Appetizers, Summer Time Recipes

Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad

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cucumber mint yogurt salad

One of my favorite salads on a hot summer day, is this refreshing cucumber mint yogurt salad. This recipe is a traditional Lebanese dish, typically served as part of a Mezze plater. It is called ‘Khayr bi Laban’, which translates to cucumbers in yogurt. The traditional yogurt used is laban, but I prefer the greek yogurt, to provide more protein 😀

amandas plate cucumber mint yogurt salad

I

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Dessert, Summer Time Recipes

Roasted Apricots with Mascarpone and Pistachios

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Stone fruit is a summer favorite in our home! I am always looking for ways to incorporate fruit into our desserts (and meals too). Roasted apricots with mascarpone and pistachios is the perfect blend of sweet, summer goodness. 

 apricots with mascarpone and pistachios

And this dessert is so easy to make! I absolutely love summer desserts that only take a short time. Especially, when they do not require turning on the oven. This recipe can be made on the grill and with any other stone fruit you like! 

roasted apricots with mascarpone and pistachios

When prepping your apricot, place your edible flowers and mint in cold water to keep them fresh and prevent wilting. 

The apricots can also be prepared in advance and then assembled before eating. It can be served warm (my favorite), at room temperature or cool. 

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Roasted Apricots with Mascarpone and Pistachios
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • 6 apricots, halved and pitted
  • 4 ounces mascarpone
  • ⅙ teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
  • ⅙ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons ground salted pistachios
  • honey, to drizzle over the top
  • fresh mint and edible flowers, for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone with cardamom, cinnamon, whipping cream, and powdered sugar. Place mascarpone in a pipping bag. Set aside.
  2. In a grill pan, heat the coconut oil on medium heat and place the apricots cut side down.
  3. Cook the apricots for 3-5 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
  4. Place apricots on serving platter.
  5. Pipe the mascarpone onto the apricots.
  6. Sprinkle the pistachios over the top and drizzle with honey.
  7. Garnish with fresh mint and edible flowers.
  8. Enjoy

 

 

Make this recipe? I’d love to see! Tag me using #CreateAmandasPlate 🙂 

 

Hope you’re having a great summer! 😀

Xoxo, 

 

Amanda

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Appetizers

Fried Green Tomatoes

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Amanda's Plate fried green tomatoes, fried green tomato recipes

Growing up in our family owned grocery store, I had a unique opportunity to learn about different fruits and vegetables. I saw many customers purchasing the green tomatoes we had on display and often wondered what they would be making with them and so I asked! I learned about fried green tomatoes and had to try it myself. 


FRIED GREEN TOMATO RECIPE

I gathered the ingredients and set out to make this traditionally Southern Dish.

Since

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Dessert, Holiday Recipes

Turmeric Cake Honey Buttercream Recipe

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I have made variations of sfouf, a traditional semolina turmeric cake on my blog before. From cupcakes and now this Turmeric Cake Honey Buttercream recipe. Because the holy month of Ramadan is upon us, I wanted to share a fun cake to enjoy with family. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar calendar, in which Muslims around the world, who are of age and good health, fast from sun rise to sun set. This means refraining from food and drink, and all of our bad habits. Those who are exempt from fasting include children and the elderly, those who are ill, pregnant, nursing and menstruating. 

Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality and connecting to God. It is a time to give in charity and spend time with family and friends. During this holy month, the Quran (holy book for Muslims) was revealed to the Propher Mohamed (peace be upon him). Many muslims strive to read the entire Quran during this month, as a form of worship and reflection and a way to connect to our prophet and Lord.

This is the month in which Iftar, the time of breaking fast, is generally spent with family and community. I created this cake as a special dessert to celebrate!

Turmeric Cake recipe

The cake is

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Dinner

Mujadarra Ruz Lentils with Rice

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One of my favorite summer dinner dishes is Mujadarra ruz, lentils with rice. Paired with a light salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and mint, this makes for a perfect picnic meal. This dish is also vegetarian and done in about thirty minutes. 

I am excited to be partnered with

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Dessert

Cinnamon Cardamom Snikerdoodles

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As I get into a new routine with my job, I am getting on more of a schedule for blogging. I hope to share my take on favorite holiday cookies! 

When I was growing up, my aunt and uncle lived just a few homes down from us. We spent winter break baking holiday cookies to share with our cousins on Christmas Eve. One of the cookies we made were snickerdoodles! As a child, the name made me smile 😀 I created my Cinnamon Cardamom Snickerdoodles last winter, when I was experimenting with cardamom pods. 

snickerdoodle cookies, recipe amandas plate, snickerdoodle recipe

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Dinner, Extras, Fall Recipes

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I have been receiving many requests for easy side dish ideas. Here I have complied 4 sides that will make the perfect addition to any menu! In this post, I will share the recipes for four Thanksgiving side dishes that can each be made in less than 25 minutes! I begin by sharing my favorite homemade cranberry sauce, the ultimate silky smooth mashed potatoes, garlic-parmesan green beans and roasted delicata squash! 

 

Cranberry Sauce

I start with the ever classic, cranberry sauce. If you plan to serve cranberry sauce, please do not use that stuff out of a metal jar. Its SO easy to make fresh and you won’t have that weird tin taste. 

I infused my cranberry sauce with orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and topped it with mint for freshness! 

cranberry sauce

Here is my recipe:

4.3 from 3 reviews
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Cranberry Sauce
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3 cups
 
Ingredients
  • 1 (16 ounce) bag of fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 nutmeg pod
  • ½ tablespoon fresh chopped mint
Instructions
  1. In a heavy bottom sauce pan, combined cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until mixture thickens.
  3. Remove cinnamon stick and nutmeg pod.
  4. Allow to cool completely and top with fresh mint.
  5. Enjoy!

Mashed Potatoes 

One of my favorite side dishes are mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes that are rich, creamy and smooth! I first learned about mascarpone while watching Giada DeLarentes on Food Network. She added them to her potatoes and I had to re-create them immediately. There are a few important steps to take with mashed potatoes.

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4.3 from 3 reviews
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Mashed Potatoes
Author: 
Serves: 6-8 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons mascarpone, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, for topping
Instructions
  1. Boil potatoes until soft and tender
  2. Drain water off potatoes.
  3. Add in the butter, mascarpone, heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, mix the potatoes until smooth.
  4. Taste for salt and add additional to your liking
  5. Top with chopped chives, freshly ground black pepper and remaining butter
  6. Enjoy!

  1. Potatoes must be cooked properly. Inserting a knife into the center of the potato, it should come out easily and clean. 
  2. Be sure butter, mascarpone and cream are at room temperature. 
  3. Use a mixer to mash the potatoes, this ensures they are smooth and even throughout. 

thanksgiving side dishes

I mean look at this *drools over keyboard*

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

With the oven being occupied with the turkey, a casserole and maybe some roasted sweet potatoes, I like to make veggie sides that can be made on the stove top. These are super easy, yet delicious green beans, that can replace a heavier side and provide a crisp, bright, side dish to the table. 

The key to making the perfect textured green beans, is blanching. This means placing the green beans in boiling water, then immediately immersing them in ice water to stop the cooking process. 

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4.3 from 3 reviews
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Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
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Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
  • ½ teaspoon malton flake salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
  1. Bring 5 quarts salted water to a rolling boil
  2. Prepare a bowl of ice water along side the pot
  3. Place the green beans into the water and boil for 3 minutes
  4. Remove the green beans from the boiling water and place immediately in the ice water
  5. Heat olive oil in skillet and sauté garlic
  6. Add the green beans to the skillet and heat for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat
  7. Top with parmesan
  8. Enjoy 🙂

Roasted Delicata Squash 

Delicata squash is great for many reasons. One being is you can eat the skin, making preparation very easy. For this dish, I sliced the ends off the squash, spooned out the seeds and roasted the squash. 

4.3 from 3 reviews
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Roasted Delicata Squash
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Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Ingredients
  • 1 large delicata squash (2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup goat cheese
  • micro-greens for garnish, optional
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut ends off squash and spoon out the insides.
  3. Slice squash into ¼ inch rings.
  4. Place on lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper
  5. Roast until tender and golden, about 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and top with pomegranate, goat cheese and micro greens
  7. Enjoy 🙂

delicata squash

 

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Make any of these recipes? Put your own twist on them? I’d love to see! Tag me @AmandasPlate #CreateAmandasPlate 

I am so thankful for all of you who continue to read and support Amanda’s Plate! I appreciate that you trust in my recipes and make them in your homes for your loved ones! THANK YOU <3

 

 

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Dessert, Fall Recipes

Candy Corn Cupcakes

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One of my favorite Halloween candies are candy corn! I know many people dislike them, but when they come around I can’t resist their super sweet marshmallow like flavor! And they are perfect color trilogy of colors in my Candy Corn Cupcakes!

 

candy corn cupcakes

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Dessert

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

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If you have worked with me, you know I love to bring treats in to work, especially for meetings. It’s a great way to make meetings more enjoyable for all 😀 And I get feedback on the recipes, as I work to develop them 😀 It’s a win-win for all <3

In preparation for a few meetings this week, I wanted to create a new cookie. After seeing some peanut butter M&Ms I decided to try

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Dinner

Roasted Delicata Squash & Couscous Salad

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One of my favorite things about fall is the cool air that allows for slow roasting in my kitchen! A few weekends ago, my family and I spent the day at the Birmingham farmer’s market. We picked up a ton of beautiful squash and I set out to making some new dishes! 

One of favorite ways to prepare squash is by roasting them. The roasting intensifies the sweetness of the squash making it the perfect addition to any meal.  

delicata squash and couscous salad

I’m also really excited because I will be working on more video recipes for you all! Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions or ideas! Eventually, I hope to do full recipes with me talking you thru step by step 😀 If you have not already, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel @AmandasPlate

Here is the recipe: 

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Roasted Delicata Squash & Couscous Salad
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
Squash
  • 2 medium sized delecata squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Pecans
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sage Leaves
  • 10 sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Dijon Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons whole seed dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • ½ cup pomegranate ariels
  • ¼ cup goat cheese
  • micro greens, for garnish
Instructions
Squash
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cut delicata squash length wise and remove seeds.
  3. Slice into ½ inch pieces and arrange on parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Pecans
  1. Melt butter in a skillet. Allow butter to melt and stir in the pecans, brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes until mixture thickens. Spread on parchment paper and allow to cool.
Couscous
  1. Bring broth to a boil. Add in 1 cup dry pearl couscous. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
Sage
  1. Melt butter in a skillet. Add the sage in and cook until crisp. Remove from heat and drain from butter.
Dressing
  1. In a mason jar, combine dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake until evenly combined.
Assemble
  1. Place couscous on bottom of serving plate. Top with roasted squash, candied pecans, fried sage, pomegranate, goat cheese and microgreens. Drizzle dressing over the top.
  2. Enjoy!

 

delicata-squash

 

Make this recipe? I’d love to see! Take me @AmandasPlate or using #CreateAmandasPlate

 

Happy cooking,

 

Amanda

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