Monday, September 30, 2024

Mozzacado Sandwich



A delightful combination of creamy avocado, gooey mozzarella, peppery arugula, and tangy balsamic glaze, all nestled between two slices of toasted bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices bread
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 2 slices mozzarella cheese
  • Handful of arugula
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Toast the pieces of bread until they turn golden brown

Put avocado slices on top of one piece of bread

Use salt and pepper to season the avocado

On top of the avocado, put slices of cheese

Add some arugula leaves on top

Spread the balsamic glaze on top of the arugula

To make a sandwich, put the other piece of bread on top

Cut in half and serve right away


Friday, September 27, 2024

Thai Zucchini Noodle and Quinoa Salad - foodiecrush



This Thai-inspired salad is a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors. With zucchini noodles, quinoa, and a zesty dressing, it's a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup edamame beans
  • 1/4 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Put the cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and zucchini noodles in a large bowl

Put the chopped peanuts, green onions, shredded coconut, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves in the bowl

Mix everything together slowly

Mix the dressing ingredients see list in a small bowl with a whisk

Then, pour the dressing over the salad

Add all the ingredients and toss them well to cover them with the dressing

Mix the edamame beans, bean sprouts, and diced cucumber into the salad one more time

Spread the Thai zucchini noodles and quinoa salad out on plates to serve

For extra flavor, top with lime wedges

Serve right away and enjoy!


Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Vegan Moussaka with Vegan Feta and Herbs



A hearty vegan moussaka featuring layers of roasted eggplants, zucchinis, lentils, and a flavorful tomato-lentil sauce. Topped with crumbled vegan feta cheese and fresh herbs, this dish is a delightful vegan twist on the classic moussaka, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

Before you start cooking, heat the oven to 375F 190C

Spread the zucchini and eggplant slices out on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper

Add some olive oil and salt and pepper to taste

After the oven is hot, roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meat is soft

Warm up the olive oil in a big pan over medium-low heat

Put in the minced garlic and diced onion

Saut for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft

To the pan, add tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper

Also add the cooked lentils

Stir every now and then for another 5 minutes

Place half of the roasted zucchini and eggplants in a baking dish

Add half of the lentil-tomato mix on top

Add more layers with the rest of the zucchini, eggplant, and lentil-tomato mixture

Put it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown

It should be taken out of the oven and then vegan feta cheese crumbles should be put on top

Add fresh herbs as a garnish before serving

Enjoy while hot!


Sunday, September 22, 2024

Seared Scallops with Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce



This elegant dish features perfectly seared scallops paired with a creamy basil pesto sauce. The tender scallops are seared to perfection, while the creamy sauce adds a burst of flavor with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It's a delightful seafood dish that's sure to impress!

Ingredients:

  • 10 large sea scallops
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat

Add scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through

Meanwhile, prepare the basil pesto sauce

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil

Blend until smooth

Transfer the pesto to a saucepan and stir in heavy cream

Heat over low heat until warmed through

Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste

Serve seared scallops with creamy basil pesto sauce drizzled over the top


Thursday, September 19, 2024

Chocolate Covered Fluffy Marshmallow Brownies



Indulge in the decadent combination of rich, fudgy brownies topped with fluffy marshmallows and a luscious chocolate ganache. These Chocolate Covered Fluffy Marshmallow Brownies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and preheat the oven to 350F 175C

One cup of unsalted butter should be melted in 30-second increments in a microwave-safe bowl

Let it cool down a little

Beat 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together well in a separate bowl

Stirring constantly, add the melted butter to the sugar and egg mixture gradually

Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup all-purpose flour and sift

Mix the batter until it becomes smooth

After filling the prepared baking pan with brownie batter, bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly moistened

As soon as you take the brownies out of the oven, top them with one cup of mini marshmallows

Put the pan back in the oven and let it bake for a further two to three minutes, or until the marshmallows start to get puffed and golden

After taking the pan out of the oven, let it cool fully on a wire rack

One cup of heavy cream should be heated in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer

After removing from the heat, blend in one cup each of milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and creamy

You have chocolate ganache here

Evenly cover the cooled brownies with marshmallow-topped chocolate ganache

To give the ganache time to solidify, refrigerate the brownies for a minimum of one hour

Slice into squares, present, and savor!


Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Instant Pot Cheese Stuffed Hamburgers



Enjoy delicious and juicy cheese-stuffed hamburgers made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. A quick and satisfying meal for burger lovers!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of your favorite cheese cheddar, Swiss, etc
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions

Flatten each portion into a thin patty

Place a slice of cheese in the center of 4 patties

Top each cheese-covered patty with another patty and seal the edges, forming 4 stuffed burgers

Season each stuffed burger with salt and pepper

Preheat your Instant Pot on saut mode

Add a bit of oil to the pot and sear each stuffed burger for 2 minutes per side until browned

Remove the stuffed burgers from the Instant Pot

Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water

Put the stuffed burgers on the trivet

Close the Instant Pot lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes

Once done, perform a quick release of pressure

Carefully open the lid, and your cheese-stuffed hamburgers are ready! Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings


Spicy Shrimp with Pesto Noodles

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