Category Archives: Recipes

Study Break “Surprise” Cookies

Photo of Ingredients for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup room temp. butter, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking sofa, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 20 Hershey’s Kisses

I am now off from school until January 2nd and cannot wait to cook everyday! My brother, Ross, still has his economics and calculus exams before finishing his first term at Brown. He is a rather TIMOROUS baker and has always left that job to me. To give him a little study break, I whipped him up some peanut butter cookies with a little surprise that I will deliver to him tonight! He has been staying up late to study, so I’m hoping these sugary treats will help keep him from succumbing to a SOMNIFEROUS state. This recipe is like any other peanut butter cookie, but I add a Hershey’s Kiss to each one for some extra sweetness. Enjoy!

Photo of creamed peanut butter and unsalted butter for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Cream together the peanut butter and unsalted butter.

Photo of sugar for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Gradually add in the sugar and mix using an electric mixer.

Photo of brown sugar for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Next, add in the brown sugar and mix until fluffy.

Photo of egg, milk and vanilla for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Mix in the egg, milk and vanilla extract. Beat well.

Photo of cookie batter for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

At this point, you will need to restrain yourself from eating the raw batter!

Photo of flour, baking soda and salt for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Combine the batter with the flour, baking soda and salt.

Photo of cookie batter for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Mix until the ingredients are well combined.

Photo of cookies for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Roll the batter into about 1 1/2 inch balls. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over them and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Photo of Surprise Cookies for blog post, "Study Break Surprise COokies," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Once the cookies are done baking, immediately place one Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

These might just be my favorite cookies, and I’m even considering memorizing the recipe VERBATIM… and I do not do that very often! They are also so versatile, and if you prefer to do a chocolate, vanilla or molasses batter, the Hershey’s Kiss will still serve as a surprising treat. Also, please excuse my dark pictures; the weather has been very gloomy in Newport today!

Happy Studying,

Charis

  • TIMOROUS = nervous, fearing
  • SOMNIFEROUS = tending to induce sleep
  • VERBATIM = word-for-word

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo of thanksgiving turkey for blogpost, "Happy Thanksgiving," by author of "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T," Charis Freiman-Mendel.

What did you cook for Thanksgiving?

I hope all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving! My dad and second cousin, Bill, are in charge of the turkey, which they decided to roast with bacon. This year, my dad ABDICATED his position as side dish-chef, and now I am helping them by making a CORNUCOPIA of sides, including, roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans with red peppers and mashed potatoes. After dinner, we are heading over to a friend’s house for a dessert party. I love the traditional pecan and sweet potato pies, but this year, I decided to make a blueberry pie to ACCOMPANY home-made brownies. I know blueberries are not very seasonal, but every summer, I freeze freshly-picked berries for moments like this. Please stay tuned for a guest blog by one of my best friends, Sofia!

Happy festivities,

Charis

  • ABDICATE = to give up (position)
  • CORNUCOPIA = an abundant supply
  • ACCOMPANY =  provide something to complement

Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad

Photo of hurricane sandy for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Sunrise after Sandy! The calm after the storm wasn’t so calm.

Ina Garten is one of my favorite chefs, and I truly admire her ability to create festive dishes that are perfectly appropriate for all four seasons. A few years ago, on an episode of Barefoot Contessa, Garten featured a butternut squash and arugula salad, dressed with a sweet reduction of apple cider and shallots. I RETAINED the recipe in my mental cookbook, for future reference. Last night, while preparing for the ZEPHYR winds to turn into high-speed GUSTS, I made this recipe for my family, and they loved it! You will too.

Photo of ingredients for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 1.5 lb butternut squash, olive oil, 1tbsp pure maple syrup, salt and pepper, 3 tbsp dried cranberries, 3/4 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp minced shallots, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 4 ounces clean baby arugula, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Photo of butternut squash for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Peel and scoop the seeds out of the butternut squash. Cut it into 3/4″ chunks.

Photo of roasted butternut squash for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Toss the butternut squash with 2 tbsp olive oil, the maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place in a 400ºF oven for about 15 minutes.

Photo of butternut squash and cranberries for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Remove the squash from the oven and place the cranberries on top. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cranberries have plumped.

Photo of shallots for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

While the squash is roasting, mince the shallots.

Photo of apple cider vinegar dressing for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar and shallots. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the mixture reduces to about 1/4 cup.

Photo of apple cider vinegar dressing for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Remove the dressing from the flame, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in the Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup olive oil.

Photo of butternut squash and arugula salad for blog post, "Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Place the arugula in a large bowl and top it with the squash, Parmesan cheese and the dressing.

Stay tuned for a guest blog by my friend, Sofia, in a few weeks!

Happy Fall,

Charis

  • RETAIN= to keep
  • ZEPHYR = a gentle breeze
  • GUST = a short blast of wind

Dips and Spreads: Fig and Olive Tapenade

Photo of fig and olive tapenade for blog post, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Fig and olive tapenade is a perfect spread on baguette and a dip for crackers.

Choate has been a pressure cooker this year, so to decompress, I’m spending the weekend at home with one of my best friends. How serendipitous that her mom is part Turkish and knows some wonderful Middle Eastern recipes! For dinner last night, she made a bounteous spread of koftes (similar to meatballs,) basmati rice (tasted like no rice I’ve ever had before,) and a feta cheese and mesculin green salad. The dinner reminded me of a great Mediterranean recipe I have for fig and olive tapenade,  featured in “Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T.” Try it… you’ll like it!

Photo of Fig and Olive tapenade ingredients for blogpost, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried figs, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Photo of dried figs for blog post, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add the figs into a food processor.

Photo of olives for blog post, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Next add in the olives.

Photo of olive oil for blog post, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add the olive oil, 1/4 cup at a time, and pulse the ingredients together. Salt and pepper to taste.

Photo of fig and olive tapenade for blog post, "Dips and Spreads: fig and olive," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Fig and olive tapenade requires only a few ingredients to make for a great dip and spread.

Happy fall,

Charis

  • decompress = relax
  • serendipitous = fortunate and accidental
  • bounteous = abundant

 

Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars

Photo of Newport RI sunset for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

I’ll miss those summer sunsets but I’m so ready for fall!

The transition from a LEISURELY summer into a hard-working school year can be ONEROUS, but I find it can be made easier with the help of some sweet treats. I am a big fan of cooking gourmet food, but every once in a while, I HONE my inner kid and whip up brownies or chocolate chip cookies or in this case, marshmallow cereal bars (Rice Krispies Treats), which instantly bring me back to my childhood. This recipe requires only three ingredients and takes about ten minutes to prepare. If you live in a dorm like me, you know that bringing these to class will be a huge hit. Enjoy!

Photo of marshmallow cereal bars recipe for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 4 tbsp butter, 4 cups miniature marshmallows, 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Photo of melted butter for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.

Photo of mini marshmallows for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add the marshmallows into the pot and stir until melted.

Photo of melted marshmallows for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Photo of marshmallow cereal mixture for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Remove the marshmallow and butter mixture from the heat and add in the cereal. Stir.

Photo of marshmallow cereal bars mixture for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Place the mixture in a greased 9×13″ pan.

Photo of marshmallow cereal bars for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Smooth the marshmallow cereal bars into the prepared pan. Cool completely before serving.

Photo of marshmallow cereal bars for blog post, "Goodbye Summer, Hello School: Marshmallow Cereal Bars," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Voila! Marshmallow cereal bars are one of my favorite childhood treats.

Happy School Year,

Charis

  • LEISURE = time for enjoyment, relaxed time
  • ONEROUS = an effort-requiring duty
  • HONE = sharpen

Dips And Spreads: Lima Bean And Cilantro

Photo of Lima bean and cilantro dip ingredients: www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Dips And Spreads: Lima Bean and Cilantro," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 32 oz can large lima beans, drained, 1/2 cup olive oil, 7 turns in a pepper mill, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves

It’s a well known fact in my family that my mother cannot cook to save her life. In my fifteen years of knowing her, I only have two, very grim memories of consuming her “creations,” both of which involve eggs-gone-wrong. It will only be in times of great despair that I wish to eat what she cooks. I love you mom, but you can’t cook.

This summer, my parents opened up a bed and breakfast, “Cliff Walk Cottage on The Sea,” and I have been working on some recipes which can be served as pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres. I have a recipe for a “Lima Bean and Cilantro Salad” in my book, “Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T.,” that can easily be turned into a dip. This recipe only calls for measuring, counting, and opening some cans. It’s so simple, even my mom might be able to master it. Just kidding.

As Ina Garten would say, “How easy is that?”

Photo of Lima bean and cilantro dip: www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Dips And Spreads: Lima Bean and Cilantro," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Place all of the ingredients into a food processor.

Photo of Lima bean and cilantro dip: www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Dips And Spreads: Lima Bean and Cilantro," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Pulse together until combined. Spread onto warm baguette and serve.

Photo of Hors d'oeuvres at Cliffwalk Cottage On The Sea: www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Dips And Spreads: Lima Bean and Cilantro," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Lima bean and cilantro dip served at Cliffwalk Cottage On The Sea.

Happy Cooking,

Charis

Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH

Photo of Charis Freiman-Mendel and Teresa LaBarbera for blog post, "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Teresa LaBarbera welcomed me to her show, “In The Kitchen,” on WTNH Channel 8.

One of my favorite parts (beside the cooking, of course) of writing and publishing Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. has been promoting the book through radio, magazine and television interviews. WTNH Channel 8 recently invited me back to film a “back-to-school” segment on their show, Connecticut Style. I made Cacio E Pepe, my favorite comfort food dish that is both easy to prepare and delicious, something that I think is very fitting for students and parents. Kids are stressed out about returning to school (speaking from personal experience) and busy parents are stressed out about not having enough time for anything (my mom can attest.) Cacio E Pepe is a guaranteed stress-reducing recipe, win-win for everyone.

This was my third time on Connecticut Style and possibly the best experience I have had yet. I felt the most comfortable and relaxed and hope I can go back on the show again. For my Connecticut followers, please tune in to watch my segment on Channel 8 at 12:30 pm tomorrow! For everyone else, the episode will be online at 1:30pm, so Google away!

Photo of WTNH channel 8 Back to school segment "In The Kitchen": www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

The day started off bright and early (6 am) for my cooking segment on WTNH channel 8.

Photo of WTNH channel 8 Back to school segment "In The Kitchen": www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

The “Back to School” segment on WTNH was my third cooking segment on “In The Kitchen.” I hope there are many more to come!

Photo of WTNH channel 8 Back to school segment "In The Kitchen": www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Behind the scenes, my mom had fun snapping pictures of me and my host, Teresa LaBarbera, making Cacio E Pepe!

Photo of WTNH channel 8 Back to school segment "In The Kitchen": www.SATgourmet.com for blog post, "Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T. on WTNH," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Tune in to watch me tomorrow at 12:30 pm on WTNH Channel 8.

Happy Cooking,

Charis

 

Recipe: Cacio E Pepe

Photo of Italian Feast for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

A typical Italian Summer feast: baked bread, olive oil, caprese salad, Cacio E Pepe and Rosé wine. How do you say “yum” in Italian?

Cacio E Pepe, which literally translates to “cheese and pepper” is a pasta dish ADORNED with just that. Cacio E Pepe celebrates the beauty of starchy pasta water, which, in combination with grated Parmesan cheese, creates a creamy sauce. COPIOUS amounts of freshly ground black pepper are added and voila! To keep with the RUSTIC edge of this recipe, I like to serve Cacio E Pepe in the pot in which it was cooked immediately after being prepared.

Photo of cacio e pepe ingredients for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

The Fab Five: 1lb spaghetti, 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, 50 turns in a pepper mill, 1 tbsp salt, 1 pint pasta water (taken straight from the pot after the pasta is cooked)

Photo of grated parmesan for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

While the pasta is cooking according to package instructions, grate the Parmesan cheese.

Photo of pasta water for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

After the pasta is finished cooking, save 1 pint of the water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and place it back into the pot.

Photo of parmesan cheese for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese.

Photo of freshly ground black pepper for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add in the freshly ground black pepper.

Photo of pasta water for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Pour in the pasta water and stir the entire mixture together.

Photo of cacio e pepe for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

You’re done! Eat up!

Photo of cacio e pepe for blog post, "Recipe: Cacio E Pepe," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Up close and personal with Cacio E Pepe.

Buon Appetito,

Charis

  • ADORN = decorate
  • RUSTIC = typical of the countryside,
  • COPIOUS = large amounts

 

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Photo of quinoa for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

This recipe celebrates the earthy flavors of quinoa, one of my favorite ARTISANAL grains.

It’s not often that I find myself at a loss for what to cook, but when I do, I try to utilize what I have in my herb garden and pantry to create a STELLAR dish. Two days ago, I was having one of those moments  and needed some inspiration. With a little research, a look through the shelves in my kitchen, a glance at the herbs in my garden and some imagination, I came up with a fantastic  and tasty recipe for quinoa stuffed peppers that isn’t as OUTLANDISH and bizarre as it sounds!

Photo of quinoa stuffed peppers ingredients for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 4 cups cooked quinoa, 4 bell peppers (chop the tops off, remove the membranes and seeds,) 1 small red onion diced, 2 carrots peeled and diced, 3 stalks celery diced, 5 white mushrooms diced, 2/3 cup black beans, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 cup tomato sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Photo of vegetables for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Dice the onion, mushrooms, celery stalks and carrots.

Photo of diced vegetables for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

A classic mirepoix plus mushrooms.

Photo of cooked vegetables for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Cook the vegetables in a large pot on medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes or until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Place the cooked vegetables into a large bowl.

Photo of quinoa for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add in the quinoa.

Photo of parsley for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

And the parsley.

Photo of black beans for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Next add in the black beans.

Photo of tomato sauce for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

And the tomato sauce for moistness.

Photo of quinoa mixture for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Stir together all of the ingredients. The mixture is good on its own but is even better inside the peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Photo of prepared peppers for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Place the peppers into a baking dish and lightly drizzle with olive oil. For this recipe I used orange peppers but green bell peppers are my favorite.

Photo of quinoa stuffed peppers for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Stuff the quinoa mixture into the peppers, wrap the top of the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350ºF for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for another 15 minutes.

Photo of cheese for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on the peppers and broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Photo of quinoa stuffed pepper for blog post, "Quinoa Stuffed Peppers," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Remove from the oven and dig in! Who said healthy and delicious can’t be used in the same sentence?

Enjoy,

Charis

  • ARTISANAL = products made by workers in a skilled trade, especially making things by hand
  • STELLAR = exceptional
  • OUTLANDISH = unfamiliar, weird

 

Recipe: Sweet Cornbread

Photo of Cornbread for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Sweet cornbread is an ODE to Summer.

I have made it one of my new goals to create a COMPILATION of simple, traditional, no-fuss, homemade recipes to which I can always refer back. Sweet cornbread was the first side dish I AGONIZED over, (I’m a self-confessed perfectionist and some recipes just don’t come easily) and I’m proud to report back that I’ve come up with a successful outcome. I think you’ll love this one.

Photo of Sweet cornbread ingredients for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup tightly packed light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsps salt, 3 tsps baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup half-and-half, 6 tbsps melted sweet cream butter.

Photo of preheated oven for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF.

Photo of flour for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl.

Photo of cornmeal for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Add the cornmeal.

Photo of white sugar for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Then the white sugar.

Photo of brown and white sugar for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

And the brown sugar for a smoky sweetness!

Photo of salt for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Next the salt goes in.

Photo of baking powder for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Baking powder for leavening.

Photo of dry ingredients for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

And mix, mix, mix the dry ingredients until they are all combined.

Photo of milk, egg and half-and-half for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Pour in the milk, egg and half-and-half. Don’t stir just yet.

Photo of butter for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Then pour in the melted butter. Almost done, I promise.

Photo of sweet cornbread mixture for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Mix everything until just combined. Then put down the whisk and walk away for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken up a bit.

Photo of completed cornbread for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Place the mixture into a sprayed, 9″ round cake pan, bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done and cooled for 10 minutes, transfer the cornbread onto a serving dish.

Photo of sweet cornbread wedge for blog post, "Recipe: Sweet Cornbread," on www.SATgourmet.com, by author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T., Charis Freiman-Mendel.

Cut the warm bread into wedges and serve with a generous pad of warm butter. Yum.

Happy Summer,

Charis

  • ODE = a lyrical poem
  • COMPILATION = an assembled collection of things
  • AGONIZE =  undergo mental anguish