Napa Farmhouse 1885™

I "retired" from the corporate world a couple of years ago because I wanted to experience a real life after years of 80 hour work weeks and constant travel. A year later I realized that I was having a really good time, was always busy (how did i ever fit in a job??) and needed a creative outlet to share my experiences. Now I split my time between California and New Mexico but, wherever I am, I write about delicious, fresh, local, organic/sustainably grown food.

Showing posts with label food network. Show all posts

Friday, August 12, 2016

Tomato, Peach & Melon Salad

This is one of those simple recipes that should only be made in summer when the in-season produce is perfectly ripe. Please use the absolute best quality extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt because you will taste each ingredient separately in this simple salad. You will not believe how delicious the combination of tomatoes, peaches, and melon is when married into this easy dish.

I made this yesterday for dinner and paired with a pecan crusted grilled trout. Over the top good and perfect for a hot summer night, or make for your next potluck dinner.This salad will be a hit at the party. Enjoy!

Tomato, Peach & Melon Salad
(serves 4)

2 large heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 large ripe summer peach, cut into wedges
1/2 honeydew melon, scooped into balls
extra virgin olive oil
best quality pure, aged balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
sea salt

Arrange tomatoes, peaches, and melon in a decorative pattern on a large platter. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the top. Drizzle about 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar over the oil. Scatter the basil over the salad and sprinkle with sea salt.
Serve immediately.

It is "Tomato" week at Food Network's Summer Soiree roundup. Do you have a favorite tomato recipe to share? Please list (or link) in the comments below. And be sure to check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network.

Feed Me Phoebe: Steamed Clams with Chorizo, Tomatoes and Kale
The Mediterranean Dish: 10 Fresh Tomato Recipes with a Mediterranean Twist
The Mom 100: Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Homemade Delish: Roasted Tomato and Poblano Salsa
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Easy Summer Tomato Tart with Artichoke Spread
The Heritage Cook: Tomato and Cucumber Summer Salad (Gluten-Free)
Devour: Praise Caprese with 6 Twists on Tomato Salad
Healthy Eats: How to Use Up Your Last Batch of Fresh Tomatoes
Creative Culinary: Fresh Tomato Summer Pie
In Jennie's Kitchen: Classic Caprese Salad
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Tomato, Peach & Melon Salad
Taste with the Eyes: For Tomato Lovers Only
FN Dish: The Best Fresh Tomato Recipes You to Make, Like, Right Now

best,

diane

napa farmhouse 1885

red or green?

California Girl in Taos

MoseyLove

napa farmhouse 1885

Promote Your Page Too

I have started sharing my newest blog "California Girl in Taos." Please visit and let me know what you think.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A Cornucopia Of Corn Recipes For Summer

It is Corn Week at Food Network's Summer Soiree, and I thought I would share a bunch recipes to help you use up the overflowing bounty that hits each summer just about now. Cooling corn salads, salsas, grilled corn with toppings, chowder, pizzas, popcorn...even chocolate cake (yes really) are all included. So, pick your favorites and dig in...or just grill and top with butter and salt. Nothing tastes better. Enjoy!

Okay, by now you are probably asking "why is she blathering on about cakes in a corn story?" Trust me; this cake is delicious...and it is only made in summer...because the secret ingredient is pureed fresh white corn. Yes, corn. If you can have zucchini cakes, and carrot cakes, why not corn? When you puree fresh corn, it becomes this milky, frothy liquid that adds a moistness and a lightness that is hard to describe. I have never had anyone correctly guess the "secret" ingredient...but everyone that has ever tasted it, loves it. I urge you to give it a try and let me know what you think.

Corny Chocolate Cake
cake ingredients

2 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp instant coffee crystals
1 cup white corn kernels (usually takes corn from 2 cobs)
1 cup dark chocolate chips

chocolate glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp melted butter
3-4 tbsp boiling water
1/8 tsp instant coffee crystals

for cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking
3. Using a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt..set aside.
4. In the bowl of a mixer, beat eggs until a bit frothy. Add olive oil, cocoa powder,
sugars and coffee crystals..beat until thoroughly combined. Meanwhile, in a food processor, add the corn kernels and process until smooth and liquefied. You should not see any kernels.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer and mix just until combined
6. Add the corn mixture and mix until combined
7. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
8. Pour into the prepared pan and bake on center rack of oven approx. 50-60 minutes or until a bamboo stick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool, 10-15 minutes on a rack and then remove from pan and let cool on the rack. When completely cool, drizzle with the chocolate glaze if desired or sift powdered sugar over cake top in lieu of glaze.

chocolate glaze
Whisk together all ingredients except water in small bowl. Add 3 tbsp boiling water and whisk until combined. Add the remaining tbsp water if needed. The glaze should be just thin enough to pour easily.
This cake is best eaten the day it is made.

Other corn recipes you may enjoy:

It is "Summer Corn" week at Food Network's Summer Soiree roundup. Do you have a favorite corn recipe to share? Please list (or link) in the comments below. And be sure to check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network:

The Lemon Bowl: Pesto Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Corn
Devour: Fire Up the Grill for a Mexican Grilled Corn Fiesta
Feed Me Phoebe: Sweet and Spicy Gluten-Free Corn Pasta with Ricotta and Chives
Creative Culinary: Grilled Corn Salsa with Poblano Chiles, Cilantro and Honey
TasteBook: Esquites (Mexican-Style Corn Salad)
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Corn, Pluot and Grape Salad
Napa Farmhouse 1885: A Cornucopia of Corn Recipes For Summer
Healthy Eats: 7 Summer Salads That Put a New Spin on Corn
In Jennie's Kitchen: Easy Homemade Creamed Corn
FN Dish: If You Cook Any Corn This Summer, Make It One of These 5-Star Recipes

best,

diane

napa farmhouse 1885

red or green?

California Girl in Taos

MoseyLove

napa farmhouse 1885

Promote Your Page Too

I have started sharing my newest blog "California Girl in Taos." Please visit and let me know what you think.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

BBQ Beef On Toast

4th of July equals bbq in my home. Most years we have a big grill going and have hamburgers, chicken, ribs and marinated eggplant on the menu. This year there is a 40 % chance of thunderstorms, lightning & rain in the afternoon, and I am spending the evening calming dogs at our local animal shelter. (the town's fireworks show is nearby, and the loud noises frighten our dogs). So I needed a backup plan in case our afternoon party needs to be moved indoors. This BBQ Beef on Toast recipe fits the bill.

This easy-breezy recipe tastes best with homemade sauce. Don't be afraid of the long list of ingredients. Once you saute the onion and garlic, everything else is just dumped into the pot, cooked until thickened and you are ready to go. You can make the sauce up to two days in advance. You may need to thin with a bit of water or broth. I like to serve on grilled toast, but you can use hamburger buns or spoon over rice or potatoes. Expecting a cold summer day? Try this bbq beef recipe. (Actually, this works year round whenever you crave bbq)

BBQ Beef
(Serves 4)

extra virgin olive oil

1 medium white onion, diced

1 tbsp chili powder

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup vegetable stock

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp honey

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp prepared mustard

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

1 tbsp adobo sauce

2 tbsp bourbon

sea salt

black pepper

1 1/2 lbs top sirloin, cut into 2-inch cubes

1 tbsp flour

1 medium onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch pieces

3 leeks or garlic scrapes, chopped
4 pieces thick cut french or sourdough bread, toasted or grilled.

Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, chili powder and garlic. Sauté until softened and translucent. Add next 12 ingredients and continue cooking until sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Season to taste.

Dredge beef in flour. Season with salt and pepper. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides. Add onion, bell pepper and leek or garlic scapes. Saute until vegetables are softened. Add 2 cups bbq sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet and simmer for 1 hour. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Spoon beef over grilled bread. Serve with a green salad (Today I made a Ceasar kale salad to serve with the bbq beef)

Other BBQ and Grilled recipes you may enjoy: