Caramelized Mixed Bell Pepper Bruschetta

These crunchy, sweet and tart open bruschetta are delicious anytime as a snack or casual hors d'oeuvre along with some cocktails.

If you cannot find Italian ham, feel free to use a Spanish Serrano ham or similar.  The key is it needs to have a smokey flavour and above all ... be cut extremely thin, almost see-through.  I just love the way the sweetness of the peppers work with the sharpness in the Parmesan, along with the smokey flavour that lingers on the palette.

Garlic or less garlic is the question?  Smearing hot toasted bread with fresh garlic carries a HUGE punch of flavour.  If you are not too keen on garlic, then go easy on the smear.  Believe me, the lightest of garlic rub allows you to taste its distinctive flavour.

This is one of my all-time go-to favourites!

Enjoy
~ Michelle ~

Caramelized Mixed Bell Pepper Bruschetta

Serves 2 - 4

2 Tbsp good olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely slithered
Salt & pepper to taste
1 baguette
2 cloves garlic peeled and halved
8 slices smoked Italian ham
Parmesan, shaved
Dill for garnish

Heat olive oil in a saute pan on a medium heat.  Add peppers and onion, and cook until soft.  This should take about 8 - 10 minutes.  Sprinkle peppers with sugar and cook for a further 2 minutes to caramelize.  Stir in basil and season generously with salt & pepper.

Slice baguette into 1 inch thick slices on the diagonal and brush lightly with some olive oil.  Place evenly on a baking tray and bake in a 180'c oven for 5 minutes until  lightly browned.  Remove from the oven and whilst still hot, rub one side of the toasted bread with garlic.

Now to dress ... top each slice of bread with a piece of ham, warm pepper mix and a generous amount of shaved Parmesan.  Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a little fresh dill.  Serve immediately.




  

Caramelized Bell Pepper Steak

It's all about meat tonight!  I don't think there it too much that can beat a great piece of grilled steak. It is something we enjoy at least once a week, and tonight is the night.

I tend to use rib-eye, also known as Scotch Fillet or Cowboy Cut as it is both flavourful and tender and perfect for the griddle pan or BBQ.  It is also a really great piece of meat to slow oven roast.

This marinade sounds rather strange as it has fish sauce it in, however it is just one of those things that works. Do remember that Soy sauce is salty, so I tend not to add extra salt when grilling.

Caramelizing the bell peppers is so easy and much better than buying store-bought as you can add more or less sugar (or sweetener powder if you prefer) and even a punch of fresh chilli to give it some kick.

Suitable for 2 meat lovers.

RECIPE:

1 tsp fish sauce

3 tsp Soy sauce

1 tsp brown sauce / or HP Sauce
2 x 250g thick Rib-Eye steak

Olive oil

1/2 red pepper, seeded and sliced length ways

1/2 yellow pepper, seeded and sliced length ways 
1/2 white onion, sliced length ways
1 Tbsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
30ml Brandy
Knob of butter
Parmesan, shaved for garnish

Marinade:

Mix fish sauce, soy and brown sauce in a shallow dish and add steaks

Marinade for at least 30 min at room temperature turning a few times

Pre-heat oven at 180'C
Heat 2 Tbsp oil on medium heat in a pan
Add peppers and onion and cook for about 8 min until soft
Add sugar and cook for a further 5 min to caramelize
Season with a little salt & pepper

Heat a little oil in an oven proof skillet and sear steak on each side for 3 min (no more)

Add brandy a cook alcohol off for 1 min

Place skillet in the oven and grill for a further 2 min - 3 min (pending how you like it)

Remove from oven and add a dollop of butter on each steak

Cover skillet with aluminium foil and allow to rest for 5 min

Serve with roasted peppers and shaved Parmesan 

Turkey Stuffed Potatoes

So here is a really easy whip-me-up healthy Friday dinner with all the protein and carbs. you need.  I am home alone, so really perfect when you need to cook for one.  Makes 2 portions. Here we go ...

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Turkey Stuffed Potato

2 big potatoes
350g turkey fillets
1/4 red pepper, large dice
1/4 yellow pepper, large dice
1/4 green pepper, large dice
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard
1/2 cup light cream

Pre-heat oven to 180'C (370'F)
Wash potatoes, DRY and bake for 1 hour directly on the oven rack, turning once over
Meanwhile, chop turkey fillets into slithers and mix with your favourite spices
Add a little oil to a frying pan, heat and toss turkey until golden brown
Add all other ingredients and stir well
Adjust heat to a low temperature, lid on and cook for about 10 min until peppers are tender
Remove potato from the oven
Slit open and add a dollop of butter (herb or garlic butter also works well)
Load with filling and garnish

This is really wholesome and healthy as well!

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

This is a great little simple something served with crusty bread and a green salad ... ideal for a lunch or even a simple light dinner.  Here we go ... (serves 4 foodie lovers)

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

8 red bell peppers
5 black peppercorns
3 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups onions, diced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
4 cups chicken stock (home-made pref.)
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/4 tsp hot sauce (Tabasco)
1 tsp smokey paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp chives, chopped

Preheat oven gill/broiler
Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and discard seeds and membrane
Place skin side up on a greased foiled baking tray, flatten with your hand and grill for 15 min until blackened
Place in a zip-lock bag, seal and stand for 15 min
Peel and chop peppers
Place peppercorns, thyme and bay leaf in some cheesecloth and tie ends well
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat
Add onions and garlic and cook for 12 min until onions are translucent
Add peppers, cheese cloth, stock, vinegar, hot sauce and paprika, increase heat and bring to the boil
Cover and reduce for 20min
Remove and discard cheese cloth, stir in salt & pepper
Add mix to a blender and whizz (careful it is hot)
Add to a serving bowl and garnish

Yummy!