Tag Archives: cafe zupas

Recipe // peach, mozzarella, and basil salad with a balsamic honey reduction

July 19, 2012

did you ever eat peaches and cottage cheese as a child?  well, this recipe takes it to a whole new level.

my friend leah served a peach, mozzarella, and basil salad at our recent book club, and it was down right amazing!  i drizzled a little balsamic honey reduction over the top, and it was out of this world!

{Peach, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad with a Honey Balsamic Reduction}
(adapted from real simple)
Serves 4
  • 3  ripe peaches (peeled, if desired)
  • 1  cup  fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 8  ounces  fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
  • 1/8  teaspoon  black pepper
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbs honey

Directions

  1. Cut each peach into 6 to 8 wedges, then cut each wedge in half crosswise.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, basil, and mozzarella. Drizzle with the oil, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and toss. (You can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to several hours.) Serve cold or at room temperature.
  3. In a small sauce pan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey and whisk together while bringing to a boil.  Whisk as it reduces by half, and remove from heat.
  4. When ready to serve, drizzle with a little bit of the balsamic honey reduction.
Enjoy!

{photo by caroline armelle drake}

herbed eggs, bacon, and arugula breakfast sandwich …

July 12, 2012

In the summertime, I have an abundance of fresh herbs at my fingertips.  I love to use them at any chance I get, because I know come winter, my fresh herb garden will be out of commission.
I am not a huge breakfast person, but I do love a good savory option.  This sandwich would be an excellent breakfast choice, and could work for lunch or a quick dinner as well!  Last minute, I threw in some arugula from my garden, and it was the perfect touch!
{Herbed Egg, Bacon, and Arugula Breakfast Sandwich}
{serves 1}
2 Pieces of bread, toasted
3 eggs, and 1 egg white
1 tbs Milk
1 tsp water
2 tbs mixed fresh herbs, (I used chives, dill, basil)
1 tbs shredded cheese (I used manchego)
salt and fresh ground pepper
handful of fresh arugula
2 slices cooked bacon
Toast Bread.  In a small bowl mix, eggs, milk, water, herbs, cheese, and salt and pepper (to taste).   Whisk well, and scramble in a skillet over medium heat.
Add eggs to toast, arugula, and bacon.
Enjoy!

gourmet tin foil dinners …

June 29, 2012

we went camping recently, and we made some pretty killer tin foil dinners.

just because your camping, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have good food!  tin foil dinners are nice because they can be prepared in advance, and while you are camping you can just throw them in the fire and dinner is ready to go in no time.

making tin foil dinners is simple, and you can “gourmet them up” pretty easy by adding a few little extras like amazing veggies, seasoned meat, and some amazing herbed butter.

I started by mixing up some ground beef with a half an onion, 2 cloves of garlic and some spices, salt and pepper and a little ketchup.  You can season them to your preference! Mix well.

Next, I mixed up a little butter with fresh herbs! Chives, Thyme, basil, salt and pepper.

For the vegetables I decided to chopped up fresh corn on the cob, thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, peppers, green beans, onions. Whatever sounds good to you!  You can slightly steam or boil the veggies ahead of time to cook faster if you choose.

For each dinner.  I placed a large piece of foil, and a piece of parchment inside. This will help from sticking.  I then placed a large pat of the herbed butter and spread it around to help avoid sticking.  Next about a hamburger size patty of the ground beef mixture, then topped with a mixture of the vegetable options of my choice.  The neat thing is that you can make these ahead and custom to each persons preference of toppings.  I added more of the herbed butter to the top, and a good amount of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Wrap up the tin foil in half then fold down the seems, then in half the other side then fold down the seems.

Cook in an open campfire close to the heated embers for the best heat.  About 25 minutes or so and turn half way or until meat and vegetables are cooked through.

Enjoy!