Wednesday, 17 September 2025

French Onion Soup

 
 

 Fall is on it's way! Here in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, temperatures are dropping. It is still sunny and the river is beautiful, but, the temperature is cooler. I'm getting my power walk in every morning on the centennial trail and it is perfect! 

I decided to make a Fall soup that my hubster loves! He orders it every chance he gets at a restaurant.....I have never shared that I can make this soup...this is one that we learned to make in my culinary journey. He was thrilled!
 
So who is ready for a cozy bowl of homemade French Onion Soup?


 
French Onion Soup
 
3 T unsalted butter
2 T olive oil
3 lbs. Onions thinly sliced(Yellow is what I used, however, you can use the type you like)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
4 minced garlic cloves
2 T flour
1 cup dry white wine
1 tsp thyme or 3 fresh sprigs
2 bay leaf
6 cups beef broth (I use Swanson)
1/4 cup brandy
8 rounds of sliced baguette, toasted,(I butter and toast under the broiler)
2-3 cups coarsely grated Gruyere cheese
 
In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, melt the butter and add the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and partially cover. Cook the oinions until they are softened, add the salt pepper and sugar. Continue to cook,partially covered, stirring often until the onions are a deep golden brown in color. If the onions are browning too quickly reduce heat. If the pot bottom begins to burn, add a little water and scrape the bottom, stirring in the brown bits. 

- you can do the onions ahead and refrigerate in a airtight container for a week.

When the onions have reached  your desired color, add the garlic and flour and cook for 3 minutes stirring constantly.

Add the stock, wine, thyme and bay leaf and simmer partially covered for 30-40 minutes until it thickens slightly.  Add the brandy (optional), adjust the seasoning and cook for two more minutes.

Preheat the broiler, remove the bay leaf and sprigs of thyme if used and ladle the soup into the oven proof bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette round and generously sprinkle the cheese over the entire crouton and soup. (I use plenty as I love the cheesy topping) Place under broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly.
 
Look at his happiness! Ha!










Monday, 1 September 2025

Mixed Berry Pavlova



I think of Pavlova as a Summer dessert, however, it is delicious anytime when you want a easy, light dessert. This mixed berry pavlova is not only elegant and delicious, but also easy to make! These individual meringues are crisp on the outside and soft and marshmallow- like in the center.

Thursday, 28 August 2025

Chicken Breast with a mushroom cream sauce


 Are you chickened out? You know what I mean, chicken this...chicken that. Bored of the ho-hum chicken again for dinner? Well, you can say goodbye to that boring, ho-hum chicken and say hello to Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce. Well, now I sound like a car dealer...hahaha! But, this chicken is better than any car....it is scrumptious and moan worthy! Let me tell ya....the hubster was moaning....let me tell you how this happened.

Sunday, 9 March 2025

Weiner Schnitzel

Weiner Schnitzel: The Crispy Classic That Won My Husband's Heart

There are few dishes in the world that elicit the kind of joy I see in my husbands eyes when he takes that first bite of my perfectly golden Weiner Schnitzel. It's a love story of crunch, tenderness, and buttery richness--all wrapped up in a delicate, crisp coating. If food could write poetry, this dish would be a sonnet.

Thursday, 20 February 2025

Jam swirled Pound Cake

 

A true pound cake dates back over 300 years ago. It got its name because it called for a pound each of butter, sugar, flour and eggs!! Can you picture the bowl!!

Today we refer to pound cake as a denser cake that is bake in a variety of different pans. It is a richer cake, so often served plain or dusted with powder sugar or a glaze. 

I love raspberries, so I used a raspberry jam, but, you can use any jam you like. My Mom and I used to make raspberry jam from fresh raspberries out of our garden, yummy!

Jam Swirled Pound Cake
 
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4-1 cup your favorite jam, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry or mixed berry
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1tsp. Baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Baking soda
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
 
Prepare a 9X5 inch loaf pan with butter and flour or baking spray. Preheat oven to 350F
Put flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda into a small bowl. 
Cream together with electric mixer- butter and sugar, until light and fluffy.
With mixer on a low speed add eggs one at a time. 
Add sour cream and vanilla.
Sift in the dry ingredients on low speed until combined.

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon a dollop of jam into the batter and swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and jam.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool in pan on a rack for 10-15 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and let cool on rack completely.

Slice and serve on it's own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream/gelato for a dessert. I love this cake with tea in the morning or afternoon.


Cheers!
JJ