GORGONZOLA Archive - Kimberly Zett

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Figs and Chili Cinnamon Croutons

Kimberly — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:12:44 +0000

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Figs & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

December 17, 2024 by Kimberly

This salad is a cozy mix of crunchy, creamy, and sweet-spicy vibes. Think warm croutons, tangy cheese, and a mulled wine dressing – perfect for holiday feels or a fancy brunch.

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TOTAL TIME

40 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

This salad hits that perfect balance of cozy and chic. Crunchy brussels sprouts meet the bold bitterness of radicchio, paired with crispy bacon, juicy figs, and creamy gorgonzola. The real star? A mulled wine oil dressing that wraps everything in warm, spiced magic. Perfect for holidays or whenever you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Sweet, savory, and a little spicy – it’s giving festive food vibes!

Serve this salad as a statement starter or a bold side dish at your next dinner party. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a vibrant centerpiece for a cozy brunch spread. Add fresh tangerine slices right before serving for an extra citrusy pop, and don’t forget the chili cinnamon croutons for a spicy-sweet crunch that ties the whole dish together.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, but store the croutons separately to maintain their crunch. Re-dress with a splash of the mulled wine oil before serving.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Figs and Chili Cinnamon Croutons

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Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 2 as main / 4 as starter 1x

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Description

Recommended Equipment

sharp knife
cutting board
small pan
small bowl

Ingredients

Units

SALAD

200 grams brussels sprout
150 grams red radicchio
1 shallot
1 tsp butter
2 mandarins
2 fresh figs
8 bacon strips
50 grams gorgonzola
50 grams walnuts

CROUTONS

6 slices baguette
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp butter

DRESSING

4 tbsp mulled wine oil
1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp date syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
salt & pepper to taste

TOPPINGS

fresh thyme
fresh chives

Instructions

PREPARATIONS

Here’s the recipe for mulled wine oil. You’ll need about 3–4 tbsp of it.

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash the Brussels sprouts and slice them into thin strips or shave them finely. Do the same with the radicchio, then wash it. Add both to a large salad bowl.
Lay the bacon strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Use the time to work on the next steps.
Peel the mandarins and remove the white fibers. Cut the figs into eighths and set them aside.
Strip the thyme leaves from the stems and slice the chives into small rings. Set these aside as well.
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan until they smell aromatic. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Slice the shallot into thin rings. Heat a bit of butter in the same pan and fry the shallot rings until crispy. Remove them and let them cool on a paper towel.
Cut the baguette into large cubes. In the pan, sauté them with butter, cinnamon, and chili flakes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
For the dressing, mix the mulled wine oil, red wine vinegar, date syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper well. Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and radicchio in the salad bowl, then toss thoroughly.
Top the salad with mandarins, figs, walnuts, crispy shallots, bacon strips, croutons, and a few pieces of Gorgonzola. Finish with fresh thyme and chives before serving.

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Blini Appetizers

Kimberly — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 16:54:51 +0000

Blini Appetizers

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December 15, 2024 by Kimberly

Tiny pillows of heaven! These fluffy blini with a creamy ricotta base and versatile toppings bring bold flavors and cozy vibes. Perfect for casual nights or fancy parties!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

40 min

SERVES

20 blini

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Imagine a table full of vibrant, delicious little bites that disappear as soon as you serve them! These foolproof blini are soft, golden mini pancakes topped with a silky ricotta cream that goes with anything. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or an elegant dinner party, these creative toppings take your appetizer game to the next level. From smoky and herby to sweet and nutty, there’s a flavor for everyone. It’s all about the balance of textures, flavors, and a little drizzle of oil magic!

Prepare the blini as mini pancakes, then spread a dollop of the ricotta cream on top and add your chosen toppings. You can serve them pre-assembled for easy grabbing or turn it into a fun DIY setup where everyone can mix and match their toppings. Perfect for any vibe – casual or fancy! You can also prepare the batter and ricotta cream in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The blini pancakes can also be made ahead of time since they’re typically served cold.

Store the blini and ricotta cream separately in airtight containers. Keep the blini in the fridge for up to 2 days. The ricotta cream stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Blini Appetizers

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 20 blini 1x

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Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

mixing bowl
whisk
pan
spatula
cooling rack
piping bag (optional)
kitchen knife
cutting board

Ingredients

Units

BATTER

90 grams all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
125 milliliter buttermilk
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
oil for frying

RICOTTA CREAM

250 grams ricotta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste

BLINI TOPPING 1

walnuts
shallot
oil for frying
honey
chili oil
fresh thyme
red pepper flakes

BLINI TOPPING 2

fresh fig
gorgonzola
truffle oil
chives
black pepper

BLINI TOPPING 3

cooked salmon
red onion
capers
olive oil
fresh dill
black pepper

BLINI TOPPING 4

pastrami
cornichons
walnut oil
fresh parsley

BLINI TOPPING 5

radishes
cress
basil oil

Instructions

First, we’re making the blini batter. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth, then let it chill for like 5-10 minutes. Once the batter’s had its lil rest, heat up a pan with a bit of oil or butter and spoon in small circles of batter. I usually use 3/4 of a tablespoon. Here’s the pro tip: when you see those cute little holes popping up on the surface, it’s time to flip them. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and gorgeous. Boom, your blinis are born. Pop them on a cooling rack to chill out – no soggy bottoms here.
Grab a bowl and mix the ricotta cream. For this, stir together ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. Then load it into a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy, or just keep a spoon handy for the easy aesthetic.
Once your blinis are cool, dollop or pipe some ricotta cream onto each one. Get creative – a little swirl, a casual blob, whatever your heart desires. Now they’re ready for toppings.
For Blini topping 1, toast the walnuts in a pan without adding additional fat. Take them out and let them cool. Thinly slice the shallots into delicate rings and fry them in a bit of oil until crispy. Set aside to cool. Add half a walnut onto the blini, as well as about 1 tsp of the crispy onions. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. Toss on a few fresh thyme leaves and finish with a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick that ties it all together.
For Blini topping 2, slice fresh figs into eighths. Place one fig wedge on the ricotta cream, then crumble some blue cheese on the other side – as much or as little as your vibe calls for. Add a few drops of truffle oil, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, and garnish with a touch of chopped chives to seal the deal.
For Blini topping 3, flake some cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and nestle it onto the ricotta cream. Slice red onions into thin strips, then scatter a few pieces on top along with some capers. Add a few drops of olive oil, a grind of fresh black pepper, and finish with a couple of dill sprigs.
For Blini topping 4, tear thin slices of pastrami into strips, roll them into little spirals, and press them onto the ricotta. Diagonally halve some cornichons and place one half on the blini. Drizzle a few drops of walnut oil for a rich, nutty twist. Top it all off with a sprig of fresh parsley for a classy finishing touch.
For Blini topping 5, thinly slice radishes into delicate rounds and place two slices on one side of the blini. On the other side, gently press on a little bunch of radish cress for that pop of green. Finish with a few drops of basil oil for a fresh, herbaceous flair.
Serve these cute appetizers on a platter and watch them disappear in seconds.

Cook Time: 40 min

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Gorgonzola Spinach Gnocchi with Salsiccia Walnut Topping

Kimberly — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:54:19 +0000

Gorgonzola Spinach Gnocchi with Salsiccia Walnut Topping

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November 25, 2024 by Kimberly

Creamy, cheesy, and just the right touch of indulgence! This cozy dish feels like a warm hug, with bold Italian vibes and a satisfying crunch that’s absolutely unforgettable.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

50 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

This dish is the ultimate comfort meal you didn’t know you needed! Think soft pillows of gnocchi wrapped in a velvety, cheesy sauce, with just enough spinach to feel balanced. The topping? A game-changing mix of savory sausage and crunchy walnuts that takes it to the next level. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in!

Serve this dish straight from the pan, steaming and ready to impress. Sprinkle a touch of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil on top for that extra flair. Pair it with a crisp arugula salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. Want to make it truly unforgettable? A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a citrus twist will make the flavors pop.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy magic. Avoid freezing – it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Gorgonzola Spinach Gnocchi with Salsiccia Walnut Topping

Author: Kimberly
Total Time: 50 min
Yield: 4 1x

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Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

large frying pan
medium frying pan
large pot
strainer
sharp knife
cutting board

Ingredients

Units

SPINACH GORGONZOLA SAUCE

200 grams gorgonzola
200 grams heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
250 milliliter chicken stock
50 milliliter dry white wine
4 garlic cloves
1 shallot
50 grams baby spinach
fresh oregano
fresh thyme
nutmeg, salt & pepper to taste

SALSICCIA WALNUT TOPPING

200 grams salsiccia with fennel
50 milliliter dry white wine
40 grams walnuts
2 tsp honey
fresh oregano
fresh thyme
cayenne pepper, salt & pepper to taste

OTHER INGREDIENTS

800 grams gnocchi
parmesan for topping

Instructions

PREPARATIONS

Chop the shallot and garlic cloves into small, fine pieces. Take the salsiccia sausage out of its casing—either tear it into chunky bits with your hands or crumble it up, whichever feels less chaotic. Slice the gorgonzola into chunks—don’t overthink it; it’ll melt anyway. Wash the baby spinach thoroughly and spin it dry. Set everything aside.

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt some butter in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the shallots and cook until they’re glossy and translucent. Add the garlic and stir it until your kitchen smells incredible.
Deglaze with a splash of white wine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the cream. Let this dreamy mix simmer gently for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the salsiccia.
Toss the sausage bits into a cold pan. Slowly heat it up so the fat renders out—no extra oil needed! Cook until the pieces are golden and crispy on the outside. Deglaze with another splash of white wine, simmering until most of the liquid evaporates and you’re left with a creamy coating. Toss in the walnuts, a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and a drizzle of honey. Stir everything and let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes. Add fresh oregano and thyme, mix, and let those flavors pop.
Keep your cream and broth mixture on low heat. Stir in the Gorgonzola until it’s completely melted into the sauce—smooth, rich, and irresistible. Grate in some fresh nutmeg, then stir in more oregano and thyme. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts down. Keep everything warm and cozy over low heat.
Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and toss them directly into the Gorgonzola-spinach sauce. Stir until every pillowy bite is coated in the sauce.
Plate the gnocchi in deep bowls. Spoon the crispy salsiccia-walnut mixture on top and finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 min
Passive Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min

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