Lavender Flower Honey Cupcakes with Orange Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

November 7th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Dessert - (0 Comments)

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I have always wanted to experiment baking with lavender buds and since purple is my favorite color i decided to finally give it a go!

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 Cups White Whole Wheat Flour (I use Trader Joe’s brand)
1 Cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour

1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 Cups Organic Clover Honey
1 Cup Trader Joes Cultured Cashew Beverage or Buttermilk
1/2 Cup Avocado Oil
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
3 Large Eggs
2 Tbsp Whole Fresh Edible French Lavender Flowers

2 tsp plant based red food color

2 tsp plant based Blue food color

Orange Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting:
8 oz Mascarpone
1/8 Cup Organic Clover Honey
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Fresh Squeezed Orange
1/2 Tbsp Orange Zest

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 325F. Line 2 cupcake pans with 23 liners. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl. Cream the honey, buttermilk, applesauce, food coloring and oil until they are immersed together, about 5 min. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add each egg one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Turn mixer on low and add the flour mixture 3/4 cup at a time. Slowly add the lavender flowers to create a smooth batter.

Fill the liners 3/4 full with the batter and bake about 30 min. Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting.

For the frosting. Blend the mascarpone, honey and vanilla by hand, until the
cream is smooth and incorporated. Add the juice and zest. Mix for 15 seconds. Put the cream into
a piping bag with a star tip and frost cupcakes.

Serving Size 1 cupcake with frosting.

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

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Vanilla Cupcakes for 2

September 16th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Dessert - (0 Comments)

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**This recipe has been adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

INGREDIENTS:
1 Egg White
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 Tbsp Unsweetened Vanilla Ripple Milk
1/4 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Powder

DIRECTIONS:
Heat Oven to 350F. Line a cupcake pan with 2 liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg white and sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla, melted butter, and milk. Add flour and baking powder. Mix everything together just until combined. Divide the batter between 2 cupcake liners and bake for 10-12 min. Cool completely before topping it with your frosting of choice. I used my leftover almond cream cheese frosting from the carrot cake that I baked. Calories per serving excludes frosting.

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

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Lemon Garlic Whole Roasted Chicken

September 16th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Lunch/Dinner | Thanksgiving - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:
1 (5-6 lb) Roasting Chicken
Kosher Salt
2 Tbsp dried Thyme
1 Lemon, halved
8 garlic cloves smashed
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Sweet Paprika
1 Tbsp Ground Turmeric
Finely Ground Black Pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 425F. Trim any visible fat and pin feathers. Pat the outside dry with a paper towel. Salt the cavity and exterior of the chicken. Throw in the smashed garlic inside the cavity. Season cavity with 1-1/2 tsp of thyme. Squeeze the lemon inside and throw in both halves. Rub mayo on the breast only. This will make the breast roast a nice golden color. Season with paprika, remaining thyme, turmeric and pepper. Place chicken onto a roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour. Take foil off and roast an additional 20 min or until food thermometer registers 165F in thigh.

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

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Chicken Marsala

September 4th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Italian Cuisine | Lunch/Dinner - (0 Comments)

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Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1/2 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tbsp Paprika
1-1/2 tsp Ground Turmeric
1/4 tsp Finely Ground Black Pepper
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1-1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp Dried Oregano
2 tsp Dried Thyme

2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
2 Tbsp olive oil or Avocado Oil
3 Tbsp Vegan Butter
3 Cups sliced Mushroom Caps (cremini, shitake, baby bella)
3/4 Cup Marsala Wine
1 Cup Chicken Stock
Chopped Chives for Garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Butterfly chicken breast halves and pound thin. Cutting each Butterfly down the center to give you 2 thin chicken breasts.
In a shallow bowl or plate combine the flour and all seasoning spices and stir to combine thoroughly. Quickly dredge the chicken breast halves in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking to remove any excess flour.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of the margarine and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Add another Tbsp of the margarine to the pan and add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are golden brown around the edges and have given off their liquid. Add the Marsala wine and bring to a boil, scraping to remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. When the wine has reduced by half, add the chicken stock and cook for 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Lower the heat to medium and return the chicken breasts to the pan and continue to cook until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Swirl in the remaining Tbsp of margarine. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with your favorite side. Enjoy!

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

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Egg and Dairy Free Fluffy Pancakes

September 1st, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Breakfast/Brunch - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup Unsweetened plant based milk
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil melted

DIRECTIONS:
Combine dry ingredients. Add Almond milk and vanilla. Whisk just until combined. Be careful not to over mix.
The batter should be slightly lumpy. Set aside to rest. In the meantime melt the coconut oil and then add it to the batter. Stir. Use an ice cream scoop to drop scoopfuls of batter on to hot griddle. Flip when you see bubbles forming. Enjoy!

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

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Almond Crusted Oven Fried Chicken

September 1st, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Lunch/Dinner | Thanksgiving - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:
Cooking Spray
1/2 Cup Almond Meal/Flour
1/4 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour
1-1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground turmeric powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
1-1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Large Egg Whites or 2 Eggs
6 skinless drumsticks or 1 lb. Chicken Tenders

DIRECTIONS:
Using a grill rack over a baking sheet spray rack with cooking spray set aside. Meanwhile in a food processor combine all dry ingredient and process on high while pouring in the olive oil until incorporated completely. Pour into shallow dish. In a separate bowl beat egg whites. Dredge tenders or drums first into the whites and then press them firmly into the almond mixture covering all sides. Place them on the grill rack. For tenders, bake at 450°F for 20 min. For Drums, bake at 425°F for 40 min. Enjoy!

NUTRITION ANALYSIS:

For Tenders:

Serving Size: About 3oz.( 2 or 3 pieces depending on size)
Calories: 184
Carbohydrate: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 26g

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Rating: 4.8/5 (4 votes cast)

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Whole Wheat Vegetable Lasagna

August 2nd, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Italian Cuisine | Lunch/Dinner - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 Box Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
  • 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
  • 1 whole Medium Onion
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 24 ounces, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Chopped
  • 2 small Zucchini, Diced
  • 1 large Eggplant unpeeled, diced in chunks
  • 1 can (28 Ounce) No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can (8oz) No Salt Added Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup White Cooking Wine
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 containers (15 ounces each) Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 whole Eggs
  • 1 box (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water pressed out
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 pound Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper with cooking spray in between layers to prevent sticking.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or 4 quart dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for a minute. Add diced red peppers and saute for another minute or so. Add squash and mushrooms and cook for a few minutes. Add eggplant and cook an additional 3 min. Pour in wine, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and stir.

Pour in tomatoes and sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 20 minutes or so. Stir in chopped parsley.

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and pepper.

To assemble, spread a little of the vegetable/tomato sauce in a lasagna pan. Layer four cooked noodles in the pan, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on the noodles. Top the ricotta mixture with mozzarella slices. Spoon a little less than 1/3 of the veggie/sauce mixture over the mozzarella.

Repeat the layering two more times, ending with a large helping of vegetable sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan.

Bake at 350 degrees, covered in foil, for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Serves 12.

Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe
  12 Servings
Amount Per Serving
  Calories 381.7
  Total Fat 15.4 g
  Saturated Fat 8.0 g
  Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8 g
  Monounsaturated Fat 5.4 g
  Cholesterol 60.4 mg
  Sodium 466.9 mg
  Potassium 395.3 mg
  Total Carbohydrate 38.6 g
  Dietary Fiber 8.5 g
  Sugars 5.5 g
  Protein 26.0 g
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Rating: 5.0/5 (3 votes cast)

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Baked Turkey Baxsh (Traditional Bucharian Cilantro Pilaf)

July 28th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Lunch/Dinner | Russian/Bukharian Cuisine - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:
1/2 Cup Brown or regular parboiled Rice, washed* (see note)

1 -1/2 Cups White Medium Grain Rice, washed (I use Kokuho yellow)
1 Large Sweet Onion chopped
5 Bunches Cilantro, washed, dry asmuch liquid as possible on paper towel or salad spinner (chop 4 bunches finely and process 1 bunch in food processor to extract the chlorophyll for a more green pilaf)
1 Boneless, Skinless Turkey Thigh trimmed of all visible fat & chopped to 1/4″ cubes (or you may use any protein you like)

1/3 Cup Avocado Oil
1/2 Cup Homemade Chicken Stock or water (omit completely if baking with a whole chicken)
Salt & Pepper to taste
1- 9×13 Foil Pan lined with parchment paper
Cooking Spray

*Note: you may use 1 cup brown parboiled rice and 1 cup white rice just add another quarter cup of water of stock.

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350F. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Grease pan with cooking spray. Pour your mixture into foil pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2 hours mixing the Baxsh well with a wooden spatula every 30 min. If you see that the rice is too dry after the first hour you may add more water or stock.

Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups

***Nutrition Analysis is based on usage of chicken stock.

Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe
  12 Servings
Amount Per Serving
  Calories 103.7
  Total Fat 5.5 g
  Saturated Fat 0.7 g
  Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6 g
  Monounsaturated Fat 3.6 g
  Cholesterol 0.0 mg
  Sodium 213.1 mg
  Potassium 144.3 mg
  Total Carbohydrate 11.3 g
  Dietary Fiber 1.7 g
  Sugars 0.8 g
  Protein 3.5 g
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Rating: 4.2/5 (6 votes cast)

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Honey BBQ Roasted Turkey Drumsticks

July 4th, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Lunch/Dinner | Recipes - (0 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:
3 Turkey Drumsticks
1/4 cup Honey
3 Tbsp All Natural BBQ sauce
1 Tbsp Ground Turmeric
1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Spice
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cardamom
Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 400F. Grease 13×9 Foil Pan with cooking spray. Season turkey drumsticks with all dry spices. Using a bbq brush, slather on the sauce. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour. Turn oven to 375F. Slather on the honey and continue roasting uncovered for an additional 20 min. Enjoy! 🙂 Happy Roasting!

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

Cremini Stuffed Chicken Rollatini

July 3rd, 2014 | Posted by Milana in Italian Cuisine | Lunch/Dinner - (1 Comments)

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INGREDIENTS:
6 Chicken Breasts, butterflied and pounded flat
2 Boxes Cremini Mushrooms (stems removed, cleaned and sliced)
1 Large Sweet Onion Chopped
10 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 tsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped or 1 tsp dried
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Grapeseed Or Avocado Oil
4 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
Kitchen Twine

DIRECTIONS:
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 min and add the onions. Cook mixture until onions are soft, another 3 min or so. Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until the herbs and garlic are fragrant, about a min. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a little while. Heat oven to 350F.

Meanwhile prepare the chicken breasts by butterflying, and pounding.

On your cutting board, place 2 pieces of kitchen twine down vertically. Place the prepared chicken breast on top of the kitchen twine so that there is a piece of twine at either end of the chicken breast ( the longest side of the chicken should be perpendicular to the kitchen twine). Spread some mustard evenly on the chicken breast then layer with mushroom stuffing mixture. Roll from left to right and secure with the twine. Trim the ends. Place rolls on a greased baking sheet. Spray rolls with cooking spray and sprinkle with Mrs. dash Chicken Spice and paprika. Bake for 30 min or until a meat thermometer registers 180F in the center. Remove from oven and cover with foil for 10 min. Snip off the twine before slicing. Guiltless Eating! 🙂

Nutrition Facts

User Entered Recipe

  6 Servings
Amount Per Serving
  Calories 197.6
  Total Fat 7.2 g
  Saturated Fat 1.1 g
  Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
  Monounsaturated Fat 3.5 g
  Cholesterol 35.0 mg
  Sodium 972.5 mg
  Potassium 62.4 mg
  Total Carbohydrate 14.9 g
  Dietary Fiber 0.7 g
  Sugars 0.0 g
  Protein 15.6 g
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Rating: 5.0/5 (3 votes cast)

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