Chocolate Pecan Pie

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Rachel Grahmann

Chocolate Pecan Pie by India Bray
Video and Production by Rachel Grahmann

India Bray bakes her family’s traditional Chocolate Pecan Pie and shares how much the recipe means to her. Bray is a senior sociology major at St. Mary’s University and has enjoyed cooking with her mother and grandmother since a very young age.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Ingredients:
• 1/3 C butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 C corn syrup (Karo)
• 2/3 C sugar
• 1/3 C cocoa
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 C pecans + more as needed

Directions:
Butter pie plate and press the crust lightly to create a the shell. Set this aside.
Next, melt the butter in a microwave. Once it is completely melted, slowly stir in cocoa until there are no lumps. Set this aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and blend in the corn syrup and salt. Add the cooled butter mixture and stir. Add pecans and stir until everything is mixed evenly.
Pour into pie shell and add extra pecans as needed to fill in any gaps.
Bake 50 minutes @ 350 degrees Fahrenheit, checking periodically.

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Rainbow Cheesecake

Posted on April 7, 2014 by skhury

Rainbow Cheesecake by Jessica Hughes

Videography and Production by Stela Khury

Jessica Hughes, St. Mary’s University alumna, is a fan of gifting delicious desserts to sweeten up the lives of her friends. She believes that baking is an artistic way of expressing herself through food, which is why she was drawn to this cheesecake recipe that is both tasty and a feast on the eyes.

Ingredients

Crust

2 c finely crushed graham crackers

2 T sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

6 T unsalted butter, softened

Directions

Preheat oven to 340 Fahrenheit. Mix the crushed graham crackers with the dry ingredients. Gradually add lumps of softened butter and mix with clean fingers. Press the mixture into a nine-inch pan with removable sides to form the base of the cheesecake. Place the pan in oven for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Filling

4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature

1 ⅓ c sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1 c sour cream

1 c heavy cream

liquid food coloring

Directions

Mix the sugar, vanilla, salt, sour cream and eggs. Gradually add the cream cheese and mix. Finish by adding the heavy cream. Separate the batter into six bowls. Add liquid food coloring to each of the bowls to create the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Pour the batter in this sequence into the center of the pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for an hour.

 

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Three-Layered Lasagna

Posted on April 7, 2014 by emmasantoyo22

Three-Layered Lasagna by Christina Santoyo

Videography and Production by Emma Santoyo

Christina Santoyo, a junior English Communication Arts major, cooks a lasagna from a recipe given to her by her mother. Santoyo claims she has never had a lasagna as good as the one her mother makes.

Christina Santoyo prepares a lasagna from a recipe passed down from her mother. She discusses her love for cooking and sharing her food with loved ones.

 

Ingredients

• 1 box of Oven baked lasagna Pasta

• 4 links of Italin Sausage

• 16 oz ricotta cheese

• 36 oz Marinara sauce

• 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 TBSP of herbes de Provence

Directions

First began to cook the italin sausage links in a small pan (drain oil), and be sure to cut the meat into smaller pieces while cooking. Next mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and herb de provence in a small dish. Once the meat is done you can begin layering the lasagna, start with sauce on the bottom of 9×11 baking pan, then add a layer of already oven baked noodles, add a layer of the ricotta mixture, then add a layer of meat, add more sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and repeat this layering two more times. Place in oven and bake for 45-60 minutes until the top layer of mozzarella is golden brown.

 

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Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies

Posted on April 7, 2014 by bpardo1

Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies by Breanne Pardo
Videography and Production by Bianca Pardo

Breanne Pardo, a junior English-Communications Arts major at St. Mary’s University,enjoys baking Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies. She loves all the different flavors within the cookie. Pardo demonstrates how to make this flavorful cookie.

Ingredients

•1.5 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs

•1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
•2 teaspoons of Clabber Girl baking powder
•1 14 ounce can of Eagle Brand Sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
•.5 margarine, softened
•1 3.5 ounce can flaked coconut (1.5 cups)
•1 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
•1 cup chopped Diamond walnuts

Directions

Heat the oven to 375 degrease. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flower, and baking powder. In a mixer bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and margarine until it is smooth.

Then add the crumb mixture and mix well. Stir the coconut, chips, and walnuts. Drop the tablespoons of cookie dough onto lightly greased cookie sheets.

Next, bake the cookies 9 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool the cookies 2 to 3 minutes and remove from the cookie sheets. Store the cookies loosely covered at room temperature.

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Rosemary Chicken

Posted on April 7, 2014 by stonecoldlissa

Rosemary Chicken by Vanessa Benavides
Videography and Production by Analissa Cantu

 

St. Mary’s University alumna Vanessa Benavides, Spring 2013, shows us how to cook a simple, yet elegant dinner of Rosemary Chicken. She also tells us why Rosemary Chicken is a convenient dish that can impress anyone, and why she loves to cook so much.

 

Rosemary Chicken – Serves 2 – 3 

  • 1 lb. of Chicken Breast
  • 5 Small Red Potatoes
  • 1 tsp. of Salt
  • 1 tsp. of Minced Garlic
  • 1 tsp. of Rubbed Sage
  • 1/4 tsp. of Coarse Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil

Directions:

First, defrost the chicken breast in a sink and wash all red potatoes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix all of the powders together in a large bowl, then mix in the olive oil in the bowl. Then, slice the red potatoes in either chunks or slices, whichever you prefer.

Set the potatoes aside, and dip the defrosted chicken breasts in the bowl of spices and olive oil, make sure they are covered with all of the spices, then place them in a lined pan. After all of the chicken breasts are placed in pan, dip the potatoes in the bowl of spices and olive oil and place them around the chicken in the lined pan. With the oven preheated at 425 degrees, let the chicken and potatoes cook for 20 – 25 minutes.

While they are cooking, occasionally turn the potatoes around so that they do not burn. Then, voila! Take the chicken and potatoes out, let them cool, and serve. Make sure to check the chicken to see if it is cooked fully. If it looks like there is some red when you cut the chicken, make sure it’s not the spices bleeding into the chicken.

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Vegan Four-Alarm Chili

Posted on April 7, 2014 by marissamarieblog

Vegan Four-Alarm Chili by Alexandria Rodriguez
Videography and Production by Marissa Rodriguez

Alexandria Rodriguez, a junior business marketing major at St. Mary’s University, is a vegetarian who knows how to make delicious and appetizing meals. She has a deep appreciation for every ingredient that goes into making a dish. Rodriguez proves that vegan dishes are not bland because her favorite dish, vegan four-alarm chili, is packed with flavors and spices that would make any meat-eater question their carnivorous ways!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 canned tomatoes
  • 4 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 canned beans (garbanzo, pinto and black-eye peas)

Directions

In a large pot,  sauté the garlic in olive oil for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, chili powder, cayenne powder, cumin powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and water.

Bring to a slow simmer, and allow to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the beans and simmer for at least another 30 minutes.

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Chef bakes delicious strawberry cheesecake pie

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Alexander Eakins

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Marie Antoinette’s famous dictum, “let them eat cake,” no longer defines the fine line between the rich and the poor. Today, a rich cake makes an affordable special occasion of any meal for any person of any class.

Senior computer science major and at-home chef Justin Patterson might not have learned to bake delicious cakes if costs barred him from doing so. His go-to recipe is a hearty cheesecake with a touch of passion.

Patterson comes from a rich tradition of home-cooked, southern meals. He describes the fact that, even though his family did not have a vast disposable income, he always had a warm meal waiting for him at the table.

“Growing up, my family didn’t have all the money in the world. But the important things were there, especially food,” Patterson says.

Patterson holds an associates degree in biology from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. He was inspired to be a surgeon for two reasons: the pay and the calming feeling he gets from working with his hands, even on an operating table. When he transferred to St. Mary’s, however, he changed his major to computer science because his teachers encouraged him and he was unhappy with the biology program.

“I love the teachers at St. Mary’s,” Patterson says. “I just feel like the business program is too privileged and other programs suffer from that.”

Working with his hands is what interests Patterson in cooking. His signature dish is a recipe for ragu spaghetti that takes four hours to cook. But, when he’s feeling passionate or adventurous, he enjoys baking. One such occasion prompted him to try out a recipe for a strawberry-topped cheesecake.

“I’ve baked cheesecake before, but I’ve only used blueberries as a topping,” Patterson says. “This recipe was designed for my girlfriend. Cooking it was a timely decision … I wanted to make her birthday special and a store-bought cake just wouldn’t do that. She loves cheesecake and strawberries, so I put two and two together and decided strawberry cheesecake would be the perfect birthday cake solution!”

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4th Annual Magazine Launch Party

Posted on November 26, 2013 by tasteofstmu

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For a pre-Thanksgiving feast, more than 60 students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, media communications professionals and guests gathered at the University Center Conference Room A for a Taste of StMU.

Now in its fourth year, the magazine launch party showcased 16 new layout designs and a bountiful buffet of main dishes and desserts.

The winner of the Professionals’ Choice award was Jessica Valles (see magazine), whose partner chef, Beatriz Quesada, made “Watermelon Cake.” The winner of the People’s Choice award was Michelle Kafie (see magazine), whose partner chef, Cindy Kafie, made “Vanilla Cake Pops.”

This year’s menu included tres leches, tiramisu cake, cheesecake, apple crumble, beer-roasted chicken with mashed sweet potatoes, meat and cheese lasagne, Reese’s Peanut Butter chocolate pie, German chocolate cake, monkey bread, rosemary chicken and lemon dressing salad, jambalaya, spaghetti and meatballs, vanilla cake pops, white cheese enchiladas, peanut butter blossoms cookies and watermelon cake.

The graphic design students thank All Events San Antonio, the sponsoring organization, as well as HI Cookery, the Marianist Province of the U.S., Aramark and UC staff, and the St. Mary’s Bookstore for their generosity in supporting this important educational and networking event. See Flickr photo album.

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Chocolate Chip Muffins

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Alex

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Chocolate Chip Muffins by Megan Salib
Story and Photos by Alex Diaz

A fresh baked muffin hits just the right spot when walking to class in the morning or even as a late night study snack.

Students who live on campus know what it’s like to be deprived of home cooked meals.

However, with the new kitchenettes in the outback, Megan Salib, a junior psychology major, brings a little bit of home by being able to bake some of her favorite muffins.

Salib, from Corpus Christi, Texas, enjoys food that offers versatile ways of being prepared.

“I like all kinds of food. I like to always try different things and my favorite would be vegetables because there are so many different ways to make them and they still taste good!” she says.

As a full-time student and active member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Marianist Leadership Program, Catholic Student Group, The Bridge and Delta Zeta, Salib turns to baking as dedicated time for herself.

“Baking has been a way for me to express my creative side,” Salib says. “I am continually experimenting with new foods and recipes.”

Salib loves the strong sense of community that is offered at St. Mary’s and it gives her joy when she can share her treats with classmates, friends and sisters.

“I have gotten a lot of compliments from friends for my brownie cheesecake,” Salib says.

After graduating from St. Mary’s, Salib plans to commit to a year of service before applying to graduate school for social work.

“I want to help children find a safe environment they can grow up in,” Salib explains. “I want to eventually work with adoption agencies.”

This Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe allows for creative freedom, one of the main reasons why it is at the Salib household.

“I chose this recipe because it was something my family used to make for breakfast before I went to school. It’s easy and you can always change it and add different things to it like fruit or nuts,” Salib explains.

Baking does not always have to be a step by step activity.

“Make it your own,” Salib says. “By changing ingredients in a recipe, a new dish is created every time.”

Ingredients

  • 1 c whole wheat flour
  • 1 c sugar
  • 1 T vanilla
  • 1/2 c applesauce
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 egg whites
  • 3/4 c chocolate chips
  • 2 T brown sugar
  • 1 packet vanilla pudding mix

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the applesauce and egg whites. Slowly add in dry ingredients until an even consistency is created.  Line the muffin pan with liners and fill the cups 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Let muffins cool before removing them from the pan. Recipe makes about 8 servings.

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Turon: Banana Lumpia

Posted on September 15, 2013 by ncanedo

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Turon: Banana Lumpia by Kirsten Acosta
Story and photos by Nick Canedo

While appetizers and the main course is savory, what people remember most about a three-course meal is the last thing to hit their tongue—the dessert! For St. Mary’s senior biology major Kirsten Acosta, there is not dessert better than one that comes from her Filipino roots.

While cooking is a hobby, Acosta’s true passion is dentistry.

“I’ve always been fascinated with teeth. When choosing a college, I didn’t want to leave my San Antonio, since it’s always been my home. When I found out St. Mary’s could put me on the track to dental school, I knew this place would be a good fit,” Acosta says.

Living at home while attending college, Acosta enjoys the home cooked dinner she gets after a long day at school.

“While I love the Mexican food that San Antonio has to offer, my favorite will always be Filipino because it’s my heritage.”

Acosta’s family has a tradition of the entire household contributing to dinner once they become teenagers. When she first started helping her family, she had a tough time meeting her parent’s cooking standards.

“At first, both my mother and father would yell at me that something wasn’t right. I was discouraged at first, but I wanted to be like the rest of my family and cook traditional Filipino dishes,” she says.

The first dish Acosta made by herself for her family was turon, a popular Filipino desert.

“My mom said it was the easiest thing to make, so she trusted me to do it.”

Also known as banana lumpia, turon is a popular street food among Filipinos.

“We used to eat it by itself, but it was my idea to eat it with ice cream. Now, turon and vanilla ice cream is pretty much the tradition for deserts in my household,” Acosta says.

Ingredients

For 10 turons:

  • Five bananans
  • Bowl full of water
  • ½ c of golden brown sugar
  • ½ c of white sugar
  • 10 spring roll wrappings
  • Paper towel
  • Plate

Directions
Create quarter long bananas by cutting them in half, then cutting them lengthwise. Dip each one in water, then mix a little golden brown sugar and white sugar together and sprinkle over top wet bananas. Wrap two quarter long bananas in each spring roll wrapping, then tap some water on spring roll and sprinkle sugar mixture over top (this will create “clean” but sugary tops).  Deep-fry the wrappings until golden and transfer to paper towel on a plate to absorb oil.

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