Celine's Cuisine

Homemade : Vanilla Ice cream and Affogato al cafe

2012-02-22T21:33:28Z

affogato al cafe

The first time I made Vanilla ice cream, I was almost dancing in my kitchen! It was so good, light and delicious I could not believe it. I have a secret. When I was little I did not like ice cream at all. Then when I turned 8 or so I started eating some ice cream but only 2 flavors: Chocolate and Strawberry and nothing else.
Then when I was 18 I got a Summer job in Paris ( thank you aunt Claude) and I stayed at my sister’s apartment in Paris in the 9 arrondissement and cat sitting her adorable but mean cat Julie!I.
One night my cousin Chantal took me to one of the most amazing place on Ile de la Cite to eat Ice creams. I did not tell her that I was not so fond of ice cream but it was all the craze this year. They say this is the place where you can eat the best ice cream in Paris this is : Berthillon Ice cream parlor
I remembered I ordered glace aux dattes et banane (dates and banana ice cream) and a Vanilla Ice cream. It was a pure revelation.
Since that day I have been looking for great “ice cream” “getato” glace….when you taste the best you are picky you are looking for best every time.
So I decided to make my one Vanilla ice cream as you know we have been making and eating homemade food only.

making Vanilla chocolate chips and caramel ice cream

I love David Lebovitz blog, cookbooks and recipes.
One of his cookbook is “Perfect scoop” and is about ice cream and sorbets.
So I made my first Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream based on his recipe. I just used heavy cream (instead of milk) and pure Vanilla extract (instead of vanilla beans). And I add some chocolate chips and caramel sauce with sea salt (from Trader Joe’s).

vanilla ice cream with caramel and chocolate chips

Vanilla Ice Cream

1 cup (250ml) Heavy cream

A pinch of salt

3/4 cup (150g) sugar

2 cups (500ml) heavy cream

5 large egg yolks

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Heat the cream, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Add the vanilla etract. Cover, remove from heat, and let it sit for one hour.

2. To make the ice cream, set up an ice bath by placing a 2-quart (2l) bowl in a larger bowl partially filled with ice and water. Set a strainer over the top of the smaller bowl and pour the cream into the bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together the egg yolks. Rewarm the milk then gradually pour some of the milk into the yolks, whisking constantly as you pour. Scrape the warmed yolks and milk back into the saucepan.

4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom with a heat-resistant spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the spatula.

5. Strain the custard into the heavy cream. Stir over the ice until cool, add the vanilla extract, then refrigerate to chill thoroughly. Preferably overnight.

6. freeze the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Affogato al cafe

1 scoop Vanilla Ice cream
1 very hot espresso cafe

Place 1 scoop of Vanilla Ice cream in a demi-tasse, pour hot espresso over it and serve

Homemade Vanilla Ice cream by Celine's Cuisine

affagato al cafe

Tropical cocktail (non-alcohol) with Yuzu citrus and Aloe vera

2012-02-21T16:52:57Z

Non-alcohol cocktail

Mixing juices, beverages, teas, is always fun. It like being in a chemistry classroom. Sometimes using only what you have handy and in the pantry can give great surprises! One Friday evening a friend and her husband stopped by for an impromptu quick diner.
I always like to start my diners at home with “aperitifs” : drinks with things to nibble on.
While I was preparing everything my friend announced us that she was pregnant and could not drink alcohol. After the happy congratulations and hugs I had to think quickly. I did not want her to have only a glass of water… too boring and I wanted to celebrate with her this wonderful news! I told her that I will make her a healthy cocktail to drink. Actually all ingredients are from Trader Joe’s.
The key of this cocktail is a brand new Tropical juice ( Juice in a box) made with 4 fruit juice purees (no artificial colors and flavors). Then I added some secrets ingredients like yuzu citrus tisane beverage ( i use it in my hot, cold teas or in baking and even in some vinaigrettes!)
This cocktail is actually high in iron, calcium and Vitamin C.
I made again this cocktail during a cooking class with seniors who did not want to drink at night and it was a big hit!

non-alcohol cocktail

Tropical non-alcohol Cocktail
Makes 2 cocktail glasses

1 pouch Yuzu citrus tisane beverage
3 oz aloe pulp juice
4 oz tropical fruit ( Juice in a box)
4 oz young coconut water

In a shaker or a jar with a lid shake well all ingredients.
Serve immediately.
Decorate with fresh fruits.
* All ingredients are from Trader Joe’s

tropical non alchohol cocktail

Chorba North African soup

2012-02-19T01:28:37Z

Chorba Soup

I live in Southern California, Temecula Valley between San Diego, Los Angeles and near Palm Springs. The decor is very similar to Morocco (North Africa): dry hills, palm, dates, avocados, almonds, and olive trees. The weather is beautiful all year long with hot summer and cold winter nights. Like in Morocco when the weather is very hot snakes, tarantula and scorpions can be found in people’s backyards… yes scary, I know.
One of the most amazing thing is when you are driving through the oranges groves all your senses are in alert the bright orange and green colors, the strong scent of blossoming oranges makes travel immediately to exotic places.

Chorba soup close-up

Because we are near the desert winter nights can be very cold. During these days I retire in my kitchen and make soup. When I was working in Paris one of my co-worker was native from North Africa and few times she treated me to an amazing tiny North African restaurant in the 19 arrondissment that was serving only Moroccan, Algerian cuisine . A few time I ordered Chorba afer I tested from my friend’s plate. Since my friend was a native from North Africa she always was speaking the Moroccan dialect with the restaurant’s owner and few times we ended up eating a feast for only few bucks before going back to work. My friend shared with me the recipe long time ago. I forgot about this special soup and then last week I made if for my family.
I ommit the meat and made it completely vegetarian/vegan. But the original recip calls for lamb.
It also gives this soup an amazing flavor.
It was a very emotional moment when remembering my life in Paris and my friend.

I hope you will enjoy this soup the ame way I do. Again this soup is better when reheated the day after!

Chorba Soup
Makes 6

1 medium onion diced
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
4 oz Lamb shoulder cut in small pieces (optional)
1 carrot peeled and diced
1 celery branch diced
2 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
2 large tomato diced
3 Tbsp tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 garlic clove diced
1 cup cheackpeas
ground cummin
fresh cylantro
salt
pepper

In a large soup pot heat onion under medium heat. Cook and stir until translucent. Add the potatoes, carrot, celery, salt, pepper and garlic. Sauté until all vegetables are softer.
Add the lamb. Add the tomatoes. stir. Then the tomato sauce. Cook for 10 minutes. Then add the water, cover. Bring to boil. Then simmer until all vegetable and meat are tender.
With smasher smash the soup. Season if desired.
Add the chickpeas, fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

morrocan setting in Southern California

A Valentine’s Picnic – Trader Joe’s Style!

2012-02-12T18:35:30Z

Pack a Lunch - Valentine's day picnic

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away and having dinner en tête à tête (one-on-one) with your loved one in a restaurant on Valentine’s day is certainly a romantic idea, but if the restaurant is packed, the service sub par, the food cold and overpriced, this could end up not being romantic at all…

How about a picnic on Valentine’s Day this year?

Read the article here click here

As for the menu, this is the easiest part! You can find plenty of ideas and inspirations in “Cooking with Trader Joe’s: Pack A Lunch!”

For your Valentine’s day picnic, here’s a suggested menu:

Moroccan-Style Orange Salad This exotic and refreshing salad shines with the Moroccan flavors of cinnamon, honey, and mint.

Second to Naan Sandwich Very simple to make, this sandwich combines international classics: Indian naan and chutney, Mexican carnitas, and Italian sun dried tomatoes. Peppery arugula rounds out the burst of flavors.

Almond and Pear Brownie Muffins Chocolate and pear are wonderful together, bringing rich flavor and moistness to this brownie treat. Chocoholics will love the deep chocolate-truffle flavor and melt-in-your-mouth fudge-like texture.

This colorful, easy-to-make meal (almost no cooking or prep is needed) is bursting delicious, exotic, aphrodisiac ingredients and flavors, easy and light to transport, perfect for an outdoor or indoor picnic. Most of the recipes feed 4, so divide amounts in half if desired.

Homemade : Hot spiced almond milk

2012-02-08T21:14:02Z

Hot Spiced Almond Milk

Yes I know when I see some places in the States covered with snow or in Europe where snow is almost everywhere this year, I realize that we are very privileged in Southern Caliornia with a warm winter weather. Since December we have between 70-80’s almost every day but nights can be a little chilly. We live only few miles from the desert where nights can be very cold.
So instead of having some coffee or tea to warm me up I have been wanted to try a different conforting drink.

I had some leftover almond flour ( a.k.a after buying some to make macarons I am still working on it) and spices from my favorite little store in Old Town Temecula : Old Town Spice merchants. ( you can also read here the Foodie Walk tour Old Town Temecula
Old Town TemeculaI decided to concoct myself a healthy and delicious hot drink…. BLISS!

Old Town Spices Merchant Temecula CA

Old Town Spices Merchant Temecula

Homemade Spiced Almond Milk

Serves 2

2 Cups organic milk
2 Tbsp almond flour
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3 cardamom* pods ( seeds inside crashed)
2 tsp local honey*
pinch grated fresh nutmeg*
1 tsp ground cinnamon*

Hot spiced almond milk

In a saucepan heat the milk. Add all spices, honey, vanilla.
Mix well and serve hot.
*Old Town Spice Merchant: 41925 5th St # 101 Temecula, CA 92590-2739
(951) 587-2223

Homemade : Garlic and Herbs Boursin (Cheese)

2012-02-03T18:57:01Z

Homemade Ricotta

My love and passion for cooking from scratch is getting more and more omnipresent in my life. After homemade gluten-free cookies, crepes today I am inviting you to make your own Boursin Cheese! Oui Oui! Based on homemade Ricotta cheese!
I discovered fresh ricotta in a old “Food and Wine” magazine. The recipe is by Maria Helm Sinskey a very talented Chef and an amazinf cookbook author that I admire geatly. She is cooking beautifully the way I like to cook actually and comme moi she believes strongly in the importance of the family table, eating homemade meals, locally and organically!

I love Cheese. I am French. I love any kind of cheeses from Spain, Italy, Netherlands, England and France.
Ricotta is one of my favorite soft cheese: I use it in my lasagna, stuffed shell pastas, quiche, pizza, even as a dessert with honey and nuts!
So when I saw this Ricotta Cheese recipe I had to do it. As I was reading through the recipe I could not believe how easy it was.
This recipe is like a revelation and everybody can do it!

Homemade Ricotta cheese

Here is the recipe:

Ail et Fines Herbes Ricotta Cheese (Garlic and herbs ricotta )
Adapted from Maria Helm Sinskey recipe

1 gallon Organic whole milk
2 cups Organic heavy cream
¼ cup + 2 Tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large garlic clove minced
1/3 cup fresh herbs finely chopped
fresh grounded pepper for taste

1. In a large heavy-bottomed no reactive pot, warm the milk and cream over medium-high heat until just below boiling ( 185°); don’t let the milk boil. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the vinegar/ lemon and stir gently for 30 seconds; the mixture will curdle almost immediately. Add the salt and stir for 30 seconds longer. Cover the pot with a clean towel and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours.
2. Line a large colander with several layers of cheesecloth, allowing several inches of overhang. Set the colander in a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds to the colander. Carefully gather the corners of the cheesecloth and close with a rubber band. Let the ricotta stand for 30 minutes, gently pressing and squeezing the cheesecloth occasionally to drain off the whey. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl add garlic, herbs and pepper. Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate.
The fresh ricotta can be refrigerated for up to 7-10 days.

Ricotta Cheese homemade

Homemade :Let’s make Crepes!

2012-02-02T01:07:34Z

Crepes Zuzette

Tomorrow February 2nd is La Chandeleur ( (shanduluhr a very difficult word for Americans to pronounce) from the Latin candelorum festum meaning: festival of candles also known as Candlemas. It is celebrated by French people and other Catholic countries as the end of Epiphany ( See my post about Galette or couronne des rois. Click here Kings Cake

.The customs back in the 7th century was than candles had to be blessed at the church and Christians would go back home with their blessed candles (they had to keep the flame alive) in order to protect them.
The story said that Pope Gélase was the one who helped spreading the Chandeleur tradition and feeding pilgrims with crepes!

Today, Chandeleur is the day when everybody in France eat crepes, a lot of crepes! This is National Crepes day!
The tradition and customsfo Chandeleur is that in order to have a wealthy, healthy and happy coming year you need while cooking your crepes to hold a coin in one hand while with the other hand you are flipping the crepe in the air while trying to catch it while make your wish. Only multitaskers can do it . I can do it once in a while but not always. Yes my crepes landed on the kitchen floor many times! But my kids love this tradition!

Yesterday I conducted a fantastic French Classic cooking class with some lucky ladies and after we made an amazing Lentilles du Puy stew and a creamy Poulet a la creme et champignons ( Chicken cooked with wine, mushrooms and creme fraiche) each ladies made her own crepes Suzette….

Crepes suzette are sweet crepes served in warm sauce of sugar, orange juice, butter and cointreau!

Ready for a fun Crepes Day? Let’s make crepes!

Crepes Suzette

Celine’s Crepes Suzette

Making 10 crepes

Crepes batter
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 and ¾ cup flour
• 4 Tbsp unsalyed butter
• 2 cups warm milk
• pinch salt
I Tbsp cointreau liquor optional

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients. Place milk and butter in a medium bowl. Set aside.

In a blender place the eggs then add a little flour and blend. Repeat alternating dry ingedients and warm milk/ butter misture . Blend well and use a spoon to scrap extra flour that satyed on the blender cup.
Cover and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

1. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Add a little butter to the pan ( I use the end of a butter stick and coat the pan wih it) Pour or scoop the batter onto pan, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. move the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
2. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side.
Place and stock all the crepes.

Orange Butter Sauce
1 cup of orange juice – fresh squeezed or carton pasteurized
4-5 Organic orange wheels with skin on
1/4 cup of sugar
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp cointreau liquor

Use a large enough pan to dip a whole crepe into.
In a pan add butter, then add orange juice, orange wheels and sugar into pan, over a medium/high heat. Cook until sauce is reduced by half and thickened, about 5 minutes.

. Fold in half once, then fold again and place the crepes into the orange sauce for 2 minutes.
Serve warm.

Homemade :Chocolate + Almond + Chia seeds = Yummy Gluten-Free cookies

2012-01-28T01:37:18Z

Gluten Free cookies

After reading and (may be) testing my winter soups some of you may be ready for something sweet and delicious, just to start well the week end! I am with you!
What about some cookies, healthy, delicious and quick to make?

A few months ago I decided to switch from store-bought basic food to homemade food. For the past weeks I have made almost everything we eat in our home from scratch and I decided to really focus onto homemade food from: cookies, pastas, pizza, baguettes (my husband is our bread master- he religiously make them every day!), ice cream and even to ricotta cheese!
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you saw some of them already!
So for the next week you will see on my blog a new serie of posts based on Cooking from scratch. And yes I can assure you all can do it.
This quest for healthy food and cooking has been reinforced through a Blog and certainly a beautiful person: Nathalie Ruffat Westling. She lives in France and her blog is a fantastic journey unto healthy, delicious and a simple living. Visit her blog and your day will be different. She has the knowledge to find the best ingredients, herbs, olive oil…..If I am a novice in term of cooking from scratch Nathalie is the Queen of a unique and healthy cooking full of flavors from her secret Luberon Colline/ hill or from around the world. She totally inspires you. She is also a talented photographer and I am very excited that soon you will read an Interview I did with Nathalie in my blog.
Meanwhile I encourage you to bookmark her fantastic Blog :
les Cuisines de Garance

Since I know many cookies recipes that are quick and that need only few ingredients why bother buying some cookies made with preservatives, artificial colors…???

Here is a delicious and simple for crunchy and heallthy chocolaty cookies that you can make too!

close-up gluten free chocolate cookies

Chocolate Almond and Chia seeds Cookies

1/4 cup organic butter melted
1/4 cup Organic All Vegetable shortening softened
1/4 cup Almond flour or meal
2 Tbsp Semolina flour
2 Tbsp Rice flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped Dark chocolate
chia seeds

Pre-heat oven 350 F.
Use a baking sheet lightly floured.
In a large bowl mix all flours,baking powder, chocolate and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl mix well the butter and shortening. Add this mixture to the flour mixture.
Mix well all ingredients.

With a spoon make balls sprinkle chia seeds on them and place them on the baking sheet.
Cook for 5 minutes. Then open the oven and with a large spoon flat the balls.
Cook another 15 minutes until cookies are golden.
Let them cool for 10 minutes ( if you can wait until this)

Enjoy!

Cookies in the garden

Happy Chinese New Year 2012 – The Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-24T00:48:35Z

Asian Soup

Today January 23, 2012 at midnight will start the first day of the Chinese New Year.
This is one of the most important Chinese Holidays, it lasts for 15 days, each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and this year is the Year of the Dragon! (I am Dragon ! Yay!)
It is celebrated in China and around the world by millions of ethnic Chinese.

Since I have been in “Soup mood” for the last days…?? weeks?
I decided to share with you this easy, tasty and exotic soup. Perfect as a comfort food.
Can make a perfect vegetarian or vegan soup!

I discovered Gyoza at Trader Joe’s. They are frozen containing no preservatives or artificial flavors and are delicious. I always have a few bags in my freezer. You can use them in soup or fry them and serve with soy sauce. They can be steamed, boiled or fried.
It’s said that gyoza originated in China and was introduced to Japan and they are one of the major foods eaten during the Chinese New Year.

This recipe is dedicated to my Tee-Pee Sisters a group of lovely, elegant, bright, loving and wonderful ladies living all over the States who share a passion for beautiful things, decoration, home and a delicious life!
To you my sisters Happy Chinese New Year to all of you!

Happy Chinese New Year ! Chinese Dumpling soup

Chinese Dumpling Soup

Serves : 4

1 bag frozen TJ’s Gyoza ( pork, chicken,shrimp or vegetable)
½ onion diced
½ cup chopped leek
½ cup frozen spinach
1 ½ Tbsp Miso paste
1 garlic clove minced
Fresh ginger 2 inches
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cups water

In a pot soup sauté onion, leeks, ginger and garlic for 7 minutes in olive oil. Add water and mix all ingredients cook on high heat until boiling. Add Miso paste, Gyoza and spinach. Stir well and simmer for 5-10 minutes until gyoza are tender. Discard the ginger piece.If the soup is too thick you can add some water.
Serve immediately.

Gong Xi Fa Ca!

Gyoza

Soupe du Jour:How about a super-food soup to be healthy in January (and all year long!)

2012-01-28T00:21:00Z

Jujube soup

Two years ago thanks to Eva and Ron (my favorite vendors-farmers at Temecula Farmer’s Market – Tretowan Organic Farm, Rainbow, CA) I discovered Jujube fruits for the first time. When I found out about this amazing super-food I posted a post about these fruits in order for my readers to know about it here Jujube fruit Superfood
Actually there is at least 33 reasons to add Jujube Fruits into your daily diet because I am sure you have something you may want to improve for having a better health:

1. Combats cellular damage from free radicals
2. Eases sore throats
3. Nourishes the blood
4. Aids in digestion
5. Supports liver and spleen function
6. Detoxifies the body
7. Calms the mind
8. Moderates nervousness
9. Helps to overcome fatigue and weakness
10. Speeds recovery from illness
11. Inhibits gastrointestinal infections
12. Soothes the stomach
13. Provides energy
14. Enhances metabolism
15. Supports cardiovascular health
16. Strengthens blood vessels
17. Provides relief from the heat
18. Boosts Libido
19. Destroys parasites in the intestinal tract
20. Supports heart, lung and kidney health
21. Enhances the immune system
22. Slows the effects of premature aging
23. Induces apoptosis in skin cancer cells
24. Impedes tumor growth
25. Assists weight loss
26. Counters affects of poison
27. Remedies boils and sores
28. Relieves bronchitis
29. Reduces fevers
30. Acts as a diuretic
31. Helps in extracting energy from food
32. Alleviates allergies
33. Facilitates sleep

So as like me you like to snack on these little fruits ( the dried ones) , you may want to know what to do with them.
You can make tea :

Jujube tea Recipe

and a Jujube Soup

Celine's Jujube healthy soup

This soup is made with superfoods like: jujube fruits, cilantro and shiitakes…
Do you know that Cilantro is known to be rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids. The seeds of cilantro have been found to control blood sugar, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and fight inflammation. It also fights infections. Cilantro can provide a natural chelation treatment thereby flushing the body of toxins including heavy metals and impurities. It is also very healthy for the digestive system, soothing the digestive tract and relieving acidity. The dietary fiber in cilantro aids regularization of digestive functions. Due to its high antioxidant content, cilantro reduces inflammation, LDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar. It is known to have great antibiotic properties and is effective against salmonella infections ( Source: theLongestlife.com).

Do you know Shiitake Mushooms : Inhibit tumor growth / Boost the Immune System/ Lower your cholesterol levels
Shiitake mushrooms are so popular in Asian cultures that they’re sold by streetcar vendors, just as we in North America sell hotdogs .
Scientists are discovering what natural healers have known for ages.
Mushrooms are not only important sources of nutrients but also stimulate the immune system.
Researchers say that they possibly can help fight cancer and high cholesterol, but perhaps even AIDS.
It does, however, supply good amounts of key nutrients, like the B-vitamins.
Long esteemed in Japan for their reputed tumor-shrinking abilities, shiitake mushrooms have been attracting global attention because of the cancer-fighting compound that they contain. ( source www.natures-health-foods.com).
A Korean friend even told me that in Chicken Noodles soup her grandmother use to add dried dried jujube fruits in the soup

Celine’s Jujube Soup

1/2 onion diced

2 Tbsp Olive oil

1 ginger piece peeled ( 1 inch)

3 small organic sweet potatoes or organic carrots, peeled and cut in small pieces

7-8 Jujube fruits pitted and sliced

5 shiitake muchrooms

3-4 ozCooked Pork or chicken cut in small chunk (leftover) ( substitute pan seared organic firm tofu/ leftover)

7 cups water

2 Tbsp natural miso paste

1 handful fresh cilantro leaves

1 garlic clove

In a large soup pot saute the onion until soft. Add the weet potatoes or carrots if using, garlic, ginger and mushrooms

Add the water, miso paste mix well. Add chicken or pork meat and the jujube fruit. Put on high heat until boiling.

Cook until vegetables are soft.

Serve immediately!

Enjoy and be healthy!

* Jujube fruits from Tretowan Organic Farm Rainbow CA at several Southern California Farmers market.