Breakfast, Afternoon Snack and Dessert!

I love when I come across an ingredient with multiple applications, especially one that is considered among the healthiest foods on the planet. They're a whole grain food, non-GMO and naturally gluten free. Don't be fooled by their small size, they're loaded with antioxidants and a high quality protein choice. Talk about a powerhouse, chia seeds have more calcium than milk, more antioxidants than blueberries and more omega-3 than salmon. Isn't that enough reasons to add it to your grocery list?!

Probably one of the best things about chia seeds, is that they are easy to incorporate into your diet. Here are two of my favorite recipes, perfect for anytime of day whether it's breakfast, an afternoon snack or after dinner dessert! 

"Fall in Love with Taking Care of Yourself; Mind, Body & Soul"
 

Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding

Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 2 cups coconut milk (or almond milk) 
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 banana

Blend all ingredients except chia seeds. Gently whisk in chia seeds and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight. Add fresh berries as a garnish.

Almond Butter & Jelly Chia Seed Pudding

AB&J - Almond Butter & Jam Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 2 cups coconut milk (or almond milk) 
- 3 Tablespoons almond butter
- 3 Tablespoons raspberry jam
- 1 banana

Blend all ingredients except chia seeds. Gently whisk in chia seeds and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight. 

Getting ICED on July 4th!

July 4th is almost here! If you happen to celebrate big with friends and family then this is a recipe that will rock their socks off. After a long day of grilling, there's nothing better than cooling off in the heat with a little Italian Granita. Think of it as shaved ice, but BETTER.

You can make granita so easily, without the need of ice cream machines. All you'll need is a freezer, a blender, fruit, sugar and water. Yes, just 3 ingredients! Flavors range from coffee to wine to fruit to herbs. Once you know the basic recipe, you can make pretty much any version of this Italian summer classic.

Personally, I love mixing all the seasonal fruit together to make one super flavorful and fruity granita. Specifically I like the blend of strawberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots or melons combined with the citrus zest of a lemon or orange. Fresh mint is a wonderful compliment as well, but feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking.

Here's what you will need:

1/4 cup Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup

1lb Fresh Fruit

1/4 cup water

Here's how you do it:

1. In a blender, place your fresh fruit of choice along with either a squeeze of citrus juice or a few splashes of water. Add your simple syrup or agave syrup. The liquid is what will help the fruits puree into a smooth consistency.

2. Once pureed, our into a cooled bowl for chilling. Here you can add your fresh herbs, zest, alcohol, vanilla extract or other added flavors.

3. Place in the freezer and scrape well with a fork every 3 to 4 hours until frozen and fluffy in consistency.

When it comes to a granita, it is really about tasting as you go and checking consistency. Don't be shy to add a bit more water if your puree is looking a bit thick, or lessening the simple syrup if the fruits are a little on the sweet side.

I hope you enjoy making some summer granitas!

-Chef K

Homemade Whipped Cream

One of the best things about dessert is that it is universal -- everyone loves it! And what can make or break a great dessert from an average one is the whipped cream. Homemade is always best, and it’s much easier to make than you’d think. Here’s how:

1 cup cold heavy cream (the colder the better!)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whip the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (you can also use a hand mixer). When it starts to thicken, add the sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks are formed. Be sure not to overbeat!

The small amount of extra effort really goes a long way! What are some of your favorite dessert toppings?

 -Chef K

Semifreddo! A Summertime Treat

One of my favorite summertime treats is an Italian favorite. Semifreddo! It is an icy, light treat that can easily be made at home. When you’re craving some gelato or ice cream, it can be a little intimidating to consider making it yourself. I’m happy to tell you that semifreddo is a cinch!

At Bocca Di Bacco, we make our own semifreddo with chocolate shavings and hint of espresso. However, you can make whatever type of semifreddo you like! Citrus, fruity or coffee flavored semifreddos are always super yummy. It just depends on what you blend into the mixture.

Here is a recipe I pulled from one of my personal inspirational chefs, Giada De Laurentiis that I think you all can try at home. This one happens to be a citrus based recipe and is perfect for summer! With just a little patience and  few ingredients, you will be enjoying this frozen treat in no time!

Pairing Wines

Choosing the right wine to pair with your meal is the key to enhancing your overall dining experience and at Bocca Di Bacco we take pride in our wines! The goal is for your food to compliment and enhance your enjoyment of the wine, and vice versa. So, I'm here to help you choose the right wine for the right taste!

Let’s start with the cheeses. White Zinfandel goes well with bleu and fresher cheeses, while a Riesling goes well with many types, especially buttery or hard cheeses. As far as main courses go, the rule of thumb is usually: white wines go with white meats and red wines pair well with red meats. More specifically, lightly prepared poultry goes well with Chardonnay or Chablis, while poultry with heavier sauces can pair with a light, fruity red. Seafood varies, but most whites will do.

Now for my favorite, dessert! The darker the dish, the darker you should go with your wine. A nice sweet port is always suggested, unless you are feeling for a bit of sweet dessert brandy! Hopefully these tips were helpful and improve the flavors of your dish!