Cooking & Entertaining Ideas – à la Maison Home and Lifestyle

As I continue to focus my nervous energy in the kitchen, I find my favorite time to cook is in the the early morning – especially if I’m having trouble sleeping.

I’ve really been trying to challenge myself to work with whatever I have in my refrigerator and pantry, which has cut my trips to the store way down. My goal is to only go to the store once a week during this important time of social-distancing.

This morning, I was in the mood for quiche – which is one of the most versatile menu options ever… great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, I look at what I have on hand and that is what I use, making it a great way to clear out my crisper drawer the day before I shop.

Today’s creation… a low-carb, gluten-free crustless quiche with bacon, caramelized onions, spinach and cheddar…

Be sure to cool your quiche for about 5-10 minutes as it will slice better. Hope you enjoy!

Michele

Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Easy Entertaining, Healthy Eating, Quick Tips

Pantry Perfect Chocolate Pudding

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020 à la Maison

As with many businesses across the country, we’ve made changes to how we are operating our Home and Lifestyle Boutique, à la Maison, and our design services. For the health and safety of our store customers and design clients, we have closed our store and postponed design appointments for a few weeks – and that could be extended depending on how the Coronavirus progresses.

Cross Lake House - kitchen 4 better prof — Kitchen in a mix of beige, gray and white – one of my favorite kitchens to date! The backsplash features a tile that the homeowner fell in love with… and you can see why:}

I am blessed to spend much of my time helping customers and clients create beautiful spaces within their homes… working with them to design their personal haven.

As we all practice Social Distancing, now it’s time to focus more energy on life at home and how to nuture, entertain and feed our families. I’ve decide to allocate some time highlighting a few family entertaining tips and some of my favorites recipes that include ingredients you probably have right in your own pantry.

Starting with something fun that even the kids can get involved with – Quick & Easy Chocolate Pudding.

This recipes is one I make quite often using almond milk instead of diary, but today I went with 1% diary milk as I had more of that in the refrigerator. You’ll notice that I recommend adding a small amount of coffee extract – only if you have it in the pantry. The recipe is delicious either with our without the coffee extract. If you have it, it amps up the chocolate a notch.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Michele

Breakfast Ideas, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Easy Entertaining, gluten-free, Healthy Eating

Gluten-Free Goodies… GF Frosted Chocolate Donuts

January 27, 2020 à la Maison

This is going to be a quick one!… I thought I had posted these donuts the last time I made them, but alas – I did not. It’s a great (and pretty healthy) recipe to have handy for easy entertaining for those with gluten sensitivities. Quite honestly, gluten sensitive or not, they satisfy a chocolate craving for anybody.

So here is the recipe for those who requested it.

Chocolate Frosted Gluten-Free Donuts

1 cup Multi-Grain GF Flour Blend*

1/2 cup GF Oat Flour

1/2 cup Almond Flour

1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/4 cup Ground Flaxseed

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/4 rsp Sea Salt

1 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup

1/3 cup Grape Seed Oil

1/2 cup Choco chips (semi-sweet, dark or mini)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mist donut baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (Flours through to the salt). In a medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (Milk through Grape Seed Oil).

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Carefully fill the donut pan with batter. Bake 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes. Remove donuts to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature… then frost if desired.

Chocolate Frosting

(This is a small batch of frosting to drizzle or spread on donuts)

2 tbls Butter or Coconut Oil ( I usually use real butter – I figure to donuts are pretty healthy)

1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 tbls Almond Milk (or milk of your choice

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Whip or whisk together. Add additional milk to loosen to desired consistency (I usually do a teaspoon at time so it doesn’t get too runny).

Drizzle, sprinkle…Enjoy!

Michele

Appetizers, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Easy Entertaining, gluten-free, Healthy Eating

Make it a Home… Bang Bang Cauliflower (gluten-free)

January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 à la Maison

One of my favorite appetizers was Bang Bang Shrimp, but not the healthiest option – especially for anyone with celiac or is gluten-sensitive.

Utilizing an product that we always have on the shelves of our store, Terrapin Ridge Thai Aioli – I am able to create and healthier, lighter but equally tasty version using Cauliflower.

I’ve don’t this without any breading by just roasting the cauliflower and then tossing it with the Thai Aioli before serving. However, you miss out on the crunch.

I’ve also done it with gluten-free panko but found the best success by just making my own fresh bread-crumbs from a couple of pieces of whole grain gluten-free bread. (My favorite store-bought bread is Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Style Whole Grain – hands down!) I just put them in the magic bullet and process to create bread crumbs. For added flavor, I add a bit of ground ginger, tumeric and black paper, minimal salt, if any.

I then beat up an egg and add a dash of milk for a two-step breading process. Take cauliflower flowerettes and first dip in the egg mixture, then the bread crumbs and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once all the flowerettes are breaded, I lightly spray them with cooking spray and roast at 425 degrees for about 27-30 minutes (depending on the size of your flowerettes).

When flowerettes are nicely browned and tender on the inside. I transfer them to a bowl and toss with about a 1/3 – 1/2 jar of Terrapin Ridge Thai Aioli.

Serve on a bed or shredded lettuce or mixed greens for a healthy appetizer with a kick!

Enjoy!

Michele

Find Terrapin Ridge Farms Thai Aioli in stock at à la Maison. à la Maison is a home and lifestyle boutique located in Baldwinsville, New York featuring home décor, lifestyle products and kitchen essentials.

#gluten-free, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Easy Entertaining, Entrees

Easy Weeknight Entree – Crispy Pesto Chicken Thighs

May 6, 2019May 6, 2019 à la Maison

Having a well-stocked pantry makes week night meals delicious and hassle-free. Crispy Pesto Chicken Thighs come together quickly with To Market To Market’s Pesto & Pastabilities seasoning mix and a few staples from your pantry.

Crispy Pesto Chicken Thighs

2-3 Tbs. Pesto and Pastabilities seasoning mix
1/4 cup Pine Nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 cup Panko bread crumbs (for a gluten-free version – use gluten-free panko)
Sea or Kosher Salt & Pepper to Taste
2-3 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a blender or food processor, process the Pesto and Pastabilities, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese together until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the olive oil and process until smooth. Season with kosher or sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Put the chicken thighs on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush the top of the chicken with the pesto mixture. Mix the remaining pesto with the panko and spread over the chicken.

Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is brown and chicken is fully cooked.

Enjoy!

Recipe - Pesto & Pastabilities Crispy Chicken 2

To Market To Market Pesto & Pastabilities is all-natural, gluten-free and sodium free. Find it at a la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or call 315-440-6637 to order.

Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Easy Entertaining, Entrees, Healthy Eating

Easy Entrees – Cherry BBQ Pork Chops with Sauteed Baby Bok Choy

January 29, 2019January 23, 2019 à la Maison

Cherry BBQ Pork Chops are rich in flavor, thanks to Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ sauce. This item was a new addition to our store this fall and quickly became a family favorite. It’s unique flavor is delicous on pork, chicken and salmon – plus it’s all natural, gluten-free and made in the USA. What’s not to love?

Cherry BBQ Pork Chops with Sautéed Bok Choy is an easy and healthy entrée for any day of the week.

Recipe:

Oven Roasted Cherry BBQ Pork Chops with Sautéed Baby Bok Choy
4 Bone-in Pork Chops
1 Tbls Grape seed or Canola Oil
Salt & Pepper
1 Btl Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce (you’ll need about ½ bottle)

Sautéed Baby Boy Choy
16 oz.    Baby Bok Choy, washed
½            White onion, sliced thin – vertically (optional)
2 Tsp      Grape seed Oil
1 Tbls Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce
1Tbls Gluten-free Tamari or Soy Sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Heat oil in an iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt & pepper on both sides. Add to skillet – brown for 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other size. (You may have to cook the chops in two batches so you don’t over-crowd the pan.)

Transfer to a prepared baking sheet and brush with Brownwood Farms Cherry BBQ Sauce and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the pork chops, heavily baste with the Cherry BBQ Sauce and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through (internal temp of about 145 degrees). Cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.

Prepare baby bok choy: Heat skillet with 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil over medium heat.

Add sliced onion (if using) and sauté for 4 minutes. Add baby bok choy and sauté for 4 minutes.

Add Cherry BBQ Sauce and Tamari Sauce. Sauté for additional 3-5 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Plate pork chops and baby bok choy with cauliflower rice or brown rice for a healthy meal.

Enjoy!

Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Easy Entertaining, Entrees, Gluten-fress

Easy Entertaining – Oven Roasted Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Horseradish Sauce

January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 à la Maison

Oven Roasted Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Horseradish Sauce

Whether you’re looking for an appetizer for a cocktail party or an impressive dinner for guests, these oven roasted bacon wrapped shrimp are delicious, quick and easy!

Recipe:

1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
1 lb Bacon

Horseradish Sauce
1 cup Sour Cream
2 Tbls Prepared Horseradish
1 Tbls Fresh Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Rinse shrimp with water and pat dry. Cut bacon strips in half and wrap each shrimp in the bacon. Place each shrimp seam side down on the baking sheet.

Roast in oven for 15 – 18 minutes, or until bacon and shrimp are cooked through.

Transfer to a platter and serve as an appetizer with the horseradish sauce – or plate with sautéed spinach and rice for a delicious dinner.

Enjoy!

Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Easy Entertaining, Our Favorite Things..., Recipe of the Week

Easy Entertaining… Turkey Mozzarella Meatballs Sliders with Blaak Tomato Jam

June 19, 2018June 16, 2018 à la Maison

As many of my customers know, one of my favorites new pantry items is Beekman 1802 Blaak Tomato Jam.

The unique combination of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, raisins and spices make it the perfect topping for my turkey mozzarella meatball sliders – and a nice change from traditional marinara sauce. Try them for a easy and delicious appetizer option at your next event.

Turkey Mozzarella Meatballs Sliders with Blaak Tomato Jam

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
8 oz. fresh mozzarella Cheese – divided.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup of finely diced sweet onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish – cut chiffonade)
½ teaspoon sea salt
Black pepper to taste
12 slider rolls
Fresh baby spinach leaves
Beekman 1802 Blaak Tomato Jam

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare the mozzarella cheese by dividing it in half and shredding half and then slicing the remainder into 6 slices – then cut the 6 slices in half to make 12 pieces. Set aside.

Add the ground turkey, the shredded mozzarella cheese, mustard, onion, basil, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Gently mix with hands – don’t overwork the meatball. Form into 12 small 1/2-inch thick patties.

In a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to the pan. Gently place sliders into a pan and cook for 12 – 14 mins or until meat is cooked through. (flipping only once halfway through cooking time).

Transfer sliders to a baking dish and top each with a slice of the remaining mozzeralla cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 mins or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top each with a tablespoon of Beekman 1802 Blaak Tomato Jam and fresh basil.

Serve with slider rolls, baby spinach leaves and extra Beekman 1802 Tomato Jam.

Enjoy!

Michele

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 4

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 6

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 8 close up

#easy entertaining, Appetizers, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Recipe of the Week

Easy Entertaining… Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Kentuckyaki Sauce

February 20, 2018February 20, 2018 à la Maison

It all started with the pineapple I had on the counter. It was ripe, ready to eat and I had friends stopping by for a glass of wine. I needed a quick appetizer, and always have bacon on hand – everyone knows that salty and sweet are match made in heaven so I whipped up batch of Bacon Wrapped Pineapple.

I wanted a bit more flavor so I reached for one of my favorite sauces – Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki. This all-natural sauce is sweetened with sorghum syrup and flavored with garlic and ginger – what’s not too love? The tough question was – which one? Traditional Kentuckyaki or Hot & Spicy? I opted for both… so half the appetizers were drizzled with Traditional Kentuckyaki and other half in Hot & Spicy. My guests unanimously agreed – both were delicious!

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Kentuckyaki Sauce

1 lb. Applewood Smoked Bacon
1 Fresh Pineapple, cored, sliced and cut into 20 3/4-1″ chunks
Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki Sauce*

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut bacon strips in half so you get two pieces per strip. Wrap each half-strip of bacon around a pineapple chunk, and hold in place with toothpick. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Once bacon is cooked through, immediately drizzle with Kentuckyaki Sauce while pineapple is still hot. Move to a serving platter. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

*Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki Sauces are available at a la Maison. To order call 315-440-6637. You can also substitute Tamari Sauce.

bacon wrapped pineapple with kentuckyaki 2

bacon wrapped pineapple with kentuckyaki 4

bacon wrapped pineapple with kentuckyaki

Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Events

Refreshing Gluten Free Lemon Bars

January 29, 2018 à la Maison

These gluten-free lemons bars are so refreshing and a delicious addition to your spring dinner or party menu. I’ve made them gluten-free but you can easily change the flour to regular AP flour if you choose.

Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Crust

¾ cup Almond Flour
¾ Blends by Orly Gluten Free Flour Blend* (London Blend) or your favorite Gluten Free AP Flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold salted butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoons water

Filling

1 cups sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of one lemon
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour or Blends by Orly Flour Blend

Heat Oven to 350F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, blend until a crumbly mixture results. Add water one tablespoon of water. Press mixture into the bottom of the baking dished ensuring that you go up the sides of the pan slightly (this will help hold the lemon mixture). Bake for approximately 25 minutes until slightly golden and set.

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the sugar lemon juice, lemon zest together. Beat in the eggs until smooth. Pour mixture over the hot crust.

Bake 24-26 minutes or until set in the middle. Let cool on the counter and then refrigerate for a couple of hours.

To serve, cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator… Enjoy!

Category: Cooking & Entertaining Ideas

Kitchen Therapy… Crustless Quiche with Bacon, Caramelized Onions, Spinach & Cheddar

Pantry Perfect Chocolate Pudding

Gluten-Free Goodies… GF Frosted Chocolate Donuts

Make it a Home… Bang Bang Cauliflower (gluten-free)

Easy Weeknight Entree – Crispy Pesto Chicken Thighs

To Market To Market Pesto & Pastabilities is all-natural, gluten-free and sodium free. Find it at a la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or call 315-440-6637 to order.

Easy Entrees – Cherry BBQ Pork Chops with Sauteed Baby Bok Choy

Easy Entertaining – Oven Roasted Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Horseradish Sauce

Easy Entertaining… Turkey Mozzarella Meatballs Sliders with Blaak Tomato Jam

Easy Entertaining… Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Kentuckyaki Sauce

*Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki Sauces are available at a la Maison. To order call 315-440-6637. You can also substitute Tamari Sauce.

Refreshing Gluten Free Lemon Bars

*Find Blends by Orly at a la Maison or call 315-440-6637 to order.