Diva Cooking 101

Divas cook gorgeous things that are fabulous enough to share with friends and family. They just don't cook much. Every diva needs a few, easy signature dishes to get by. Are you a diva cook?

Divas cook while listening to Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, or the Rolling Stones.

Divas cook while sipping Champagne, Chardonnay, or a martini.

Divas cook with a feather boa draped around their shoulders.

While cooking, divas nibble gin-soaked olives or Champagne-saturated strawberries.

Divas cook while wearing an apron that says, "Tomorrow is another Chardonnay."

A diva's favorite breakfast is last night's appetizers.

Divas don't stress over particular amounts in any recipe. Glugs, plops, and handfuls are accurate enough.

Divas can cook with boas because diva recipes do not require many steps. Still, the food is fabulous.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Oven-Baked Apples

Many recipes I see for baked apples call for the apples to be peeled. I prefer the skins on, in this case, because I like the crunchy texture next to the soft, baked fruit. Sometimes a diva likes skins off, but not here.

I cannot resist this dessert in the fall with the variety of apple types. If there is anything a diva knows about, that's variety. If there is anything a diva fails at, that is resisting dessert. Add resisting variety. Indeed, a diva craves variety.

Oven-Baked Apples

5-6 medium to small apples, diced
¼ cup brown sugar blended
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 squirts lemon juice
½ stick melted butter
½ cup golden raisins, (soaked in rum for 30 minutes optional)
¼ cup pecans, crushed

Toss the apples in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and melted butter.
Add raisins and pecans.
Let sit 3-4 minutes while the oven heats and absorb flavor.
Pour apples into baking dish and bake at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Apples are done when apples are tender but hold their shape.
Serve as is or with heavy cream, sour cream, whipped cream, Greek yogurt or ice cream.

Make it a meal: Serve after a lovely harvest meal of Butternut Squash Pasta (see recipe)

Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc

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