Clatite din Cafea

I love Clatite (Romanian crepes). They are super yummy combined with fond memories of Bunica (grandmother) teaching me how to make them. They're not too terribly difficult to make.  I also love coffee. I buy my coffee from Laughing Man. And since I do love to experiment in the kitchen, I decided to combine two of my favorite things.  Introducing Clatite din Cafea.

Clatite din Cafea

3 eggs

1/4 cup sugar

2 tbs vanilla

2 cups flour

2 cups Laughing Man Java Reserve

1 cup skim milk

Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Add the 2 cups coffee and flour followed by milk. You want the consistency to be smooth and soupy, not as thick as pancake batter. 

Spray a round skillet with PAM and heat over medium for a minute. Using a ladle, pour the batter so it thinly covers the bottom. It takes about a minute or two for each side to cook.  Flip when you can easily move the clatite by moving the skillet.  Repeat until the batter is gone. 

Add your favorite jam or preserves, even cream cheese with cinnamon and roll. Some people eat these with a fork. Romanians eat them with their fingers. Enjoy!

Bacon Jam Makes Everyone Happy

I am baking and creating all the time. I just forget to get on here and post. I do post all pictures of food on Instagram. My screen name is andreea_c if you want to follow.  

So this year, I'm making Easter dinner early for me and someone special. Bacon is a favorite so I couldn't help but indulge and make bacon jam. A friend at work made it for the office and shared the recipe. I have  of course tweaked it.  The recipe comes from the lovely Martha Stewart. It's her Slow Cooker Bacon Jam with my alterations.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces

2 medium yellow onions, diced small

3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup light maple syrup

3/4 cup brewed Laughing Man Coffee

1 cubed pair

Brown the bacon bacon over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is lightly browned. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent. Add vinegar, brown sugar, maple syrup, pair, and coffee and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up browned bits from skillet with a wooden spoon. Add bacon and stir to combine.

Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and cook on high, uncovered, until liquid is syrupy for about 3 1/2 hours. Transfer to a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Cool and then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks.

So here’s the secret. I use Laughing Man Coffee. I’m rather particular about my coffee. Laughing man has an assortment of amazing coffee. I’ve had Dukale’s Dream, Espresso, 184, and currently drinking Java Reserve. Laughing Man’s motto is “All Be Happy.” Out of pure joy and love for the motto, I gave them a try and instantly loved them. It also helps that they donate their proceeds to charity. So with every cup of coffee you drink, you’re actually doing a good deed. How awesome is that. So when I make bacon jam, I used laughing man so everyone can enjoy a good deed.