recipe

makes 12 waffles

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons warm milk (no hotter than 110°F)
• 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (230 grams) bread flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 medium egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, at slightly cooler than room temperature
• 140 grams turbinado (sugar in the raw) sugar, or pearl sugar if you choose
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1.  Dissolve the sugar in the warm milk; then add the yeast. Make sure that the milk is not too hot, lest it kill the yeast instead of promoting its growth. Place a plate or some kind of cover on top of the bowl with the milk, sugar and yeast. Set aside for about five minutes. When you check on it, the yeast should have bubbled up, looking light brown and spongy.

2.  Meanwhile, mix the sifted bread flour with the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour in the yeast mixture; then add the whole egg and egg yolk. Mix on medium speed until it is fully combined. The dough will be yellow and stiff, yielding only slightly to a poke.

3.  Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for about thirty minutes.

4.  Beat in the butter piece by piece; you do not have to wait for the prior piece to be fully incorporated before adding the next. When the dough has incorporated about half of the butter, the mixture will be like a very thick, somewhat broken-up paste. If you keep engaging the mixer on medium-high speed, the dough will eventually become a cohesive whole, looking smoother and more feeling more elastic. Scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.
Kneading very gently, incorporate the sugar crystals just enough to get them evenly distributed. Work quickly so as not to soften the buttery dough too much.

5.  Divide the dough into a dozen equal pieces, gently forming them into balls.
Place the balls of dough on a cutting board in a warmish place for fifteen minutes or so. During the last two minutes of this resting time, preheat your waffle iron until it is very warm, but not hot.

6.  Spray the griddles with cooking oil. Place each ball of dough in a whole square or section of the waffle iron. Like regular waffle batter, the dough will start to puff up. Cook the waffles until the surface is golden to dark brown. Be sure that the waffle iron you are using is appropriately deep, or else the interior of the waffle will not be cooked through. If you are using a vintage stovetop waffle iron, flip the iron every thirty to forty seconds, lifting the iron to check the rate of browning. The browning should be gradual to allow the interior to fully develop.

7.  Set the waffles on a cooling rack as they come out of the iron to promote a crispy exterior. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

8.  Any leftover waffles, if they are not dark brown, can be carefully re-cooked in a toaster for approximately thirty to sixty seconds. Leftover waffles may also be kept in an airtight container between sheets of parchment paper, for up to three days.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp extra fine powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp rum

Directions:

1.    Beat the eggs well and stir in the sugar, cream and half the rum. Heat the butter over a hot heat and pour in the eggs as soon as it starts to foam.

Keep stirring until the eggs start to set, then start folding, cooking for a further minute or so, then tip out onto a hot dish.

Pour the rest of the rum over and ignite. Extinguish before eating.

2.    You can of course use almost any liqueur for this although obviously the more flammable ones are more rewarding.

Carbonnade à la Flamande (Flemish Stew in the original beef and vegan versions) with wine pairings (again with vegan alternative)

This classic Belgian beef stew is known for its sweet-sour combination of caramelized onions and beer. The vegan version with beans and tofu are truly healthy and delicious, as well. Any dark Belgian-style ale would be a good choice here. As with most stews, the dish will taste even better a day or two after it’s made.

INGREDIENTS for Vegan Recipe

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices, about 3 inches wide
• 2 can beans (mix or match, your choice)
•  Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups thickly sliced onions
• 1/2 cup all-purpose potato flour
• Three 12-ounce cans of Belgium beer**
• 2 cubes or packages of vegetable bullion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
•  2 bay leaves
•  Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Boiled carrots and potatoes, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS vegan version

1.    In an enameled cast-iron casserole, add 4 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season the tofu with salt and pepper and add to the casserole. Cook over moderate heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl
2.    Add the onions and beans to the casserole, cover and cook over low heat, stirring, until onions browned, 8 minutes. Stir in the potato flour until the onions are well-coated, then slowly add the vegan beer. Return the tofu and add vegetable bullion cubes or powder. Add the thyme and bay leaves, cover and simmer over low heat, stirring, 1 hour.
3.    Uncover and transfer tofu and beans to a bowl. Simmer the sauce over moderate heat until thickened slightly. Discard the bay leaves. Return the tofu and beans to the casserole and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with boiled carrots and potatoes.

MAKE AHEAD

The carbonnade can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

SUGGESTED PAIRING

This stew is so hearty that it can handle a very tannic red like Vegan Cabernet Sauvignon
Suggestion: Frey Vineyards or Charles Shaw Vineyards both carry Vegan Cabernet

** German laws for purity enforce using only water, barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, so for the most part, German (and Belgian) beers are also vegan. Some of the best beer in the world comes from Germany and Belgium, so that’s good news for beer drinkers

INGREDIENTS for Original Recipe

• 3 pounds beef flatiron or blade steaks, cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices, about 3 inches wide
•  Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups thickly sliced onions
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Three 12-ounce cans beer
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Boiled carrots and potatoes, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS Original Version

1.    In an enameled cast-iron casserole, melt 2 tablespoo4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2.    Season the beef with salt and pepper and add one-third of it to the casserole. Cook over moderate heat until lightly browned, 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with 2 more batches of meat, using the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

3.    Add the onions to the casserole, cover and cook over low heat, stirring, until browned, 8 minutes. Stir in the flour until the onions are well-coated, then slowly add the beer. Return the meat to the casserole along with any accumulated juices. Add the thyme and bay leaves, cover and simmer over low heat, stirring, until the beef is tender, 2 hours.

4.    Uncover and transfer the meat to a bowl. Simmer the sauce over moderate heat until thickened slightly. Discard the bay leaves. Return the meat to the casserole and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with boiled carrots and potatoes.

MAKE AHEAD

The carbonnade can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

SUGGESTED PAIRING

This stew is so hearty that it can handle a very tannic red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested: 2005 Hahn Estates Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon or a 2005 SKN Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 watermelon
• Juice of one ripe orange
• Cup of coconut water

Press liquefy on the blender

Salad Ingredients

• 1 small papaya
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 3/4 cup of cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup roasted pepitas (put raw pepitas at low under the broiler until they start to pop, about 2 minutes. sprinkle sea salt over them.)

Directions

1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a food processor. season to taste with salt.

2. Peel the papaya, scoop out the seeds, and chop into half inch squares.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients. toss with half the dressing, add dressing to individual bowls if needed

Dressing Ingredients

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1-tablespoon cider vinegar
•  1-teaspoon honey
• 3 tablespoons non-fat greek yogurt
•  1 teaspoon ground ancho chile powder – this tastes like a mixture of cayenne, chili powder, and sugar (just in case you don’t have this. i didn’t.)
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
•  handful fresh cilantro
•  3 tablespoons olive oil
•  sea salt

Salad Ingredients

• ½ cup bulgur wheat
• 1 cup water
• Saffron
• Cumin
• Powdered ginger
• Dry basil leaves
• 7 leaves Green leafy vegetable
• 1 stalk celery
• 15 grape tomatoes or 1-2 large Tomato
• 1 large Cucumber
• ½ Lemon/lime
• 1 leaf Chive
• 5 pieces of fresh Rosemary leaves
• Onion optional

Directions

1. Heat the cup of water to boiling, add in 4 dashes of each of the cumin, saffron, basil and ginger.

2. Take off heat and add the bulgur wheat. Cover and let sit for 30 mins. Drain off excess water. Let it cool before mixing with salad.

3. Chop green leaves, celery, chives, rosemary, half a lime in blender. mine gave a little trouble to get all chopped but it worked out okay.

4. Dice tomato and cucumber into small pieces.

5. Mix all together with bulgur wheat and  Mexican dressing and voila!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or dried fruit if you have them
• 2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 very large bananas
• 1 peeled, cored, and cut apple
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (See Beulah’s recipe for Vanilla Extract)
• 1 tsp arrowroot powder
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tbs water

Directions

Preheat oven to 370 degrees Fahrenheit

1.  Put the bananas and apples in the blender with the oil and essence, with 1 tbs water to help get it going. Whip it altogether until nice and smooth like batter.

2. Sift the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Then combined the wet and dry ingredients in that large bowl.
Should be a sticky mixture but not too wet.

4. Grease the bread pan and spread the mixture in it with the spoon.

5.  Bake for 35 minutes.

6.  Insert sharp thin knife into the center.  If comes out clean the bread is done.  Should be nice and brown.  Be careful not to over bake.

This is a delicious and easy to make tapas and a perfect pairing for Sweet Port Wine.

To save time, you can buy puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4-inch squares.

Ingredients:

• 2 puff pastry sheets
• 1 pound Stilton Cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 pound chopped hazelnuts…
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Serving: About 1 1/2 to 2 dozen.

Preheat oven to 375o
Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper

Mix chopped hazelnuts with olive oil, salt, and roast until light brown.  (Should be done under 10 minutes but check frequently.) Set aside

Follow directions on premade puff pastry dough
Cut pastry into 4-inch squares,  brush egg whites on square’s edges
Spoon on a healthy tablespoon Stilton Cheese
Fold the square in a triangle, from one corner tip to the tip across.
Pinch down with fingers.  Use a fork and press down for a tighter seal.
Continue until all pastry is full.
Place on baking sheet and brush with egg yolk and water mixture
Bake until golden brown.

Put hazelnut on top of each and enjoy with a lovely Rich deep Port  like Carlos Magalhaes Vintage Porto 2000 or
A.A. Ferreira Duque De Bragança Porto De 20 Anos  both under $60

Beulah in Lisbon Recipe:  Arroz de Pato

Serving Size: 8 servings

Ingredients for:

Rice

• 8 ounces rice, standard medium rice
• 2 ounces Goya Sofrito, (Short grain) recipe below
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
• salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
• olive oil, as needed

Sofrito

• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Duck confit (duck cooked or preserved in its own fat)

• 2 duck, legs
• 1/2 onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 3 cups duck fat
• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1/4 bunch thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig rosemary

Duck breast

• 2 duck breast skinless
• 1 tablespoon duck fat
• 1/4 cup chorizo, sliced
• 2 tablespoons black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup apricots, dried
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon sherry
• 2 duck skin, crisped in oven, from the breast

Directions

1.    Make the duck confit:
2.    Set oven to 300 degrees F. Season the duck legs with salt and pepper on both sides and then sear in a tablespoon of duck fat until golden brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
3.    Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until tender.
4.    Next add the the coriander, white peppercorn, star anise, and herbs (all tied in cheesecloth—sachet).
5.    Continue cooking for additional 5 minutes. Add the duck fat, melt, and then transfer all to oven-proof casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 6-8 hours, until duck meat falls off the bone.
6.    When cool enough to handle, pull the duck meat off the bone, discard the bones and be careful of loose cartilage.

Make sofrito:

1.    Over medium-low heat, sweat onion and garlic in the olive oil until just slightly golden brown.
2.    Add the saffron threads and cook 2 minutes more. Then, add the diced tomato and cook over medium heat unitl all moisture is gone.
3.    Add the paprika. Set aside.

Make the apricot puree:

1.    In medium saucepan, combine the apricots with the white wine and cook over medium-high heat until wine is reduced by half.
2.    Add the sherry, then puree in vita-prep (or blender) at high speed until smooth.

Pre-cook rice:

1.    Place the 1.5 ounces of sofrito in heavy-bottomed rondeau. Add additional 1/4 cup of olive oil.  Place over medium-low heat.
2.    Add the rice and toast, constantly stirring with rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
3.    Add 12 ounces of the stock and mix well. Let cook stirring to avoid sticking for about 8-10 minutes.
4.    Remove rice from pan and spread onto parchment paper-lined sheet pan. (Pre-cooking the rice is a step we take at Aldea to expedite the service, but rice can also be finished at this point.) Add the additional stock as well as garnishes.
Cook duck breasts:
Season duck breasts with salt and pepper. Vacuum pack with the duck fat and cook in water bath at 150 degrees for 20 minutes.

To finish:

1.    Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.    In large paella pan, Spread rice along the bottom in even layer.
3.    Add the duck confit, chorizo, olives, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and flatten out again. Add the additional 6 ounces of stock and place in oven.
4.    Cook for 7 minutes until rice is crisped around the edges and a “soccarat”  (caramelized layer of crunchy rice) has formed on the bottom of pan.
5.    Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes covered with aluminum foil.
To serve: Dish out onto plates and garnish with the sliced duck breast, crisped up skin, and the apricot puree.

Bomba de Patatas  (Garlic potatoes Bombs with Sherry pork sausage)

Bas Tapa:  Pintxos   
These are small portions (what we would call Tapas) served in the Basque area of Spain.  Toothpicks are important so you can count how many were eaten.Makes 15 tapa

Ingredients:

•  2¼ lb potatoes, peeled and cut up
• 2 clove of garlic
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
•  9oz minced pork Sausage
•  2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
•  1 clove garlic, chopped
• 5 oz chopped fresh tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon hot paprika or pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 ½ oz fine dry breadcrumbs
• Olive oil for frying
• Toothpicks

Directions:

1.    Mince 2 cloves of garlic and sauté in 1tablespoon olive oil until translucent (take off heat)
2.    Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain and mash, adding sautéed garlic and      salt
3.    In a frying pan, heat the oil and brown the minced meat, 5 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, garlic and continue frying. Add the tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Season with salt, cumin, oregano and pimentón. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced, about 15 minutes.
4.    Using 2 spoons, shape potatoes into egg-sized balls – 2in- (each about 50g). Cut each potato ball in hall, make an indentation and fill with a spoonful of the meat filling. Press the halves together and pinch the edges together to seal in the filling.
5.    Dip the potato balls in beaten egg, then roll them in breadcrumbs. Heat oil to a depth of 1 inch until hot, but not smoking, and fry the balls, turning until golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
6.    Drain on absorbent towels and serve hot or room temperature.
7.    Put a toothpick in each for easy serving.

8.    Do ahead: Shape the potato balls, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs. Place them in a single layer on a tin and freeze. When the balls are frozen, pack them into plastic bags or freezer containers. Completely thaw the potato balls before frying them.

Vermouth Pairing:  Carmelitas Vermuteria

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Pintxos

Bas Tapa:  Pintxos 
These are small portions (what we would call Tapas) served in the Basque area of Spain.

Ingredients:

• 21 oz smoked salmon
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 mixed green and red grapes, halved and deseeded
•  2 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 9 oz assorted berries (strawberries, raspberries, etc)
• 6 green olives, pitted and halved
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 12 skewers

Directions:

Cut the fish into 1-inch pieces.  Layer as a Shih Kabob with the cherry tomatoes, fruit and olives. Season lightly with pepper and squeeze over the juice from the lemon wedges.

Vermouth Pairing:  Gran Bodega Saltó