Friday, February 12, 2010

Sopapillas...my way ~ It's Dessert Heaven


Do you want to enjoy a delicious dessert that is quick and easy to make?
Well…keep reading. I’ve got a great recipe for you. No baking involved. But, get your fry pan ready.

My sister Edwina and her husband Fred made this dessert at a family dinner one evening. I was skeptical as I saw them make it. But, when I had one bite of this dessert, my eyes rolled back…my head…rocking left and right…slowly…ya’ know how it goes when you are falling in love with what you’re eating at the moment. OMG, heavenly! Some of the elements in this dessert reminded me of fried ice cream.

Now…I would like to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it too! Sopapillas is dough which is fried and sweetened with honey. But, I’m going to "bring it up a knotch" (as Emeril Lagasse would say.

Sopapillas…My Way
By Edwina & Fred

INGREDIENTS:
These ingredients are not measured out. You just add as needed.

Canola Oil
Flour tortilla(s)
Vanilla Ice Cream – * Or use your favorite flavor - I used Vanilla Chocolate Chip
Strawberries – about 4 or 5 (or use as much as you like)
(additional soft fruits can be added: add whole: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Honey
Cinnamon

OPTIONAL: (I use Smuckers Sundae Syrup)
Caramel sauce
Chocolate sauce

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Bowl & spoon (for fruit)
Cookie cutter ( heart shaped) - optional
Tongs or fork
Paper towels & plate
Ice cream scooper
Knife
Plate, fork & knife (to enjoy the dessert)





1. Dice strawberries on cutting board. Add to a bowl. Set aside.
2. Use cookie cutter to cut Tortilla into shapes. (I made heart shapes).
Or, use tortilla as is.
3. Place a paper towel on a plate. Set aside.
4. To fry tortilla: Add oil to skillet. Allow oil to get hot.
5. Submerge the tortilla in the hot oil.
6. Fry until lightly browned. *DO NOT LET THIS GET DARK BROWN.
7. Flip. Fry for just a few seconds more.
8. Remove tortilla from hot oil with tongs. Put on paper towel lined plate.
9. Turn off the flame on stove.
10. Blot the tortilla with another paper towel. (This helps absorb excess oil).
11. Pour a circle of chocolate and caramel sauce on a plate. (optional)
12. Place tortilla on the (sauced plate-optional).
13. Add a scoop of ice cream in the center of the tortilla.
14. Add fruit on top and around the ice cream.
15. Lightly drizzle with honey.
16. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.
17. Get your fork & knife ready to enjoy!

Note; If shaping the tortillas in small heart shapes like I did, you can just pop them in your mouth or maybe take two bites…no fork & knife needed.



What is a Sopapilla?

See recipes below to make traditional Sopapillas:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/CynthiaPineda/Sopapillas/Sopapillas.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-sopapillas.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~osoono/ethnicdoughs/sopapilla/sopapilla.htm

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/sopapillas-recipe/index.html


When you try this, send me an email (bakingismyzen@comcast.net) and tell me how you liked it!
Peace, Carmen

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Happy 1st Birthday to Baking is my Zen's Blog

A year ago today, I started a blog and named it Baking is my Zen.
I wanted to learn something new related to ‘computers’. So, I heard about blogging and thought that this might be a good way to combine computers and baking. I’ve learned a lot this past year. But, most of all, it was FUN!

So in celebration of Baking is my Zen’s birthday today, I thought I’d make one of my favorite confections…Chocolate Bark.

Basically, Chocolate Bark is made by melting chocolate, pouring and spreading it out onto a pan and sprinkling your favorite toppings (such as nuts and dried fruits).

It’s as simple as that.

It tastes and looks great!

They make great gifts too!

Valentine's Day is coming soon...hmm...just an idea!

Winter Dried Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark
Adapted (By Bon Apetit)


yield: Makes about 1 pound

Any combination of dried fruit and nuts will work here, so choose your favorites or just use what you have in your cupboard.

** For a sweeter treat, swap in semisweet chocolate chips in place of bittersweet.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 11 1/2-ounce bag bittersweet (60% cocoa) chocolate chips (about 2 cups) **
• 2/3 cup mixed toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, and almonds)
• 2/3 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries and apricots)
• 1/8 teaspoon fleur de sel or kosher salt

PREPARATION:

Line small baking sheet with foil.

Melt chocolate chips in medium bowl over saucepan of simmering water, stirring until melted and smooth.

Pour melted chocolate onto foil, spreading with offset spatula to thickness of scant 1/4 inch.

Scatter nuts and dried fruit over chocolate.

Sprinkle with fleur de sel.

Chill until chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes.

Peel off foil.

Cut chocolate into irregular pieces.

Serve bark slightly chilled.

Here are more recipes that you may be interested in.

CHOCOLATE BARK CANDY RECIPE
WEBSITE: MAKING CHOCOLATE CANDY TIPS


THREE CHOCOLATE BARK WITH SPICED PECANS AND DRIED CHERRIES
BY EMERIL LAGASSE

FRENCH CHOCOLATE BARK
BY INA GARTEN (BAREFOOT CONTESSA)

CHOCOLATE BARK WITH MIXED NUTS AND DRIED CHERRIES
BY AARON MCCARGO JR.


WHITE & DARK CHOCOLATE DOGWOOD BARK
BY MARCEL DESAULNIERS

CHOCOLATE BARK
BY KING ARTHUR FLOUR COMPANY




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I visited Jacques Torres Café in New York City Upper West Side.
There are many chocolate treats as well as a café here. When you walk in you can’t help but notice the gorgeous chandelier.
Stop by and try Jacques Torres’ chocolates. You will be very happy you did!


Jacques Torres Upper West Side
285 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Tel 212 414-2162

Cross Streets: 73rd Street

Hours:
Mon-Sat 9am – 7pm
Sun 10am-6pm
Price Range: $$ ($9-$15)
Payemnt Methods: Major Credit Cards

http://www.mrchocolate.com/

















Jacques Torres' creed goes as follows: (see photo above)

LIFE IS SHORT...EAT DESSERT FIRST

Peace in Baking,
Carmen
1/31/10








DO NOT USE MY PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT PERMISSION

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY (UNLESS INDICATED) IN THIS BLOG BELONGS TO CARMEN ORTIZ OF BAKING IS MY ZEN.

PLEASE DO NOT USE MY PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.

Thank You.

~ Carmen Ortiz - blogger (Baking is my Zen)