What says fall more than pumpkin? And of course, the beloved pumpkin pie. We decided to do things a little bit differently this year and make a pumpkin cheesecake. Because, let's face it, who doesn't love cheesecake? And pumpkin cheesecake? Well, we couldn't resist. We promise this pumpkin cheesecake will not dissapoint, and it's likely you'll be putting your pumpkin pie recipe aside for a rainy day, once you make it. We're certain it'll become your go to pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving. That's definitely true for us! This cheesecake is so simple to make and can even be done by hand - so don't let the kitchen aid fool you. You can do this! Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and lots of delicious food shared with your nearest and dearest.
Mangez bien!
The holidays are fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than a give away to promote healthy cooking! Lala Cooks has teamed up with our new friends over at ChoiceCookery.com to give away a brand new 15 piece set of stainless steel cookware!
This 15pc set of waterless cookware is meant to promote a very healthy way of preparing your food, using little to no water and no oils, fats, or grease to keep your food from sticking to the pans. Waterless cooking, if you are unfamiliar, is an excellent way to prepare your foods to get the most nutrients from your ingredients. To learn more about the health benefits of waterless cooking, check out this very informative article, Waterless cooking Advantages and for some great tips on how to get the most of your waterless cookware set check out Waterless Cooking Tip.
Ok, so how do I get entered for this give away you might ask?! Well it's pretty simple. We will randomly be choosing someone who completes the following 4 very easy tasks.
Step 1: Subscribe to Lala Cooks Youtube page here
Step 2: Like Lala Cooks on Facebook here
Step 3: Like ChoiceCookery on Facebook here
Step 4: Follow ChoiceCookery on twitter here
It's that easy! On Dec 10th, we will toss all the names in a pot :) and pull out the winner! Remember your name will only be entered if you have followed, liked, or subscribed to all four sites!
Good Luck and Mangez Bien!
Risotto is a dish that many love to eat but tend to shy away from making themselves because they think it's too difficult. It's not! It's super easy to make and so versatile. You can use whatever ingredients you want and it's a great chance to get creative in the kitchen and let your imagination run. Creamy risotto is definitely a comfort food. It's a great way to showcase vegetables from your garden or the local farmer's market. We planted our garden a couple weeks ago and we're starting to see everything sprout up and it's so exciting! It's really amazing to see these vegetables grow from the ground up. Most cooks know that love is the most important ingredient and when you're constantly stirring the rice and adding in the stock, you're taking great care to make something really great for your family and friends and it's sure to be tasty. I hope you'll try this risotto. I know once you do, you'll see how incredibly easy it is and you'll be making it all the time and coming up with your own yummy creations!
Mangez Bien! :)
Attending a French culinary school, learning how to make puff pastry was a huge focus for us. We always had to have some handy just in case we might need it on any given day. I would often walk in in the morning and see my classmates rushing around with sticks of butter and rolling pins, trying to make their first turns of the dough, because they had forgotten they ran out the day before. I will never forget the first time we made it and how hard the chef was on all of us. Does a book fold from top to bottom (you're supposed to fold the dough like a book)?! This is what happens when the butter and the dough are too soft! Now what are you going to do?! Haha fun times! But I have to say that learning to make puff pastry was definitely one of the highlights of school and something I'm very proud to know how to do. Does that mean I always have some handy at home and never buy the pre-made stuff? Absolutely not! It's so easy to buy the ready made pastry at the store that I usually have some sitting in my freezer.
There is something about that soft flaky crust that simultaneously makes me feel at home and like I'm sitting in a cafe somewhere in France. There are so many quick and easy desserts, among other things, that can be made from puff pastry. One of my favorites is this little tart that literally takes minutes to put together and throw in the oven. It's very versatile and perfect for when you need a quick fix dessert for dinner or even as party food. You can use pears, apples or even nectarines and top with sugar, cinnamon, or any other spices. I love to put a glaze on mine at the end but you could also drizzle some melted chocolate on top as well. Yum! This would be great served with ice cream too. Your guests will be so impressed and have no idea how little time and effort it took!
It's Mardi Gras and what better way to celebrate than with some hearty gumbo! I've always loved the flavors of Cajun cooking and the awesome dishes that come out of New Orleans. My family has some Cajun roots and gumbo has always been something that we've loved making together. It's reminiscent to me of Hispanic families going through the process of making mole together. It's a tradition and there's many memories and warm emotions that surround it.
At Thanksgiving, one of the first things that we look forward to doing as a family is going to our favorite local seafood shop. We've been going there since I was a baby. We know we'll be coming home with fresh shrimp and all of the ingredients for an awesome gumbo. My dad brings the gumbo pot and we all gather around and wait for the amazing flavors that result.
I'm really looking forward to you trying this recipe. It's one of my all time favorites and I hope it'll become a tradition in your family. I'd love to hear how it goes!
Mangez Bien!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
What better way to celebrate than to make a tasty dessert for your sweetheart? I remember traveling to France for the first time and tasting a candied orange peel dipped in chocolate, called an orangette, and tasting my way through countless patisseries. In Paris, tarts are practically their own food group, and one of my favorite things to eat, whether savory or sweet.
I’ve combined a few of my favorite things to bring you this orangette tart, especially for Valentine’s Day. When we cook with love, our food is sure to taste amazing, and I’ll hope you’ll pour your heart and soul into making this delectable tart for that special person in your life.
Mangez Bien!
Leek and potato soup is a simple yet very tasty recipe that will keep you warm in the colder months! Just a few simple ingredients come together with a little salt and pepper for a very easy soup. You can use a myriad of things as garnish to add that little extra flavor and texture for your palate. Give this recipe a try and you won't go wrong.
This is a perfect recipe to use the chicken stock you made from Episode 1 of Lala Cooks. It's a great way to showcase local items as well, since you can get most of the ingredients at your local farmer's market.
Mangez Bien!
Homemade stock is a great way to add amazing flavor to many dishes. There are so many benefits to making it at home over buying it at the store. First and foremost, you know what's in it. Nothing except fresh veggies, chicken leftovers and great aromatics, i.e. fresh herbs. Not to mention a ton of great minerals that are easy for your body to absorb. It is so simple to do, there is no reason why you can’t make your own and save a little money in the process...
We hope you find this recipe easy and helpful, so that you will incorporate it into your everyday cooking.
Mangez Bien!
