Author: chanie

Sabich Latkes

As a food blogger, one of the questions I often get asked is what my favorite dish is. If they want to know my most popular dish, that ones easy. But my favorite? It’s like asking me who my favorite child is. Can a mom really have a favorite child?! But now, NOW I can answer that question. Sabich latkes, hands down, is my favorite dish of all time. Does that tell you something?

Sabich is a classic Israeli sandwich consisting of pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hardboiled egg, Israeli salad, tahini and amba (a pickled mango condiment). Since amba is not readily available to everyone, I decided to pickle some onions instead, and I added my new favorite Mina harissa for some spice. The combo is so ridiculously incredible that you’re going to want to eat the leftovers for breakfast, and then lunch, and maybe dinner too.

The best part of sabich, is that you can switch things up if you wish – add some hummus, Israeli pickles, schug, or go gourmand with a poached egg for a truly sophisticated bite.

Sabich Latkes

classic latkes or falafel latkes
roasted eggplant (recipe follows)
sliced tomatoes
sliced hardboiled eggs (how to)
pickled onions (recipe follows)
harissa tahini
additional harissa or amba
fresh parsley, for garnish

Method:

To assemble the latkes, top a classic or falafel latke with roasted eggplant slices, tomatoes, eggs, pickled onions, tahini, and garnish with additional harissa or amba and fresh parsley.

Roasted Eggplant

1 eggplant, sliced into 1/3″ rounds
olive oil
kosher salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the eggplant on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and roast until tender and starting to brown, about 30 minutes.

Quick Pickled Onions

1 small red onion, sliced into thin half rings
1 cup rice vinegar
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp kosher salt

Bring the vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add onions and set aside to cool.

Related Recipes:

falafel latkes with harissa tahini
roasted eggplant with Israeli salad
sous vide stuffed eggplant with pistachio dukkah and tamarind tahini

Post a Comment

Jelly Ring Donuts

No need to rub your eyes, you’ve read that right. I’ve made JELLY. RING. DONUTS. I know they look like jelly rings. But these right here ^^^ are raspberry jelly infused baked chocolate donuts that taste EXACTLY like the candy. It’s a Chanukah miracle!

It all started with my husband’s birthday. He was turning 36 and his office put together a little surprise party. Apparently, they heard that I’m a “Chef”, so they asked me to bake something. Little did they know, I don’t do birthday cakes, but I decided to come up with something fun anyway.

JELLY RINGS are my husband’s all time favorite treat, so I decided to create jelly ring cupcakes. I baked up my favorite chocolate cupcake recipe and I filled them with raspberry donut jelly and topped them with chocolate frosting stuffed with a jelly ring. I even piped them and everything!

But I’m not a baker. So even though I carefully packed up those babies in foil pans and stuffed them in the corner of my trunk with a prayer, lets just say they did not make it in one piece. The frosting, which I had piled on high, did a little birthday jiggle with each turn of my car, and by the time I excitedly opened my birthday surprise, I was not looking very cheffy (understatement).

Everyone was nice enough to eat them anyway, and the consensus was: they might look like a poop emoji, but they taste like JELLY RINGS! Luckily, I had a few cupcakes set aside at home for my kids, so I was able to show my husband what his birthday cupcakes were supposed to look like. I posted a pic on Instagram and apparently my husband is not the only guy to love jelly rings. Lots of people asked for the recipe, so I decided I’d post it.

Fast forward a couple of days and I got an email from my blogger friends who wanted to do a Virtual Chanukah Party like last year. They had decided on a donut theme and I was in! When I thought about what donuts to make, I realized that I could turn my jelly ring cupcakes into donuts and have them not only taste like jelly rings, but look like them too. GENIUS right?!

So I set out to test the perfect baked chocolate donut. Something chocolaty and moist, but without that pudding-texture of the Hershey’s recipe. It took three tries but I finally hit the nail on the head. I used my handy dandy syringe to infuse the donuts with raspberry donut jelly, and I dipped it in melted chocolate. The results were beyond my expectations! The donuts look practically identical to jelly rings, and THEY TASTE EXACTLY LIKE THEM too! Seriously people. Jelly rings in donut form. So much YESSSSS!

Now I’m not the only one who blew it out of the water with my donut creation. Check out these awesome recipes from our VIRTUAL CHANUKAH DONUT PARTY!

Savory Hatch Chili and Cheddar Donuts from LittleFerraroKitchen
Savory Sufganiyot Hanukkah Doughnuts with Chopped Liver Mousse & Manischewitz Glaze from WhatJewWannaEat
Cake Donut Bread Pudding with Vanilla Glaze from KitchenTested
Deep Fried Brownie Fritters from OvertimeCook

We’ve also got a special Chanukah giveaway package that’s happening exclusively on Instagram, so head on over to enter!

Jelly Ring Donuts

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coconut milk (I use Original Coconut Dream)
1 egg
6 tbsp canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup raspberry doughnut jelly (I like Bakers Choice)

For chocolate coating:
1 10 oz bag California Gourmet chocolate chips
1 tbsp canola oil

Special Equipment
mini donut pan
flavor injector syringe

Method:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a mini doughnut baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugars. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, egg, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until all of the ingredients are well combined.

Using a pastry bag (or a Ziploc bag with the tip snipped off), pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling it two thirds full. Bake for 8 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool.

While the donuts are baking, prepare the chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips over a double boiler. Stir in the oil and mix until incorporated.

Fill the injector with donut jelly and inject each donut several times, filling it with jelly all around. I recommend injecting the donut from the flatter side, so that the rounded surface remains untouched, for a perfect presentation once it is glazed.

When you have finished injecting all the donuts, dip them in melted chocolate using a fork, and shake off the excess. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, rounded side facing up, and refrigerate or freeze until the chocolate sets.

NOTE: make sure not to infuse too much jelly into the donut or it will break apart.


This post is sponsored by California Gourmet Chocolate Chips. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   View the list of over 300 stores that carry the brand here).

Related Recipes:

pecan pie lace cookies with raspberry jam and chocolate drizzle
cheese latkes with raspberry sauce
candy mosaic Chanukah tray

Post a Comment

{Falatkes} Falafel Latkes with Harissa Tahini

There really is no outdoing my poutine latkes from last year. The latkes went so viral, that I cooked them up for the Wall Street Journal and did a latke segment for The Meredith Vieira Show. HuffPost Canada went gaga over them and the rest is history.

I’m not one to rest on my laurels so I had to really blow it out of the water this year. It’s a good thing I had an entire year to think about it! I knew I wanted to go in the Israeli direction, because my food has been really influenced by the amazing flavors and spices of Israeli culture and cuisine. And what’s more quintessentially Israeli than falafel?

When falafel latkes, or as I coined them, FALATKES, came to me, I was beyond excited at the prospect of creating a beanless falafel dish! I prepared my batter, scooped it in the sizzling oil and my brain went crazy. Was I smelling latkes or was I smelling falafel?! I was smelling both!!

And then I took a bite of their crispy goodness and Oh. Em. Gee. I was eating potato latkes. And I was eating falafel. {MINDBLOWN} Poutine latkes – outdone.

If Chanukah wasn’t my favorite holiday before, it is now! Not only was I born on the fifth night, but I got married on my birthday and as I celebrate my 35th birthday, along with my 13th wedding Anniversary, I will be munching on this deeelicious fried goodness. It’s going to be a very happy birthday indeed!

Now, when you create the ultimate Chanukah latke, you have to top it with the ultimate sauce. Tahini is my jam so I made it my favorite way – with delicious spicy harissa mixed in for a deep, rich and spicy flavor. I am legit obsessed with Mina harissa that I tasted at Kosherfest just a couple of weeks ago. It’s spicy, but it’s also kind of sweet, which is never something I expected to find in a harissa. It’s got such a homey small-batch flavor, I just want to slather it on everything! And don’t even get me started on their shakshuka sauce. I can’t wait to create some amazing recipes with it!

If you’re a fan of harissa, don’t forget to try my harissa whipped feta with za’atar eggplant chips. They’re perfect for Chanukah, when it’s traditional to eat dairy foods. You can even fry up the za’atar chips to really get into the Chanukah mood. My confetti latkes with harissa sour cream are another favorite and if you want to go healthy, definitely go for my cauliflower nachos with harissa cheddar sauce. Told you I love harissa. Of course, if you’re looking for other fun Chanukah recipes, don’t forget to check out my Chanukah category, as well as the Chanukah section in my new RECIPE INDEX!  You’ll find amazing appetizers and desserts that are perfect for you Chanukah party.

In the meantime, here are some great tips for making the ultimate crispy latkes!

1- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible out of your potatoes and onions using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel.
2- Use little-to-no flour to bind the mixture. The potatoes natural starch is usually enough to keep it together.
2- When the batter sits, it tends to get liquidy, so make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before frying.
3- Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop out your batter. Pack the batter into the cup and place in the hot oil. Use the bottom of the cup to press down on the latkes, creating crisy, lacy edges.
4- Remove your latkes from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain, but immediately remove to a rack so the latkes stay nice and crisp.

Happy Frying!

Falafel Latkes

2-3 lb russet potatoes
1 medium white onion, quartered
2 eggs
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp coriander
2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons garbanzo bean flour
canola oil, for frying

Method:

Peel potatoes and immediately place in a bowl of water to prevent browning. In a large bowl, combine eggs, spices, herbs, flour or matza meal and salt and pepper; stir to combine. Drain the potatoes and grate it, alternating between the potatoes and onion, either by hand or with a shredding disc in your food processor. Place the grated potato and onion mixture into a large piece of cheesecloth or a kitchen towel. Wrap it tightly and squeeze out as much juice as possible into a bowl. Let the juice sit for a bit so the potato starch settles to the bottom. Slowly pour the liquid out of the bowl (into the sink), leaving the potato starch in the bowl. Add the starch, grated potatoes and onions to the herb mixture and stir to incorporate. Heat oil in a skillet and fry 1/4 cup of batter at a time until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

NOTE: If you don’t have garbanzo flour, you can use matza meal or regular flour. If you don’t like cilantro, you can just double up on the parsley.

Harissa Tahini

1/2 cup tahini paste (stir thoroughly before using, as oil and solids tend to separate)
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp cumin
kosher salt, to taste
2 tsp Mina spicy harissa, or to taste

Method:

In a bowl, mix the tahini, water, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and harissa. Whisk until emulsified.


This post was sponsored by Mina. All opinions are my own. View Mina’s amazing assortment of harissa and shakshuka sauce here or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Related Recipes:

confetti latkes with harissa sour cream
harissa whipped feta with za’atar eggplant chips
cauliflower nachos with harissa cheddar sauce
falafel burgers

Post a Comment

Mexican Hot Chocolate Pecan Pie

It’s amazing how I’m becoming less and less into sweets. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love a good dessert. But sometimes I find the sugar so overly cloying. Like in pecan pie.

But with pecan pie being so traditional and all, I didn’t want to just cut it out of my life without at least trying. So try I did. And succeed, oh yes, I did!

Enter Mexican Hot Chocolate – the sweet and spicy rich chocolate drink with just the right amount of kick. I love how the bittersweet chocolate and chili balances out the sweetness in this pie. It totally works.

I’ve done this before with brownies, and it has become one of my most favorite recipes. My guests always ooh and ahh over my Duncan Hines fix, thinking I spent hours perfecting the best brownie recipe.

With pecan pie, it’s just the same. The filling is really fairly simple, and if you use a frozen pie crust like I did (insert-surprised-emoji-face-here), it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

This beauty is being gifted to Melinda of kitchen-tested for her pie bar tomorrow, which I will be lucky enough to be sampling from, after her crazy Thanksgiving feast! Sorry that I had to slice it open Mel!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for a play by play of Melinda’s incredible meal! Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, and happy pie eating too :)


Mexican Hot Chocolate Pecan Pie

3 large eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3.5 oz. dark chocolate (I used 72% cocoa)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp cocoa nibs, optional (I use these)
1 pie crust (thaw if frozen)
1 cup pecan halves

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler and set aside.

In a bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the corn syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt and stir to combine. Slowly add in the chocolate, mixing as you go, until completely incorporated. Stir in the cinnamon, cayenne and cocoa nibs.

Pour the filling into the pie crust and top with pecan halves (they will float). Bake for 50-60 minutes, until pie is set and jiggles just a little in the center. Cool completely, at least 4 hours, before serving.

Related Recipes:

Mexican hot chocolate brownies
pecan pie lace cookies

Post a Comment

The Silver Platter Review & Giveaway

My first impression of The Silver Platter cookbook was how big and beautiful it is, almost a coffee table book. Having formerly trained in graphic design, I always look at the layout first. And the pictures. Both are stellar. Beautiful, bright and colorful photos accompany each meticulously-written recipe. And the food doesn’t just look good, it looks inviting, and not intimidating in the least. I love the partnership of Daniella and Norene in this book. Daniella is a young mom looking to feed her kids easy and healthy dinners, while Norene brings her culinary expertise, offering sage advice for each recipe.

I think my favorite part about The Silver Platter is that all of the recipes can be made with basic pantry ingredients. Daniella managed to bring a variety of dishes that are packed with flavor using basic ingredients and no added junk. Her recipes are healthy, wholesome and family-friendly without being boring. Many are gluten free and allergy-friendly too. A nutritional index for each recipe is even included in the appendix.

The Silver Platter features recipes that are both basic enough for every day and innovative enough for the holidays. From appetizers, soups and salads, to fish, poultry, meat and dairy, as well as grain side dishes, vegetable side dishes, cookies, treats and cakes, they’ve got everything covered! I can’t wait to try the baby eggplant fans (genius!), crunchy corned beef strips, berry plum soup, snap pea salad with basil-mint dressing, broiled lemon fish, three-seeded schnitzel, basil chicken with sundried tomatoes, raspberry london broil, cheesy quinoa bites, panko-topped bok choy and edamame, fudgy pretzel brownies, white chocolate popcorn clusters, blueberry flan and heavenly halva cheesecake!

In honor of Thanksgiving, I’m sharing some festive recipes for apple cranberry couscous and sweet potato squash soup below, AND, I’m also giving away a copy of The Silver Platter! To enter, simply leave a comment below about your favorite Thanksgiving dish. For an extra entry, follow Busy In Brooklyn via any of the channels below. Just be sure to leave a note in the comment letting me know where you follow.

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents (for international entries, prize can only be shipped in the U.S.). Winner will be chosen at random at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, November 24th, 2015.

Apple Cranberry Couscous
Recipe from The Silver Platter by Daniella Silver with Norene Gilletz
Reprinted with permission from the copyright holders: ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications
http://www.artscroll.com/silver

1 1/2 cups (about 1 8.8 oz pkg) Israeli Couscous (see Norenes notes below)
1/2 green apple, julienned (do not peel)
1/2 red apple, julienned (do not peel)
1 tbsp lemon juice (preferably fresh)
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup candied almonds or pecans, optional
Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
1 tsp kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Cook couscous according to package directions. Fluff with a fork; let cool.
In a serving bowl, toss apples with lemon juice. Add couscous and cranberries.
Dressing: Combine ingredients for dressing in a glass jar; seal tightly, and shake well.
Add dressing to couscous mixture and mix well. Top with almonds, if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Norene’s Notes:
To make this dish gluten-free, use brown rice couscous, quinoa, kasha, or a rice blend; cook according to package directions.
Israeli couscous is actually toasted pasta and originated in Israel. It is also known as pearl couscous or maftoul.

Sweet Potato & Squash Soup
Recipe from The Silver Platter by Daniella Silver with Norene Gilletz
Reprinted with permission from the copyright holders: ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications
http://www.artscroll.com/silver

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 butternut squash (about 3 lb/1.4 kg), peeled and cut into chunks (see Norene’s Notes below)
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
3 tbsp honey
2 tsp kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
6 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
additional thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions:
Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, saute for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in squash, sweet potatoes, honey, salt , pepper and water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
Add thyme. Remove soup from heat. Cool slightly.
Using an immersion blender, process soup until smooth. If soup is too thick, add a little water or broth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with thyme.

Norenes Notes:
To cut squash into chunks easily, try this easy trick. Slash squash in several places with a sharp knife. Microwave for 5 minutes on high (or bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes) Cool slightly. Cut squash into two pieces at the neck. Cut the round bottom part in half. Using a large spoon, scoop out and discard seeds and stringy fiber. Peel squash with a vegetable peeler. Cut in chunks.

Post a Comment