Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Homemade Mustard Vinaigrette

Ingredients
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or any type you have in the house)
~6 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix until well blended.  I think it's important to taste this as you go, because it's all about how you want it.  If the flavor is a little too harsh, add some more oil or less garlic.  Like it with more of a bite?  I used dijon mustard with horseradish for just a little kick.

This makes about 1/2 - 2/3 cup (which I determined by how far up the side it came in the 1-pint gelato container I am storing it in)


And yes, that gelato is even better than it sounds.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Red Velvet Brownies.... nom nom nom

These are a super sweet treat for only special occasions (if you're like me and my guy who have little to no self control).  B's comment: "Those are the best thing I've ever eaten.  Please throw them away."  I have a problem throwing food out, but I have to agree with him here.  These are sinful. And delicious. And a pretty shade of red!



Red Velvet Brownies
Slightly modified recipe from How Sweet It is


1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons red food coloring
2/3 cups chocolate chips (optional, but recommended)

Preheat oven to 350.
Spray a 9 x 9 cake pan.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. With the mixer on medium speed, add in cocoa powder and red food coloring. Beat until batter is completely red. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread in the 9 x 9 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (mine took 5-10 minutes longer than this). Let cool completely before frosting.

White Chocolate Frosting
1 stick of butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces white chocolate, melted
1-2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)
Cream butter in an electric mixer until fluffy, then add vanilla. Slowly add in powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time with the mixer on low speed. Add in melted white chocolate and beat until incorporated. To reach desired consistency, add in milk 1 teaspoon at a time with mixer on low speed. If frosting becomes too liquidy, simply add additional sugar.