http://benevert.com A Plethora of Info for the 21st Century Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:37:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.1 en hourly 1 http://benevert.com/sweet-and-spicy-pork-chili/ http://benevert.com/sweet-and-spicy-pork-chili/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 09:46:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324479107188631445.post-1918055098143357005 Ingredients


1 teaspoon(s) vegetable oil
2 pound(s) boneless pork chops or tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 shallots, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
2 teaspoon(s) crushed red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoon(s) chili powder
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce) low-sodium beef broth
1 can(s) (14-ounce) low-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon(s) grated fresh ginger
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut on the diagonal (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoon(s) frozen orange-juice concentrate
1 tablespoon(s) low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup(s) light brown sugar
6 cup(s) hot cooked rice
Chopped scallions (optional)

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add pork; cook until lightly browned -- 6 to 8 minutes. Remove pork, set aside, and reduce heat to medium.

Add shallots and sauté until translucent -- about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add red-pepper flakes, chili powder, beef broth, coconut milk, and ginger. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add carrots and simmer for 10 more minutes.
Add orange-juice concentrate, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm over cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions, if desired.

]]> http://benevert.com/sweet-and-spicy-pork-chili/feed/ 0 http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts/ http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 23:56:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893859709787749335.post-8486709959931355677

Ingredients:


* 1 lb peanuts, preferably raw
* 1/3 cup honey
* 2 tbsp butter
* 2 tsp salt, divided use
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar


Preparation:


1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (160 C).


2. Place the butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and 1 tsp salt in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the butter is melted, about 45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Once melted, stir until the liquid is smooth.


3. Add the peanuts to the honey mixture and stir until they're all coated. Pour the peanuts out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into an even layer.


4. Bake the peanuts for a total of 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The peanuts at the edges will brown faster, so it's important to stir regularly to get an even roasting.


5. Once the peanuts are golden brown, remove them from the oven and stir again to distribute the honey on the baking sheet. After a minute or two, sprinkle the granulated sugar and remaining 1 tsp salt on top and stir again, to give them a bit of texture. As they cool at room temperature, stir occasionally, to break up any big clumps.


6. Once the peanuts have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag and store them at room temperature.






Source: About.com

]]> http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts/feed/ 0 http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts-2/ http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts-2/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 23:56:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893859709787749335.post-8486709959931355677

Ingredients:


* 1 lb peanuts, preferably raw
* 1/3 cup honey
* 2 tbsp butter
* 2 tsp salt, divided use
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 tsp cinnamon
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar


Preparation:


1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (160 C).


2. Place the butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and 1 tsp salt in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the butter is melted, about 45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Once melted, stir until the liquid is smooth.


3. Add the peanuts to the honey mixture and stir until they're all coated. Pour the peanuts out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into an even layer.


4. Bake the peanuts for a total of 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The peanuts at the edges will brown faster, so it's important to stir regularly to get an even roasting.


5. Once the peanuts are golden brown, remove them from the oven and stir again to distribute the honey on the baking sheet. After a minute or two, sprinkle the granulated sugar and remaining 1 tsp salt on top and stir again, to give them a bit of texture. As they cool at room temperature, stir occasionally, to break up any big clumps.


6. Once the peanuts have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag and store them at room temperature.






Source: About.com

]]> http://benevert.com/honey-roasted-peanuts-2/feed/ 0 http://benevert.com/chipotle-vegetable-chili/ http://benevert.com/chipotle-vegetable-chili/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 09:47:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324479107188631445.post-5812082798411156237 Ingredients


Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into eighths
2 medium zucchini, cubed
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 pound(s) button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon(s) chili powder dried chipotle pepper, stemmed and diced
1 can(s) (19-ounce) white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can(s) (14 1/2-ounce ) low-sodium diced tomatoes
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine bell pepper, eggplant, onion, zucchini, and salt with olive oil. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, turning occasionally, until just softened -- 25 to 30 minutes.

Make the chili: In a large Dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot but not smoking, add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms soften -- about 5 minutes. Add bay leaf, chili powder, chipotle pepper, beans, broth, tomatoes, and roasted vegetables. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
To serve: Stir in parsley and serve hot.

]]> http://benevert.com/chipotle-vegetable-chili/feed/ 0 http://benevert.com/peanut-butter-ice-cream/ http://benevert.com/peanut-butter-ice-cream/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 09:21:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628594116502164010.post-4230495616786397138 2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk


Whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. 


Add the peanut butter and whisk until smooth. Mix in the whipping cream and milk. 


Transfer the mixture to the ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions.

]]> http://benevert.com/peanut-butter-ice-cream/feed/ 1 http://benevert.com/roasted-pepper-tomato-bisque/ http://benevert.com/roasted-pepper-tomato-bisque/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 10:23:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324479107188631445.post-1838842588948879796

]]> http://benevert.com/roasted-pepper-tomato-bisque/feed/ 1 http://benevert.com/butterscotch-haystacks/ http://benevert.com/butterscotch-haystacks/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893859709787749335.post-8505641892927313762

Ingredients:


* 2 cups (4 oz) shredded unsweetened coconut
* 1 cup plus 2 tbsp butterscotch chips
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips


Preparation:


1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and set aside for now. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.


2. Place the coconut in a pie tin or small baking pan, and toast it in the oven until golden brown. The secret to good toasted coconut is consistent browning, so be sure to stir it every 2 minutes until it is an even, light golden color. It will probably take 8-10 minutes, but monitor your coconut carefully.


3. While the coconut is toasting, place the butterscotch chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them until melted, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.


4. Once the coconut is toasted and the butterscotch chips are melted, stir the salt into the butterscotch chips, and then stir in the coconut, mixing until coconut is entirely coated with butterscotch.


5. Using a small teaspoon or candy scoop, drop small, compact spoonfuls of the candy onto the prepared baking sheet.


6. After all of the haystacks have been formed, place the chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave until melted. Stir until the chocolate is smooth, then spoon the melted chocolate into a small Ziploc bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag, and drizzle the haystacks with melted chocolate.


7. Refrigerate to set the butterscotch and chocolate, at least 30 minutes. Store Butterscotch Haystacks in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.






Source: About.com

]]> http://benevert.com/butterscotch-haystacks/feed/ 1 http://benevert.com/roasted-garlic-soup/ http://benevert.com/roasted-garlic-soup/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 09:45:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324479107188631445.post-3761020639487604441 Ingredients


2 large garlic heads, whole, unpeeled
1 clove(s) garlic, minced
3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
2 cup(s) onion, minced
1 cup(s) carrots, minced
1 large (1 1/4 cups) potato, peeled and cubed
4 cup(s) chicken stock
1/2 cup(s) dry white wine
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
1/4 cup(s) heavy cream

Directions

Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a serrated knife, cut the top off each garlic head so that the tip of each clove is exposed. Place the garlic heads on a large piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bay leaves and fold the foil to form a packet. Place the packet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Cool slightly. In a small bowl, squeeze the garlic head until all of the roasted flesh is released. Discard outer husks and bay leaves.

Make the soup: In a large heavy-duty saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil and butter, add onions, and cook over medium heat until translucent--about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the potato, chicken stock, white wine, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook for 35 minutes.
Finish the soup: Using a blender, purée the soup in small batches until smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the heavy cream. Heat until warmed. Do not boil. Keep warm until ready to serve.

]]> http://benevert.com/roasted-garlic-soup/feed/ 1 http://benevert.com/chocolate-mint-ice-cream/ http://benevert.com/chocolate-mint-ice-cream/#comments Tue, 04 May 2010 09:24:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628594116502164010.post-2376018531137644668 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup mint chocolate chips
2 egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt


Combine 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, the milk, sugar and the mint chocolate chips in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring with a wire whisk, until the chips are melted and mixture is smooth.


Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks and the salt until thick. Gradually add the chocolate mixture. Beat until well blended and chill 30 minutes. 


Pour the chilled chocolate/egg mixture into an electric ice cream freezer; churn until thick. Cover and store in freeze until ready to serve.

]]> http://benevert.com/chocolate-mint-ice-cream/feed/ 1 http://benevert.com/chicken-noodle-soup/ http://benevert.com/chicken-noodle-soup/#comments Sun, 02 May 2010 09:09:00 +0000 ben tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3324479107188631445.post-3546379854154633587 Ingredients


1 (3 1/2-pound) whole chicken
3 quart(s) low-sodium chicken broth
6 carrots, peeled
4 stalk(s) celery, ends trimmed
3 medium onions, peeled
5 black peppercorns
1 clove(s) garlic, crushed
10 sprig(s) parsley
2 sprig(s) thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
4 leeks, tops and root ends removed
1 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
3 cup(s) (5 ounces) medium egg noodles

Directions

Make the stock: Place the chicken and chicken broth in a large stockpot and set it over medium heat. Roughly chop 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, and 1 onion and add to the broth. Add the peppercorns, garlic, 2 sprigs of parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring the broth to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the chicken is very tender -- about 1 1/4 hours -- skimming the surface periodically. Remove the chicken and place in a large bowl. Strain the broth through a very fine sieve into a large, clean bowl or stockpot. Discard the vegetables.

Make the soup: Skim any fat off the top of the strained broth and discard. Slice the remaining carrots, celery, onions, and leeks into 1/4-inch-thick pieces and set aside. Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken, cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside. Chop the remaining parsley leaves and set aside. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until the onions are translucent -- about 7 minutes. Add the chicken, the reserved broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender -- about 1 hour. Stir in the egg noodles and parsley and cook until the noodles are tender -- about 10 more minutes. Serve hot.

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