Firecracker Corn Cobs

It’s not quite corn season in New England but its starting to show up at the market and I just couldn’t resist.  This recipe adds the perfect amount of buttery spice without overwhelming the natural deliciousness of corn on the cob. 

For this recipe you will need:

You may substitute other blends if you would like.  New Orleans and Smoky Paprika Chipotle would both work well in this recipe. 

Combine butter with Texas Red Seasoning.  Rub mixture completely over each corn cob.

Wrap each ear tightly with foil and place on the grill over medium heat, turning frequently. Cook for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from grill and serve.

Best,

            Victoria

Mediterranean Tomato Tart

The cherry tomatoes in this recipe are extra sweet as a result of cooking them until they just barely burst open.  Spread them on top of flaky puff pastry with parmesan cheese and Mediterranean Seasoning you have a very addictive snack. 

For this recipe you will need:

  • all-purpose flour, for the work surface
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated of shaved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Victoria Taylor’s Mediterranean Seasoning
  • salt and pepper

Defrost the pastry according to package instructions.  On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry into a rectangle.

Place the pastry on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, at least 15 minutes.

pre-heat oven to 425°

Prick the puff pastry all over with a fork and drizzle with olive oil.  Brush olive oil evenly over the pastry avoiding the edges.  Sprinkle with Mediterranean Seasoning and brush to combine with olive oil. Top with Parmesan.  

Cut large tomatoes in half if necessary and spread over the pastry. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Bake until golden brown and puffed up, 20 to 25 minutes.  If you prefer to crisp up the top you can place the finished pastry under a preheated broiler on a middle rack for 1 to 2 minutes.  Watch carefully, the pastry can burn quickly. 

Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces to serve. 

Best,

            Victoria

Spiced Pie Ice Cream

This rich ice cream is cinnamon and brown sugar flavored with just a hint of ginger and lemon, perfect to serve alongside carrot cake or traditional pies. My favorite way to serve this dish is between two gingersnap cookies making a mini ice cream sandwich.

For this recipe you will need:

  • 1 cup whole milk, well chilled
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp. Victoria Taylor’s Pie Spice
  • 2 cups heavy cream, well chilled
  • 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Prepare your ice cream maker as needed.

In a medium bowl whisk together the milk, brown sugar, and pie spice until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla.

Pour mixture into ice cream maker and follow the instructions for hard ice cream.

Best,

            Victoria

 

Cracked Black Pepper Grilled Sirloin

There are only two ingredients necessary for this recipe.   A good steak and Cracked Black Pepper Rub.  The rub will seal in the natural juices from the steak while adding just the right amount of black pepper, onion and garlic flavor. 

For this recipe you will need:

Rub the Cracked Black Pepper on all sides of the steak.  Let the Steak sit out for up to 30 minutes to allow it to come to room temperature.  This will allow quick and even heating. 

Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high.

Place the steak on a well heated grill.

Adjust these grilling times to cook the steak to your liking.

  • 2 to 3 minutes per side for a 1/2-inch thick steak for medium.
  •  4 to 6 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak for medium.
  • 6 to 9 minutes per side for a 1 1/2 to 2-inch thick steak for medium.

Make sure to only flip the steak once using tongs instead of piercing the meat with a fork.

Take the steak off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb.  Serve with your favorite vegetable or starch. 

Best,

            Victoria