Friday, April 29, 2016

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

We're getting toward summer, and that's when these sandwiches are best. Go to your local farmer's market and find the freshest and best bread, butter, and cheese that you can. If you can find fresh spinach, use it as well. Fresh artichokes take a lot of cooking to be soft enough for a spread, so go ahead and use the canned here, as they're already soft enough to use.


Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of sourdough bread (or whatever kind of bread you have available)
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 2-3 canned artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook about 5 minutes.
2. Add spinach and artichokes and salt to taste. Cook until the spinach starts to wilt.
3. In a small bowl, combine the spinach and artichoke mixture with the ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
4. Put half of the mozzarella on one slice of bread. Then add the spinach and artichoke cheesy mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Add the second slice of bread on top, and then butter the outside of the sandwich.
5. Place sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Cover and let look for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Flip sandwich and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Tip: The second side will likely cook faster, so watch closely to make sure you do not burn your sandwich.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Watermelon Mojitos

Today's post is a nice fruity, refreshing cocktail perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the backyard with friends. As always, please be responsible when drinking alcoholic beverages.


Watermelon Mojitos

Ingredients

  • 30 large fresh mint leaves
  • 4 thick slices fresh watermelon, seeds and rind removed
  • 10 ounces light rum, such as Bacardi
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup (see recipe below)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes)
  • Sprigs of mint and spears of watermelon, for serving

Instructions

  1. Use a mortar and pestle to mash the mint leaves you can add a little sugar to help break up the leaves and get the oils from the mint extracted.
  2. Remove and discard the rind and seeds of the watermelon. Place the watermelon, rum, simple syrup and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Stir to get the froth to go down.
  3. Put the mashed mint into a large pitcher and add in the watermelon mixture. Stir to combine the mint with the juice.
  4. Place ice cubes in 6 glasses and pour the mojito mixture into the glasses. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and spears of watermelon.

Simple Syrup: place 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Stir until all sugar is dissolved. Cool completely before using.

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