Valentina Ablaev Food

LOADED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Place sliced potatoes into a stockpot and completely cover with 1" of water. Season with ½ tsp salt and cook 8-10 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a knife then drain.
• Meanwhile, saute bacon in a dutch oven until crispy then transfer to a plate, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot.
• Add 4 Tbsp butter and chopped onions then sautee until tender. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
• Quickly whisk in the flour. Slowly add 2 1/2 cups milk and 2 1/2 cups broth, whisking constantly then bring to a soft boil.
• Add drained potatoes and season soup with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper or season to taste.
• Stir in 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and half half of your cooked bacon (reserving the rest for serving). Bring to a boil then remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.

BLT PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water, set aside to cool.
• In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing and whisk until creamy.
• In a large salad bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped romaine, halved tomatoes, cooked bacon, and chopped red onion and toss.
• Just before serving, add the dressing to taste and gently toss until combined.

MEATLOAF RECIPE WITH THE BEST GLAZE

Steps:

• Line a 9"x5" loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients for the meatloaf. Mix well to combine.
• Add meat to the loaf pan, gently press meat down and shape evenly and bake meatloaf at 375˚F for 40 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the sauce. Spread the sauce over meatloaf then return to oven and bake additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160˚F. Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with baking juices from the pan.

PAVLOVA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Use a 9-inch round plate and trace a circle in the middle of the parchment. Turn over the parchment.
• Place the egg whites and pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and, using the whisk attachment on high, whisk until stiff peaks form, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium and slowly add the sugar over 2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to high and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy and stiff peaks form, 6 to 7 minutes. Decrease the speed to low and add the vanilla, vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix just to combine.
• Gently spoon the meringue onto the parchment and spread to fit the shape of the circle, forming a slight well in the center. Place the meringue into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and leave in the oven for 3 hours, or until the meringue is crisp and dry on the outside. Open the oven door and cool completely before removing from the oven, approximately 30 minutes.
• Just before serving, combine the whipped cream and the passion fruit pulp and spread in the center of the meringue. Serve immediately.