Monthly Archives: January 2013

How to: Toast and De-skin Hazelnuts (Filberts)

You can add these to Salad’s, Pasta, Pesto, Desserts, and dishes calling for Nuts.

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Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees then spread the amount of Hazelnuts you want to use in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake for 10 – 14 minutes, depending on the amount, I used 2 cups.  In about 5 – 7 minutes stir the nuts so they toast evenly while checking on the progress

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When Hazelnuts are cool put in the center of a towel

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Pull corners of the towel together and roll Hazelnuts around with some force till skins come loose.  A small amount of skin will remain on the nuts and that is fine

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Sometimes I separate the ones that the skins didn’t come off back in the oven for a few more minutes

Passion Vid

Gwen has been an inspiration to both of us for Quite some time, from her music to Fashion.  After coming across this video we felt like it would be a great start for our Wednesday Passion Vid since Gwen has played such an influential part in inspiring us throughout our lives

Gwen Stefani Fashion File (CBC Canada 2009)

Scarlett Begonia in Santa Barbara, CA

While in Santa Barbara, Robby and I ate at this quaint little restaurant named Scarlett Begonia.  It is a little court-yard tucked away in the center of some other businesses.

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They focus on Organic local farm to table cuisine the menu changes weekly with what is fresh and in season

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Enjoying a glass of Tolloy, Pinot Grigio, Italy, 2010, Cheers!

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The court yard

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I’m a sucker for fountains

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We had a little friend visit us

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A complementary amuse bouche

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Robby enjoyed the Roasted Chicken Pot Pie 

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We shared these amazing roasted potatoes that were full of flavor and perfectly crispy

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I absolutely loved their Chilaquiles, yummmm!

http://scarlettbegonia.net/

 11 West Victoria Street # 10

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805-770-2143

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Angela Marie’s Salsa

This Salsa recipe is easy, it’s based off an old friends family recipe, I make it for mostly every gathering it’s always a huge hit.  I usually make extra to send home with friends since they love it so much and are always requesting it.

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Roasted Jalepeno

Roast Jalapeño’s and Poblano Peppers (See How to Roast Peppers)

greenonions

Chop Green Onions

garlicpress

Crush Garlic Cloves

Tomsauce

Pour Crushed Tomatoes in a blender or food processor

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Add all other ingredients to the blender

Recipe: Makes 2 to 3 cups

  • 1- 25 oz. Jar of Eden Organics Crushed Tomatoes
  • 3 Cloves Crushed Garlic
  • 1 to 3 Roasted Jalapeno Peppers (1 for mild,  2 for medium,  or 3 for hot)
  • 1 Roasted Poblano Pepper
  • 2 Green Onions, Diced
  • Juice of 2 Limes
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 tsp Salt or to Taste

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Caramelized Herb Tomatoes

These are morsel’s of serious goodness!  I found myself eating them right off the baking sheet.  The first time I made these I used them in my Mediterranean Quiche which was delicious but these are good in anything, pasta, antipasto or a salad…

Insalada

Winter Insalada Caprese

This Recipe is for Pearl Tomatoes or Roma Tomatoes, I like to use the baby heirlooms too they cook faster.  You can use any Tomato you just may need to adjust the cooking time

BabyHeirlooms

Core Tomatoes and cut in half, scoop the seeds out and place on a baking sheet with cut side up

Spread Olive Oil, Garlic, Thyme, Basil and Sea Salt over the Tomatoes.                           Bake and Enjoy!

Recipe: Makes about 2 Cups

  • 12 Organic Pearl Tomatoes
  • 6 Cloves of Garlic Minced
  • 4 Teaspoons of Thyme (dry or fresh)
  • 12-16 Fresh Basil leaves chopped finely
  • 1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of Sea Salt

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 F put on the middle shelf and bake for approximately 45-55 min depending on the size of the Tomato, the Tomatoes will start to look a little shriveled up.  Turn oven up to 400 F for 20 min to caramelize the Tomatoes.  Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn although a little brown is okay and they will have the roasted sweetness that gives these tomatoes the yummiest flavor!