Roasted Artichokes

image

Artichokes can be prepared many ways – steamed, fried, microwaved, broiled. Since it is summer time and barbeque season, T.W.O. decided to ROAST their artichoke. Check out how to make this easy, delicious recipe!


 Roasted Artichokes

Ingredients:
– 1 large artichoke
– 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
– 1 Tablespoon balsamic
– 2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat barbeque.
2. Slice the artichoke in half.
3. In a pot, add ½ water and steam the artichoke for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from pot. Pour the olive oil and balsamic on the interior portion of the artichoke. Season with garlic powder and salt and pepper.
5. Place artichokes on barbeque cooking each side for about 8-10 minutes on low heat.
6. Remove from the barbeque and let stand for 5 minutes.
7. Plate and serve. Don’t forget to cut the artichoke heart out!


image image image image image
T.W.O. signature

Pizza Bianca with Kale

DSC_0007

What night is it?! I can’t hear you….

That’s right, Friday Night Pizza Night.  Friday Night Pizza Night!!! Today we are featuring a Pizza Bianca with Kale.  It’s a light, flavorful pizza for those warm summer nights.  Add some vino and you have yourself a perfect TGIF!!!


 Pizza Bianca with Kale

Ingredients

– 1 pizza dough
– 2 cups baby kale, chopped
– 2-3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 2 cloves garlic, diced
– 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
– 1 Tablespoon dried basil leaves
– Salt
– Pepper

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 415 degrees.
2. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured and cornmeal surface.
3. Place on a cookie sheet and cook for 6 minutes.  While cooking shred the cheese and chop the kale. Once slightly brown, remove dough from oven.
4. Spread 1 Tablespoon of olive oil on the surface on the dough, topping with garlic and dried basil leaves.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over dough and top with kale.
6. Put the pizza in the oven and bake for 5-6 more minutes or until cheeses are melted and crust is crisp and lightly browned.


DSC_0005 DSC_0007 DSC_0014 DSC_0019

Bon Appetit!

T.W.O. signature

World Cup Nachos

imageT.W.O. decided to indulge in the culture of the world cup and make a modified version of  traditional nachos. This modification is similar to that of the Brazilian party time snack! Check out how we turned this recipe into a T.W.O. dish! Note – make it a meal by adding chicken or meat!!


World Cup Nachos

Ingredients:
– 3 Russell potatoes
– 4 Tablespoons olive oil
– 1 can black beans, low sodium
– 2 bell peppers
– 2 jalapenos
– 1 cup pico de gallo salsa
– 2 ½ cups jalapeno jack cheese, shredded
– Salt
– Pepper

Drections:
1. Preheat oven to 415ᴼ.
2. Wash and dry the potatoes. Thinly slice the potatoes to make “chips”.
3. Brush the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place potatoes in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until soft.
5. Remove from the oven and top with cheese, jalapenos, black beans and bell pepper.
6. Bring oven to 450ᴼ. Watch carefully. If the top is burning, reduce heat. Make sure the cheese is melted before removing from the oven.
7. Once the nachos are done, remove and let it sit for 3-5 minutes prior to serving.
8. Plate and serve. Top with pico de gallo and your favorite hot sauce.
9. Turn on the World Cup and you have yourself a party!

image

imageimage

image

Go USA!

T.W.O. signature

Coffee Gelato

image

Envision this….you are walking down the streets in Firenze towards the Duomo and you want to satisfy your sweet tooth – no problem.  Turn the corner past The Oil Shoppe and there is a gelateria.  Only 2 euros for two scoops – perfect…thats change right!? What flavors shall you pick?  In this post, T.W.O. recreates the authentic Italian coffee gelato.  It’s very similar minus the cobble stone streets and the outstanding architecture.  Thats amore – lets travel to ITALIA!


Coffee Gelato

Ingredients:
– 5 egg yolks
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 2 Tablespoon vanilla
– 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water

Directions:
1. Whisk yolks in a large bowl until blended and fluffy.
2. Bring milk to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot milk into egg mixture; then whisk in espresso mixture and vanilla.
3. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 8 minutes (Be careful not to boil).
4. Refrigerate the custard until cold, about 3 hours.
5. Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Freeze in covered container. For best results let is freeze for 24 hours.



image
image
T.W.O. signature

Roasted Broccoli Salad

image

T.W.O. has been using their barbecue a lot these past couple of weeks since it’s been so nice out. We decided to take our salad to the grill and whip up a roasted broccoli salad. Grab your tongs and chef’s hat and lets start grilling!


Roasted Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:
– 2 large heads of broccoli
– 2 Tablespoons olive oil + some for brushing
– 2 red onions
– 3 cups cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, chopped
– 2 ½ Tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Shaved manchego cheese, for serving
– Krazy Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the barbecue.
2. Cut the broccoli heads lengthwise into ¾ inch thick steaks. Brush with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill over medium heat for about 7 minutes or until the broccoli is lightly charred and tender. Transfer to a baking sheet to cool. Cut the broccoli steaks into 4 sections.
4. While the broccoli is cooling, cut the red onions crosswise in ½ inch sections. Brush with olive oil and place on the grill for about 5 minutes. Transfer to the baking sheet.
5. In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with the 2 Tablespoon of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the red onions and broccoli and mix well. Plate the salad and top with shaved manchego cheese.
6. Ready to eat!


image image image image image image image image image

Happy summer cooking!

T.W.O. signature

Quinoa Salad with Pineapple Lime Chicken

image

One more day closer to Memorial Day weekend and T.W.O. has one more recipe for you to make! It involves pineapple, mint, lime and honey – – – and no it’s not the drink of the day on the cruise ship. Sounds like it though, right? Anyone want a topper!? Well, we will let you decide after you try this recipe out!


 Quinoa Salad with Pineapple Lime Chicken

Ingredients:
– 2 large limes, juiced
– 1 Tablespoon Fresh Mint, chopped
– 1 Tablespoon honey
– 2 skinless chicken breasts
– ½ cup uncooked quinoa
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon coconut oil
– ½ sweet onion, sliced
– 4 pineapple rings
– ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
– ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
– 2 Tablespoons coconut flakes
– ¼ cup pineapple juice
– ½ avocado
– Salt
– Pepper

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine lime juice, mint and honey. Add the washed chicken breast and mix. Cover and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
  2. To make the quinoa: heat 1 teaspoon of coconut oil on medium-high heat in a medium pan. Toast the uncooked quinoa until slightly brown.
  3. Pour the quinoa into a large pot filled with the water. Bring to a boil and then cover and turn down to low. The quinoa will be ready once all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  4. While the quinoa is cooking, heat up the barbeque and cook the chicken about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, mint, cilantro, mint, pineapple juice and coconut. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Place the onion rings and pineapple slices on the grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes each side. You want to char is a little.
  7. For the assembly – place the quinoa on a plate, top with sliced chicken, a side of pineapple and onions covered with 2 slices of avocado and cilantro to garnish.

image image image image image image image image

Happy Cooking!

T.W.O. signature

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

image

Cupcakes have been trendy for the last five years.  Everyone has an opinion about each place – the cake part is too dry, the frosting is too much, it needs more sugar, there is too much butter, etc.  Well T.W.O. can ensure you with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcake recipe you won’t be disappointed. A glass of milk is required to complete this dessert!


Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:
– 1 devil food cake mix
– eggs
– vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla
– 1 stick butter, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter + 1 Tablespoon
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 tablespoon vanilla creamer
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 3 teaspoons vanilla
– mini peanut butter cups
Directions:
1.  Make cupcakes as stated on the box.  Add vanilla to the mix.  Beat well.
2. Place in muffin tins lined with cupcake holders. Place the batter in the cups.  Add a mini peanut butter cup to each muffin tin.  Cook as required.
3. While the cupcakes are cooking, beat the butter until fluffy.  Add the peanut butter, milk, and creamer.  Slowly add in the confectioners sugar and vanilla.  Mix until all ingredients make a nice frosting.
4.  Once the cupcakes are finished baking and cooled, its time to decorate.

image image image image image image image image image image

Happy Baking,

T.W.O. signature

 

Zucchini Noodle Pasta with Artichoke Hearts and Burrata

imageSummer is just around the corner and we all are thinking about those bikinis and boardshorts. Cut the sugar and carbs? Run more? Well what ever you are doing to get beach-bod ready, be sure to try this recipe out. It is healthy, refreshing, light and satisfying.


Zucchini Noodle Pasta with Artichoke Hearts and Burrata

Ingredients:

– 2 large zucchini
– 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts
– 1 cup pasta sauce*
– 1 large round of burrata
* T.W.O. used Trader Joes Rustico Pomodoro Pasta Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Using a julienne peeler, peel the zucchini lengthwise. Place in a bowl.
  2. Heat up pasta sauce.
  3. Slice artichoke hearts and add to bowl with the noodles.
  4. Place noodles in artichoke hearts in bowls. Top with pasta sauce.
  5. Separate the burrata into two slices and add to the top of the sauce. The heat of the sauce will melt the cheese a bit. (That’s a good thing!)

image image image

image

Bon Appetite!

T.W.O. signature

Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio Mini Cheesecakes with Meyer Lemon Curd

image

Cheesecake – they come in all different flavors, sizes and presentations.  Bet you haven’t had a cheesecake with pistachio, goat cheese, honey, lemon curd and crème fraîche. Well if you have – – you are pretty lucky! If you haven’t…don’t worry, T.W.O. has this delicious, flavorful, satisfying Spring dessert recipe for you!


Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio Mini Cheesecakes with Meyer Lemon Curd

Ingredients:

For the pistachio crust:
– 1 heaping cup de-shelled, roasted, and salted pistachios
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
– 1 (11-ounce) log mild goat cheese, room temperature
– 1 (11-ounce) log mild honey goat cheese, room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup crème fraîche room temperature
– 3 tablespoons good-quality honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6 large eggs

For the Meyer lemon cream:
– 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 large egg yolks
– 3 teaspoons Meyer lemon zest
– 3/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. For the pistachio crust, combine pistachios and sugar in food processor until it becomes a fine meal. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the melted butter. Transfer the crust to a spring form pan.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating, refrigerate the crusts until chilled. Bake the crusts for 10 to 12 minutes until set. Cool completely before filling.
3. For the filling, lower oven temperature to 300°F. Combine the goat cheese and sugar in the kitchen aid. Add the crème fraîche, honey, vanilla, mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, and mix until just combined; do not over mix.
4. Add the filling to the top of the pistachio crust. Place the cheesecake in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes depending on your oven. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, put the cheesecake in the oven overnight.
5. For the Meyer lemon curd cream the butter and sugar in a KitchenAid mixer until light and fluffy.. Slowly add the eggs and yolks and beat for 1 minute, until well combined. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla. Note: The mixture will become curdled and lumpy – – – don’t be alarmed!
6. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. The cream will become thicker, so be sure to not overcook. Once the curd can coat the back of the spoon, transfer to another bowl and press plastic directly on the surface. Let cool at room temperature. Add to the top of the cheesecake and let it refrigerate for a couple hours.
7. When you are ready to serve, top with pistachios and a lemon slice….bon appetite!


 

image image image image image image image image image image

Happy Baking!

T.W.O. signature

Grilled Mediterranean Salad

image

Have you ever thought about grilling lettuce? Well you will after reading this recipe. It’s a great way to bring more flavors to your fresh salad without adding the calories or the ingredients. T.W.O. combined the grilled romaine with fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing. Check out the recipe below.


 Grilled Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:
– 2 heads organic romaine
– 1 ½ cup fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup hearts of palm, sliced
– 4 persian cucumbers, sliced
– ¼ cup basil olive oil
– 2 Tablespoon fig balsamic
– 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
– ¾ cup lemon juice
– Salt
– Pepper
– Olive oil (~ 1 teaspoon for drizzling)

Directions:

  1. Cut the romaine heads in half, lengthwise. Leave the stem and core intact.
  2. Drizzle the olive oil and salt and pepper on the halves.
  3. For the dressing: combine the, basil olive oil, fig balsamic, rice vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  4. On a heated barbeque, place the romaine halves on the grill over low-medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to watch the lettuce leaves – you don’t want them to start to burn.
  5. Remove the lettuce and top with homemade dressing, tomatoes, cucumbers and hearts of palm. Add pepper as needed.

 

image image image image image image image

Happy Cooking!

T.W.O. signature