Best of the Month June 2013

My most popular blog posts of  June 2013

I have decided to start a best of the month post.  I will re-post my top five blogs from the previous month at the end of each month.  I hope that this not only reminds me of what I've been making but also reminds you my viewers.  I hope that it also shows everyone what they may have missed from last month.

1. Ciabatta (Sourdough):  A crisp and chewy loaf of rustic bread made from a very wet dough.

This is my husbands favorite bread and it seems to be a viewer favorite too.  This blog post received the most views of the month (it was accepted to YeastSpotting).

2.  Candied Pecans:  These sweet and crunchy pecans make great salad toppers and snacks.

These are a staple in my kitchen now.  I can't have a salad without the addition of these delicious nuts.

3.  Bruschetta and Antipasto:  Diced tomatoes and basil to top thinly sliced ciabatta toast with a meat and cheese platter.  Great as an appetizer and filling enough for a meal.

This is one of my favorite meals.  I love having appetizers for dinner.  Anytime I make a good rustic bread like ciabatta I always want to make bruschetta and the meat and cheese make it a more filling meal (did I mention I love prosciutto too).
*This photo was actually accepted to TasteSpotting (my first and only so far)

4.  The Best Salad Ever:  A green salad topped with blue cheese, chicken, strawberries, and candied pecans.

 I love this salad.  It is filling enough for a complete meal and full of so many great flavors.  This reminds me I need to make it again.

5.  Steak and Cheese Shooter's Sandwich:  A crusty bread boule stuffed with steak and cheese then pressed.  A very hardy sandwich.

Many people are scared off by this sandwich because you leave it out at room temperature, under weight, for 6 hours.  It is well worth the time and effort.  For those worried about health safety you could try this sandwich using cured meats.



 My original plan was to use the top 5 posts of the month.  However this month had a very close runner up.

6.  Tropical Fruit Salad:   A fruit salad made with pineapple, mango, and banana tossed in coconut milk.

All I have to say about this recipe is I love mangoes and I love living in Hawaii.





 I hope that this post reminds everyone of the great recipes from last month.  Enjoy (I know I did).

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Bruschetta (remake) and Antipasto

Diced tomatoes and basil to top thinly sliced ciabatta toast with a meat and cheese platter .  Great as an appetizer and filling enough for a meal.

This is a recipe remake of my earlier Bruschetta with very slight changes.  And served with a plate of cured meats (salami and prosciutto).  Roasted red peppers make a wonderful addition to both the bruschetta and antipasto plate.

We had 1 loaf of ciabatta bread left over and wanting to use it and other meats we had in the fridge I decided we would have Antipasto for dinner.  I love appetizers and would rather eat them instead of an entree.  The meats and cheese along with the bruschetta make this a light but filling meal.  It also feels special because we usually only have this stuff when people come over.  That is actually why we had the meats, they were left over from a get together.  It is almost like having breakfast for dinner; having only appetizers seems taboo and tastes great.

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped tomatoes
20 basil leaves, chiffonade
1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Toasted thin slices of bread

Toss the tomatoes, basil, peppers, vinegar, salt and pepper together.  Let sit out at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.

This time I brushed the bread slices with olive oil and broiled them about 5 minutes until brown and crispy.  Then, I rubbed them with garlic.

The meats are salami and prosciutto and the cheese is a camembert and gorgonzala blend we found at Costco.

Put out the bruscheta, meats and cheese and top the toasts with what ever combination you prefer.  Enjoy.

Linked to:  Retro Repin

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