Amazing Foodscapes Art : Landscapes Created with Eatables by Carl Warner (19 pics)

Amazing Foodscapes Art : Landscapes Created with Eatables by Carl Warner (19 pics)

Chocolate Bake

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup All-purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoons Salt
• 7 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder, Divided
• 1-¼ cup Sugar, Divided
• ½ cups Milk
• ⅓ cups Melted Butter
• 1-½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ cups Light Brown Sugar, Packed
• 1-½ cup Hot Tap Water

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

First stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, 3 tablespoons of the cocoa, and 3/4 cup of the white sugar. Reserve the remaining cocoa and sugar.

Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla to the flour mixture. Mix until smooth.

Pour the mixture into an ungreased 8-inch baking dish.

In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining white sugar (it should be 1/2 cup), the brown sugar, and remaining 4 tablespoons of cocoa. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Pour the hot tap water over all. DO NOT STIR!

Bake for about 40 minutes or until the centre is set.

Serve with lashings of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Pots

 

INGREDIENTS

1  14 ounce can of full fat coconut milk
5 ounces dark chocolate

2 Tbsp agave nectar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg

 

METHOD

- Break the chocolate up into pieces, put it into a food processor along with the agave nectar, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon .

- Bring the coconut milk up to a simmer on the stove, and then pour it over the ingredients in the food processor

- Blend everything together until smooth and creamy, pour into ramekins and chill for about 5 hours until firm and creamy.

Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Pasta with Sardines

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tsp saffron strands (approx)
2 oz (50 g) fennel bulb
400 g fresh sardines (approx)
100 g onion
2 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
3 tbsp concentrated tomato puree (paste)
100 g pine kernels
1/3 cup (70 g) seedless raisins
450 g spaghetti, tagliatelli or fettuccini
salt and pepper
2 tbsp Marsala

METHOD

1. Soak the saffron in 1 tsp of water.
2. Blanch the fennel, drain, and separate the fleshy layers. Chop them finely.
3. Cut the fish into 2cm pieces.
4. Skin and chop the onion.
5. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, and sauté the onion gently for 2-3 minutes until tender.
6. Add the fish, tomato puree, pine kernels, raisins, the saffron water, and fennel. Mix well and draw off the heat.
7. Cook the pasta in fast boiling salted water until just soft. Drain and keep hot.
8. Return the pan of fish to the heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Season well.
9. Add the stock if the mixture seems too dry to coat the pasta, then add the Marsala. Simmer for a further 2-3 minutes.
10. Place the pasta on a heated serving dish, pour the sardine mixture over it, and toss well.

SALMON & BLUEBERRY

Ingredients

• 
  1 tablespoon olive oil plus additional for brushing
• 3/4 cup sliced shallots
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse  salt plus additional for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme plus additional for seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice plus additional for seasoning
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 7-ounce salmon steaks or fillets with skin (each about 3/4 inch thick)
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint, divided

Method

 

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon allspice. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add blueberries, 1/4 cup water, and vinegar. Stir to blend. Mash berries with potato masher or back of fork and cook until sauce thickens, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat. Let stand at room temperature. Re warm before using.

Brush grill rack with oil. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush salmon on both sides with oil; sprinkle with coarse salt, thyme, allspice, and black pepper.

Grill salmon until just opaque in centre, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Stir 2 tablespoons sliced mint into warm blueberry sauce. Spoon sauce over salmon and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon mint. Serve immediately.

Blueberry Bake

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cups fresh blueberries

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. To Make Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix well then stir in buttermilk just until all ingredients are moistened and dough forms a ball. Set aside.
3. To Make Berry Filling: In a large saucepan combine honey, 1 tablespoon sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth, then add berries. Simmer over medium heat, stirring gently, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Spoon berry mixture into an 8x11 inch nonstick casserole dish.
4. Drop biscuit dough onto berry mixture by tablespoonfuls.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until biscuits are lightly browned.

Mint & Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients

• 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 4-5 sticks of celery, trimmed and finely chopped
• 600g/1lb 6oz arboreal rice
• 250ml/9fl oz vermouth

• 2 bunches of asparagus, woody ends removed and discarded
• 700ml/1¼ pints hot vegetable stock
• 100g/3½oz butter
• 1-2 handfuls of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• a bunch of fresh mint, leaves picked and finely chopped
• zest and juice of 2 lemons
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• extra virgin olive oil

Method

Finely chop your asparagus stalks into rounds, keeping the tips whole.  Bring the stock to a simmer in a saucepan. Put the olive oil and butter in a separate large pan, add the onion and celery and cook very gently for about 15 minutes, without colouring, until soft. Add the rice (it will sizzle) and turn up the heat. Don't let the rice or veg catch on the bottom of the pan, so keep it moving.
Quickly pour in the vermouth & keep stirring all the time until it has evaporated.
Add the stock to the rice a ladle at a time, stirring and waiting until it has been fully absorbed before adding the next. Turn the heat down to low so the rice doesn't cook too quicklyand continue to add ladlefuls of stock until it has all be absorbed. This should take about 14 to 15 minutes and give you rice that is beginning to soften but is still a little al dente. Put to one side.
Now put a large saucepan on a medium to high heat and pour in half the stock, followed by all your risotto base and the finely sliced asparagus stalks and the tips. Stirring all the time, gently bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer until almost all the stock has been absorbed. Add the rest of the stock a ladleful at a time until the rice and asparagus are cooked. You might not need all your stock. Be careful not to overcook the rice.It should hold its shape but be soft, creamy and oozy, and the overall texture should be slightly looser than you think you want it.
Turn off the heat, beat in your butter and Parmesan, mint, almost all the lemon zest and all the juice. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Put a lid on the pan and leave the risotto to rest for a minute. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of lemon zest and a block of Parmesan on the table.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Ingredients

• 3 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 3 1/2 cups icing sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, flour, white sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in eggs, oil, 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, pineapple and 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
4. To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar, cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter or margarine and 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until smooth, then spread on cooled cake.

Aubergine Parmesan

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs (about 2 large) eggplants
• salt
• 1 28-oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• Olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 lbs of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup grated high quality Parmesan cheese
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves

METHOD

1 Cut eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices. Arrange one layer in the bottom of a large colander and sprinkle evenly with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant, salting, until all eggplant is in the colander. Weigh down the slices with a couple of plates and let drain for 2 hours. The purpose of this step is to have the eggplant release some of its moisture before cooking.

2 While the eggplant is draining, prepare tomato sauce. Combine tomatoes, garlic and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to tasted and set aside.

3 When eggplant has drained, press down on it to remove excess water, wipe off the excess salt, and lay the slices out on paper towels to remove all the moisture. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine flour and breadcrumbs. Mix well. Pour beaten eggs into another wide shallow bowl. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat, and pour in a a half inch of olive oil. When oil is shimmering, dredge the eggplant slices first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg. Working in batches, slide coated eggplant into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

4 Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 10x15 inch glass baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce. Top with one third of the eggplant slices. Top eggplant with half of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle with one third of the Parmesan and half of the basil leaves.

5 Make a second layer of eggplant slices, topped by 1 cup of sauce, remaining mozzarella, half the remaining Parmesan, and all of the remaining basil. Add remaining eggplant, and top with the remaining tomato sauce and Parmesan.

6 Bake until cheese has melted and the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Kleftiko

Ingredients

1 boned shoulder of lamb (about 1.5kg)
150ml extra virgin olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, cut into slivers
3 tbsp roughly chopped oregano or rosemary
Juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to its highest setting.
2. Heat 50ml of the oil in a large, heavy frying pan over a medium heat. Add the lamb and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and drain on several layers of kitchen paper.
3. Cut 3 pieces of baking parchment, each about 1 metre long. Place one on top of the other, fold all in half widthways and crease down the centre, then open up. Lay the paper in a roasting tray, with one half on the base of the tray and the other half hanging over the edge.
4. Place the lamb on to the paper. Poke holes in the lamb with the tip of a sharp knife and push in the garlic slivers, sprinkle the herbs, the lemon juice and the remaining olive oil over it and season. Bring the second half of the paper over the meat and fold over the edges to seal the lamb inside.
5. Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C, gas mark 4 and roast for a further 40 minutes per kilo of meat. Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 30 minutes. Cut the parcel open, carve the lamb and serve with its juices, and roast potatoes.

CASSATA CAKE

For the Citrus-Ricotta Filling

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon citrus oil (pure orange or lemon oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

For the Cake

• 9 ounces (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 eggs, separated
• 16 ounces (2 cups) superfine granulated sugar, divided
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter

Method

1. To make the filling, quickly whisk together 4 tablespoons of the milk with the flour. The slurry will be somewhat thick, so whisk thoroughly to make it smooth. Press out any lumps with a flexible spatula, if necessary.

2. Whisk in the rest of the milk and transfer the mixture to a 2-quart heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once bubbles that burp steam form, remove the pot from the heat and continue to stir for another 30 seconds.

3. Cover the milk mixture with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface. Cool for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, combine the butter, sugar, citrus oil, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on high speed for up to 5 minutes.

5. Add the milk mixture and continue to beat on high speed until the filling is smooth, another 5 minutes. Beat in the ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon at a time.

6. Preheat the oven to 335°F and place the rack in the middle position. Line the bottoms of three 9-by-2- inch round pans with parchment.

7. Measure the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt into one bowl, and the milk and vanilla into a separate bowl. Whisk each to combine.

8. In the standing mixer fitted with the wire whip attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed to a stiff peak. Drizzle in 1 cup of the sugar while the mixer is running. Scoop the meringue into a large bowl and set aside.

9. Lightly wipe the mixer bowl and replace the wire whip with the paddle attachment. Cream the butter with the remaining 1 cup of sugar on low speed.

10. Add the egg yolks one at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl all the way to the bottom using a flexible spatula and mix on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

11. Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients about a quarter at a time without pausing between additions.

12. Stop the mixer and gently fold the meringue into the batter with a flexible spatula. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until the cake bounces back when lightly pressed and a wooden skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

13. Cool the cakes for 2 minutes, then run an offset spatula around the edges and invert the cakes onto a flat surface. They will be very fragile, so handle them with care.

14. Assemble the extravagant cake by adding about 1 cup each of the fresh strawberries and the ricotta filling between the layers. Cover the outside of the cake with the whipped cream. Add more fresh strawberries around the edge of the cake if you like.

Strawberry, balsamic chicken

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 4 large strawberries
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 (8 ounce) containers strawberry yogurt

Method

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, sugar, pepper, cinnamon and salt. Place chicken breast halves in a shallow baking dish, and pour the sauce over them. Refrigerate for 1 hour, turning chicken over half way through.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scrape the marinade off of the chicken breasts, and place them into the hot oil. Quickly brown the chicken on both sides, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let rest for 3 minutes.
3. While the chicken is cooking, transfer the marinade to a saucepan. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Remove stems from strawberries, and slice thinly so they will fan nicely. Set aside.
4. Slice chicken breasts on the diagonal into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place on serving plates, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the marinade over each chicken breast, and fan one sliced strawberry over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh mint and parsley.

Pineapple glazed chicken

• Ingredients
  1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3/4 cup 1/4-inch cubes fresh pineapple
• 3 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canned sliced jalapeño chillies, drained, coarsely chopped
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves with skin (1 3/4 pounds total)

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mustard to boil in small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil until glaze has thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix pineapple, red pepper, cilantro, onion, and chillies in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Line baking sheet with foil. Place chicken on sheet and brush with glaze. Bake 15 minutes. Brush again with glaze, then broil until cooked through and golden, watching closely to avoid burning, about 5 minutes longer. Let rest 5 minutes.

Spoon salsa over chicken and serve.

MONGOLIAN BEEF

 

Ingredients:
1 lb flank steak
¼ cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon ginger (minced)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
½ cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 green onions (sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced)
Oil (for frying)

Preparation

Step 1: To make the sauce- in a sauce pan heat 2 teaspoons of oil. Add garlic and ginger, stir fry 10 seconds. Add soy sauce, wine and water. Add brown sugar and dissolve into the sauce. Add red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Slice the flank steak against the grain into ¼” thick slices. Tilt the knife blade at a 45 degree angle to the top of the steak to get wider cuts. Toss the steak slices with cornstarch and let the beef sit for 10 minutes (this is very important, do not skip).
Step 3: Heat up about a cup of oil in your wok to about medium heat. Add the beef slices to the wok and cook for 3 minutes (or use a deep fryer).

Step 4: Remove the meat from the wok with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Drain all of the oil from the wok expect about a tablespoon. Add onions to the wok and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the steak back to the wok and pour in the sauce. Cook while stirring until the sauce began to bubble.
(Makes 2 Servings)

HOT & SPICY BEEF SALAD

Ingredients

2 x 100g sirloin steaks, trimmed
a little vegetable oil for brushing
100g/ 4oz green beans, trimmed
75g/ 3oz cucumber, deseeded
3 small tomatoes, quartered
handful coriander leaves
1 (150g) bag Bistro style leaves (eg Red Chard, beetroot
and lamb’s lettuce)
For the dressing:
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp Thai fish sauce
1 tsp caster sugar

Method

Preheat the grill to high. Brush the steak on both sides with the oil, then season well. Cook under the hot grill for 8-10 mins, turning once until the steak is cooked to your liking. Set aside to rest for 3 mins, before slicing.

Cook the beans in boiling salted water for 3 mins or until just tender. Drain, refresh in cold water and drain again. Cut the cucumber into thick slices then mix with the beans, tomatoes and coriander leaves. Scatter over the salad leaves.

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Toss the vegetables, sliced steak and salad leaves together and divide between two plates. Drizzle a little dressing over each, and serve straight away.

Cooks tip: As an extra why not serve this recipe with crusty bread.

Been Too Long

It has been a year since I last posted on this blog. Many things have happened in the meantime. Three of my internet friends have sadly died and I have had a few health scares myself. Wendell is all all grown up now and my little granddaughter is growing fast.I am inserting a couple of photos to show the changes. Off to prepare lunch after.

Beef Cobbler

 

Ingredients

900g (2lb) Stewing Beef, trimmed
600ml (1 pint) Beef Stock
600ml (1 pint) Red Wine
2 Onions
2 Large Carrots
1 Small Leek
1 Large Stick Celery
1 Small Parsnip
1 Clove Garlic
6 tbsp Oil
2 tbsp Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 Bay Leaf
½ tsp Caster Sugar

Cobbler
225g (8oz) Flour
225g (8oz) Cheddar Cheese
25g (1oz) Butter
2 Eggs
2 tbsp Milk
1 tbsp Parsley
1 tsp Prepared Mustard
1 tsp Horseradish

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 220°C: 425°F: Gas 7.
Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut into chunks.
Peel and chop all of the vegetables.
Heat half the oil in a large saucepan.
Season the flour with salt and pepper.
Lightly coat the pieces of beef and fry in batches until golden brown.
Remove and place into a casserole dish.
Add the remaining oil and brown the vegetables adding the caster sugar,
Remove and add into a casserole dish.
Add the stock to the saucepan to deglaze, pour into the casserole.
Add the wine and bay leaf.
Cook and covered for 1¼ hours.
Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl.
Rub the butter and mustard into the flour
Add the parsley and three quarters of the grated cheese.
Mix the egg, milk and horseradish together.
Fold into the flour mixture.
Remove the casserole from the oven, adjust seasoning and thicken with a paste made from flour and butter if desired.
Divide the cobbler mixture into 8 portions and place on top of the casserole .
Top with the remaining cheese.
Increase the oven heat and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.