Homemade Caramel Sauce

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There was a time, not so long ago, that the idea of caramelizing sugar scared the hell out of me. It seemed so temperamental, and a need to be precise. Last year I finally gave it “a go” in order to create some of my favorite coffee drinks at home. My first few attempts went okay. Sometimes the sugar would seized up on me (aka the sugar hardens into a lump), but after a few minutes of stirring it melts right back down into the sauce. Now it’s something that I always have to have in the fridge.

Great to mix into coffee, over ice cream, with apple slices – possibilities are endless. I’ve been guilty of eating it right off the spoon. This is the basic recipe, but it’s an open canvas to additions. Add 1/2 teaspoon fleur-de-sel or another finishing salt to make it a Salted Caramel Sauce. Or, a tablespoon of dark rum gives it a delicious boozy kick. Mix a tablespoon or so into some hot spiced cider, with maybe a little extra rum – a perfect way to wind down on a chilly fall evening.

So, if you’ve been scared of tackling caramel – don’t be. It might take a couple of tries, but once you get the feel for it, you’ve got it. And, being able to make something that is as delicious and versatile as this stuff is, is definitely something to pat yourself on the back for. Enjoy!

Caramel Sauce

1 cup sugar
1¼ cups heavy cream
¼ tsp. coarse salt (increase to 1 tsp for salted caramel sauce)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp butter

Spread the sugar in an even layer over the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.  Place over medium-low heat, watching carefully.  When the sugar begins to liquefy around the edges, use a heatproof spatula to gently drag the liquified sugar towards the center.  Continue stirring very gently until all the sugar is melted, making sure to not over-stir.  Measure out the heavy cream into a liquid measuring cup, and set aside.  Once the caramel reaches a deep amber color (think the color of an old penny), immediately remove the sauce pan from the heat and let sit 1 minute. Carefully whisk in half of the heavy cream.  The mixture will steam and bubble violently.  Stir until the cream is well incorporated, then whisk in the remaining cream.  Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, and butter.  If any sugar has hardened, place the saucepan over low heat and whisk until smooth.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  If needed, it can be rewarmed in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.

Source: adapted from The Perfect Scoop by Dave Lebovitz; via Annie’s Eats and Cook Like A Champion

Tropical Quinoa Salad

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A couple of months ago, we finally gave quinoa a try, and am so glad we did. It’s healthy, quick, and takes on any flavor that you add to it. Last week I made coconut shrimp, but wanted something lighter to go with it. My first thought was a mango-lime rice, but wasn’t feeling up to my reigning title as “Starch Queen of the Eastern Seaboard”.  I had a mango, an avocado, and some quinoa – so I whipped up this salad, and everyone gobbled it right up. How awesome is it to hear your 4 year old say “I love quinoa!”?

It was light, yet filling, and flavorful. I think some fresh grilled pineapple would fit nicely into the equation here as well, so feel free to toss some in if you have it handy. That’s the great thing about quinoa, it makes it really easy to “wing it”, and make something fabulous from things you have in your pantry or crisper drawer.

Tropical Quinoa Salad

2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 mango, peel removed and diced
1 avocado, peel removed and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
3 Tbsp coconut or olive oil
kosher salt
black pepper

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

In a small saute pan or in a 425 degree oven, toast the coconut until lightly browned. Set aside.

Combine quinoa, mango, avocado, red onion, toasted coconut, cilantro, lime juice and coconut oil. Toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature, or cover and chill until ready to use.

Cajun Margaritas

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Any True Blood fans out there? It’s an HBO series set in the heart of Louisiana. A synthetic blood has been created, and vampires have been able to “come out of the coffin”, as it were, and live among us. Where there’s one, there is usually more, and lots of other supernatural characters have been introduced – werewolves, shape shifters, ancient fire gods. In a world full of junky, reality TV – it’s nice to have a television program that’s still scripted! This past Sunday was the Season 5 finale, and it didn’t disappoint.

My favorite character, Lafayette – who is a gay Voodoo priest/medium, in addition to a line cook, made some delectable looking Cajun Margaritas for the waitresses after their shift ended. I love margaritas, and I love the flavors and feelings that go along with anything Cajun. I couldn’t wait to make them! Most recipes I found online simply called for the addition of hot sauce to make it Cajun, but that just sounded lame. Then, I remembered the strawberry-infused vodka I had made earlier in the year. Why not do the same with chile peppers and tequila?

It’s an extra step that takes a day or so, but man oh man. It’s so amazing how liquor can leech all the qualities from something into itself. After only an overnight soaking of jalapenos and serranos in a Mason jar full of tequila, it had a lot of heat to it. We’ve made a Habenero IPA before, that we really liked. It’s so wild to take a drink, and feel the heat in your blood. This margarita gives it to you!

I’ve never been a blended marg gal, but I liked it here. Almost like a fire & ice thing going on. Jon and I both really enjoyed them, he drank virtually the whole pitcher. Which, isn’t like him – he’s a beer guy. So, if you’re looking for something a little bit different to go on this long weekend’s menu, add these to the menu. A little heat to close out this last week of summer!

Lafayette’s Cajun Margaritas

4 oz. chile-infused tequila (optional)
3 oz. orange liqueur
3 oz. margarita mix
1 tsp. hot sauce
2 cups ice
chile peppers and lime slices, for garnish
salt

For the chile-infused tequila:
5 jalapeno peppers, halved
5 serrano peppers, halved
1 cup tequila

For the tequila, combine all ingredients in a jar or bowl. Cover, and let sit at room temperature overnight – or up to a week. When ready to use, strain into bottle or jar and keep in a cool, dark place.

To make the margaritas, combine the chile-infused tequila, orange liqueur, margarita mix, hot sauce, and ice in a blender. Cover, and puree for 1 minute, until no chunks of ice remain.

Rim margarita glasses with salt, and fill glasses with blended margaritas. Garnish with lime slices and a whole chile pepper.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

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Can’t believe I hadn’t shared this one yet! It seems like the things I make most frequently in my kitchen, I skip over on the blog. We love this rice, and I make it at least once a week. Great as a side for anything Mexican, or even as a light main course paired with some of Elly’s World Famous Black Beans.

I remember I used to be scared of cooking rice on the stove-top. Don’t tell anyone, but I always used to cook it in it in the microwave! *hangs head in shame* Some people swear by rinsing the grains of rice, but I opt for the saute method. Leaves me with perfectly cooked rice every time. I love the kick from the lime, and paired with the cilantro – it’s the perfect flavor combination!

Cilantro-Lime Rice

1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
2 cups water
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
salt, to taste

Heat butter in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice to pan and saute for 1 minute, add water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove cover and fluff rice with fork. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Add in the lime juice, cilantro, and salt and toss lightly to combine.

Source: adapted from ChipotleFan