Friday, November 29, 2013

Cooking Lab - Ham & Cheese Open Sandwich w Tomato & Basil Salsa

After a full week of gourmet adventures with good friends, finally I've got a Saturday morning to myself. 

Instead of sitting on the deck relaxing, there was the piled-up chores that demanded attention!

Just finished the grocery run and time for brunch! I've bought some fresh pieces of premium leg ham from the deli and a loaf of sourdough sandwich bread .... 


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!(^_-)

Premium Leg Ham & Jarlsberg cheese w Tomato & Basil Salsa on open sourdough 

Lunch can be so simple and yummy!
Saw this new sourdough bread on the shelf this morning. Soft and filled with the goodness of Kalamata olives - got to give it a try.

[Product Info: Bowan Island Bakery - Artisan Kalamata Olive Sourdough Bread $6.99]

Ingredients:
- Premium Leg Ham (round slices) x 200g
- Jarlsberg Cheese
- Olive Pesto
- Sourdough Sandwich slice x 1
- Truss Tomato x 3
- Basil
- Salt & Sugar
- Balsamic Vingear infused w Truffle oil
Roasted Tomato & Basil Salsa Recipe:

A. Pre-heat oven to 160C.
B. Place Tomato quarters in baking dish and sprinkle with sugar & salt.
C. 

Christmas is fast approaching, large juicy leg hams are all out! Premium leg ham round slices are selling at $9.99/kg! Tantalizing my taste buds.

Love the taste of freshly shaved ham!
Assembly:
1. Lightly grilled the Sourdough Bread.
2. Spread a thin layer of Olive Pesto on top.
3. Followed by Jarlsberg cheese.
4. Half the round Premium Ham Slice and fold them into triangles. Overlapping each other.
5. Top off with the freshly home-made Tomato & Basil Salsa.

There! Easy as ABC and gone in a second. 
Making another one by adding some healthy alfa spouts and to balance: some fries with aioli!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Cooking Lab - Summer Smoked Salmon Tart w Creamy Blue Cheese (燻鮭和義大利藍紋乳酪塔)

My friend asked me: What is the difference between a tart and a pie?

I thought for a while and the best explanation I can come up with is:
A tart is a pretty, frivolous, fancy dressed up treat whereas a pie is down to earth, deep and substantial meal.

You will know which one I prefer to make! Haha...

Followed on from the Frankfurt Tart, feeling playful... so decided to create another fancy tart variation...


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!'


Naming this dish 'Gazing at the Southern Stars' 取名: 凝望南半球的星空


Ingredients:

- Smoked Salmon 200g
- Zuccinin 
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Creamy Blue Cheese 200g (extra quantity to substitute cream cheese)
- Egg
- Milk 
- Salt & Pepper to Taste


Instructions:

1. Please follow the 'Cooking Lab Receipe - Gorgonzola Cheese & Frankfurt Tart - Steps 1-5')


2. Line the base of the tin tray with zucchini slices.

3. Divide the salmon strips in between the tart shells.

4. Pour whisked egg & milk into the tartlets.

5. Add ample amount of blue cheese & Sundried tomato stripes.

6. Scatter mozzerlla cheese on top.

7. Into the preheat oven it goes.

8. Bake until top is set and turned golden delight.


The 2 tart variations I made tonight. There are similarities and can interchangeably. 


This tart is basically double Smoked Salmon layered. Inside the tart as well as on top of the tart.


9. Take a long stripe of Smoked Salmon and do a ribbon circular roll.

10. Place half of the fresh cherry tomato at the center.

11. Plate with star shaped Zucchinis and assorted nuts.

12. Garnish with dills (which I forgot to buy) and salt & pepper.


Doesn't it looks delicious.

A perfect Summer time dish.


Cooking Lab - Gorgonzola Cheese & Frankfurt Savoury Tart w Sauerkraut (德式法蘭克福香腸鑲藍紋塔)

It is windy and cold with the occasional splash of heavy rain. Downright misery.

Definitely an indoor night with comfort blankie and a movie on the big screen TV. But what to do with food...

Well... How does a little simple tart treat made from Italian Blue Cheese and good o Frankfurt sounds?

天氣不好,只能在家'閒'慧。。
今晚的自創料理:


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!"


Tonight's Creation - I named it "Child's Play."(取名:Child's Play 兒戲王國 - Gorgonzola Cheese & Frankfurt Tart served with German sauerkraut.

Zucchini are in season and in gorgeous lush green colour. Definitely incorporating the field goodness into the very delicious but naughty tart tonight.


Ingredients:

- Short Pastry x 3 sheets
- 150g Gorgonzola Italian Blue Cheese
- Frankfurt/ Hot Dog x 3
- Zucchinis x 3
- Eggs x 2
- Skim Milk 500ml
- Sundried Tomatoes 10g 
- Fresh Cherry Tomato x 3
- Mozzarella Cheese
- German Sauerkraut
- Salt & Pepper


Instructions

1. Shallow pan fry/grill the Frankfurts and the Zucchinis. Slice in equal parts.

2. Heat oven to 180 degrees.

3. Lightly oil the base & edges of the baking tins.

4. Roll out short crust pastry to fit bottom and sides of the tart and place in tin.

5. Whisk together eggs & milk and season with salt & pepper.


Assembly:

6. Layer base of tart with zucchini slices, followed by grilled Frankfurt slices. Arrange to form a nice circular pattern.

7. Gently pour the egg & milk mixture in.

8. Add Gorgonzola Cheese pieces & Sundried Tomatoes slices around.

9. Place half of a fresh cherry tomato at the center.

10. Lastly scattered some mozzarella cheese on top.

11. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the mixture puffs up like soufflé and the cheese melted to golden.


12.Serve warm with tangy German Sauerkrut on top.

13. Little fun plating arrangements with dried fruits & nuts while I am waiting for the Smoked Salmon Tart version to cooked through in the oven.

14.Goes well with glazed balsamic vinegar.


Simple, pretty & delicious. 

Totally fun!~

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Cooking Lab: Lunch - Chicken Schnitzel Club Sandwich

If you ask me what is my favourite sandwich - my answer would be 'The Club Sandwich!' Why? Well, you get the best of everything!


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!'*\(^o^)/*

Today's Lunch - Chicken Schnitzel Club!

Taste amazing if you can fit all in!
An almighty club. Totally proud at my creation.^^ 
Ingredients:
- BUTTERCUP - Country Split White Bread Loaf $1.99 (It gives the cottage feel and take me back to good humble days before all the fancy vitamin breads were introduced.)
- Chicken Schnitzel chuck pieces x 6
- Smoked Ham x 1 round piece 
- Button Mushroom x 3
- Marinated Olives
- Fresh Rocket Salad
- TASTY finely grated Cheddar Cheese
- FLORA butter light
- Salt & Pepper to serve
- Kiwi Fruit to garnish,
Assembly:
1. Spread some butter onto the bread slices. 
2. Lightly toast the breads in the toaster.
3. Place Smoked Ham first at the base (buttered side out) toped by some Rocket Leaves, then Chicken Schnitzel pieces and mushroom slices on top.
4.  Add a few marinated pitted olives. 
5. Followed by more rocket salad.
6. Lastly sprinkle a handful of the finely grated cheddar cheese on top.
7. Served with cracked pepper & Kiwi fruits.

Doesn't this look spectacular?!!
The cut cross-section looks deliciously yummy! Can't wait to take a bite!!

Awfully happy at my slip-slop-slap club sandwich:) All energized up for the afternoon - right after the food coma!!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Cooking Lab - Vita Stir-Fry Prawn Noodles in XO Sauce (活力蔬菜炒麵)

Summer is approaching, stores are introducing a healthy alternatives; juice bars are offering energetic wellbeing drinks.

Pouring with heavy rain - cold and windy - there was no Summer spirit today. It was quite a refreshing feeling walking in the rain ... now need to satisfy my hunger..

So tonight, I thought why not introduce healthy ingredients into my meal. Heehee - call it an innovative healthy energized concoction.


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!'


Ginkgo nuts are very nutritious and have anti-aging properties. In addition, they can assist in revitalize, energize and recharge our tired bodies. 

This noodle dish is aimed to increase our energy level after a long tired week. We need to treat ourselves to some healthy goody meal. 



I am attracted to green these days. So when I saw packs of green noodles - I couldn't resist.

Ingredients:

- 300g Green Vita Noodles (綠色台南刀削麵)
- 150g Fresh Green Banana Prawns 
- 100g Broccoli
- 100g Chive Flowers (韮菜花) 
- 100g Ginko 
- 50g Korean Fish Cakes 
- 3 tablespoon Soya Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 1 teaspoonXO Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shallot Sauce (紅蒽醬) 

A very healthy combination of ingredients 
Haha - yes all green (I can get a bit overboard sometimes) 


Preparations:

A. Cook vitality noodle according to packet instructions.

B. Cut broccoli into florets and boil in salt water until tender.

C. Wash and drain the Ginkgo nuts.

D. De-shell and de-vein the prawns. Marinate the prawns in cooking wine. Season with salt and pepper.

E. Cut the garlic chives and fish cakes in equal length.



  Instructions: 

1. Heat oil in a fry pan over medium heat, pan fry the prawns until golden. Remove and set aside.

2.  In the same fry pan, cook the fish cake slices. Season with pepper. Then add in the garlic chives and the broccoli.

3. Toss in the Ginkgo and season with soy sauce, salt and chicken powder.

4. Add in the noodle to the fry pan.

5. Season with xo sauce and mix well together.


     6. Add in the prawns and the cherry tomatoes.



The vitality noodles are mixed with delicious prawns, garlic chives, tomato and ginkgo nuts. A fantastic quick dinner filled with goodness. 

I like it a lot. 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Cooking Lab - Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

Got a gorgeous loaf of bread from Bourke Street Bakery. Love the soft, fresh  bread.  


The idea of pairing rich, buttery soft Smoked Salmon with good-fatty Avocardo is simply magical.

Simple fillings can turn a plain sandwich into gourmet with the right type of bread. 


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!'

Smoked Salmon w Avocardo & Blue Cheese Sourdough Bruschetta.
  
The rustic self-serve bread display at Bourke Street Bakey @ Neutral Bay. So inviting and the satisfaction of choosing your kind of sourdough.
I got the polenta, thyme and Fetta sourdough $6.00. 

Chewy and soft and scattered with Fetta pieces... This got to be my new favourite!
With such a superb bread, anything and everything will be right! 
Let's see what I've got in the fridge....
Ingredients:
- Smoked Salmon 1kg $19.99. 
Always a good start... :)
- Avcardo
- Blue Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
Instruction:
1. Place thinly sliced smoked salmons onto the sourdough.
2. Scattered some blue cheese pieces on top.
3. Layered it with Avocardo.
4. Serve with cherry tomatoes and cracked pepper. 

A very easy, delicious snack. Totally content!~

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Cooking Lab - Beetroot & Lentil Salad w Fetta

Continuing my salad craving from Adelaide - my next favourite salad: Beetroot with lentil & Fetta.

Stunning easy to make and the perfect side dish with grilled hamburgers!

Summer time is really here!
Get ready for sun, tan and swim!!

(Hmm.... Sunday turned out to be quite miserable - pouring buckets of rain - no sunshine there!!!)


(c) GMV - Got My Vote!'

Chunks of beetroot with nutrient-plus lentils, baby rocket, creamy Fetta cheese and crunch of roasted pine nuts.

Ingredients:
- Beetroot
- Lentil
- Baby Rocket
- Danish Fetta Cheese
- Pine nuts & Slivered almonds

Vinaigrette:

1 garlic clove
Toasted walnuts
Dijon mustard 2 t/s
Red wine vinegar 4 t/s
Extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup
Sea salt & pepper.