Friday 20 March 2009

Honey Cinnamon Caramel

This is a good light desert and with sugar hard to find using honey is a plus! 3 eggs -- beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup honey -- divided 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Combine eggs, milk, 1/4 cup honey and vanilla. Beat until mixed but not foamy. Combine remaining 1/4 cup honey and cinnamon in small bowl; mix well. Place 4 (6-ounce) custard cups in 8-inch square baking dish. Spoon 1 tablespoon honey-cinnamon mixture into each custard cup; divide egg mixture into each custard cup. Place baking dish on middle rack of oven; pour boiling water into baking dish around custard cups to 1-inch depth. Bake at 325ºF 30 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. Loosen edges of individual custards with spatula or knife; invert onto dessert plates. Excellent with whipped cream and sponge fingers!

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Baked Bream with Tomatoes and Olives

Bream or Tilapia is a wonderful fresh water fish. The delicate flavour is enhanced by the olive and tomato addition. Don't try and make this with sunflower oil - the olive oil is a must!
6 Bream fillets 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 sprigs fresh thyme 3 tomatoes -- peeled, seeded and chopped 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green olives 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes 2 garlic cloves -- minced 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Preheat the oven to 400º. Oil lightly a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in one layer. In a bowl stir together the oil, thyme, tomatoes, olives, red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, and lemon juice. In the prepared baking dish arrange the fillets, skin sides down, season them with salt, and spoon the tomato mixture over them. Bake the fish, uncovered, in the middle of the oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until it just flakes.

Monday 16 March 2009

Spicy popcorn

Popcorn is a good snack to have at any time, while having a drink with friends or just watching TV. This is a tasty but not too hot version.
5 cups popped popcorn 1/4 cup butter -- melted 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon lemon pepper Pour butter over warm popcorn. Combine remaining seasonings and sprinkle over popcorn; toss to mix. Bake in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for crispy popcorn.