Chili-Lime Garlic Butter

I threw together this weird-looking but delicious spread one afternoon when I wanted to make a slightly spicy complement for a crusty roll of ciabatta that we brought home. Don't let its looks deceive you - my family polished off an entire loaf of bread with this right away! The recipe is really quick, so I didn't take process pictures. It has a bit of a kick, so make sure to add as much chili powder as you think you'll need. I actually added a bit more than the recipe calls for, but mine was pretty spicy. It tastes great spread on slices of baguette toasted with a little Parmesan cheese, or on fresh bread right away. Enjoy!


Here's the recipe:

• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup of washed, chopped coriander
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 3/4 tsp. of red chili powder (or to taste)
• 4 oz. salted butter, softened to room temperature

1. Combine garlic, coriander, lime juice, and chili powder in a food processor and combine.

2. Pour the mixture into a bowl, add the softened butter, and mix thoroughly with a fork until there are no lumps of butter left. Serve with crusty bread, such as a baguette or roll of ciabatta. Enjoy!

Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff Pastry Pizzas are a fun little concept that I read about on The Pioneer Woman's blog earlier this year. I have made them a couple of times with different variations of toppings, and they've been amazing each time. They're great as an appetizer for a party, especially because they're quick and easy to make in large quantities. The options for toppings are quite literally endless  - so take the frame of this recipe and get as creative as you like! These are best served warm, straight out of the oven. The recipe below will serve to make two pizzas. Enjoy!

Here's the recipe:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1/3 cup cherry/grape tomatoes, or to taste
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• basil for sprinkling

1. Thaw the puff pastry according to instructions on the side of the box.

2. Halve the grape/cherry tomatoes.

3. Preheat oven to 415 degrees.

4. Take one sheet of puff pastry and carefully cut it down the center. Place both halves on a baking sheet.

5. Brush a strip of olive oil down the center of the puff pastry lengthwise.

6. Mince garlic and spread half of it down the center of each strip of puff pastry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

7. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheese down the center of each puff pastry. Make sure not to sprinkle too close to edges of the puff pastry as this will weigh it down while baking, and prevent the crust from puffing up.

8. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of halved tomatoes on each strip of puff pastry.

9. Bake for 15 minutes.

10. While pizza is baking, chiffonade some basil.

11. When pizzas are out of the oven, deflate any large bubbles with a fork. Garnish with basil strips and serve warm. Enjoy!

Garlic Bread

Warm garlic bread can taste heavenly with salad, pasta, or all by itself. This homemade version is extra flavorful, with herbs added for a slightly brighter flavor. It is very easy to make, and comes together in about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Here's the recipe:

• 1 loaf ciabatta bread
• 6 cloves of garlic
• olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 cup parsley
• 1 stick melted butter
• 1/8 pinch red chilli powder (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat about a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan. Mince garlic, and add to the pan. Sautée for about a minute.

I made two loaves, so this is twice as much garlic as you'll need for the recipe

2. Wash and chop the parsley. Add to the pan along with salt and chilli powder. Stir for about a minute, then take the pan off heat.

3. Cut the loaf of ciabatta lengthwise. 

4. In a medium bowl, melt a stick of butter. While it's melting, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place the bread on it, and spoon butter evenly over both halves of the loaf.

5. Take the garlic mixture from the pan, and spread it evenly over the bottom half of the loaf. 

6. Wrap the loaf in foil. Place it on the baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.

7. Then, unwrap, and bake for another 5 minutes. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes, and serve sliced.