2/14/2009

Basic Waffle

This Basic Waffle recipe is from Alton Brown. I am still hunting for the perfect recipe.

* 4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 cup
* 4 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1 cup
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 3 whole eggs, beaten
* 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
* 16 ounces buttermilk, room temperature
* Vegetable spray, for waffle iron

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flours, soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl beat together eggs and melted butter, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Ladle the recommended amount of waffle batter onto the iron according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Close iron top and cook until the waffle is golden on both sides and is easily removed from iron. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree F oven until ready to serve.

2/02/2009

Cincinnati Chili

Made this last night for our super bowl party and it seemed to be a hit. Got the recipe from America's Test Kitchen. Be sure to use canned tomato sauce for this recipe—do not use jarred spaghetti sauce.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 onions , chopped fine
1 clove garlic , minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
1 1/2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook onions until soft and browned around edges, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and allspice and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, and sugar.

Add beef and stir to break up meat. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until chili is deep brown and slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and serve. (Chili can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.)


TWO-WAY CHILI: Served over spaghetti.

THREE-WAY CHILI: Served over spaghetti and topped with cheese.

FOUR-WAY CHILI: Served over spaghetti and topped with onions and cheese.

FIVE-WAY CHILI: Served over spaghetti and topped with onions, beans, and cheese.

Autumn Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Another Cooking Light find. I just make the dressing and an alternate salad if I don't have all the ingredients. It still works.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch of dried basil
Pinch of ground red pepper
5 cups mixed salad greens
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 1/2 cups cubed Asian pear (about 1 large)
2 cups chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large)
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled goat cheese

Combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Combine salad greens, romaine lettuce, Asian pear, apple, and red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette, and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.