Lemon Mousse Tart

Last night was girls night at a friends house. Sadly we don’t get to do this more often but when we do it is always a great time. I was asked to bring dessert and here is what I whipped  up.

Ingredients ( Serves 6)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups lemon curd or lemon pie filling
• 1  9in refrigerator  pie crust
• 1 tart pan
•  Assorted mixed berries

Directions (Preheat oven to 425)

Press pie crust into your tart pan. with a fork press small holes into the bottom of the pie crust (this will help the crust from bubbling up). Put into your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. The crust should be lightly browned. Remove and let cool.

While the crust cools place one cup of heavy whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons sugar into a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Mixed on high till your cream forms soft peaks. Add your lemon curd and slowly whisk till incorporated. Spoon this mixture into your cooled pie crust. Top with assorted fresh fruit, and chill till serving time.

Spinach & Pancetta Quiche

Well it’s official folks, I had my first big cry at work this past weekend… I thought I would make it through my first week without a hitch, but sadly I only got to day 3. By the time I got home on Friday night I was so brain dead that brushing my teeth required strict concentration 🙂 There were moments I contemplated just running out of the hospital with my hands above my head screaming obscenities!

Well with all this work nonsense going on, and the fact that I pretty much never have the opportunity to eat anymore, I decided to make something comforting for when I get home from work at midnight. I know shouldn’t complain since I have lost at least 5 lbs without even trying, but dammit people I’m freaking hungry!!

I know some of you might not think quiche + midnight = comfort food, but in my mind it is the perfect late night dinner. First off you can make it ahead of time, and then just cut yourself a slice whenever the mood. Second there is cured meat and cheese in there need I say more!

Ingredients (preheat oven to 350) Makes 4 serving

• 7 large eggs
• 2 table spoons heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons water
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4oz pancetta diced
• 1 + 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 a box of defrosted chopped spinach drained
• 1 frozen pie crust defrosted

Directions

Start by pan frying the pancetta over medium heat until crispy, drain and let cool on a paper towel. In a mixing bowl crack eggs, add cream, water, salt and  pepper. Mix to combine with a whisk. Next, add 1 cup of cheddar cheese, green onions, drained spinach, and cooled pancetta stir to combine.  Transfer egg mixture to your defrosted pie crust, top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and cook for 40-45 minutes at 350. The center should not wiggle and the cheese should be lightly browned.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Years ago my I met some of my best girlfriends, while working at a local college pizza joint, were we bonded over homemade pizza and fcoccia bread…. We are still the best of friends and love to reminisce about our server years!  I must say I had a love hate relationship with the restaurant. I loved learning about food, but could have done without being a grease ball when I left.

Since moving on from the restaurant I still love to make homemade pizzas any chance I get.  The pizza I’m sharing today has become popular in the last few years, but I think it is just perfect for a weeknight dinner with the boyfriend 🙂

Ingredients ( Serves 4) Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees

1 lb Fresh pizza dough

Flour for dusting

6 oz of Chicken Cooked and Diced

1/2-3/4 Cup BBQ Sauce

1 Cup Provolone Cheese

1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 Cup Diced Red Onion

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Directions

Dust a clean surface with flour and roll fresh dough out into a 12 inch round. Transfer to a pizza stone. Top with BBQ sauce, chicken, provolone and mozzarella cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Bake in your 400 degree preheated oven for 15-17 minutes. Slice and serve!

I would recommend serving with an ice cold pint of beer or a big glass of white wine, but hey that’s just me 🙂