Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Whenever I am hosting a dinner, this Bacon Wrapped Pineapple  is always a special request as an appetizer.  I am happy to comply because of how easy the preparation and cooking is. Nothing is easier than wrapping pineapple chunks and throwing them inside the oven.  And voila you have the most delicious appetizer ever and it looks amazing too.

Ingredients:

1 lb bacon

1-2 cans of pineapple chunks

toothpicks ( soaked in water for 15 minutes)

Cooking Directions:

• Cut bacon strip into thirds.
• Place a chunk of pineapple and roll it up. Secure with toothpick.

• Arrange the pineapple bacon wrap on a broiler rack over cookie sheet.
• Broil on high for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven and flip the bacon wrapped pineapple.

• Put it back in the broiler and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve hot and Enjoy ! Make sure to make a lot as these as they very fast !

Continue Reading...

Asian Chicken Wings

How can you watched the Super Bowl without Chicken Wings? I think this is a requirement on every game show. This appetizer recipe is super easy. Just prepare the marinade a day before the game then place it in the oven 1 hour before your show-that's it. No deep frying here. I prefer baking this chicken wings because it is healthier, safer and less mess. Give it a try.

Ingredients:

3-4 lbs of chicken wings ( i used frozen one)
1 cup of soy sauce
1 cup pineapple juice or juice from 2 lemons
½ cup of dark brown sugar
½ cup of hoisin sauce
½ cup of 7-Up
1 tbsp of black pepper
1 tsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of ginger powder

Cooking Directions:

• Place the chicken wings in a sealable bag or non- reactive bowl. Combine all the remaining ingredients in a separate mixing bowl. Mix well and pour over chicken wings. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheet, lined with foil. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer. Bake the chicken wings for 1- ½ hours.
• Serve hot. Enjoy !

Continue Reading...

Pan De Sal ( Filipino Salted Bread )

Pan De Sal is the Filipino dinner rolls. It  is the most popular yeast bread in the Philippines, traditionally served during breakfast. Pan De Sal is made out of flour, eggs, butter, yeast, sugar and salt. It is coated with bread crumbs. I love this bread with butter and jam.  And partnered with a freshly brewed hot coffee. Mmmm.

Some people find this recipe intimidating to bake.  But no need to worry.  As soon as you experience the joy of kneading the dough, watching it double in size, and filling your house with the aroma of freshly baked bread, you will be proud of yourself and say- "Darn I am good"! You will not even be surprised when you hear knocking at your door from the neighbor asking "What are you making"?

It has been proven that the smell of freshly baked bread is inviting and irresistible. Notice how most real estate agents bake during their open houses?  Also, commercial centers position their bakery almost right at the entrance.

This bread is like the Bolillos in Mexico and Pan De Agua in Dominican Republic.

Ingredients:

4 cups bread flour or unbleached all purpose flour
4 tablespoon butter ( melted )
2 eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon sugar + 3 tablespoon
2 teaspoon of active yeast
1 cup of bread crumbs

Cooking Directions:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat milk for 20 seconds on the microwave or until thermometer reads 105° F-110° F.
• Add the dry yeast and 2 tablespoon of sugar to the warm milk. Mix well and leave it for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the mixture should be foamy.  
• In another bowl, beat egg and add to the yeast mixture. Add the melted butter.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar and salt. Mix until well incorporated. Make a well on the center, slowly pour the yeast mixture and mix well until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. With greased or floured hands, shape dough into a ball.
• Knead dough for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Put dough into a large oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it proof ( let it stand ) for 45 minutes.
• Punch down dough to remove the air. Turn into a floured surface and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Form a cylindrical log about 2 inches wide, cut the dough into 24 pieces. Roll  them into bread crumbs and arrange the dough pieces cut side up in a prepared baking pan. Cover it with cheesecloth and let it rise a second time for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve with butter and jam of your choice. Enjoy !

Note:

To knead, fold dough over towards you; press down and away with heels of hands. Rotate dough a quarter turn; continue kneading. Sprinkle additional flour over surface to reduce stickiness.

Continue Reading...

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

I have seen these little delights from Birthday Girl when I was searching for cool Super Bowl dessert. I was so happy when to discover that I happen to have a brownie mix in my pantry. I did not have any peanut butter chips available, but I think the final product still looks so irresistable.


Ingredients:


1 box of brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter chips ( I did not have this available)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter


Cooking Directions:

• Pre-heat your oven to 350°F. Prepare 40 mini-muffin cups, spray or grease.
• For the brownie, follow the directions on the box of the brownie mix.
• Carefully spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups ( about 1 heaping teaspoon )
• Bake the mini brownies for 13-15 minutes. Check, insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out slightly wet.
• Bring out the brownies and let it cool,wait for center to fall. If not,make a hole on the center using the back of a teaspoon. This is where you put the peanut butter.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, place peanut butter and microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir.
• Spoon about half a teaspoon of the peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Do this while brownie is still warm.
• Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips abd peanut butter chips. Let it cool and Enjoy !

Continue Reading...