MyGourmetConnection

Crunchy Fish Tacos w/ Avocado Salsa, Slaw

2009-11-06T21:28:57Z

A simple, mild fish like tilapia takes well to the contrasting flavors and textures in these yummy fish tacos. The spicy cornmeal coating on the fish adds crunch, the jalapeño peppers and honey add heat and sweetness, and the smooth, garlicky avocado salsa pulls it all together. The recipe may look long, but they're actually pretty quick to prepare, too. Serve with a cold beer garnished with a wedge of lime or a nice crisp sauvignon blanc.

Crunchy Fish Tacos with Avocado Salsa and Spicy Slaw

Ingredients ~
4 cups shredded cabbage
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Juice of 1-1/2 limes, divided (about 1/4 cup total)
2 small, ripe avocados
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon)
1 small tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
4 10-inch flour tortillas
1 lb tilapia fillets
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Apple-Cranberry Chutney

2009-11-04T23:46:23Z

This is a deliciously flavorful condiment, simple to prepare and terrific for serving with soft, ripe cheeses like camembert or brie, or a sharp cheddar. Perfect to have on hand for entertaining, it can be made ahead and stored. The flavors develop even further after a few days in the fridge.

Apple-Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients ~
1 cup dried apples, chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cranberry juice (or apple cider)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon dried orange peel (see recipe notes)
3 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar (or agave nectar)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Chicken with Creamy Tomatoes, Leeks and Dill

2009-10-30T22:42:56Z

This is a quick, rustic chicken dish that is perfect for serving on a cool fall evening. Sour cream and dill are natural flavor partners and when combined with the tomatoes and leeks, make for a soul-satisfying meal.

Chicken with Creamy Tomatoes, Leeks and Dill

Ingredients ~
6 ounces wide egg noodles
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 large leek, sliced
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sour cream
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (see recipe notes)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

2009-10-29T12:55:50Z

These little bite-sized desserts are so simple to make - they're the perfect make-ahead dessert for a party! The flavor of a pumpkin cheesecake is all there, but the wonton wrappers eliminate the need to fuss with a graham cracker crust. The wonton cups crisp up nicely in the oven and make for great finger food.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients ~
24 wonton wrappers
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brazilian-Style Shrimp With Coconut Milk

2009-10-23T23:10:02Z

This dish is our version of one we recently sampled at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort. It was being served at the Rio de Janiero booth and was called Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime. A little online research indicates that this is an adaptation of an authentic Brazilian dish called Vatapá. While not quite the authentic version, this turned out to be quite delicious as well as quick and easy and a fairly close replication of the Epcot version.

Brazilian-Style Shrimp With Coconut Milk

Ingredients ~
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoon red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 small tomato, peeled, seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 or 4 green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
White rice

Chicken With Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce

2009-10-21T14:41:37Z

This chicken recipe makes it from pan to table in relatively short order. The amount of sauce is just enough to add flavor to the chicken without being excessively rich, and adding the lime juice, green onions and fresh cilantro just before serving preserves their fresh flavors. Try our Tomatillo-Corn Stuffed Poblano Peppers as a side for a complete, easy meal.

Chicken With Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce

Ingredients ~
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1/3 cup flour
1-1/2 tablespoons spicy seasoning blend (see below)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar (or agave nectar)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Spicy seasoning blend ~
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Tomatillo And Corn Stuffed Poblano Peppers

2009-10-21T14:33:57Z

The mild flavor of the poblano chile makes it a perfect base for this colorful all-veggie stuffing. The tomatillos add a nice citrus flavor and bind the other stuffing ingredients together nicely. You can control the heat to taste by adding an additional jalapeño or some extra cayenne to the tomatillo-corn mixture.

Tomatillo-Corn Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Ingredients ~
2 poblano peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 or 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 small tomatillos, roughly chopped
1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if desired)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup Mexican queso blanco or Monterey Jack, shredded
4 lime wedges

Vanilla Spice Cupcakes

2009-10-19T14:00:00Z

These cupcakes are incredibly easy to whip up, and with the addition of grated zucchini, they're a little less indulgent than your average cupcake but every bit as moist and delicious. The vanilla cupcakes have the added boost of pumpkin pie spice, and the cream cheese frosting has a nice citrus tang thanks to orange extract and lemon zest.

Vanilla Spice Cupcakes

For the cupcakes ~
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-1/4 cups finely grated zucchini

For the frosting ~
6 ounces softened cream cheese
1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 teaspoon orange extract
Lemon zest to taste

Slow Cooker Mate

2009-10-29T12:56:14Z

Slow Cooker Mate™ is a new and innovative style of slow cooker that allows you to cook not only an entree, but two separate side dishes at the same time.

Slow Cooker Mate's three-chamber design conveniently cooks a main dish in the large bottom crock and two separate sides in the divided upper crock. The result ~ a three-course meal, ready and waiting at the end of the day.

The bottom crock holds just over 6 quarts, making it large enough to prepare a meal for up to 6 people. Each side of the divided upper crock holds 4 cups and can go directly to the table for serving.

Slow Cooker Mate™ has a stainless steel cooking base with wrap-around heat that ensures even cooking. Digital controls are easy to operate and the cooking time can be programmed for up to 18 hours. Both crocks are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.

$99.99 from SlowCookerMate.com

Organic Fruit Gummies from Tasty Brand

2009-10-29T11:42:48Z

Tasty Brand™, maker of Tastybaby organic baby food, has created healthy gummy treats that moms can feel good about giving their children.

These fruit snacks are certified organic and contain no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Made with real fruit juice, they are fat-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free and vegan - an ideal choice for just about any dietary concern.

Tasty Brand™ Organic Fruit Snacks are packaged in convenient pouches, perfect for kids' lunchboxes.

$28.75 for 30 pouches from Tastybaby.com

Turkey Day Essentials

2009-10-26T20:18:37Z

Thanksgiving Day is just a few weeks away, and we've found some innovative, top-quality items that can lend a hand with your holiday meal preparations and ease a bit of the stress.

We've had an opportunity to try a few, so check out our opinions and leave some suggestions of your own...

A Pumpkin Primer

2009-10-22T20:14:04Z

The pumpkin is undoubtedly one of the most beloved edibles of the fall. A member of the Cucurbita family, the pumpkin is a close relation to cucumbers, watermelons and other members of the squash family.

The pumpkin is a hardy vegetable, grown worldwide in a variety of climates. They are believed to have originated in Central America and were staples of the Native American diet many centuries before the pilgrims arrived in New England...