Il Gastronomique

What's your Christmas Coffee?

2005-12-01T02:44:00.000-08:00

Once again, Starbucks Coffee has welcomed the season with their Christmas Traditions Coffee, ie, Toffee Nut and Peppermint Coffee.
This year, they added Creme Brulee and Peppermint Chocolate to their selection. My personal fave, Toffee Nut, whether iced, hot or frappe, it's my favorite and one of the thing's I'm thankful for this season.
Creme Brulee didn't exactly captured my palate, it's good but a little bland for my sweet-craving tooth.
On the other hand, the Peppermint series is like having candy and coffee at the same time. It gives one a hint of cool on a hot cup.
As for the food, their Peppermint Brownie is yummylicious, the rich, moist brownie is just perfect embellished with yule peppermint toppings.
So guys, visit the nearest Starbucks branch for your coffee fix and to fill out your track card and be on your way to this limited edition Starbucks Planner
... FYI, there are freebies inside... so better get one.. and to be spotted with one is just gorgeous! :D

Quick Pita Pizza and Meat Crepes

2005-11-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

This is one simple recipe that yields delicious results. Both of these recipes have the same meat base.

Meat Base:

** The meat sauce will be enough for both pita pizza and crepe

1 pound ground pork/beef
2 onions, finely chopped
6 cloves of garlic
2 tsps. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsps. black pepper
500 ml. tomato sauce
300 ml. ketchup
1 cup grated cheese
6 tbsp. olive oil
Basil leaves to garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the oil.
2. Saute the garlic first, then the onion.

3. Add in beef plus spices. Wait about 7-10 minutes.

4. Add the tomato sauce and the ketchup. Cook till meat is browned. Remove excess fat from the pan with a sieve.
5. Finally, add the cheese and mix well.

Crepe Batter:

1 1/2 All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Sugar
2 Eggs
2 cups Skim Milk
2 tbsp. Butter

1. Mix all the ingredients well.

2. For every crepe, heat 1 tsp butter in the pan.
3. Add enough batter in the pan but do not exceed the flat surface because this will yield in burnt edges.

4. Flip the crepe when the first side is nicely browned. Yields 8 crepes.

To Prepare Crepes:
1. Add about 2-3 tbsps meat sauce on the bottom edge of the crepe.
2. Fold the right and the left to cover the sides of the meat.
3. Roll the crepe.

4. Melt 5 cheese slices with about 2 tsps water in a microwave.
5. Top the crepes with cheese and Mc Cormick italian seasoning.
6. Bake them in an oven toaster for 5 mins.

Pita (as Pizza Crust):

2 cups Flour
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup water
dash of salt

1. mix all the ingredients then knead.

2. roll out thinly in a flat and floured surface. Yields 4 crusts.

3. bake in an oven toaster for 5-10 mins, depending on your desired flakiness.
4. let cool.

To Prepare Pizza:

1. Add about 2 tbsps tomato sauce on pita.

2. Add about 4 tbsps meat sauce on top.
3. Top with cheese then garnish with Mc Cormick italian seasoning.
4. Bake again for about 3-5 mins or until cheese melts.

5. Let cool.

il gastronomique

2005-11-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

sumptuous recipes that will make your mouth water