Blackberry Pockets

Basic Tomato Sauce for Pizzas and Pastas

2011-02-19T20:04:00.004-07:00

Broiled Tomato SauceA basic tomato sauce recipe is essential for any home cook and the cornerstone of a variety of dishes. My version eschews the use of pre-stewed, canned tomatoes (and their canny taste), and ,instead, relies on all fresh ingredients for a more vibrant flavor. But don’t fret, friends; this recipe is still very simple. By broiling your tomatoes, you will be able to cook and peel

Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

2011-01-28T14:52:00.002-07:00

Soft, frosted supermarket sugar cookies, or Lofthouse style cookies, are always a treat, but I think this recipe for soft, cake cookies is even better! In fact, the homemade versions are fluffy clouds of sugary bliss. Sweet, addictive, habit-forming, cookie clouds. They are so good, that I have started calling them crackies, and have found that an entire batch can easily be consumed in a day or

Cold Italian Pasta Salad and Dressing Recipe

2011-01-23T17:25:00.007-07:00

There is something comforting and addictive about vinegary pasta salads, and I find myself eating them at least once a week. Cold Italian-style pasta salad is my favorite, and if I see it on a menu, I order it; if I have the ingredients on hand, I make it; if it’s left out unattended on your dining table, I steal it. Cold Italian pasta salad is an easy and refreshing dish at any time of the

Slow Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

2011-01-20T15:56:00.004-07:00

Slow roasted tomatillos provide a tasty variation to my standard salsa verde recipe. This tomatillo salsa has a deep, rich flavor, a creamy texture and a tangy bite that makes it perfect for dipping salty chips and smothering your favorite burro. ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA RECIPE 6 Tomatillos – split in half across the poles 1 Poblano chile – seeded and split in half 1 tablespoon of extra

Big Ass Sandwich

2011-01-18T15:53:00.005-07:00

Smoked turkey. Candied bacon. Steak. Caramelized onions. Fried eggs.Every great sandwich has a great filling. Only one sandwich has them all!I don’t mess around when it comes to making sandwiches, and a great sandwich recipe is useful to have in your arsenal if you need to bribe friends for a favor: “If you come help me, I will make sandwiches!” “Big ass

Candied Bacon - Three Ways

2011-01-14T19:39:00.005-07:00

What’s better than crispy, salty, bacon? SUGAR COATED, crispy, salty bacon! OMG! Candied bacon is the perfect way to remind your tongue that you guys are still best buds! I can pretty much eat this stuff all day long, which is why I make it rarely and sparingly. In my most recent bacon candying exploit, I experimented with three kinds of coating: white sugar, brown sugar, and teriyaki sauce.

Dad’s Pancakes

2011-01-11T14:12:00.002-07:00

When I moved to Tucson, AZ in 2000 for my first round of college, I asked my dad to provide me with a collection of my favorite recipes of his. He jotted a few of his classics down on a notepad, which I keep to this day. Among these gems is my dad’s recipe for the best pancakes! This is, by far, my favorite recipe for pancakes. They have a chewy texture with a crispy exterior that, in my

Kung Pao Walnuts

2011-01-09T12:23:00.002-07:00

The New Snacking Craze!I stumbled upon this technique while making a classic gongbao chicken. I was frying my ingredients separately and decided to deglaze the pan of nuts with a teriyaki sauce; the sauce vaporized as it hit the pan, the nuts were almost instantly glazed, and they went on to become the highlight of the meal. Afterwards, I decided that these nuts were actually one heck of a snack,

Tamale Time

2011-01-02T07:12:00.004-07:00

Tamales are popular holiday treat for many families in the Southwest. In our house, we have had the off-and-on tradition of preparing a wide variety these steamed delights for our Christmas Eve dinners for several years, and they are always a crowd pleaser. Our green corn tamales are typically the most popular and that’s the recipe I am going to share with you today! Plus, I’ve halved the fat

Cuppa Hot Jones

2010-12-31T14:38:00.004-07:00

Here is a holiday treat to help you ring in the New Year with froth and with luster and all that they bring! I am a big fan of www.homestarrunner.com and have noticed that from time to time, both Homestar Runner and Strong Bad have mentioned drinking a cuppa "hot jones". And according to the Homestar Runner Wiki, “Hot Jones, a popular wintertime beverage, is a steaming white liquid with red

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

2010-12-30T08:24:00.005-07:00

It’s the end of enchiladas month here, at Blackberry Pockets, and after providing two classic sauce and casserole options to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings, I’m going to close with something a little different:Sweet Potato and Black Bean EnchiladasWhen you make enchiladas as often as I do, it becomes important to switch things up from time to time. Although I think it’s probably difficult (if not

Sweet Potato Salsa

2010-12-27T09:10:00.003-07:00

SWEET POTATO ENCHILADA SAUCE Bored of the typical, red or green salsa choices? Looking for something a little more orange, perhaps? Look no further, my sweet potato salsa recipe is excellent topped on tacos, baked in enchiladas, or gulped by the spoonful! SWEET POTATO SALSA RECIPE 1 medium sweet potato 2 poblano chiles 2 tomatillos 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1/2 onion - diced 2 cloves of

Enchiladas Rojas

2010-12-22T12:30:00.010-07:00

Red Cheese Enchiladas Recipe Continuing with my enchiladas theme this month, I am now presenting my recipe for enchiladas rojas. This is a classic baked cheese enchilada recipe with a rich and delicious red chile sauce.ENCHILADAS ROJAS RECIPE 2 cups of chile roja sauce (recipe available by clicking here)18 corn tortillas½ large sweet onion - diced½ pound of blended

Enchilada Sauce

2010-12-20T17:05:00.005-07:00

Chile Roja Sauce RecipeRed chile sauce is delicious for dipping chips, smothering burritos, or cooked in cheese enchiladas. Although, to me, it is not as day-to-day tasty as salsa verde, homemade red chile sauce is still an excellent condiment to add rich depth of flavor to your Mexican and Tex-mex dishes. ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE 10 dried red chile pods ¼ cup fresh cilantro, oregano, or basil

Enchiladas Verdes

2010-12-15T13:49:00.003-07:00

Green Enchiladas with Sweet Potatoes Recipe I have a bit of an addiction to enchiladas! There is something about the combination of a savory salsa, melty cheese, and chewy tortilla that I find irresistible. I typically make a casserole, or baked, style of enchilada because they can be prepared ahead and they are just so delicious. Like a Mexican lasagna! I began making them fairly regularly

Salsa Verde

2010-12-13T11:05:00.004-07:00

Tomotillo Salsa RecipeSalsa verde, or tomatillo and green chile salsa, is one of my favorite things to make because it goes great with everything. Salsa verde is incredibly versatile, and it can be applied to a variety of dishes ranging from the traditional enchiladas verdes to the less obvious green chile pizza. Sometimes I just make a big vat of it and have a glorious day on the couch with some

Friday Quick Bites

2010-12-09T19:08:00.004-07:00

Cucumber, Tomato, Basil Salad with Lime DressingHere is a quick and easy salad that is sure to please. With just three core ingredients, this salad’s simple construction belies its complex flavor. In addition to the ease with which this recipe comes together, its combination of sweet grape tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and fragrant basil make it a go-to side dish when I’m crunched for time or when I

Brick-Oven Pizza at Home

2010-12-07T12:27:00.005-07:00

How to Make Pizzeria-Style Pizza in Your Home Oven Previously, on Blackberry Pockets… Our pizza dough had proofed, risen, and been shaped. This time, I will show how to achieve the taste and texture of a brick-oven pizza in your very own home! I would like to thank my friend Pam who gave me the idea to try broiling my pizza. This suggestion put me on the path to figuring out my now tried and

Pizza Dough Revisited

2010-12-05T15:02:00.004-07:00

The more I learn about bread, the more I realize just how much more there is to learn. Almost as soon as I think I have bumped my bakin’ up to the next level (level 2!), I find myself humbled by true talent. Fortunately, I remain excited by the prospect of learning it all! Bread baking has become my favorite hobby and mastering this craft can clearly be a life-long pursuit.So, after admitting my

Fruit Gems

2010-07-17T15:51:00.009-07:00

AKA Pates De Fruit or Pectin GelsOh, pates de fruit (pronounced paht day fwee), my old adversary, long you have vexed me. I’m sure many of you have come across tantalizing blog posts featuring pates de fruits, written by a variety of reputable bloggers, tempting us with beautiful images, and enticing us with delicious tales of these seeming pinnacles of patisserie. How could anyone not want to

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

2009-07-31T05:41:00.003-07:00

Oven Dried Tomatoes: How to reduce 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes into about 3 ounces magic! Oven roasting tomatoes is a great way to use up your garden surplus or to improve mediocre store bought toms. These tomatoes intensify sauces, make excellent pizza and salad toppings and enhance just about anything else you add them to. That is, of course, if they make it to your dishes without being eaten

Father's Day Bread

2009-06-21T14:56:00.005-07:00

Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin BreadMy dad, in addition to being the number one fan (and often only reader) of this site, was the person who taught me that homemade bread can be easy and is so much better and more satisfying than anything you can get at the store. More than that, though, he has inspired in me a passion for cooking and an ardent desire to master bread baking, and he has given me a

Polenta for Kelly

2009-05-31T07:38:00.003-07:00

Cheesy? Yes. Corny? Absolutely. But never tacky!Polenta! That creamy dish of boiled cornmeal, nearly identical to grits, can be served either hot and soft, like a savory cornmeal pudding, or cooled and firm, like a flourless cornbread. Polenta makes a great breakfast, appetizer, or side but seems to be particularly appealing as a late night snack after a long day of making TV magic.2 cups course

Fresh Tabouleh Salad

2009-02-08T21:02:00.002-07:00

Tabouleh is found throughout the Middle East and every bite of this refreshing salad is alive with fresh herbs, tomatoes and bulgur wheat. I prefer a higher bulgur to salad ratio than what is traditional and have also made a few other additions to my recipe in order to make it a little heartier. This recipe makes a great accompaniment to grilled salmon, tuna, or steak, or you can simply toss it

Basic White Bread

2008-08-06T22:22:00.003-07:00

Warm homemade bread is one of my favorite comfort foods. This recipe produces a white bread that is soft, a little crusty, slightly dense and serves as the perfect medium for sopping up that last bit of soup or pasta sauce.Recipe3 C flour1.5 tsp salt1 and 1/8th C warm water2 tsp yeast1tsp honey1 tsp olive oilMethodAdd the yeast and honey to the warm water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Mix

Strawberry Appleberry Tart

2008-07-29T08:58:00.003-07:00

In which I wax promotional…A Delicious Blend of Every Good ThingThe classic apple pie recipe is enhanced in this tart with the addition of vibrant strawberry jam and plump golden raisins. It is great for a party, easy to assemble and certain to delight your family and friends. Strawberry applebery tart offers a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that will leave even the most

Shrimp Sausage

2008-07-21T15:30:00.004-07:00

I’m just going to stop apologizing for the extended breaks between posts… I have no excuses (other than laziness). I do have something interesting for you today though: a shrimp sausage recipe. I became interested in the idea of a seafood sausage when I saw them being made frequently by the contestants from Top Chef Season 3. Though I found the general idea to be a little bizarre, I could see the

Easy Mint Hummus

2008-06-24T10:19:00.003-07:00

Fast, Simple, DeliciousHummus is delicious on just about everything (pita bread, corn chips, vegetables… cookies), and luckily it is also super easy to make. Mint Hummus Recipe1 can chickpeas (reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid)1/4 cup tahini, which is like a sesame seed butter (I use Sunland brand).About a 1/4 cup of fresh mint1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cumin1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 clove of garlic3

Homemade Strawberry Jam

2008-05-31T19:02:00.002-07:00

Strawberryjammaking!I believe that I have waxed sentimental about my enduring affection for jam before… Needless to say, I still loves me some jam and would like to share my recipe for an easy, quick strawberry preserve.Lemon Ginger Strawberry Jam Recipe2 pints of fresh strawberries1 to 1.5 Cups sugar depending on the sweetness of the berries1 teaspoon fresh, grated gingerZest and juice of one

Spicy Asian Pickle Salad

2008-05-09T13:59:00.003-07:00

I love homemade pickles but rarely have the patience to wait the full amount of time required for complete pickling. I’ve found that things like thinly sliced cucumbers, sugar snap peas, and bell peppers actually pickle fairly fast and offer a quick fix to my cravings for tangy, vinegary delights.Quickly pickling thinly sliced vegetables offers instant gratification and my Asian pickle salad is a

Juicing the Mint Leaves

2008-04-16T19:32:00.011-07:00

Mint Chip Chocolate CookiesMint has always been a flavor that has captivated my palate. However, despite this longstanding love affair, mint was rarely used in the sweets my mom prepared when I was young. This lead me to believe that items with mint components were incredibly exotic and that it must require Herculean efforts to impart that cool flavor to one’s dishes. In fact, my sister and I

Homemade Pizza Dough

2008-04-06T19:59:00.005-07:00

Excellent pizza dough only takes a few simple ingredients, a little kneading and time. Pizza dough is also a great springboard for easing yourself into the beautifully rewarding world of bread baking.Although there are certainly more convenient alternatives to the homemade variety, such as take home dough from a pizzeria or pre-made shells, no one should be afraid to make their own personal,

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

2008-03-24T13:27:00.013-07:00

More Like Teri-Yummy!Heloooo out there. I apologize for neglecting my blog for so long but I have had very little free time for writing or even cooking (gasp!). I know, it's terribly unfair to my loyal readers but my GMAT prep consumed way more time than I anticipated. It seems to have paid off though, as I received a near perfect score on my analytical writing assessment and 94% on the verbal

Homemade Buckwheat Soba Noodles

2008-02-07T17:21:00.006-07:00

You may remember the “mysterious package” that arrived last October. Well, as it happens, I received the pasta roller under the condition that I must master its usage in order to lavish my parents with meals of fresh pasta. I was able to partially fulfill this requirement over Christmas but my skills have greatly improved since then. Hopefully, the next time I visit the folks, I’ll be able to

I've Got a Pocket full of Pretty Green

2008-01-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Actually, it’s more like two pockets and a couple of gallon-sized bags.Some of my long-term readers might remember my ongoing quest for the illusive Guittard Green Mint Chips. To me, Guittard is the paragon for perfect white chocolate baking chips, and its green mint variety is exquisite. These chips are also incredibly difficult to track down. However, the baking God’s recently smiled upon me

Guacamole, an Old Family Recipe…

2008-01-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Using a Trader Joe’s Guacamole KitGuacamole is by far, my favorite dip. Creamy, salty, tangy… what is not to like? It’s so good that I require a weekly fix, and its preparation has become a tradition that my roommate and I refer to fondly as “Guacamole Friday” (even it if falls on the occasional Thursday).This tradition began when I came across a “Guacamole Kit” at my nearby Trader Joe’s. It

Holiday Feasting

2008-01-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! I’ve returned from my blogging respite and have some exciting posts planned for the coming weeks and months, including the much anticipated “Blackberry Pockets” recipe!For now, I will provide you with a recap of some of the highlights from my holiday culinary adventures:(Cherry Pie)(Blueberry Bagels)These fantastic items were made during an all-to-brief vacation I spent down in

Icebox Cookie Variations

2007-12-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

After reading “a slice-and-bake cookie palette” at http://www.smittenkitchen.com/ today, I was inspired to try my own variations of her already fantastic recipe. I decided to go with a lemon pepper version and a toasted coconut, cherry version.Version OneLemon Pepper Icebox Cookies1 teaspoon ground black pepperZest from one lemonFollow the directions for “Slice-and-Bake Cookie” dough located here

Recipe Review Special

2007-12-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

Part TwoHere is part two of my recipe review special featuring Food Network's “Twelve Days of Cookies”.Moravian Spice WafersFrom Food Network KitchensThe recipe is located here and it really is quite the recipe. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, white pepper, mustard, molasses…. They really aren’t messing around with the ingredients list.I love spice cookies and was really excited to try this recipe. It

A Blackberry Pockets Special

2007-12-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Recipe ReviewWelcome to a special recipe review edition of Blackberry Pockets. These recipes are part of the Food Network’s “Twelve Days of Cookies”, an annual newsletter they publish that provides exclusive holiday cookie recipes, and will be ranked using my newly developed Five Berry Scale!The Twelve Days of Cookies contains, appropriately, twelve cookie recipes plus one bonus but unfortunately

Cinnamon cashew brittle

2007-11-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Buttery peanut brittle: delicious, but still only the opening act of the holiday season. As a child, peanut brittle always seemed like the herald of the holiday candy. It was the first treat to start appearing around people’s houses and represented a promise of greater things to come. When the headliners (cinnamon rolls, cookies, FUDGE!) would finally arrive, the brittle would retire to a quiet

Halloween Goodies

2007-11-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

After receiving a thrilling and cinematic invitation to a friends annual Halloween fiestaval, my initial reaction was to respond with “what can I bring?”No, I wasn’t (initially) concerned with costumes, dates or transportation but with what delicious goodies I could provide. I decided on chocolate covered candied orange peels, pumpkin scones, peanut butter brownies and homemade (well, sort of)

That Autumn Flava

2007-10-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Butternut Squash PureeButternut squash has rapidly become one of my favorite ingredients. It’s sweet, nutty, autumnal flavor is crowd pleasing and seasonal during these fall months. My version of a simple butternut squash puree is the perfect way to liven up a tired menu.Recipe2 Cups diced butternut squash (about half a squash)1 finely diced shallot2 cloves of garlic—minced2 tablespoons of extra

Pasta Roller Saga: Part Two

2007-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

After much contemplation, vacant staring and a few calls to my parents for their expert opinions on the subject, I finally decided to transform my dough into bite-sized pockets of savory squash filled magic! I initially considered spaghetti, which is easy but seemed too pedestrian for my triumphant introduction to pasta fresca (I have since learned that homemade, fresh spaghetti—noodles in any

Of Mysterious Packages and Pasta Fresca

2007-10-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

I was greeted to a delightful surprise when I returned home from work last Wednesday.Ooh, a mysterious package. What could it be?Hot damn! My blog has finally paid off. Two of my loyal readers took it upon themselves to help further my culinary education and sent me a very much-appreciated gift of a pasta roller! So much for Google AdWords, I’m just going to post my address and ask for presents!I

Homemade Granola Bars

2007-09-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Soft, Chewy and Delicious… For the Hippie in All of Us!My love for this high-energy food was initially kindled during my high school years when my appetite was bottomless but my wallet, alas, it was empty. As a lazy, job-less teen with a growing boy’s hunger, I had to get creative with my lunchtime choices and my midday meal would almost always culminate with 5 or 6 delicious chewy granola bars!

Firecracker Shrimp

2007-09-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

I’m generally of the opinion that if you cover something in batter and submerge it in boiling oil, it is going to come out better than when it went in. However, this profound logic just doesn’t seem to apply shrimp. Nearly all fried shrimp I have been served have been heavy, greasy and 90% batter. More like shrimp doughnuts… actually, that does sound pretty delicious, but they aren’t!I think that

A Glorious Bourguignon of Beans

2007-08-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

There are few things as comforting as a warm bowl of soupy beans.Whether they are red, black, pink or pinto, a good bowl of beans never fails to satisfy.As a child, I would always help my dad to make the famous family secret beans recipe. Made with a blend of pinto and pequiño beans, hamhock and garlic, and a special mix of spices, eating these beans was truly a transcendent experience. It is a

Pineapple Tarts

2007-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, you still have some of the pineapple jam you made last week because we will need it to make Pineapple Tarts. Wait, you haven’t made it yet? Well, go on and click here, I’ll wait…Now, aren’t you glad you did that? It’s freakin’ delicious, right? The only problem is that now you have to wait for it to cool. It’s fine, do what you gotta do. Again, I don’t mind waiting. Anything for you.Hi

Jam Making -- Jammaking!

2007-08-02T11:28:00.001-07:00

Homemade Pineapple JamI LOVE jam. I have a hard time quantifying the things I love but jam, or fruit preserves containing both fruit juice and pieces of the fruit's flesh, would defintely be near the top of the list (somewhere between chocolate and my Texas state-flag under shorts). At one time, the contents of my refrigerator consisted soley of Tecate, milk and at least 10 varieties of jam.

Of Best Laid Plans

2007-07-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

Homemade Lemon CurdSilky lemon curd ice cream, sandwiched between rich chocolate cookies! Oh, how I wanted this dessert to turn out well.Unfortunately, in my arrogance and over-confidence, I decided that I didn’t need to follow a recipe. After all, I could make cookies and lemon curd, and though I had never made ice cream, I felt that I understood the basic principles involved.As it happens,

Salsa Fresca, Fresca! Salsa Fresca, Fresca!

2007-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Fresh flavors, bright colors and crisp textures make salsa fresca the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal! I’ve enhanced my version with sweet Fuji apples and smoky roasted bell peppers. It’s really quite tasty.Salsa Fresca – Blackberry Pockets StyleTwo medium sized tomatoes – small diceOne small red onion (or half of one large red onion) – small diceOne roasted yellow bell pepper – small

Po-Tay-Toes! Boil ‘em, Mash ‘em, Stick ‘em in a Stew!

2007-07-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Or in this case, slice 2 potatoes into ¼ inch strips, toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, place them on a medium heat grill (around 370 degrees), close the lid, cook them for about 6 minutes, flip them and give them another 6 minutes.Pull them off, season with salt, pepper (and any other seasonings you like on your potatoes) and enjoy! Serves 4 as a side dish. Otherwise, serves 1 potato lover!Ok

Chocolate and Orange

2007-07-02T17:31:00.001-07:00

Oh, the delicious pairing of orange and chocolate! It is truly one of my favorite combinations and orangettes are fast becoming a candy staple at Casa de Pockets. For those unfamiliar with these delightful treats, orangettes are delicate strips of candied orange peel with a crisp chocolate coating; they have a soft, chewy texture and a citrus bite.When I began researching recipes for candied

Simply Superb

2007-06-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

Grilled Veggie SaladAs the temperature climbs steadily through the 100’s, the idea of standing over a hot stove or oven for any length of time is becoming increasingly less appealing. As such, the grilling season is in full swing here at Blackberry Pockets, with teriyaki New York strip steaks, seared ahi, flame broiled burgers, smoky bacon-wrapped scallops and many a cold vodka tonic helping to

Cracking the Candy Racket: Cashew Butter Crunch

2007-06-21T18:01:00.001-07:00

TOFFEE RECIPEFor some time, I have found myself increasingly drawn to artisan candy makers in order to get my sugar “fix”. Although at one point, standard treats from the supermarket or snack machine were enough to sate my inner candy demon, as time goes by, I am discovering that they are no longer up to the task. There is just something undeniably processed about the flavor of mass-produced

Epic Noodles

2007-06-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first post of Blackberrypockets.com… well, technically blackberrypockets.blogspot.com but that just doesn’t have the same ring to it (or the marketability ;)). Nevertheless, welcome to Blackberry Pockets, the food blog the critics (my beta audience) are already saying “needs some posts” and “the grapes look good” about.As the masthead implies, I hope to include some recipes using

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad!