Darlene La D~va Gourmet

2015-01-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon Diva Tacos

lced vanilla cinnamon nutmeg latte

2011-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Iced Vanilla Cinnamon Nutmeg Latte

4 ounces cold expreso coffee
2 ounces evaporated milk
2 ounces cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Sugar to taste ( I use 1 tablespoon)
5 large ice cubes
Combine all ingredients Iced
Vanilla Cinnamon Nutmeg Latte

4 ounces cold expreso coffee
2 ounces evaporated milk
2 ounces cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Sugar to taste ( I use 1 tablespoon)
5 large ice cubes
Combine all ingredients shake well or blend lightly
Pour in tall glass and enjoy shake well or blend lightly
Pour in tall glass and enjoy

Menu Place Holiday Orders Today

2011-10-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

Catering Menu

APPETIZERS

Each Batch contains 60 pcs

Panesitos (4Cheese Blend, Ground Beef, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Spinach & Monterey Jack)$50 per batch
Chicken or Beef Floutas $50 per batch

Parmesan Puffs with homemade dry seasoning $40 per batch

Hummus with Pita Chips$50 per bowl
Empanadas (4Cheese Blend, Salmon, Ground Beef, Chicken, pulled pork, Spinach & Monterey Jack) $50 per batch
Meatless Eggplant Balls $40 per batch
Croquetas de Platanos (Plantain Balls stuffed with ground beef, chicken or pork) $50 per batch
Rellenos de Yucca Deep fried breaded Yucca balls filled with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or pulled pork $50 per batch

DESSERTS

Specialty Coconut Rum Cake (Serves 20 people) $45
Chocolate Nutty Homemade Brownies (24 Squares) $50
Specialty Rum Cupcakes (36 Cupcakes) $70
Cookie dough Cupcakes homemade butter cream frosting (36 Cupcakes) $70
Mini Caramel Flans 30 Mini Flans $50
Pound Cake with fresh Strawberries & Condensed Milk (Serves 20 people)$45
Mixed Berries with Cool Whip Parfait Bowl (Serves 20 people) $45
Mini Assorted Cheesecakes 30Mini Cakes $70
Fresh Fruit Platter Serves 20 People $45

SALADS & SIDES

Each tray serves 35-40 people

Avocado Salad
Avocado, cucumbers and tomatoes red onions in specialty

vinaigrette Dressing $70

Ensalada Casera

House salad tossed greens, creamy house Balsamic Ranch $50

Caribbean Salad
Mixed greens with avocado, diced mango, cucumbers, plantain

banana chips, and cherry tomatoes with choice of vinaigrette $65

Ensalada de Coditos

Our #1 selling salad Sautéed diced green olives, onions, and red and green bell peppers over pasta tossed in light vinaigrette and mayonnaise $60

Ensalada de Papas Russa

Russian style potato salad potatoes, egg, beets, diced sautéed

red onions, peppers tossed in house vinaigrette and mayonnaise $65

Arugula Spinach Pear Salad
Arugula and Spinach tossed with fresh sliced pears, diced red onions, and honey-lemon dressing topped with crumbled cheese $65

Platanos Maduros Fritos
Lightly fried sweet, soft plantains $50

Tostones
Flattened crispy fried plantains $50

Yucca
White tropical vegetable similar to potato topped with fresh

garlic and drizzled with olive oil $55

Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni pasta tossed with six gourmet cheese sauce and sprinkled with parmesan cheese $80

Homemade Cornbread
Sweet-tasting bread with honey and butter $45

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Whipped potatoes with fresh garlic chives, parmesan cheese

butter, cream, salt and pepper $60

Steamed White or Yellow Rice
White rice stir-fried and then steamed with salt and canola oil $40

Arroz con Gandules
Traditional rice platter made with sofrito, and gandules (pigeon peas) $50

Arroz con Gandules y Coco
Traditional rice platter made with sofrito, coconut milk and gandules (pigeon peas) $50

Arroz Moro
Mouthwatering mixture of black beans and white rice cooked together with sofrito $50

Moros and Cristianos
Red beans and white rice cooked together with sofrito, and tomato paste $50

Meaty Lasagna
Layered lasagna smothered in delicious homemade meat sauce simmered in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese $85

Vegetarian Lasagna
Spinach lasagna layered with vegetables and smothered in homemade marinara sauce and simmered in specialty cheeses $85

MEATS

Each tray serves 35-40 people

Pernil Asado
Marinated pork shoulder in a Caribbean blend of herbs slowly roasted to tenderness $85

Pork Chops
Baked or pan fried lean pork chops marinated in Caribbean blend of herbs garnished
with pickled red onions $85

Roasted Turkey Latino Style
We take a traditional American favorite and season it with savory, signature flavors $85

Balsamic Chicken with Spinach
Pan seared chicken breast with balsamic vinegar and tomatoes sautéed with spinach $85

Carne con Papas
Beef and potatoes marinated in sofrito sauce and slowly roasted to tenderness $85

Carne Ripiada
Tender shredded beef in Spanish red wine sauce mixed with fresh creole homemade seasoning $85

Roasted Citrus Chicken
Quarter chicken slowly roasted in citrus juices, Caribbean spices and mojo de ajo garlic sauce $65

Fricasse de Pollo
Chicken pieces, and green olives simmered in sofrito broth with wine and tomato paste $65

Chile con Carne
Mild or spicy chili beans with lean ground beef or lean ground turkey sautéed with onions, bell peppers and Cajun spices $70

361-444-DIVA (3482) Darleneladivagourmet@gmail.com

Easy Super Moist Chocolate Syrup Brownie From Scratch

2011-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Easy Super Moist Chocolate Syrup Brownie From Scratch

I never thought I could master the moistest brownies on the planet!
You can make these too.....Enjoy

Ingredients:
For the brownie:
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 box chocolate INSTANT pudding
1 cup all purpose flour
1 and 3/4 cups chocolate syrup
3/4 cups finely chopped nuts

Topping:

For frosting:
1/2 stick of butter or margarine
1 box chocolate INSTANT pudding
1/3 cup evaporated milk or half and half
3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2tbsp condensed milk
1/3cups chocolate syrup

Drizzling:
Condensed milk for drizzling
1/3 cup finely chopped nuts

For the brownie:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
combine butter and sugar until creamy and smooth
add pudding, eggs, flour, and chocolate syrup and mix well for about 1 or 2 minutes
add finely chopped nuts and stir
Add batter to a square buttered baking dish
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until sides separate from dish. My recommendation is that you take them out when you can smell them in another room. If you over bake them then you will not be happy. I usually take them out when the middle bounces back up when I lightly tap it with my hand I hate crunchy edges......

Combine all ingredients for the topping and microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir well refrigerate until brownie is ready to be frosted

Once brownie is cooled enough to frost add creamy chocolate topping it should be twice or three times as thick as the chocolate syrup........

Drizzle condensed milk over the top of chocolate frosting
Add remaining nuts, cut into squares and enjoy alone or with a scoop of ice cream

La Diva Featured on P14 Keloke

2011-10-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

This Diva is featured on P# 14 of this cyber-revista.....Please support:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150865399190565&set=a.10150783196020565.737056.626535564&type=1¬if_t=photo_comment

http://www.keloke.com/keloke-issue1/index.html

Arroz con pollo a la Diva Gourmet Traditional Dominican Locrio De Pollo

2011-10-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Locrio de Pollo ala Diva aka Arroz Con Pollo

Growing up I enjoyed this dish so much. I loved it with salad, fried sweet plantains, beans and an entire banana.....delicious.......I truly hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:
Salt and lemon to clean meat if no lemon is available use vinegar
1 and 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
3 and 1/4 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tablespoons Darlene the Gourmet DIvas Sauteed Sofrito
1 and 1/2 tablespoon all purpose seasoning (I use adobo)
1/2 tablespoon sugar
2 and 1/2 tablespoons oil
3 capfuls vinegar
1/4 cup cooking wine
2 tablespoons green salad olives or any pitted
4 cups water
3 cups long grain rice
Cleaning the rice:

Cleaning the chicken:

Instructions According to the Diva:
In a bowl Wash rice three times with cold water Drain thoroughly and set aside
In a separate bowl wash chicken by vigorously rubbing with salt and use half a lemon to scrub each piece of chicken individually.
This allows for a less slimy chicken it has also been said that it kills salmonella poisoning and bacteria that poultry usually has.
Rinse chicken thoroughly rubbing as you do so

Seasoning and cooking the chicken and rice:
Heat oil on medium oil To your citrusy clean chicken add sofrito, all purpose seasoning, vinegar, cooking wine and olives
Stir well to ensure chicken is evenly seasoned Sprinkle sugar in the oil
When sugar becomes a dark brown color add chicken not olives or the remaining juices
Allow chicken to cook on one side for one minute before you turn it to coat the other side with your blackened sauce Raise heat to medium high while cooking uncovered careful not to let chicken burn
After 5 minutes stir once more add half of the original wine vinegar seasoning to chicken
When inside of meat is fully cooked approximately 12 to 15 minutes
Stir chicken add tomato paste, olives and remaining wine vinegar to the chicken
Add water to chicken allow it to come to a rolling boil
Add rice to same pot and stir Cook uncovered stirring occassionally to avoid the rice and chicken sticking to the bottom of pot
When the water has comsumed, stir again, bring rice and chicken to the center of the pot so that it allows for even cooking and better concon cover with aluminum foil and then with the lid Reduce the heat to the lowest level
Cook for 20 to 25 minutes
Uncover and stir from bottom to top. You know if grains of rice are raw by splitting one grain with your nail and checking the center of it which should not look white
If not fully cooked cover five additional minutes
Using a fork separate grains and serve

I hope your family enjoys this simply yummy delight

Que Le aproveche

Pollo Guisado Stewed Chicken

2011-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Simply the best easy authentic stewed chicken recipe hope you like it

Ingredients:
Salt and lemon to clean meat if no lemon is available use vinegarr
1 chicken cut into 8 pieces
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Darlene the Gourmet DIvas Sauteed Sofrito
1 tablespoon all purpose seasoning (I use adobo)
1/2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons oil
3 capfuls vinegar
1/4 cup cooking wine
1&1/2 tablespoons green salad olives or any pitted

Cleaning the chicken:

In a bowl add chicken (removing skin is optional)
Vigorously rub with salt and use half a lemon to scrub each piece of chicken individually. This allows for a less slimy chicken it has also been said that it kills salmonella poisoning and bacteria that poultry usually has.
Rinse chicken thoroughly rubbing as you do so

Seasoning and cooking the chicken:
Heat oil on medium
To your citrusy clean chicken add sofrito, all purpose seasoning, vinegar, cooking wine and olives
Stir well to ensure chicken is evenly seasoned
Sprinkle sugar in the oil
When sugar becomes a dark brown color add chicken not olives or the remaining juices
Allow chicken to cook on one side for one minute before you turn it to coat the other side with your blackened sugar
Raise heat to medium high while cooking uncovered careful not to let chicken burn
After 5 minutes stir once more add half of the original wine vinegar seasoning to chicken
lower heat to medium and cover pot
When inside of meat is fully cooked approximately 20 -25 minutes stir chicken add tomato paste, olives and remaining wine vinegar to the chicken. If you have lots of seasoning stuck to the bowl add 1tablespoon of water stir it and add to chicken
Stir and cook covered for an additional 5-7
Serve over rice and beans and make a simple side salad
Hope you enjoy this delectable juicy chicken
By the way this chicken tastes even better the next day.......
Que Le aproveche

La Divas Dominican Style Coconut Pigeon Peas and Rice Moro de Gandules Con Coco

2011-09-28T03:17:00.000-07:00

Super simple yet nothing simple about the flavor que delicioso:

Ingredients:
1 can pigeon peas
1/2 can coconut milk
1 tablespoon oil
2 capfuls of vinegar
3 cups long grain rice
3 and 1/2 tablespoons homemade creole sofrito see recipe
3 and 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon oregano crushed
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar

According to la Diva Gourmet:

On medium low heat oil
Wash rice three times with cold water
Drain thoroughly and set aside
To the oil add sofrito, vinegar, salt and tomato paste then stir
When sofrito starts to sizzle add pigeon peas, oregano, sugar and coconut milk
Stir ingredients to avoid sticking
Add water allow mixture to come to a boil
Add rice to boiling mixture and stir.
Cook uncovered, stirring occassionally to avoid the rice to stick to the bottom (the concon which is the crunchy bottom that we traditionally eaten with meat the low heat cooking stage and not before)

When the liquids habe comsumed, stir again, bring rice and pigeon peas to the center of the pot so that it allows for even cooking and better concon cover with aluminum foil and then with the lid. Reduce the heat to the lowest level.

Cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

Uncover and stir from bottom to top. You know if grains of rice are raw by splitting one grain with your nail and checking the center of it which should not look different. If not fully cooked cover five additional minutes.

Dominican Style White Rice

2011-09-28T02:36:00.000-07:00

Darlene La Diva Gourmets Dominican Style White Rice:

Ingredients: 3 cups long grain rice 4 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon olive corn or canola oil According to la Diva Gourmet: Bring water to a boil on medium heat add salt and oil. Wash rice three times with cold water Drain thoroughly Add rice to boiling water and stir.
Cook uncover, stirring constantly to avoid the rice to stick to the bottom (the concon which is the crunchy bottom that we traditionally eat alone or with creamy bean sauce is suposed to form during the low heat cooking stage and not before) When the water has comsumed, stir again, bring rice to the center of the pot so that it allows for even cooking and better concon cover with aluminum foil and then with the lid. Reduce the heat to the lowest level. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and stir from bottom to top. You know if grains of rice are raw by splitting one grain with your nail and checking the center of it which should not look different. If not fully cooked cover five additional minutes. Using a fork separate grains and serve

The Charming Gourmet - Home

2011-09-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Charming Gourmet - Home

2011-09-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

DARLENE LA DIVA GOURMET

DISTINCTIVE CATERING AND EVENT PLANNING

EVENT PLANNING
WEEKLY FROZEN MEALS SERVICE
PHANTOM CHEF SERVICES
PRIVATE ONE ON ONE COOKING LESSONS
COOKING COURSE

CALL DARLENE LA DIVA GOURMET

(361) 444-DIVA

(361) 444-3482

MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAY

11:00AM TO 8:00 PM

PHANTOM CHEF SERVICES: IMPRESS GUEST WITH YOUR "SKILLS" HIRE DARLENE THE GOURMET DIVA TO COME TO YOUR OWN HOME AND PREPARE A MEAL FOR YOUR GUEST

PRIVATE ONE-ON-ONE COOKING LESSONS WITH DARLENE THE GOURMET DIVA: SCHEDULE AN AFFORDABLE TEACHING LESSON FOR, YOURSELF, PARTNER, SPOUSE, THE CHILDREN OR THE ENTIRE FAMILY......................................

SIGN-UP FOR THE NEXT COOKING COURSE BEING TAUGHT BY THE GOURMET DIVA

FUSION LATINA WITH THE GOURMET DIVA:LETS COOK TOGETHER WITH THE DIVA. SAUTEED SOFRITO ALL PURPOSE SEASONING PARTY FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH MYSELF DARLENE THE GOURMET DIVA:

I WILL COME TO YOUR HOME TO TEACH YOUR FRIENDS ALL ABOUT

(361) 444-DIVA 3482

Coconut Rum Cake To Die For

2011-08-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Coconut Rum Cake

Muy Delicioso

Ingredients:

The Cake:

· 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts

· 1 18-1/2 ounce yellow cake mix

· 1 1Box instant vanilla pudding mix

· 4 eggs

· 1Tbsp Butter

· 1/2 cup cold milk

· 1Tbsp Condensed Milk

· 1/2 Cup oil

· 1/2 Cup Coconut Rum

The Glaze:

· 1/2 cup butter

· 1/4 cup water

· 1 cup sugar

· 1/2 cup Coconut rum

Cake:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan or regular baking dish

Sprinkle nuts on bottom of pan.

Combine all cake ingredients

Beat for 2 minutes on high with electric mixer

Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour

Cool in pan

Invert on serving plate

Prick top with fork

Drizzle glaze over top of Rum Cake

Put extra dripping back on cake with a brush or spoon

Glaze:

Melt butter in saucepan

Stir in water and sugar. Boil 5 minutes

Make sure you are stirring constantly

Remove from heat and stir in rum

Warning: The rum will cause steam. Be careful not to burn yourself

Sweet Succulent Buttery Corn

2011-08-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sweet Succulent Buttery Corn ala Diva

Inspired by Cousin Bonnie and husband Mark's Recipe

As easy as 1-2-3

Your Family will love it

Ingredients

2 Cans Sweet Whole Kernel Corn or 1 bag of frozen corn
3Tbsp Sugar
1/4 Tbsp Salt
3Tbsp Butter or Margarine yummy

According to La Diva Gourmet:

Drain corn leaving a tiny bit of water at the bottom of can

In a small pot combine all ingredients

Stir over medium heat for approximately 4-5 minute

Serve warm

Goes great with mashed potatoes and your choice of protein

your family wont get enough of it

Homemade Microwave Potato Chips From La Diva

2011-08-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Homemade Microwave Potato Chips From La Diva Gourmet

Several kitchen gadget companies have a gadget/device for making microwave potato chips (that resembles an old-fashioned film slide carousel). If you want to buy one, know that the microwave potato chip maker is round with slots to stand the thinly sliced potatoes for microwaving. I bought mine in the 99 cents store. The glass turntable method works just fine. However parchment paper is the best method to make them.

It doesn’t take long to make microwave potato chips. You can also make apple chips, sweet potato chips, carrot chips, even yam chips using the microwave this way. I like the fact that I don’t need anything fancy to make homemade potato chips, and the fat and oil is toned down significantly.

1 Potatoes (your choice)

Parchment Paper if you do not wish to use the microwave tray directly

EITHER ONE OF THESE TOPPING IDEAS:

Sea Salt and Pepper or

Onion and Garlic Powder or

Adobo or

Lawrys Season Salt

Parm

According to The Diva:

1. Scrub potatoes and let dry. Peel if desired.Slice potatoes paper thin using a slicing slot on a four-sided cheese grater, a food processor fitted with a slicing blade, or a very sharp knife.

2. Next step in making microwave potato chips, clean the microwave’s rotating glass turntable, and spray it with vegetable oil spray (such as Pam, any flavor). Place the very thin slices of potato all over the turntable, spacing them neatly. (If your microwave oven turntable is not glass, use a large microwave-proof ceramic or glass plate or parchment paper instead). Spray the potato slices with another shot of vegetable spray, and then quickly sprinkle salt and any dry spice you prefer on the potato slices.

3. Microwave the potato slices approximately 4 to 5 minutes, watching carefully so the potato chips don’t burn (length of time will depend on your microwave’s wattage). If the potato chips are not golden brown and crisp at 5 minutes, try adding 30 seconds at a time to the cooking period, until you know what works for your microwave. (Hint: thicker cut potatoes will require longer cooking times.)

Homemade Microwave Potato Chips From La Diva Gourmet

2011-08-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

Homemade Microwave Potato Chips From La Diva Gourmet

1 Potatoes (your choice)

Parchment Paper if you do not wish to use the microwave tray directly

ETHER ONE OF THESE TOPPING IDEAS:

Sea Salt and Pepper or

Onion and Garlic Powder or

Adobo or

Lawrys Season Salt

Parm

According to The Diva:

1. Scrub potatoes and let dry. Peel if desired.Slice potatoes paper thin using a slicing slot on a four-sided cheese grater, a food processor fitted with a slicing blade, or a very sharp knife.

Chocolate Decadent Cupcakes To Die for

2011-07-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

DARLENE The GOURMET DIVA'S

INCREDIBLY MOIST ~ CHOCOLATY ~CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES From Scratch

These cupcakes are so fluffy, chocolaty moist and delicious. the only problem you will have is that your loved ones will want more and more! Enjoy making these with the familia!!!!

INGREDIENTS

1 & 3/4 Cups All purpose Flour
1 Cup Darlene’s Homemade Buttermilk (RECIPE IN BLOG ARCHIVES)
1 Cup Strongly cold black coffee
2 Cups sugar
2 Eggs (one by one)
1 tsp PURE vanilla extract
¼ C oil
¼ C Mayonnaise (YES)
1 tsp salt
3/4 C cocoa powder (I use Townhouse)
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate Morsels
2 tsp baking soda

DARLENE THE GOURMET DIVA SAYS:

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees
Prepare Darlene’s Buttermilk recipe (1 cup milk combined with 1 tbsp of vinegar set aside)
Combine dry ingredients in bowl
Add buttermilk
Add remaining ingredients
Beat at medium speed in hand or standalone mixer
STIR IN CHOCOLATE MORSELS

Pour batter into either greased and floured cupcake or muffin pans 25-35 minutes depending on oven....you will know cupcakes are ready when a toothpick comes out clear after poking through the center of cupcakes.

Frost with Darlene The Gourmet Diva's Buttercream frosting see recipe in blog archives......never pay for birthday cupcakes again!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A LOSE BATTER BECAUSE OF THE COFFEE SO DO NOT WORRY IF IT SEEMS RUNNIER THAN NORMAL..

Grilled 3 Cheese & Pancetta Sandwich

2011-07-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Grilled 3 Cheese & Pancetta

From Darlene
The Gourmet Diva's Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 Slices of country white or country wheat bread
1Tbsp Butter or Margarine
1 Tbsp Cream Cheese
2 Slices American Cheese
1 Slice Monte ray Jack Cheese
2 strips of cooked pancetta

According to The Diva:

Preheat non stick frying pan or skillet ( low)
Spread cream cheese on both slices of bread
Add one slice of American Cheese over each
Place pancetta over one bread and Monte ray jack on the other
Cover and press down lightly to seal sandwich
Evenly spread thin layer of butter on the outside of both sides of sandwich
Place sandwich in pan or skillet
Toast each side for approximately 3 minutes or until cheese melts and bread is toasted to your liking...(Remember the more you allow the cheese to melt the better it will taste so make sure your pan is not on too high)
Cut diagonally and enjoy either alone, with chips or salad

Variations and tips from the Diva :

Add tomatoes, spinach, onions, or thinly sliced pickles
You can substitute any cheese for your favorites even soy (note that soy takes longer to melt) just make sure to include the cream cheese along with your two other cheeses of choice!
You may also omit the pancetta and use either prosciutto,ham or bacon (also can use turkey products)...
If you do not want to use meat yet still look for that smokey flavor use an ounce of smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese.....

If you do not find country white or country wheat bread, use potato bread

You may also make this sandwich on a panini press, george foreman grill, toaster oven......

Simple is always best

Dominican Style Spaghetti Delicious From Darlene The Gourmet Diva

2011-07-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Dominican Spaghetti Ala Diva

Simple, Delicious, Cheesy, Creamy

1LB Thin Spaghetti Cooked al Dente (Pinch of Salt, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp oil in water)
4 Garlic Cloves Minced
2Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp Green Olives
8 oz American Cheese (8 Slices)
1 1/2 Tbsp Oil (EVOO, Corn, Canola)
1 Tbsp Cream Cheese
1/2 Tbsp All Purpose Seasoning (I prefer Adobo)
1/4 Cup thinly Sliced Red Onions
1/2 Tbsp Vinegar
1/4 Cup Evaporated Milk
Parmesan Cheese

According To Darlene The Gourmet Diva:

Heat Oil
Add Onions, Olives, Garlic stir in vinegar
Stir in Tomato paste
Add adobo, evaporated milk, cream cheese and american cheese
Stir in drained spaghetti coat well with cheese sauce
Serve alone or over rice, top with Parmesan Cheese
Excellent with salad and soft Italian bread

Eggplant "Meatball-Like" Parmesan Heroes

2011-07-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

Eggplant "Meatball-Like"

Parmesan Heroes

SOOOOO DELICIOUS

So delicious and affordable for your family you will be making it at least once a month

Ingredients:

For The "Meatballs:"

1 1/2 Eggplant
1/3 Cup Diced Red onion
3 Garlic Cloves Minced or Pureed
1 Tbsp Pitted, chopped green olives
1/4 Cup Diced Bell Pepper (I use red)
1/2 Tbsp Vinegar
1 Tbsp Chives
1 Tbsp Oil (EVOO, Corn or Canola)
1Tsp Oregano (DR if available)
1 1/2 cups of uncooked oatmeal
1 Tbsp Adobo or your favorite all purpose seasoning (adjust to taste)
2/3 Cups flour (seasoned lightly with 1 tsp each of: adobo, chives, and oregano)
1/4 Cups Grated Parmesan Cheese

For The Saute:

1&1/2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1 Tbsp Olives
2 Tbsp Oil (EVOO, Corn, or Canola)
1/2 an Onion
1 & 1/2 Cup your favorite marinara sauce

Cheeses:

1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 Pound Provolone Cheese (3 Slices Provolone Cheese for Each Hero) 1/2 pound Mozzarella Cheese

Bread:

4 Heroes split in half

According To Darlene The Gourmet Diva:

In a large bowl Peel, thinly slice and soak eggplant in 2tbsp salt water for approximately 1 hour to get the bitter flavor out of the fruit
Manually squeeze the excess water from eggplant and set aside
Heat oil in medium sized skillet (Caldero)
Add onions, garlic,vinegar, olives, oregano, peppers,and 1tbsp of adobo
Stir vigorously
Once veggies become translucent add well drained eggplant to pan
Incorporate all veggies well
Allow eggplant to cook for approximately 20 minutes over medium low heat you will know its ready when the eggplant is tender and forms a paste-like consistency
Quickly add oatmeal, chives, additional adobo and stir well until most of the oatmeal starts to cook (approximately 5 minutes)
Remove from heat and set aside (Mixture will cool and will rise naturally due to the oatmeal)
Once cooled, season flour
Add Parmesan cheese to Eggplant mix
Form Tbsp sized balls using flour to coat the outside of each ball with your CLEAN hands
Heat oil
Start adding "meatballs" side by side avoid overcrowding pan Allow to brown on both sides remember they are already cooked (see image above)
Carefully remove and set aside
Create a stir fry with sliced onions, peppers, olives, tomato paste and same oil add marinara sauce and stir well
Slice open your heroes
Place desired amount of eggplant in each
Pour Sauce over eggplant
Top with Parmesan Cheese then provolone, finally mozzarella cheese and then some chives
Bake in toaster oven or broiler (375 Degrees) until cheese is bubbly and melted

Enjoy with fries, salad, or chips

All Out Hawaiian Margarita Punch Cocktail Recipe

2011-07-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian Rita Punch Cocktail

8 oz Smirnoff® orange vodka
8 oz Malibu® coconut rum
4 oz Malibu® passion fruit rum
6 oz DeKuyper® Island Blue Pucker schnapps
16 oz pina colada mix
4 oz sweet and sour mix
7 ozfreshly squeezed orange juice
4 oz mango juice
coconut shavings
margarita salt
8 cups ice

This recipe serves 4 Margaritas

Get 4 Margarita Glasses
Wet the top of the ring of each glass
Dip glasses in a bowl of margarita salt to form ring of salt on the top
Squeeze a fresh orange into blender
Add 4 oz. Pina Colada mix, 1 oz. the sweet and sour mix, 2 oz. smirnoff orange vodka, 2 oz. malibu coconut rum, 1 oz. malibu passion fruit rum, 1 1/2 oz. Blue Island Pucker Dekuyper, and 2 cups ice.
Blend all ingredients together on high.
Pour drinks into margarita glasses (depending on what size margarita glass you use this might make 8 drinks).
Put fresh coconut shavings onto top of drink and serve!

Remember to have one for Darlene The Gourmet Diva also remember to drink responsibly and in moderation! Enjoy que yummy!

Vegan" Meat Balls" Super Delicious Way to Sneak Veggies in for the kids

2011-07-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Another cookbook sneak peak from Darlene The Gourmet Diva's Kitchen

Coming soon:52 Sunday Dinners From Darlene The Gourmet Diva's Kitchen

Vegan "Meatballs"

Eggplant, Veggies and Oatmeal Delicious

We Love our Eggplant meatless balls over white rice with a bit of its own sauce over it....SOOOOOOO GOOD

If you claim to hate eggplant because you remember it from when you were a child, then you must try these. I didn't hate eggplant as an adolescent, I despised it! It was the worst thing.... NOW.... I beg to differ.....Give these scrumptious "meatballs" a chance. They are so good I was once inspired to open a vegan restaurant just to sell them.

I Promise your family will be delighted with these delicious "meatballs" made of eggplant, veggies and oatmeal.....they are simply amazing! I thank my mom for teaching me how to make them. I have made minor adjustments to the recipe but like I have said and continue to say my mother has taught me most of what I know......Gracias mi Reyna mi madre! De ti lo aprendi

Enjoy Familia:

Ingredients:

For The "Meatballs:"

2 1/2 to 3Lbs Eggplant
3/4 Cup Diced Red onion
5 Garlic Cloves Minced or Pureed
2 Tbsp Pitted, chopped green olives
1/2 Cup Diced Bell Pepper (I use red)
1 Tbsp Vinegar
2 Tbsp Chives
2 Tbsp Oil (EVOO, Corn or Canola)
2 Tsp Oregano (DR if available)
3 cups of uncooked oatmeal
2 Tbsp Adobo or your favorite all purpose seasoning (adjust to taste)
3/4 Cups flour (seasoned lightly with 1 tsp each of: adobo, chives, and oregano)
(OPTIONAL) 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

For The Saute:

1&1/2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1 Tbsp Olives
2 Tbsp Oil (EVOO, Corn, or Canola)
1/2 an Onion and Bell Pepper Sliced

According To Darlene The Gourmet Diva:

In a large bowl Peel, thinly slice and soak eggplant in 2tbsp salt water for approximately 1 hour to get the bitter flavor out of the fruit
Manually squeeze the excess water from eggplant and set aside
Heat oil in medium sized skillet (Caldero)
Add onions, garlic,vinegar, olives, oregano, peppers,and 1tbsp of adobo
Stir vigorously
Once veggies become translucent add well drained eggplant to pan
Incorporate all veggies well
Allow eggplant to cook for approximately 20 minutes over medium low heat you will know its ready when the eggplant is tender and forms a paste-like consistency
Quickly add oatmeal, chives, additional adobo and stir well until most of the oatmeal starts to cook (approximately 5 minutes)
Remove from heat and set aside (Mixture will cool and will rise naturally due to the oatmeal)
Once cooled, season flour (if using Parmesan cheese add to Eggplant mix)
Form Tbsp sized balls using flour to coat the outside of each ball with your CLEAN hands
Heat oil
Start adding "meatballs" side by side avoid overcrowding pan Allow to brown on both sides remember they are already cooked (see image above)
Carefully remove and set aside
Create a stir fry with sliced onions, peppers, olives, tomato paste and same oil
You may either pour the sauce over the "meatballs" or add them to the stir-fry and allow them to cook without moving too frequently for about 5 minutes.

Enjoy over white rice, or pasta

Next Recipe: Meatless Meatball Parmesan Heroes

2011-07-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

A Cookbook Item Sneak Peak for my real fans that I love

Darlene The Gourmet Diva's

DELICIOUS~~~~My Authentic LASAGNA Recipe

I share with love please let me know what you think if make it

Courtesy of Google Image

1 Box Ready to bake Lasagna
1 lb Ground Beef
1lb Sausage
1/2 Tbsp Fresh dried oregano
1/4 Cup of red wine (table or cooking)
1 Tbsp Green olives (Chopped)
2 small cans of Tomato sauce or 1 medium can approximately 12 ounces
1 Tbsp of All purpose seasoning (I use Adobo without Pepper)
4 Garlic Cloves (Minced or Pureed your choice)
1&1/2Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Can crushed tomatoes (28oz)
14 oz Tomato paste
1 Onion Diced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper Diced
1/2 Tbsp Chives
1 Tbsp Vinegar
1 (16 oz) Ricotta Cheese
1 (8 oz) Bar Cream Cheese
4 Cups Shredded Mozzarella cheese
3/4 Cup Alfredo Sauce
3/4 Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Tablespoon Salt
Black pepper to taste

According to Darlene:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Heat oil
In a bowl mix, both ground chicken and sausage, garlic, salt, oregano, all purpose seasoning, onions, peppers, olives, black pepper and wine
Add seasoned meat and stir
Stir meat and let cook for approximately 8 minutes
Pour tomatoes, red, and Alfredo sauce over meat and stir well until meat sauce turns into a creamy pink sauce cook over medium low heat for approximately 30 to 45 minutes
Set aside 1 & 1/2 of mostly the sauce from your meat sauce for top layer

To Build Your Delicious Lasagna:

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce at bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish preferably glass
Add 4 to 6 pasta noodles over sauce
Spread half of the meat evenly over lasagna noodles
Top with both 8oz of ricotta cheese and 1&1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 of the Parmesan & 1/4 Parmesan cheese
Repeat a second layer of lasagna pasta noodles
Add second half of meat top with last 8oz of ricotta and 1&1/2 cups of mozzarella & 1/4 Parmesan cheese
Top with the last layer of pasta followed by reserved sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella and the final 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and chives
Bake for 1/2 hour or until cheese is melted on top
Allow to cool before serving

I serve this delicious lasagna with garden salad, a glass of wine as well as garlic bread however, some of my Latino family members love it with rice on the side!

Darlene The Gourmet Diva Chicken Lasagna

2011-07-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

Darlene The Gourmet Diva's

Famous Extra Meaty & Cheesy Chicken Lasagna

1 Box Ready to bake Lasagna
1 lb Ground Chicken
1lb Chicken Sausage
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 Tbsp Fresh dried oregano
1 Tbsp Green olives (Chopped)
2 small cans of Tomato sauce or 1 medium can approximately 12 ounces
1 Tbsp of All purpose seasoning (I use Adobo without Pepper)
4 Garlic Cloves (Minced or Pureed your choice)
1&1/2Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Can crushed tomatoes (28oz)
14 oz Tomato paste
1 Onion Diced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper Diced
1/2 Tbsp Chives
1 Tbsp Vinegar
1 (16 oz) Ricotta Cheese
1 (8 oz) Bar Cream Cheese
4 Cups Shredded Mozzarella cheese
3/4 Cup Alfredo Sauce
3/4 Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Tablespoon Salt
Black pepper to taste

According to Darlene:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Heat oil
In a bowl mix, both ground chicken and sausage, garlic, salt, oregano, all purpose seasoning, onions, peppers, olives, black pepper
Add sugar to the oil and allow to brown
Add seasoned meat and stir to coat with sugar (this will give chicken a darker color)
Stir meat and let cook for approximately 10 minutes
Pour tomatoes, red, and Alfredo sauce over meat and stir well until meat sauce turns into a creamy pink sauce cook over medium low heat for approximately 30 to 45 minutes
Set aside 1 & 1/2 of mostly the sauce from your meat sauce for top layer

To Build Your Delicious Lasagna:

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce at bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish preferably glass
Add 4 to 6 pasta noodles over sauce
Spread half of the meat evenly over lasagna noodles
Top with both 8oz of ricotta cheese and 1&1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 of the Parmesan & 1/4 Parmesan cheese
Repeat a second layer of lasagna pasta noodles
Add second half of meat top with last 8oz of ricotta and 1&1/2 cups of mozzarella & 1/4 Parmesan cheese
Top with the last layer of pasta followed by reserved sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella and the final 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and chives
Bake for 1/2 hour or until cheese is melted on top
Allow to cool before serving
Goes great with garden salad, a glass of wine as well as garlic bread

Darlene The Gourmet Diva: Secrets From A Diva Fan 20 Cent Wings & $5.00 Drinks every Tuesdays on 207th St.

2011-07-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Darlene The Gourmet Diva: Secrets From A Diva Fan 20 Cent Wings & $5.00 Drinks every Tuesdays on 207th St.

Secrets From A Diva Fan 20 Cent Wings & $5.00 Drinks every Tuesdays on 207th St.

2011-07-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Who knew? This is perfect for the economy!

Thank you Nataly B.for sharing this wonderful hot spot in Inwood Heights with the Gourmet Diva:

20 Cent Wings

5 Dollar Drinks

Tuesdays at:

Cana y Cafe

565 West 207th Street

New York, New York 10034

(212) 567-8322

http://canaycafe.com/

As mentioned to some of you, I will be sharing local deals for my community fans to get the best for their money! Supermarket sales, restaurant and drink specials, grand openings, if it is worth sharing, I will! Please let me know of any great places in your neighborhood or by your workplace that I can share with my followers!

Darlene The Gourmet Diva Loves you all!