Category Archives: Cooking & Entertaining Ideas

Recipes, menu suggestions, and healthy cooking tips for home meals and entertaining

Easy Entertaining… Turkey Mozzarella Meatballs Sliders with Blaak Tomato Jam

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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

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

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 2

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 Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 4

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).

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 5

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.

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 6

Turkey Mozz Meatballs with Blaak Tomato Jam 8 close up
Enjoy!

Michele

Easy Entertaining… Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Kentuckyaki Sauce

20 Tuesday Feb 2018

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

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bacon wrapped pineapple with kentuckyaki 4

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 3

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.

Refreshing Gluten Free Lemon Bars

29 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Desserts, Events

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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.

lemon bars 2

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.

lemon bars

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

Store leftovers in the refrigerator… Enjoy!

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

Easy Korean BBQ Pineapple Pork Lettuce Wraps

19 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in #easy entertaining, #gluten-free, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Entrees, Healthy Eating, Recipe of the Week

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Love this quick and easy fusion of flavor… a little Asian with a little Hawaiian barbecue.  A delicious and healthy weeknight option or a casual gathering with friends.

Korean-Pineapple-Pork-Lettuce-Wraps - my pic

Serves 6-8

Pork & Pineapple Recipe

  • One medium sweet onion, sliced vertically
  • 3 pounds of pork tenderloin
  • ½ teaspoon salt & pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger & garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Napa Valley Naturals dark sesame oil*
  • 1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1/2 cup Urban Accents Korean BBQ Taco Simmer Sauce*
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha (optional)
  • Additional 1/2 cup of UA Korean BBA Taco Simmer Sauce* to add at end of cooking

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

  • 8 fresh pineapple rings – Canned pineapple works here too!

 

Lettuce Wrap Recipe

  • Butter or Iceberg Lettuce Leaves (12 large leaves)
  • Angel hair coleslaw mix
  • Shredded carrots
  • Greens onions
  • Grilled pineapple
  • Cauliflower rice or Steam White Rice (Optional)
  • Bourbon Barrels Foods Smoked Sesame Seeds*
  • Urban Accent Korean BBQ Taco Simmer Sauce* (to drizzle)
  • Sriracha Sauce (to drizzle)
  • Steamed Rice (optional as a side or in the lettuce wraps)

 

 Directions

  1. Season pork with salt & pepper. Place the pork and pineapple recipe ingredients in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Grill Pineapple –Spray grill pan with cooking spray. Grill 5 mins on each side or until nice grill mark on both sides.   (Alternative methods bake pineapple rings at 425 until caramelized (about 8 mins).
  3. Shred cooked pork and return it to the slow cooker – add extra ½ cup Korean BBQ Simmer Sauce. Cook on low for another 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
  4. Assemble the lettuce wraps as noted in the recipe above. Top with bourbon smoked sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice.

Korean-Pineapple-Pork-Lettuce-Wraps - my pic2

Additional Notes:

To make this in the slow cooker, add the pork + the marinade to the bowl of your slow cooker. Cover and cooking on high for 4-5 hours and on low for 6-8 hours. Finish the recipe as directed.

 

Swap out the lettuce for corn or flour tortillas – this recipe also make great pork tacos.

         

*Find these fine ingredients at à la Maison at 25 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, NY  13027.  Or call 315-440-6637 to order.

Fig Balsamic Vinegar Triple Play: Recipe #3 – Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

05 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in #gluten free recipes, #gluten-free, Appetizers, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Healthy Eating, Recipe of the Week, Triple Play Recipes

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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinegarette

As promised, here is a third recipe that uses flavorful fig balsamic vinegar.  We are actually going to use the extra Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing from the Autumn Harvest Rice Bowl to dress up a quick and delicious appetizer – Recipe #3: Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinegarette 2

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
16 Stems   Fresh Asparagus
4 oz.           Package of Thin Sliced Prosciutto
1 Tbls.        Extra Virgin Oil Olive*

Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
4 Tbls      Orange Juice
4 Tbls      Napa Valley Naturals Fig Balsamic Vinegar*
½ Tsp       Dijon Mustard
¾ Tsp       Dried Thyme
¼ Tsp       Black Pepper
½ Tsp       Salt
½ Cup      Extra Virgin Olive Oil”

Make the vinaigrette:  Combine all ingredients in a small lidded jar.  (When using dried thyme – rub in in between your hands before dropping it into the jar to release its natural oils).  Shake until mixed and set aside.

Wash and trim woody ends off of asparagus.  (For larger stalks, you may want to use a vegetable peeler to remove the tougher skin at the bottom end).  Dry with a paper towel.  Tightly wrap each stem in a ½ piece of prosciutto, pressing firmly.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the  of the asparagus tips with olive oil to keep them from drying out.  Roast until prosciutto is crispy and asparagus is tender and lightly brown.  About 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and plate.  Using a tablespoon, drizzle lightly with fig balsamic vinaigrette.  Serve immediately or at room temp.

You’ll have plenty of vinaigrette leftover to use when serving with your favorite salads, over roasted chicken and grains.

Enjoy!

*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at 315-440-6637.

Fig Balsamic Vinegar Triple Play: Recipe #1 – Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts with Fig Balsamic Sauce

03 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Entrees, Recipe of the Week, Triple Play Recipes

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Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast with Balsamic Fig Sauce 5

Well, I have to say… it felt really good to turn the oven on again.  With the unusual heat wave we have been having in Central New York, we’ve been pretty focused on the grill for the past month.

This week I wanted to bring to light on of my favorite vinegars, Napa Valley Naturals Fig Balsamic Vinegar.

napa valley naturals fig balsamic vinegar

This artisan handcrafted Fig Balsamic Vinegar is aged in Modena, Italy.  It’s a rich, dark,  sweet, and lightly acidic vinegar made from just two ingredients – balsamic vinegar and fig puree.  Simply delicious… even by itself drizzled over mixed greens or vanilla ice cream!  It’s also very reasonable priced and something we always carry in the store.

Fig Balsamic Vinegar makes healthy flavorful cooking a snap.  This week, I’ll share three of my favorite healthy recipes with this great pantry staple.  Starting with Recipe #1:  Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts with Fig Balsamic Sauce.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast with Balsamic Fig Sauce 5

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breasts with Fig Balsamic Sauce

4               Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 oz.         Package of Thin Sliced Prosciutto (8 Slices)
1 Tbls.      Extra Virgin Oil Olive*
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Fig Balsamic Marinade
½ Cup      Napa Valley Naturals Fig Balsamic Vinegar*
½ Cup      Chicken Stock
1 Tbsp.     Brown Sugar
1               Clove Garlic, Minced
1 Tbsp.     Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
Salt & Pepper to taste

Make the marinade:  Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.  (When using dried thyme – rub in between your hands before dropping it into the jar to release its natural oils).

Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish (or large Ziploc bag) and add in marinade (mix and turn chicken to coat.  Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer.

Take chicken breasts out of marinade and lightly pat dry with paper towels.  Pour marinade into a small sauce pan and bring to a full boil.  Reduce and cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes until the fig balsamic sauce is thoroughly cooked and thickened.

In the meantime, start wrapping your chicken.  Lay two slices of prosciutto (side by side) on a cutting board.  Place chicken (top side down) on the center of the two slices of prosciutto – wrap the prosciutto around the chicken breasts. Secure with a couple of toothpicks as needed.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast with Balsamic Fig Sauce 3

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place a large oven safe frying pan on the stove top over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then place the chicken breasts (top side down first – toothpicks up) to the pan.  Brown for about 4 minutes, then flip and brown the other side.  Flip chicken once again so that the top of the chicken breasts are showing again.

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast with Balsamic Fig Sauce 4

Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts then place the frying pan into the oven to roast for about 20 minutes or until chicken has reached 160 degrees.  Remove from oven let rest for about 5-10 minutes.

Move chicken to a platter and drizzle remaining frying pan sauce over the chicken.  Serve with cauli-rice, rice, or mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

Enjoy!

*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at 315-440-6637.

 

Recipe Triple Play… Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki  

16 Wednesday Aug 2017

Posted by in #easy entertaining, Appetizers, Entrees, Side Dishes, Triple Play Recipes

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kentuckyaki both

What’s not to love about Bourbon Barrel Foods’ Kentuckyaki?  This all-natural sauce is sweetened with Kentucky-grown sorghum syrup, flavored with fresh garlic and ginger; and a hint of Kentucky bourbon too. Looking for a little more kick?  You’ll want to try Kentuckyaki Hot & Spicy for sure!

Both are perfect as a marinade on salmon, beef, chicken or veggies.  Delicious for vegetable stir fry.

We’ve got three more great reasons to keep Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki in your pantry…

We’ve got three more great reasons to keep Bourbon Barrel Foods Kentuckyaki in your pantry…

#1 Kentuckyaki Pork & Grilled Pineapple Appetizer Meatballs

asian pork meatballs - kentuckyaki 9

Ingredients:

Meatballs

  • 2 lbs. pork, ground
  • 1/2 cup Kentuckyaki, plus extra for drizzling*
  • 1/3 cup cilantro (or parsley if you don’t care for cilantro), chopped
  • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Grilled Pineapple

  • 1 fresh pineapple

Directions

  1. For the meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients.  Gently fold them together just until mixed – don’t over work the meat.
  2. Form 1.5” balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Roast at 400ºF for 22 minutes.  Remove from oven and lightly drizzle meatballs with additional Kentuckyaki.
  3. While meatballs are roasting – prepare the grilled pineapple.  Remove the skin of pineapple. Cut the fruit in half lengthwise, then cut into quarters. Slice the pineapple into even wedge-shaped slices – about ½” thick. Grill over medium high heat just until grill marks appear (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  4. Cut pineapple into bite size pieces and place on top of meatballs. Secure with a tooth pick.

 

#2 Kentuckyaki Hot & Spicy Chicken Thighs

Kentuckyaki Hot & Spicy Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs. Chicken Thighs, bone in
  • 1/2 bottle Kentuckyaki Hot & Spicy*, plus extra for drizzling
  • 3 Tablespoons Bourbon Barrel Food Smoked Sesame Seeds*
  • 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish

Directions

Place chicken thighs and marinade in large Ziploc bag or a large baking dish.  Toss to coat.  Marinade in the refrigerator for 2 hours or more.

Place skin side down on medium hot grill (375 degrees) cook for 12-14.  Flip and baste with additional Kentuckyaki Hot & Spicy. Cook for additional 12-14 minutes or until juices run clear.   (Or use your oven… cook in 375 degree oven for 30-35 minutes and baste after 20 minutes)

Plate chicken thighs and let rest for 5-10 minutes.  Sprinkle with smoked sesame seeds (and cilantro is using).

#3 Vegetable Stir Fry with Asian Noodles

Asian Noodle Stir Fry 4-2016

This is the perfect clean out your crisper drawer meal.  Use whatever you like here… Broccoli, red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, green beans, snow peas, carrots, zucchini sliced cabbage are just a few of my favorites.

  • 5 Cups of fresh veggies of your choice cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 Tablespoon Napa Valley Naturals Grapeseed Oil*
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 Teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil*
  • ½ cup Kentuckyaki Sauce*
  • 3 blocks from a package of King Soba Brown Rice Ramen Noodles*, cooked per package instructions

Garnish:  Bourbon Barrel Smoked Sesame Seeds* and fresh cilantro – optional.

Directions

Over medium-high heat, stir fry veggies in Grapeseed oil for about 5 minutes.  Add ground ginger and toasted sesame oil then gently stir fry for additional 1-2 minutes.  Add Kentuckyaki sauce and ramen noodles and stir fry additional 2 minutes.

Garnish with smoked sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.  Drizzle with additional Kentuckyaki sauce.

Enjoy!

*Find these specialy food items at a la Maison in Baldwinsville, New York.  To place an order, call 315-440-6637 or email mgraham.alamaison@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

 

Eating Healthfully… Grilled Sesame Teriyaki Tuna

19 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by in #easy entertaining, #eating healthfully, Cooking & Entertaining Ideas, Entrees, Recipe of the Week

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asian grilled tuna teriyaki plated 2

One of the quickest ways to a healthy summer-time dinner is fish on the grill.  Impressive enough for company, but simple enough for any night of the week.

A personal favorite of mine is Grilled Sesame Teriyaki Tuna.  I find yellowfin tuna a great option for this recipe – it’s got a nice mild flavor and holds up great on the grill.

Grilled Sesame Teriyaki Tuna

Asian Marinade

4   Tbls.    Stonewall Kitchen Organic Sesame Teriyaki* (it’s also gluten-free!)
1   Tbls.    Tamari (gluten free)
2   Tbls.    White Vinegar
1   Tbls.    Napa Valley Naturals toasted Sesame Oil*
2   tsp.     Bourbon Barrel Smoked Sesame Seeds*

4              6 oz. pieces of yellowfin tuna, 1 inch thick
½  Cup    Stonewall Kitchen Organic Sesame Teriyaki Sauce*
2   tsp.    Bourbon Barrel Smoked Sesame Seeds*

In a bowl, add all the marinade ingredients together and whisk until thoroughly blended.  Place tuna steaks in a shallow baking dish and pour marinade of tuna.  Gently turn tuna to coat.  Chill for 30 mins – 1 hour.

Preheat grill.  Once grill is hot, place tuna on grill.  Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side or tuna is just opaque. (Only flip once to avoid sticking).  DISCARD LEFTOVER MARINADE.

Drizzle tuna with Stonewall Kitchen Organic Sesame Teriyaki and garnish with smoked sesame seeds. Tent and left rest for 5 minutes.

asian grilled tuna teriyaki plated

Serving suggestion:  Serve with Asian noodles (i.e. King Soba Noodles*) tossed with steamed broccoli and Sesame Teriyaki Sauce; or basmati rice and healthy Asian Cabbage & Kale Slaw**.

asian ingredients 2

*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at www.alamaisonaccents.com

** Find Asian Cabbage & Kale Slaw recipe on our website.

Enjoy!

Michele

Eating Healthfully… Asian Cabbage & Kale Slaw

19 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by in #easy entertaining, #eating healthfully, #gluten-free, Recipe of the Week, Side Dishes

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Asian cabbage and kale slaw 2

Nothing pairs with summer grilling like a great slaw.  Although I love the classic sweet mayo based coleslaw, I also find the lighter (and healthier) taste of this Asian slaw delicious and refreshing paired with fish or chicken.

Asian cabbage and kale

Asian Cabbage & Kale Slaw

4  Cups    Kale washed with ribs removedthen rolled and sliced thin (chiffonade)
4  Cups    Red Cabbage, thinly sliced
2               Carrots, large- shredded

Asian Vinaigrette
¼  Cup     GF Tamari or Soy Sauce (use Tamari for gluten free)
¼  Cup     Lemon Juice
¼  Cup     Napa Valley Naturals Grapeseed Oil*
2   Tbls.                Grated Ginger, fresh
2   Tbls.                White Vinegar
2   Tbls.                Napa Valley Naturals toasted Sesame Oil*
1   Tbls.                Bourbon Barrel Smoked Sesame Seeds*

Toss together the kale, red cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, add all the vinaigrette ingredients together and whisk until thoroughly blended.  Pour ½ the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss.  Serve immediately or chill for 1 hour.  Taste and apply more dressing if needed.

Asian cabbage and kale slaw

Save left over vinaigrette use over green salad, toss with Asian noodles for a delicious Asian pasta salad, or use as a flavorful marinade.  Delicious on tuna or chicken.

asian ingredients 2

*Ingredients available at à la Maison in Baldwinsville, NY or contact us at www.alamaisonaccents.com

Enjoy!

Michele

Super Substitute…. “Saffron” Yellow Basmati Rice

20 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by in #cooking healthfully, #easy entertaining, Quick Tips, Recipe of the Week, Side Dishes

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saffron yellow basmati rice

Many of us have a recipe or two that calls for saffron and experienced sticker shock when we looked at the price tag.

Saffron is a spice derived from the crocus sativus flower (or the Saffron crocus). As Saffron crocus grows and flowers, its vibrantly colored stigmas (or threads) are harvested, by hand, and dried to be used mainly as a gourmet seasoning and coloring agent in food. Saffron, is a rare and delicate spice and among the world’s most costly spices by weight.

An expensive ingredient that I don’t always have on hand, however, I have managed to get by substituting a combination of two spices that are always in my kitchen… turmeric and paprika.

My take on a “saffron” rice is a quick, easy and economical recipe that’s a great dish or perfect base for a quick dinner – just add diced chicken or shrimp and some veggies and you’re set.   I also sometimes serve this alongside my oven-fried haddock, my black beans or in a burrito.

saffron yellow basmati rice 2

“Saffron” Yellow Basmati Rice
½    onion, finely diced
1    tablespoon olive oil
1    cup basmati rice
1 ¾ cup water or chicken stock
¼    teaspoon turmeric
½    teaspoon paprika
salt & pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to a microwave safe bowl, cover and cook on high for 5 minutes.  Take out microwave, stir and cover again.  Return to microwave and cook at 50% power for additional 12 minutes.  Let sit for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.

Double this recipe to have extras on hand for easy weeknight meals.

Enjoy!

Michele