BIZZY BAKES

Salads are a delight in the summer with the high temperature and humidity.  It nice to change them around by adding ingredients, you might not expect to find.  I have been putting strawberries into salads for years but not blueberries.  I admit, I hesitated, not knowing if they would be accepted.  They turned out to be a wonderful addition to the salad. Greens with Fruits and Nuts Ingredients: 8 ounces mixed greens of choice 1/2 cup strawberries 3/4 cup blueberries 2 tablespoons chopped pecans 1/2 cup slivered almonds Dressing - 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper Method: In a bowl, place all makings of salad except dressing. In a separate container, mix the salad dressing ingredients.  I usually put the salad dressing ingredients into my mini food processor and mix them together so the...

I bought a large container of strawberries from Costco.  I made a strawberry cheesecake, strawberry soup and a spinach-strawberry salad.  The strawberries was the ingredient in each of these that made them special. I still have strawberries left and I am going on a hunt for more recipes.  Any suggestions? This soup was just right with the day of heat we had.  My soups are often filled with vegetables, dumplings, noodles and/chicken.  When one finishes a bowl, one feels full.  The strawberry soup left us wanting the next course.  It is also like starting the meal with dessert...not a bad way to go. Strawberry Soup Ingredients: 2 cups frozen strawberries 2 cups milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste Method: Puree strawberries, milk, cream and sour cream in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in sugar to taste. Chill 8 hours or overnight in...

I had an urge for chocolate and had nothing in the house (good for me).  I decided to dip some dried apricots into melted chocolate.  These are easy to make and delicious. Ingredients: 15 dried apricots 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips Method: In microwave, place chocolate chips in a glass measuring cup or small bowl.  Run on half speed, checking every 30 seconds.  Mine melted in one minute.  When chocolate is soft enough to mix into a smooth and glistening chocolate, remove and mix until smooth and creamy. Dip apricot into melted chocolate and place on  wax paper on a plate.  Place plate in refrigerator to set.  Take out and eat and have a delightful treat.

If you have read the previous post about Claire Robinson and her Pasta Carbonara, you already know how I came to making this recipe.  I served this as dessert tonight after the pasta.  It says that this tastes like a cheesecake but it is low fat and I agree with that statement.  This was light and delicious and I would gladly make it to serve as a cheesecake.  We enjoyed it.  I am thinking of different toppings to make for it.  The cherries worked well but blueberries or peaches sound great, as well. This is a QED (quick, easy, delicious) recipe.  It took no time to put together the cheese part and I let the cherries cook, while I was making dinner, only checking on it and mixing it, occasionally. Baked Fresh Ricotta with Stewed Cherries (adapted from Claire Robinson -  Five Ingredient Fix ) I ngredients : 1 1/2 cups ricotta 1 large egg 3 tablespoons honey, divided zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided 6 ounces dark and sweet cherries, Method:...