Alison Lewis

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Easter Treats: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Petit Fours and Peeps

March 27, 2009

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Since spring is in the air and Easter is around the corner, I thought I would show you these awesome gift ideas. First, the combination of Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Gourmet Petits Fours include eight scrumptious California  grown strawberries dipped in dark and white chocolate and then hand striped in Spring pastel colors. The four bite size petits fours include lemon, strawberry, orange and chocolate.  Second, the hand-dipped gourmet chocolate strawberries and Spring Peeps. Each strawberry and Peep is covered in gourmet chocolate and packed with eight delicious, juicy chocolate strawberries and four darling Peeps nestled in decadent chocolate coating. See http://www.bouquetoffruits.com for more information.

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One Response to “Easter Treats: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Petit Fours and Peeps”
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September, 08 2009at 06:11 pm
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Incredibly Easy Blueberry French Toast

March 26, 2009

Blueberry French Toast

This recipe is perfect for this time of year when spring brunch celebrations are upon us. When we have family brunches, I am always  asked to make this version of Blueberry French Toast. It’s my niece, Jamie’s, favorite, as well as my kids. This recipe is a breeze and can be done overnight. Just see the directions under “preparation” below. It can also be done with strawberries or even bananas in the middle of the cream cheese layer. I love to use Challah bread, but if you can’t find that, use a good French bread.

Look for me today on The NBC 13 show in Birmingham “Daytime Alabama” at 11:30 central time in Birmingham. I will post the link next week for those of you who are outside the viewing area.

Blueberry French Toast

Havarti can be substituted for the cream cheese in this recipe.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) Challah or French bread loaf, cubed (I used Challah bread)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into thin slices
6 large eggs
4 cups skim milk
1/2 cup sugar
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
11/2 cups fresh (or frozen) blueberries
1 (12-ounce) jar blueberry preserves
Preparation
1. Arrange half of bread cubes in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan. Top evenly with cream cheese; top with remaining bread cubes.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours, if desired. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon over the top.

3. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 more minutes or until lightly browned and set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

4. Stir together blueberries and blueberry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Serve blueberry sauce over French toast. Garnish, if desired.
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3 Responses to “Incredibly Easy Blueberry French Toast”
Kathy says:
April, 14 2009at 05:59 am
This was easy and delicious. My family loved it and I ate mine for lunch the next day....just couldn't resist! I plan on making this at the lake, as we always seem to have a crowd there. I'm hoping I can make this ahead and freeze, adding the blueberry mixture after it is thawed and heated.
Becci says:
March, 30 2009at 01:13 pm
Oh my goodness...seriously good eating. I made this for my Mom's group today for breakfast and we all agreed that this was the best we have ever had. I am currently having the leftovers for lunch...so, so, good!!!
Alison Lewis says:
April, 14 2009at 06:05 am
Thanks Kathy! It is one of my favorites. It's great for Mother's Day or spring brunches for sure! Alison

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Alison Lewis and Paula Deen In Chicago at International Housewares Show

March 23, 2009

I had so much fun in Chicago over the past few days at the Chicago Housewares Show. I saw so many new kitchen gadget items that I can’t wait to share with you in my blog and store on this site.  While in Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet Paula Deen, who was so friendly and sweet. I thought I would share one of my favorite candy recipes of hers that my kids love, and who wouldn’t?

Cookie Dough Truffles

Prep: 15 minutes
Yield: 5 dozen
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted
Preparation
1. In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.

*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.

Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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Simple Turkey Burgers with a Twist

March 22, 2009

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I used to not be a fan of ground turkey, but because all of the recipe development jobs I have received requesting recipes for ground turkey, I have grown to love it. Even my three children have grown to love ground turkey, especially this recipe with guacamole and turkey bacon (some of their favorite ingredients). This recipe is so easy and flavorful, and I hope you will try it too. I am still in Chicago at the International Housewares show, but I miss Alabama and love light comforting recipes such as this one.

Turkey Burgers

Prep: Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 14 minutes
Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
11/4 lb. ground turkey
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
4 sourdough English muffins, toasted and cut in half
1/3 cup guacamole spread
4 tbsp. whole-grain mustard
4 slices bacon, cooked
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Lettuce, purple onion (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat grill.

2. Combine turkey, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; shape into 4 patties. Grill over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes one each side or until desired degree of doneness.

3. Serve on toasted English muffins with guacamole spread, mustard, bacon and tomato. Top with lettuce and purple onion, if desired.
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Welcome to Updated Ingredients, Inc. and Strawberry Parfaits

March 20, 2009

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Welcome to the launch of the updated look of Ingredients, Inc. I started my blog on October 25, 2008, so 5 months later, here I am. I want to to thank all of my  supportive loyal fans and subscribers, and I hope you as well as new friends will like this new look as much as I do. Take a moment to look at the “shop” button where I have listed a few of my favorite items. I will be attending the International Housewares show this weekend in Chicago to add new unique items to the store.

In the meantime, I thought I would feature a new favorite recipe I developed using marscarpone cheese. This recipe is so easy to prepare, and it’s as delectable as it looks. I have made these several times, and kids and adults are wowed. It’s the perfect springtime light dessert so let me know what you think. Best, Alison

Strawberry-Mascarpone Parfaits

Prep: Prep: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) container Mascarpone cheese

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups cubed angel food cake

2 cups sliced strawberries

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish: Fresh mint, sliced strawberries
Preparation
1. Combine Mascarpone cheese, whipping cream and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer, beating until creamy. Add vanilla, stirring well.

2. Layer evenly cheese, cake and strawberries, finishing with Mascarpone cheese in a wide glass. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh mint and strawberries, if desired.
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Five Ingredient Low-Fat Pear-Cherry Crisp for St. Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2009

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Coming up with five ingredient recipes can be really challenging as a Recipe Developer, especially when it comes to desserts. I love warm desserts such as cobblers and crisps. A crisp is a dessert of fruit that is topped with a crumbly pastry mixture, usually oats, brown sugar and butter. Using low-fat granola is a great way to cut down on the amount of ingredients. This recipe is very simple, low-fat, great for kids, and it works well in individual baking dishes, such as this clover for St. Patrick’s Day.

Preparation
1. Saute pears over medium heat in a large saute pan coated with cooking spray 7 to 9 minutes or until slightly softened; stir in cinnamon.

2. Transfer to a lightly greased 11/2-quart baking dish. Stir in cranberries and honey, stirring well. Bake at 375F 20 to 25 minutes. Top with granola and cook 5 to 10 minutes more or until granola is lightly browned.
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One Response to “Five Ingredient Low-Fat Pear-Cherry Crisp for St. Patrick’s Day”
Kin says:
May, 31 2009at 07:18 pm
How much honey do you typically use?

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Low Budget Dinner: Sausage Mushroom Pizza

March 13, 2009

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Instead of using pizza crust, why not try pita bread? This recipe is great topped with Italian sausage, green peppers and mushrooms, but feel free to use your own favorite toppings. These pizzas can also be grilled easily. Grill over medium heat 7 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Not only are these pizzas delicious, but they are economical and child-friendly.

Mushroom Pita Pizzas

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
3/4 lb. spicy Italian sausage
1 cup marinara sauce
4 (6-inch) pita bread rounds
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup diced green bell pepper
11/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preparation
1. Brown sausage in a medium pan over medium heat 5 minutes or until meat crumbles; drain, if needed
2. Spread each pita round with 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Top evenly with sausage, mushrooms, green pepper and cheese.
3. Bake at 350F 15 minutes or until pita is browned and cheese is melted.
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Donna Askenazi says:
March, 13 2009at 03:32 pm
Alison, Wanted to know if you had any dinner recipes for Passover? I'm having a few families over during Passover for dinner one night and I'm trying to find something to make.

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Oh This Salad so Good! Spinach-Turkey Salad

March 12, 2009

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This salad is so simple and so delicious! The combination of fresh spinach, basil, chopped pine nuts, turkey and Parmesan create an incredible healthy, fresh, main-dish salad. I served this salad for dinner, and it disappeared faster than I could blink. Serve it with your favorite vinaigrette or just a drizzle of red wine vinegar and olive oil. It has so many great flavors already, so it doesn’t need a lot of dressing. Welcome in spring with clean eating and this fresh salad.

Spinach-Turkey Salad

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
11/2 cups chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 pound sliced deli turkey (I used cracked pepper turkey)
1/4 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
Vinegar and oil or vinaigrette
Preparation
1. Combine spinach, basil and pine nuts in a large salad bowl. Add turkey and cheese. Drizzle with dressing, tossing gently.
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St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer: Fresh Herb Dip

March 11, 2009

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Since Saint Patrick’s Day is one week away, here’s a quick and easy dip that is sure to be a party pleaser. This low-fat, low-calorie delight is perfect for spring. It’s filled with fresh dill and fresh basil. Guests won’t believe that this dip is low-fat, and don’t tell them it took only 10 minutes to prepare.

Low-Fat Fresh Herb Dip

Prep: 10 minutes
Yield: 3 1/2 cups
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) container light sour cream
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Fresh vegetables, crackers
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a container of a food processor; pulse until combine. Cover and chill. Serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.
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Easy Low-Fat Appetizer: Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

March 10, 2009

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This is one of my all-time favorite dips, and it’s low in fat and so high in flavor! I have made this numerous times for parties and showers, but I brought it up to the baseball field for my son’s 5:30 game, and everyone went nuts over it. I like to use rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes that are already chopped. These are less fat since they’re not packed in oil, and they can be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. This recipe is so quick, light, simple and delicious. What else can you ask for?

Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Prep: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a container of a food processor; process until combined. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
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