Balsamic Cream Cheese Food

LEMON-RASPBERRY CUPCAKES WITH RASPBERRY-BALSAMIC CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 muffin pans with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape the bowl as needed. Beat in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of the buttermilk and lemon juice. Mix until just combined after each addition. Scrape the bowl as needed. Gently fold in the raspberries.
• Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full with batter and bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer the pans to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
• Frost the cupcakes with the Raspberry-Balsamic Cream Cheese Frosting.
• In a small bowl, mix the raspberries with the granulated sugar and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Place the raspberries in a small saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar. Let simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes; the raspberries should cook down and create a sauce. Then crush the berries or run through a blender for a smoother frosting. Set aside to cool.
• Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar into the raspberry sauce and set aside.
• In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add the raspberry sauce and beat until combined. Add the remaining powdered sugar, a bit at a time, and beat until creamy. Add more sugar if a thicker consistency is desired.

BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, and cook until it has caramelized to a dark, golden brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, and cook for 1 minute before stirring in the chicken bouillon and cream. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

CREAMY BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine balsamic vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and garlic in a cup and mix well. Stir in cream and mix well.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN WITH BALSAMIC CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper and let rest.
• In a small skillet, saute onions in the butter until they are golden brown (carmelized).
• In a larger skillet with tall sides, heat olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides, but do not cook through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• While the pan is still hot, deglaze with the chicken broth, and use a whisk or spatula to loosen all the browned bits.
• Add the heavy cream and the balsamic vinegar to the chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes (if desired) Whisk through.
• Add the mushrooms to the cream sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Add onions into the sauce.
• Place the chicken back into the pan with the sauces, increase heat to medium and saute until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
• Remove chicken and add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted through the sauce.
• Plate the chicken, top with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. I often serve this chicken over the top of basmati rice.

CHEESE AND BALSAMIC APRICOT BITES

Steps:

• Cover baking sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. Cook butter and sugar in small skillet on medium heat until butter is melted. Add nuts; cook 5 to 7 min. or until lightly browned and evenly glazed with sugar syrup, stirring constantly. Spread into single layer on prepared baking sheet; cool completely.
• Meanwhile, bring vinegar to boil in small saucepan on medium heat; cook 6 to 7 min. or until slightly thickened. Cool completely.
• Mix cream cheese and Gorgonzola until blended; spread onto apricots. Sprinkle with nuts; drizzle with vinegar.