of one Meyer lemon

Ingredients for the blueberry puree

  • 300 gr. or about 11 oz. of fresh blueberries
  • 40 gr.  or about 1.40 oz. of sugar
  • juice of one lemon
  • 2 tsp of water
  • 1 tbsp of pectin

Decoration for the mousse:

  • 1 pie crust 
  • 1 egg yolk
  • granulated sugar
  1. First prepare the blueberry jelly. Place the blueberries, water, lemon juice and sugar and cook over medium-high heat.
  2. When the blueberries are cooking, and “bubbling, take a fork, and pop the blueberries.
  3. Add the pectin and bring the mixture to boil again.
  4. Carefully pour a bit of the mixture inside the glasses that you are using and let them rest for a goof hour so that the blueberries jelly will have time to congeal.
  5. When they have, start preparing the white chocolate mousse. Pour the gelatin powder into a small bowl and mix it with 2 tbsp of water. Let the gelatin thickens and congeal. Set aside.
  6. Zest the lemon and place the zest with the cream into a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil.
  7. When the cream is boiling, add the gelatin and stir to make sure that the gelatin is melting. Cook for another few minutes, but do not bring to boil!!!
  8. Add the white chocolate and stir. Place the panna cotta in the fridge to cool down for 15  minutes.
  9. When the mixture is lukewarm, add the greek yogurt.
  10. Then pour the lemon mousse into the glasses atop the blueberry jelly.
  11. Place the mousse in the fridge so that they will congeal. It will take another hour.
  12. Meanwhile, cut the pie crus into small stars. Place the stars onto a silpat that you would have placed atop a medium perforated sheet.
  13. Place the egg yolk into a small bowl and with a brush, brush each star. Sprinkle some brown sugar,  and cook the stars for 8-12 minutes at 400, or until they are golden brown.
  14. Before serving, place the miniature stars over the white chocolate and meyer lemon mousse and sprinkle some brown sugar. Et voila!!!

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Meyer Lemon Mousse and Blueberry Puree Verrine

  • Servings: 6-8 people
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for about 6-8 medium-sized glass

The white chocolate and Meyer lemon mousse:

  • 300 gr. or 11 oz. of white chocolate ( use good quality, either European or Guiradhelli)
  • 250 gr. or about of heavy cream
  • 250 gr. or about 9 oz. of greek yogurt
  • 1 envelope of gelatin
  • 2 tbsp of water
  • the zest of one Meyer lemon

Ingredients for the blueberry puree

  • 300 gr. or about 11 oz. of fresh blueberries
  • 40 gr. or about 1.40 oz. of sugar
  • juice of one lemon
  • 2 tsp of water
  • 1 tbsp of pectin

Decoration for the mousse:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 egg yolk
  • granulated sugar
  1. First prepare the blueberry jelly. Place the blueberries, water, lemon juice and sugar and cook over medium-high heat.
  2. When the blueberries are cooking, and “bubbling, take fork and pop the blueberries.
  3. Add the pectin and bring the mixture to boil again.
  4. Carefully pour a bit of the mixture inside the glasses that you are using and let them rest for a goof hour so that the blueberries jelly will have time to congeal.
  5. When they have, start preparing the white chocolate mousse.
  6. Pour the gelatin powder into a small bowl and mix it with 2 tbsp of water. Let the gelatin thickens and congeal. Set aside.
  7. Zest the lemon and place the zest with the cream into a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil.
  8. When the cream is boiling, add the gelatin and stir to make sure that the gelatin is melting.
  9. Cook for another few minutes, but do not bring to boil!!!
  10. Add the white chocolate and stir. Place the panna cotta in the fridge to cool down for 15 to 30 minutes.
  11. When the mixture is lukewarm, add the greek yogurt.
  12. Then pour the lemon mousse into the glasses atop the blueberry jelly.
  13. Place the mousse in the fridge so that they will congeal. It will take another hour.
  14. Meanwhile, cut the pie crus into small stars. Place the stars onto a silpat that you would have placed atop a medium perforated sheet.
  15. Place the egg yolk into a small bowl and with a brush, brush each star.
  16. Sprinkle some brown sugar, and cook the stars for 8-12 minutes at 400, or until they are golden brown.
  17. Before serving, place the miniature stars over the white chocolate and meyer lemon mousse and sprinkle some brown sugar. Et voila!!!

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Salmon, Chives and Cream Cheese Canapé

Posted
Filed under appetizers, deep flexipan, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, roulpat, silpat

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What to do for appetizers when you have a few people over and don’t want to serve the boring dip, salsa and chips?? you make those really fancy appetizers. They are pretty, taste wonderful and will impress any crowd.

Ingredients for 12 canapes:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry,
  • 1 pack of smoked salmon,
  • cream cheese at room temperature,
  • fresh dill or chives chopped,
  • coarse black pepper.
  1. Place the puff pastry onto the silpat.
  2. With the rolling pin, roll it thinner ( not too much, just a bit).
  3. Cut the rectangle into 12 squares ( or smaller if you want to make bit sizes).
  4. With a butter knife, spread the cream cheese in the middle of each square.
  5. Place 2 slices of salmon a top the cream cheese.IMG_0008
  6. Sprinkle some dill or chives. Fold the two sides over the salmon. It will look like a diamond.
  7. Sprinkle some coarse pepper. Continue this process until you have used all the puff pastry. Place the canapé on a silpat that you would have previously placed atop a medium perforated sheet.IMG_0009
  8. Cook in warm oven at 400 for 15 minutes. Miam, Miam…IMG_0013

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Smoked Salmon, Chives and Cream Cheese Canape

  • Servings: 6 people
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for 12 canapes:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry,
  • 1 pack of smoked salmon,
  • cream cheese at room temperature,
  • fresh dill or chives chopped,
  • coarse black pepper.
  1. Place the puff pastry onto the silpat.With the rolling pin, roll it thinner ( not too much, just a bit).
  2. Cut the rectangle into 12 squares ( or smaller if you want to make bit sizes).
  3. With a butter knife, spread the cream cheese in the middle of each square.
  4. Place 2 slices of salmon a top the cream cheese.
  5. Sprinkle some dill or chives.
  6. Fold the two sides over the salmon. It will long like a diamond.
  7. Sprinkle some coarse pepper. Continue this process until you have used all the puff pastry.
  8. Place the canapé on a silpat that you would have previously placed atop a medium perforated sheet.
  9. Cook in warm oven at 400 for 15 minutes. Miam, Miam..

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Bacon, Parmesan and Beef Meatballs

Posted
Filed under beef, deep flexipan, entree, grande mold, Large round mold, octogonal silpat, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpat, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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Summer is here, and with it my summer vacation. One of the many perks of being a teacher is to have a very long summer vacation. And I am really enjoying it. No longer 5:00 am wake up calls, and no longer rush, rush, rush in the morning;-). It is gym in the mornings, lunches with friends, shopping here and there, and sunbathing;-))).

You would think that with all this free time on my hand, I would be bored and would have plenty of time cooking but between the gym, the kids and other things the day is passing by too quickly!!! And with the beautiful weather outside, I don’t really feel staying enclosed in my kitchen cooking dinner…

But dinner needs to be made….So why don’t I share with you another of my quick and delicious recipes; Bacon, Parmesan and Beef Meatballs;-))) You will just love it!!!

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Ingredients for the meatballs to serve 6-8 people ( about 5-6 meatballs per person):

  • 2 lbs of ground beef
  • 3/4 cup of parmesan shredded
  • 3/4 cup of bacon bits
  • 3/4 cup of bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp of fresh oregano chopped
  • 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp of pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of garlic salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cans of 24 oz. of tomato sauce ( I used from Barilla )

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 6 medium-sized potatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup of italian cheese
  • 2 cups of milk, or cream
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 tsp of pepper
  1. Place all the ingredients listed for the meatballs except the tomato sauce in a large bowl.
  2. Either  with your  hands, or a kitchen mixer mix everything.IMG_1763
  3. With a small cake scoop, make meatballs.IMG_1764
  4. Place the meatballs into a pan of your choice. I used the deep flexipan from Demarle. I like those pans because they are non-stick and clean so well.IMG_1765
  5. Cook the meatballs for 10-15 minutes at 400.IMG_1807 2
  6. Then transfer the meatballs into a large casserole pan of your choice. I used  the grande round from Demarle  that I placed onto a medium perforated sheet for support, and pour 2 cans of tomato sauces of any flavors.IMG_1768
  7. Place the meatballs back into the oven and cook them for another 10-15 minutes.IMG_1771
  8. Meanwhile prepare the sides of your choice. I decided to fix garlic and italian cheese mashed potatoes.
  9. Peel the potatoes, and dice them. You can either place the potatoes into a large pot, cover them with water, add 1 tsp of sea salt,  and cook them until they are soft.  For an easier solution, you can place the diced potatoes into a large round mold.IMG_1769
  10. Add the pressed garlic, then place the octogonal silpat atop the round mold, and microwave the potatoes for 15 minutes.
  11. When the potatoes are soft, drain the water, mash them. Then add the cheese, the milk or the cream and whip them.IMG_1772
  12. Spoon the potatoes on each plate and place the meatballs atop the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle some cheese, and enjoy!!! Miam…IMG_1774

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Bacon, Oregano and Parmesan Beef Meatballs

  • Servings: 6-8 people
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Print

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Ingredients for the meatballs to serve 6-8 people:

  • 2 lbs of ground beef
  • 3/4 cup of parmesan
  • 3/4 cup of bacon bits
  • 3/4 cup of bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp of fresh oregano chopped
  • 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp of pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of garlic salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cans of 24 oz. of tomato sauce ( I used  Barilla )

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 6 medium sized potatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup of italian cheese
  • 2 cups of milk, or cream
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 tsp of pepper
  1. Place all the ingredients listed for the meatballs except the tomato sauce in a large bowl.
  2. Either with your hands, or a kitchen mixer mix everything.
  3. With a small cake scoop, make meatballs.
  4. Place the meatballs into a pan of your choice. I used the deep flexipan from Demarle. I like those pans because they are non-stick and clean so well.
  5. Cook the meatballs for 10-15 minutes at 400.
  6. Then transfer the meatballs in the grande round from Demarle that I placed onto a medium perforated sheet for support, and pour 2 cans of tomato sauces of any flavors.
  7. Place the meatballs back into the oven and cook them for another 10-15 minutes.
  8. Meanwhile prepare the sides of your choice. I decided to fix garlic and italian cheese mashed potatoes.
  9. Peel the potatoes, and dice them. You can either place the potatoes into a large pot, cover them with water, add 1 tsp of sea salt, and cook them until they are soft. For an easier solution, you can place the diced potatoes into a large round mold.
  10. Add the pressed garlic, then place the octogonal silpat atop the round mold, and microwave the potatoes for 15 minutes.
  11. When the potatoes are soft, drain the water, mash them. Then add the cheese, the milk or the cream and whip them.
  12. Spoon the potatoes on each plate and place the meatballs atop the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle some cheese, and enjoy!!! Miam…

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

French Salad with Lemon Flavored Oven Roasted Salmon

Posted
Filed under Crudite/ salad, deep flexipan, entree, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, seafood, silpat, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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What do you eat when you are not very hungry, you do not really want to cook, but you are trying to be really good??? Most people would say cereals, some people would say popcorn and some would say salad. It is not very often that I don’t want to cook, but with the beautiful days coming, I have been more keen on reading my book in the sun, than spending time in my kitchen. Still one has to eat, and since we don’t generally eat out, or order out, someone ( me) has to cook. Last night was meat salad and pan roasted potatoes for my husband, and salad and salmon for me- good, easy and satisfying;-)

Ingredients for 1-2 person:

  • 1 petite filet of salmon ( fresh or frozen that you would have thawn out)
  • 1 small head of boston lettuce
  • 1-2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 -1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp of strong mustard ( grey poupon or even stronger)
  • 1/16 tsp of pepper
  • 1/8 tsp of salt
  • lemon
  1. Place the salmon on a pan. Here we will be using either the deep flexipan or the medium silpat that we would have placed on the medium perforared sheet.
  2. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the salmon. Cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes ( depending on how you like it).
  3. Meanwhile rinse the salad, and prepare the salad dressing. In a small bowl, mix all together the vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper and stir well so that it will thicken ( yes this is the true French dressing ( not that yucky orange looking dressing that we sell here;-(
  4. Add the salad to the dressing and toss well.
  5. Then add the salmon that you would have cut in smaller pieces.
  6. Toss again and serve. Yum!! A real delight, fresh, light and tasty;-)

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

French Salad with Lemon Flavored Oven Roasted Salmon

  • Servings: 1-2 people
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
  • Print

IMG_1758

Ingredients for 1-2 person:

  • 1 petite filet of salmon ( fresh or frozen that you would have thawn out)
  • 1 small head of boston lettuce
  • 1-2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 -1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp of strong mustard ( grey poupon or even stronger)
  • 1/16 tsp of pepper
  • 1/8 tsp of salt
  • lemon
  1. Place the salmon on a pan. Here we will be using either the deep flexipan or the medium silpat that we would have placed on the medium perforated sheet.
  2. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the salmon. Cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes ( depending on how you like it).
  3. Meanwhile rinse the salad, and prepare the salad dressing. In a small bowl, mix all together the vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper and stir well so that it will thicken ( yes this is the true French dressing ( not that yucky orange looking dressing that we sell here;-(
  4. Add the salad to the dressing and toss well. Then add the salmon that you would have cut in smaller pieces.
  5. Toss again and serve. Yum!! A real delight, fresh, light and tasty;-)

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Cauliflower Bites

Posted
Filed under appetizers, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, silpat, vegetables, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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Winter vegetables are very limited. There is not much more besides  roots, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Of course, I could be eating all that my stores offer ( which is everything), but as a French person, I believe it is best to eat fruit and vegetables that are in season.

I am not fan of cabbage, and my family do not like carrots.  As the result, I often cook brocoli and cauliflower in the winter time. It is not a problem because I like them both.

You  can do so many things with both vegetables! You can roast, puree, steam, saute them,make soups.. So many things in fact that that if you were to open my fridge at any point in the winter, you would find both;-).

Well, when I looked in the fridge today, I realized that I had two bags of cauliflower. Since I had already made a soup and a casserole a few days ago, I did not want to serve them again as such. I had been meaning to make that cauliflower pizza that has been going around on faceboook, but time has been so scarce lately that I have not had time to make it and I was not really in the mood for pizza…

Anyway, I was adamant about making something with my cauliflower this evening. I had seen the recipe from DamDelicious , that I decided that I was going to give it a try this evening. Except I was going to make it somewhat  healthier;-)) and somewhat less messy and faster.

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Here we go:

Ingredients for 6-8 people:

  • 3/4 bag of cauliflower from Costco, or 1 1/2 lbs of cauliflower heads
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan
  • 1/2 cup of italian bread crumbs
  • a spicy seasoning of your choice, I used Zesty Mediterranean from Demarle

Dill Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 tsp of dill seasoning from Demarle
  • 2 tbsp of mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp of sour cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a small bowl, place the eggs and mix them well.IMG_1296
     In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, the parmesan and the zesty Mediterranean Spice from Demarle. Set aside.IMG_1297
  2. Either cut the cauliflower head into small florets or buy the florets, That is what I did.
  3. Dip the florets into the egg,IMG_1298
  4. Then into the parmesan and place them onto the silpat that you would have placed on a large perforated sheet. IMG_1299
  5. Roast at 425 for 10 minutes. You can eat as such, they are quite yummy, or you can make a dipping sauce.IMG_1301IMG_1304IMG_1306
  6. Mix all the ingredients for the dipping sauce together, and enjoy with our reservation. Miami, miam;-)IMG_1307

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking !!!

Cauliflower Bites

  • Servings: 6-8 people
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
  • Print
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Ingredients for 6-8 people:

  • 3/4 bag of cauliflower from Costco, or 1 1/2 lbs of cauliflower heads
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan
  • 1/2 cup of italian bread crumbs
  • a spicy seasoning of your choice, I used Zesty Mediterranean from Demarle

Dill Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 tsp of dill seasoning from Demarle
  • 2 tbsp of mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp of sour cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a small bowl, place the eggs and mix them well. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, the parmesan and the zesty Mediterranean Spice from Demarle. Set aside.
  2. Either cut the cauliflower head into small florets or buy the florets, That is what I did.
  3. Dip the florets into the egg, then into the parmesan and place them onto the silpat.
  4. Roast at 425 for 10 minutes. You can eat as such, they are quite yummy, or you can make a dipping sauce.
  5. Mix all the ingredients together and enjoy with our reservation. Miami, miam;-)

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking !!!

If you like what you read or see, please share;-) Merci beaucoup!!!

Coconut Covered Shrimps

Posted
Filed under appetizers, entree, Recipe with Demarle Cookware, seafood, shrimps, silpat, snacks, What's Up in Cecile's Kitchen

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If you live around me, you know that i offer cooking classes all the times. Cooking classes to novice chefs and to more advanced cooks. I try to offer various dinner ideas so as to appeal to everyone. It can be learning to cook healthy quick dinner ideas, or to perfect a technique, or simply to learn a style of cooking that one is not familiar with. No matter the audience, no matter the menu, I am having fun because I am in a kitchen playing and teaching.

If you go to this link, you will be able to view the times and menu of each cooking classes though this month, my availability has been limited due several elements.

Any way, at one of my latest cooking classes, we focused on Asian Cooking. On the menu, we had Coconut Covered Shrimps, Curry and Mint Chicken Kebabs, Organo Salmon Spring Rolls, and Sushi.

Today I would like to offer you the recipe of coconut covered shrimps. It is easy, fast, delicious, very inexpensive and most likely to please everyone at your house little and big.

Ingredients to make 50 coconut covered shrimps:

  • 1 bag of uncooked frozen shrimps from Costco ( I like to shop there, the products are great quality, and very inexpensive compared to many other grocery store. Of course, you would not have to fix the whole bag)
  • 1 bag of 14 oz of sweetened coconut flakes
  • 3 eggs 
  • 2 cups of flour
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 jars of sweet and sour ( unless you want to make your very own).
  1. Defrost the amount of shrimps you wish to use. I had a whole crowd, so we used the whole bag.
  2. Remove the tail of each shrimp.
  3. Mount the shrimp on a small wooden skewer. Set aside, ad prepare your food station.IMG_1066
  4. In a large bowl, place 2 cups of flour. In another bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 of pepper. Mix well. And in another bowl, empty the coconut flakes.
  5. Dip the shrimps in the flour, then in the egg mixture, then in the coconut and place them onto the large silpat that you would have placed on a large perforated sheet.  You will need 3 large silpats to cook them all.IMG_1040
  6. Turn the oven to 400, and when the oven has reached its temperature, spray some olive oil, or coconut oil over the shrimps.
  7. Bake the shrimps for 8 to 10 minutes or until the shrimps have turned pinkish and the coconut has become a golden brown.IMG_1042
  8. Eat them as they come out of the oven with a bit of sweet and sour sauce. Yum!!! You will see that it is hard to stop at a couple;-)IMG_1071

Easy, fast, healthy and delicious, my motto!!!

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

Coconut Covered Shrimps

  • Servings: 8-10 people
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

IMG_1071

Ingredients to make 50 coconut covered shrimps:

  • 1 bag of uncooked frozen shrimps from Costco ( I like to shop there, the products are great quality, and very inexpensive compared to many other grocery store. Of course, you would not have to fix the whole bag)
  • 1 bag of 14 oz of sweetened coconut flakes
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups of flour
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 2 jars of sweet and sour ( unless you want to make your very own).

 

  1. Defrost the amount of shrimps you wish to use. I had a whole crowd, so we used the whole bag.
  2. Remove the tail of each shrimp.
  3. Mount the shrimp on a small wooden skewer. Set aside, ad prepare your food station.
  4. In a large bowl, place 2 cups of flour. In another bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 of pepper. Mix well. And in another bowl, empty the coconut flakes.
  5. Dip the shrimps in the flour, then in the egg mixture, then in the coconut and place them onto the large silpat that you would have place d on a large perforated sheet. You will need 3 large silpats to cook them all.
  6. Turn the oven to 400, and when the oven has reached its temperature, spray some olive oil, or coconut oil over the shrimps.
  7. Bake the shrimps for 8 to 10 minutes or until the shrimps have turned pinkish and the coconut has become a golden brown.
  8. Eat them as they come out of the oven with a bit of sweet and sour sauce. Yum!!! You will see that it is hard to stop at a couple;-)

Easy, fast, healthy and delicious, my motto!!!

 

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!

If you like what you read and see, please share. Merci Beaucoup!!!