Tag: #dessert

Screen Time Reality Check

On By Leslie Byars RegisterIn appetizers, Ask Leslie, beverages, desserts, mains, soups, The Recipes4 Comments

Sorry for the brief hiatus. Rarely does anything ever totally surprise me anymore, but a couple months ago I was drinking my coffee on a Sunday morning and I received my weekly “Screen Time” report from my devices. I was shocked! 

It was at that moment I felt the need to “cut back” and enjoy everything and everyone around me a little bit more. It was a good decision, and also inspiring for new posts. I encourage everyone to do that once in a while. It’s amazing what you will see! 

I’m back! 

Recipes in This Post

Charred Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Aioli
Leslie’s Summer Tortilla Soup
Cheater Blueberry-Pistachio Ice Cream

Plus Summer’s Great Finds and the simplest gift wrap idea yet!

So let’s get cooking…

In one of my semi device-free moments while in Dallas, I was introduced to the Shishito pepper. I may be the last person on earth to hear of them (per my daughter Lily), but I’m glad I did. Read on to see how easy it is to prepare them for a quick appetizer.

The Russian Roulette of appetizers…

These mild Japanese peppers are thin skinned, which makes them blister quickly. Though usually mild, one out of ten will be very hot, which makes them a fun appetizer at any party. I picked these up at Trader Joe’s for $2.29 for a 6-ounce carton.

Can you say Charred Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Aioli three times, really fast?

Charred Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Aioli

Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer

1 tablespoon olive oil

6-ounce carton of Shishito peppers

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Sriracha Aioli

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Sriracha, or more to taste

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Garnish: red pepper flakes

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and next 3 ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to use. Just before serving, garnish if desired.

In a large skillet, heat oil to medium-high; add peppers, stirring occasionally until they are blistered and charred on several sides. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes, at the most. Sprinkle with sea salt and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon slices or nasturtiums, or both!

Serve with Sriracha Aioli dipping sauce. 

Use a spatula to keep the peppers moving in the pan. This process goes fast!

Learn from Leslie: Put out a small bowl for the stem discards. 

As crazy as it may sound, I crave soup in the summertime. Even though it’s hot and muggy in the South, I’m often in a golf pullover or under a blanket when I’m sitting around the house. We keep the AC on “stun”! I also love the ease of a one-pot dish that makes an easy leftover for lunch the next day or two.

Don’t let the length of this recipe scare you. This is the main course, and it’s full of fresh, healthy ingredients.

Leslie’s Summer Tortilla Soup

Makes 3 quarts

To cook the chicken:

4 split chicken breasts with skin (about 2 ½ pounds)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper

For the soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup onion, diced

4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

2 carrots, sliced

3 ears of corn, kernels removed

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 poblano pepper, chopped

2 jalapeños , seeded and chopped

2 red potatoes, quartered

2 tablespoons tomato paste

The Goody (see below)

2 (32-ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth

Chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)

Corn tortillas

Vegetable oil

Topping suggestions: Grated Monterey Jack cheese, chopped red onion, sour cream, jalapeños  slices, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and Fried Tortilla Strips.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap tightly, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is done. Allow to cool slightly; remove skin, and shred chicken with the tines of two forks.

It’s not ususual for some of the juices to make their way out of the foil, so be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet or shallow pan when baking the chicken. You do not want to lose a drop!

Reserve all juices from the baking process. This is called The Goody. Set the chicken and The Goody aside.

The amount of The Goody will vary slightly depending on the amount of skin on the breasts and their size. You should end up with about 1 cup if using medium-size chicken breasts.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and the next 12 ingredients, stirring to combine.

Bring soup to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes or until potatoes are done. Add chicken, cilantro, and lime juice, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes more. Ladle soup into bowls, and top with Fried Tortilla Strips (see directions below) and suggested toppings. 

Fried Tortilla Strips: Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan to medium-high heat. Cut corn tortillas into ½-inch strips, or skinnier if desired. Drop into hot oil, in small batches, cooking 5 to 7 minutes until lightly brown and crisp. 

Learn from Leslie: I REPEAT, The Goody is the juices that were in the chicken pouch when you baked the chicken. DO NOT DISCARD! You will add this to the soup or other recipes for extra homemade flavor. 

Homemade ice cream always sounds like a good idea, until I start reading a recipe that requires cooking, then chilling several hours or overnight before freezing. In the summertime I’m not always that organized, nor want to be. This “cheater” recipe tastes as homemade as any I’ve ever had, but takes only a few minutes to make.

Cheater Blueberry-Pistachio Ice Cream

Makes about 9 cups

2 cups blueberries

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 half-gallon light ice cream or frozen yogurt

1 cup roasted shelled pistachios with sea salt, coarsley chopped

Combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until berries burst and become syrupy. Allow to cool. 

Thaw ice cream at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is soft enough to remove from the carton. Place slightly thawed ice cream in a large bowl. Add blueberry mixture; then fold in the pistachios. Combine until all is incorporated. (Don’t worry if there are a few spots of the vanilla peeking through here and there. It will appear “marbleized” when you begin to scoop.)

Place in an airtight container in the freezer for several hours until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop. 

Learn from Leslie: I’m always glad when I’ve taken the time to prescoop the ice cream for any dessert with company. There’s something about scooping “in the heat of the moment” that is never enjoyable!

Leslie Likes:Blue Bell Light Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Dessert made easy!

To eliminate extra dishes, serve the ice cream in a waffle bowl. Keebler Waffle Bowls, 4-ounce cups, are ideal for one scoop. Joy Waffle Bowls come in 7-ounce cups, which accommodate two scoops. Both taste like an old-fashioned sugar cone.

I found both of these brands with the ice-cream cones at my local Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

Summer’s Great Finds

Yes, I said shopping, read on…

I’m an authentic kind of girl, but I’m not opposed, once in a while, to a good knock-off of anything. This Goyard tote bag falls into that category. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looked! Thanks, Kaitlin, for sharing this fabulous find with me!

Your resort pool bag just got a lot cuter. Wave bye-bye to your Laura Mercier “free tote with purchase” next trip, and order a knock-off Goyard bag. You’ll be saving your lounge chair in high style. The easy to pack, roomy tote makes a great carry-on bag, too, for the plane. And it looks so real you’ll find yourself using it every day! Available in two sizes and several “authentic-looking” colors, along with other accessories, $35 to $55, available Amazon (Prime), amazon.com, prices vary slightly with sizes and vendors.

Is it real or is it Memorex?

This nesting set of four zippered pouches is ideal for staying organized in your tote or any bag. $18, amazon.com
I would never survive Europe during a hot spell. I’m an ice lover. During the summer I like to switch up my usual wine and Champagne and drink refreshing cocktails served over lots of ice. My new favorite is tequila, soda, and Natalie’s Grapefruit Juice. Natalie’s story is a good one. As it says on her website, “Life is complicated enough. She keeps it simple, which is why there is never more than five ingredients in any of her products.” Thanks, Meredith, for sharing this with me…yet another reason to lessen the screen time. Available at Publix, Fresh Market, and Piggly Wiggly.
Yes, you read it correctly, Hay! Straws. The first time I used one, I had no idea it was a straw! (Well, actually they’re wheat stems.) I thought it was a wooden stirrer. Leave it to Bottega Restaurant to find these eco-friendly straws. They will be everywhere soon. See what happens when you get out from behind your iPhone and other devices? Hay! Natural Drinking Straw, tall, 7.75-inch, 100 count, $8, haystraws.com

“I love a new shop.”

For those of you that are familiar with the ever-so popular Lucy’s Market in Atlanta, Georgia, well, the owner Kim Wilson’s niece has opened a fabulous new shop with a similar concept in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

 Meet Bradley Bailey, the owner of Bradley’s Market, which recently opened last spring. With the help of her mother, Ree Almon, she has put together an impressive collection of gifts in a beautiful setting. This new space filled with family antiques (for display purposes) not only looks pretty but gives the shopper many ideas and uses for all the unique items.
As you can tell, there’s a lot of temptation. You will not have a problem finding a gift for anyone on your list, and Bradley’s Market also has bridal registry.
Have Bradley and her staff put together a unique gift basket with the finest of foods and gifts from all over. She’s done her homework! They have gift baskets in assorted sizes. You do the picking. Their gift wrap is exquisite too!

Bradley’s Market, 700 Towncenter Blvd, Suite 2, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406, 205/764-1939, follow them on Instagram @bradleysmarket

Binge Watching for Foodies

The people I run into at the grocery store are my people.

You never know what can happen in the produce aisle of the grocery store. I love running into foodies with lists and determination. While shopping for this post, I bumped into the talented artist Patty B. Driscoll (@pb.driscoll), who shared this documentary with me. It is a true work of cooking art. After watching it, I couldn’t wait to get back in the kitchen. I want to get the book soon!

Chef and writer Samin Nosrat travels around the world to demystify and explore the principles of what makes food delicious. Based on Nosrat’s James Beard Award-winning book of the same name, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” serves as the essential guide for the basic elements of good cooking. Available on Netflix.

Well, let’s wrap this post up…

Grocery Store Gift Wrap

Have you ever felt you spent more on the gift wrap than you spent on the actual gift?

Grab an extra copy of this week’s coupons at the checkout line to wrap your next gift. This food-themed paper is sure to fit the recipient’s personality. For instance, the meat specials and an instant-read meat thermometer make a pretty cute Father’s Day wrap.

Enjoy these beautiful, long summer days. Go out to dinner, cook when you feel like it, and be with those you love. That’s what I’m going to do. More quality time and less screen time. But be sure to plug in long enough to follow me on Instagram @lesliespartydiaries.

See ya’ll next time! Have a great week. Leslie xoxox

Luscious Caramel Tarts

On By Leslie Byars RegisterIn brunch, Buy the Book, desserts, For the Kids, The Parties, The Recipes3 Comments

I rarely enter another person’s home empty-handed. I’m from a family of gift givers. We don’t miss an opportunity to put a bow on anything, whether it’s a hostess gift, house gift, bottle of wine, or just because. So you can imagine Valentine’s is no exception. When I was growing up, I remember my mother always had a gift sitting on the kitchen table when I came to breakfast on Valentine’s Day. It was usually pink or red. Once I got a pair of red pants! I loved them.

So I try to carry on the tradition whether it’s for Valentine’s or a friend who’s extended a dinner invite, because it’s fun and it takes very little effort compared to the energy your host has exerted to bring you an evening of relaxing dining pleasure. It’s the least I can do.

And if occasionally time doesn’t allow for a trip to a store, I buy multiples of my favorite hostess gifts and always have them ready to go. So, there’s no excuse not to be prepared or to thank the host.

As old as you may be, you never outgrow the thrill of receiving a gift—small or large.

One of the main reasons I’m rarely “hands free” when I’m invited somewhere is because I’ve done my homework. I always have brown craft boxes, raffia, ribbons, and printed gift tags on hand. With that in the house, it requires only a five-minute stop to pick up a special bloom or thought. I always want my gift to be personal and intentional.

When an invitation reads “no gifts,” the first thing I do is grab my car keys and head to the store to look for something thoughtful and special. I may be the only person who brings a gift, so why not be the favorite guest?

One simple gift idea is as easy as one little primrose. $3.99 each, oakstreetgardenshop.com

Also in this post I wanted to include a few Valentine gift ideas for all ages. Why not? Life is short. So be sure to keep reading to find out some of my favorites.

But before we get to that, I have to share one of my mother’s recipes that I have been saving for this post. Many of you who know me well, know that desserts are not my strongest suit. So when I find one that is this delicious and foolproof, I have to share.

If I can make it, anyone can!

The crusts can be made in advance and frozen until you need them. The caramel sauce and freshly whipped cream can be done several hours in advance too. This is not as intimidating as it looks. Read on.

Luscious Caramel Tarts

Makes 12 tarts 

4 egg yolks

2 cups light brown sugar, plus extra for garnish

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons flour

2 cups cold water

1 ½ tablespoons butter 

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

12 tart shells (recipe follows)

Unsweetened freshly whipped cream

Beat egg yolks slightly. Combine brown sugar and flour in a small bowl; add to egg yolks. Place in a heavy-duty medium-size saucepan or double boiler, and gradually add water in a slow, steady stream, whisking continuously until thoroughly combined. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes. Add butter and vanilla, stirring until blended. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm until ready to serve. The filling will thicken as it cools.

Serve in tart shells topped with unsweetened whipped cream and brown sugar. 

Learn from Leslie: The filling can be gently rewarmed if made in advance. Notice I said gently. 

For the crust:

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chilled shortening (such as Crisco)

Ice water

Mini foil pie pans (about 3 1/4 inches across)

Parchment paper

Combine sifted flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until ingredients are just moistened (about 7 to 10 tablespoons); gently shape dough into two flat disks. 

Learn from Leslie: Do not skip the sifting step. If you do, it will be too much flour for this recipe.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Roll each disk to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4″ plate or ramekin, cut out 6 circles. Place into foil pans, fluting the edges. Repeat with remaining dough. Pierce the dough with the tines of a fork several times to prevent bubbles. Bake 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown, watching closely.

Use anything you have in the kitchen to make the 4-inch circles. I like to divide the dough in half before rolling it out—it is much easier to manage. You will be able to get 6 circles from each half. Feel free to use a store-bought dough, but to me the slight saltiness of my homemade crust when combined with the sweet caramel sauce takes these over the top.
I reuse these disposable foil pans each time I make these. They measure about 3 1/4 inches across.
Pierce with the tines of a fork in a few places. Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for uniform baking. When cool, remove from pan and store in an airtight container or freeze until ready to use.
Arrange on a pedestal or serving tray. They look so pretty sitting at the end of a buffet for all to anticipate. At time of serving, fill each tart with warm caramel sauce, top with freshly whipped cream, and sprinkle with brown sugar or colorful sprinkles.
Use the dough scraps to make a decorative topper to add to the freshly whipped cream.

Yields 12 Tarts

Luscious Caramel Tarts
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Ingredients

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, plus extra for garnish
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • 12 tart shells (recipe follows)
  • Unsweetened freshly whipped cream
    • Tart Shells
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chilled shortening (such as Crisco)
  • Ice water
  • Mini foil pie pans (about 3 1/4 inches across)
  • Parchment paper

Instructions

    Filling
  1. Beat egg yolks slightly.
  2. Combine brown sugar and flour in a small bowl; add to egg yolks.
  3. Place in a heavy-duty medium-size saucepan or double boiler, and gradually add water in a slow, steady stream, whisking continuously until thoroughly combined.
  4. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes.
  5. Add butter and vanilla, stirring until blended.
  6. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm until ready to serve. The filling will thicken as it cools.
    7. Crust
  7. Combine sifted flour and salt in a medium bowl.
  8. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.
  9. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until ingredients are just moistened (about 7 to 10 tablespoons)
  10. Gently shape dough into two flat disks.
  11. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
  12. Roll each disk to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  13. Using a 4" plate or ramekin, cut out 6 circles from each disk.
  14. Place into foil pans, fluting the edges. Repeat with remaining dough.
  15. Pierce the dough with the tines of a fork several times to prevent bubbles. Bake 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown, watching closely.
7.8.1.2
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https://dearpartydiary.com/luscious-caramel-tarts/

Quote for the Day

Promises and pie crust are meant to be broken.

Jonathan Swift

For the Kids

Yes, you are not seeing things—these cute mini waffles are pink! Add 8 to 10 drops of red food coloring to your favorite batter and you’ll be seeing pink.
The most sought-after Secret Santa gift at my house between my 20-year-olds, this mini waffle iron by Dash is guaranteed to make anyone’s Valentine’s Day.
This cutie is available in several colors at Bed Bath and Beyond for $9.99, bedbathbeyond.com

Fashionable Valentine Finds

Who can resist a cheap thrill? Thanks to Connie Tomlinson for telling me about these fabulous stemless, disposable (but reusable) champagne flutes. They are too pretty to toss. Made by Tossware, $11.97 for 12 (9-ounce) flutes, amazon.com (Prime). This “wine on a dime” German sparkling wine is quite refreshing for a quick toast or a large crowd. The color is fantastic. Schloss Biebrich Rosé Sekt Sparkling Wine, $5.99, available at Trader Joe’s. traderjoes.com
For the gardener in your life, this spade is almost too pretty to use! $69, gardenglory.com
I was blown away by the packaging of this adorable handbag shaped sandwich maker! Who could resist being greeted with “Hello gorgeous” inside the box lid? This is a prize.
In less than 5 minutes, from start to finish, I was eating a company-worthy grilled cheese. This is an ideal gift for your fashionable friends of all ages. Kitchen Couture by Dash, available in several colors, $23.99, bedbathbeyond.com
One last Valentine idea…Leslie’s Party Diaries! $39 plus tax/shipping. Order by the February 7th to ensure Valentine delivery. Happy to personalize too! lesliespartydiaries.com

Emergency Dessert

Dessert, check. No prep here! Unwrap and serve. Perfect for your chocolate lover friends.

Keep a stash of gourmet, high-quality chocolate bars on hand for a quick emergency dessert. Simply unwrap and place on a cute plate with a paring knife and let your guest chisel away! That’s all people really want most of the time. Fresh Market has a nice selection ranging from $3 to $8. How easy is that?

On a final note…

I have a confession to make. I have not written my thank-you notes yet for my Christmas or birthday gifts! This is not like me. I normally really do practice what I preach, but for some reason this year I’m having a hard time getting motivated to thank all of my favorite people for their lovely, thoughtful gifts. 

I do truly believe that it’s never too late to thank anyone for anything—so now that it’s almost February, I’ve decided to send my thank-you notes in Valentine form. This is a first! So hopefully a hand-painted watercolor will help pardon my tardiness. 

PLEASE be sure to try the caramel tarts. They are a DELICIOUS ending to any meal, and they are beautiful!

Well, I guess this is a wrap…until next time. Off to mail my Valentine thank-yous! Happy Valentine’s Day! Leslie xoxox

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @lesliespartydiaries