Coffee Break Ice Cream

 Adult need treats too.

I used almond milk, but you can use what milk or cream you like.

I’ve used Irish cream, but you could also use coffee liqueur instead.

3 - 4 c. almond milk

Pinch of salt

1/8 - 1/3 c. sugar

1 - 2 tsp. each: vanilla, espresso powder

1 - 2 T. each: cocoa powder, Irish cream

In a clean jar combine ingredients.

Screw lid on jar and shake jar for 3 - 5 min and place jar in freezer to chill for a few hrs. 

Serves 4.

Hollandaise Sauce

This week Bastille Day occurs. 

It’s considered a national holiday in France.

This sauce is perfect for a French inspired dinner, with vegetables or with eggs for brunch.

4 eggs

1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

4 c. water

1/4 c. butter

2 tsp. lemon juice

Crack 3 - 4 eggs and carefully separate yolks into a large heat proof bowl or a double boiler.

 Add lemon juice, salt, pepper. Whisk until well blended. 

Bring water to boil in a medium pot or bottom of the double boiler. 

Lower heat to simmer. 

Place bowl with eggs over pot, add butter, keep whisking and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until sauce is thickened. 

Serves 4.

Grilled Watermelon

 This is perfect for summer or anytime.

8 slices watermelon

4 T. oil

1/4 tsp. salt 

Brush melon on both sides with oil.

Preheat grill pan to medium heat. 

Place melon slices on grill and cook on 1 side for a couple of minutes.

Flip melon over and cook on other side for a couple of minutes more or until done.

Sprinkle melon with salt

Serves 4 

Taco Salad

This is perfect for a get together or anytime.

1 lb. ground round beef
2 - 3 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 c. salsa
1 clove garlic (chopped, crushed)
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes, chili powder
1 lime, juice and zest
1 - 2 c. nacho cheese tortilla chips

1 c. shredded cheese, chopped, chopped bell pepper, chopped tomatoes

2 - 3 c.  torn romaine lettuce

1/4 c. sliced black or green olives

Zest & cut lime in half. 

Peel, rinse, chop onions.

Heat saute pan over medium high heat. 

Reduce heat to medium and add oil.

Peel, rinse, crush, chop garlic.

Add meat and some of the onions

Brown meat and onions for 8 - 10 min. 

Add salsa, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, cilantro, lime zest to meat. 

Cook for another 4 to 6 min. or until done. 

Squeeze some lime juice over meat mixture.

Rinse, dry lettuce with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.

Tear lettuce and place in a clean bowl. 

Rinse, seed, chop pepper.

Rinse, chop tomatoes.

Add tomatoes, onions, peppers to bowl.

Add meat to salad, sprinkle cheese and olives over salad.

To serve:  Add nacho chips.

 Serves 4.