1.15.2017

Sesame-Pistachio Napoleons



We were picked to enter the Simply Sesame Blogger Recipe Challenge and we are excited to share our recipe entry with you. But first, a little bit about Simply Sesame - these are all-natural creamy sesame spreads that are perfect for spreading, dipping, spooning or frosting. They have the texture of peanut butter and a hint of pure cane sugar for a sweet balance to the rich, nutty sesame taste. 

Right now, there are three varieties, but the flavor we chose to play with is the one with pistachio morsels and a hint of cardamom. It reminded us a lot of Middle Eastern cuisine, and so we decided to do a play on baklava and made Sesame-Pistachio Napoleons.



With baked puff pastry as our base, we folded the sesame spread into some freshly whipped cream. After assembling our napoleons, we garnished them with additional chopped pistachios and some confectioners' sugar. Voila! Simple, elegant, and delicious!

Sesame-Pistachio Napoleons
Makes 6

Ingredients:

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package of frozen puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup Simply Sesame Pistachio
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
6 whole pistachio nuts
confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold thawed pastry sheet. Cut into three strips, then cut each strip into 4 rectangles. Place the 12 rectangles on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Split each pastry into two layers, making 24 in all. Set aside 6 top pastry layers.

Whip cream in a large bowl until thick. Fold in the Simply Sesame Pistachio spread. Using a spatula, top 6 bottom pastry layers with cream. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and top with another pastry layer. Repeat this process twice, then top with the final pastry layer. You should have 6 Napoleons of 4 layers each. Garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream and a whole pistachio, then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.



You can find out more about Simply Sesame spreads on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and you can order them through their website.




1.14.2017

Go Local Magazine - January 2017 Issue



So we're two weeks late, but Happy New Year! This month's issue of Go Local Magazine is out and has a bunch of inspiring stories and new features to ring in 2017.

For one of this month's stories, Amy had the honor of interviewing some Ellington High School students who have trained to be EMRs and EMTs through the unique Ellington Rescue Post 512. For those whose resolutions include improving their bodies and spirits, there's a feature on SWEAT Power Yoga in East Longmeadow. More inspiration comes from a feature on DopaFit, fitness classes specifically tailored toward people with Parkinson's disease. And you can learn more about New England's iconic stone walls from Somers resident Charles Crary, owner of True North Stoneworks.

This month's "Go Eat" recipe for Sweet Potato Chipotle Bisque comes from our friend, local personal chef and caterer Lise Jaeger, who teaches cooking classes in various spots in CT. Fat-free and full of flavor, it's a nutritious choice for the new year.

There's even more to read about in the January Go Local, so read it here now or get your copy at any one of these Go Local businesses and advertisers!



Happy 2017!

1.07.2017

Bloody B.L.T.



Farewell, 2016. You were not the best year, that is for sure, and we're not sorry to see you go. We welcome 2017 a week after the fact on a snowy Saturday meant for brunch and cocktails. In fact, a few weeks ago, we registered to take part in the Stirrings "Stir It Up Holiday Blogger Mixology Challenge" and after some experimentation, we think we've finalized our entry.

We hereby give you The Bloody B.L.T. - the cocktail version of the simple yet perfect bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. It's made with Stirrings Bloody Mary Mix and bacon-infused vodka but everyone knows the best part of a Bloody Mary is the garnish. This one has grilled romaine lettuce and a perfectly crisp rasher of bacon along with some chopped bacon bits on the rim. Indulgent, yes, but just what the New Year ordered. CHEERS!

Bloody B.L.T.
makes one cocktail

Ingredients:

8 ounces Stirrings Simple Bloody Mary Cocktail Mix
2 ounces bacon-infused vodka
1 slice cooked bacon
1 leaf romaine lettuce, preferably grilled
1 wedge lemon or lime
bacon bits for the glass rim

Pour some bacon bits onto a small plate. Use the lemon or lime to moisten the rim of a glass, then press the rim of the glass into the bacon bits. Fill the glass with ice, then add the vodka and cocktail mix; stir to combine. Garnish with lettuce and bacon.




You can get more information on Stirrings cocktail Mixers on their social media including their Facebook page, Twitter @stirringsmixers, Instagram @stirrings and Pinterest page. Stirrings Cocktail Mixers are available locally at Total Wine and More, Stew Leonard's, and M&R Wine and Spirits. #STIRRINGSMIXOLOGYCONTEST