Category Archives: 30 Minutes or Less

Honey Roasted Almonds with Smoky Paprika Chipotle

These sweet and spicy nuts make an addictive snack that is great for parties or just having around the house.

For this recipe you will need:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together the coconut oil and Smoky Paprika Chipotle in a medium bowl. Add the nuts and stir until well coated. Drizzle with the honey and toss to coat. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20- 30 minutes stirring occasionally, until golden.  Allow to cool, and store nuts in airtight containers.

Check out my posts for Cinnamon Chile Pistachios, Sugar and Spice Mixed Nuts and Curried Cashews  for more great spiced nut ideas.

Best,
Victoria

Herbed Popovers

This is a recipe that I often decide to make last minute, mostly because it is made up of items I almost always have on hand.  It also helps that they are quick, delicious and pair well with almost anything.

For this recipe you will need:

Preheat oven to 400°.

Coat the cups of a popover pan or muffing tin with cooking spray or butter. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and milk.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and Herbes de Provence.

Add flour mixture to egg mixture and stir until fully combined, but do not over mix.

Place popover pan in oven for 3 minutes. Carefully remove pan from oven and fill each cup half-full with batter. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 300° and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and immediately prick each popover with the tip of a sharp knife to let steam escape. Serve immediately.

Tip: Do not give in to temptation and open the oven door while the popovers are cooking. You must keep the oven at an even temperature to keep the popovers from collapsing.

Best,

Victoria

Classic Moroccan Hummus

Store bought hummus doesn’t stand a chance! Garnish this delicious hummus with finely chopped red onion and a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey and serve it in a colorful bowl to really make the rich color pop.

For this recipe you will need:

  • 1 large can chick peas (19 oz), drained
  • 2-3 tablespoons Victoria Taylor`s Moroccan Seasoning (add more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Place all the ingredients in a food processor.

Pulse thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

To keep the hummus cool, fill a small zip-lock plastic bag with ice.  Place the bag in a second bag to protect from leakage.  Place the plastic bag of ice on a plate and cover with a cloth napkin. Now nestle the bowl of hummus on the napkin.  The ice will keep the hummus cool for up to 6 hours.  Serve with a basket of pita triangles or small crackers such as mini stoned wheat thins.

Best,

Victoria

 

Sicilian Tomato, Cucumber and Feta Salad

There’s a lot of flavor in this healthy, fresh and delicious salad.  You can easily customize this recipe and omit ingredients you don’t care for and add some that you do. 

For this recipe you will need:

  • · 4 medium tomatoes, cut 1/2 inch pieces
  • · 1 large cucumber, peeled, sliced 1/2 inch pieces
  • · 1 medium white onion, cut 1/2 inch pieces
  • · 1 large green pepper, cut 1 inch pieces
  • · 2/3 cup feta cheese chunks
  • · 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • · 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • · 2 Tbsp. Victoria Taylor’s Sicilian Seasoning

This salad is best served at room temperature.  If you are planning to make this dish ahead of time I would recommend mixing all of the ingredients except for the tomatoes and refrigerating.  Slice the tomatoes and toss them in the salad right before serving to prevent the cold air from affecting their texture. 

Combine all ingredients and stir gently. Let salad sit for 15 minutes or more before serving to allow the flavors to combine.

I am a big fan of feta cheese so I will often use a full cup in the salad (or more). Served with French or Italian bread, this greek style salad makes a satisfying light meal.

Best,

            Victoria