Czech Foods Recipes

And now for something completely different... as you can probably see, I have been on a bit of an east asian food kick lately.  Best to mix things up a bit!  Since I recently had access to a grill, I thought I'd try my hand at some grilled flatbreads. These are warm, fluffy, and lightly seasoned with rosemary, sea salt, and tiny pools of olive oil goodness. This recipe uses a modified version of my basic pizza dough (using bread flour and longer rising times). You will need: 1 packet quick rise-dry yeast 1 cup water 2 Tbsp oil 1/2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 2 1/2 cups (strong) bread flour 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped Sea salt  Virgin olive oil Yield: 3 large flatbreads or 4 medium 1. Combine dry ingredients: salt, sugar, flour, and yeast in a medium bowl. 2. Heat water to 130F/55C, immediately add water (once heated) and oil. Stir until thick. 3. Turn dough onto floured surface, kneading for 5 minutes. 4. Return dough to bowl and cover with kitchen towel, let sit for 30 mi...

My husband and I have been greedily trying Japanese food all over London, as we simply cannot get enough!  However, that is an expensive hobby, so at some point we had to start doing our best to reproduce some of the wonderful food we've tried at home.  The recipe for rice balls (below) makes a great vegetarian side dish or would be good for little (or picky!) fingers! Grilled Teriyaki Salmon and Greens Salad You will need: 1/4 cup mirin 1/4 cup sake (cheapest available seems to work fine!) 1/4 cup dark soy sauce 2 tablespoons sugar 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 400g (14oz) salmon 1/3 cup edamame 100g (3.5oz) fine green beans, blanched 100g (3.5oz) broccoli, blanched 1 cup sushi rice (uncooked) Yield 2 servings 1. Prepare sushi rice by rinsing, soaking for half an hour, and then cook according to package instructions.  You may wish to season it with 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (or to taste). 2. Combine mirin and sake over a medium/low heat for 5 minutes.  Add soy sauce and sugar...

This recipe is basically a knockoff of Chicken Karaage.  It utilises the intense ginger flavors and the warming sake typical of Chicken Karaage.  However, I have spun the authentic recipe to my own tastes and way of cooking (for example, I prefer to cook with chicken breast, instead of thighs).  This chicken is extremely tasty, juicy, addictive, and palatable to many picky eaters! You will need for marinade: 4 medium chicken breasts (about 500g/1 lb) 2 tsp ginger paste (or fresh grated ginger) 1/8 tsp garlic powder 1 1/2 Tbsp dark soy sauce 3 Tbsp Sake After marinading, you will need: 3/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp salt Oil for deep or shallow frying, I recommend part toasted sesame/part canola oil if shallow frying and canola oil if deep frying 1. The first step is to cut chicken breast into bite size pieces and marinade in a large plastic bag with ginger paste, garlic powder, soy sauce, and sake.  If you are marinading overnight, do not add the s...

I love Cinnamon Milk!  It is a quick and easy thing to make, but always well-received by guests and family!  It is especially great in the summer or after some spicy food.  Cinnamon Milk is ice cold, refreshing, and sweet! You will need: 3 cups rice milk 3 cups almond milk 3 cinnamon sticks 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (and extra for garnish) 1/3 cup sugar In a heavy saucepan, combine all ingredients.  Break up the cinnamon sticks for extra flavor.  Stir constantly over a medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Pour through sieve into large serving jug and refrigerate once at room temperature. Serve over ice.

This recipe is also perfect for picky eaters, as you can fill them any way an individual desires! Recipes: Recipe for chili lime sauce for beef (Under Lime and Chili Marinade) Recipe for Sriracha Cream Sauce Recipe for battered fish from Jamie Oliver (ignore the chips and mushy peas) For the buns you will need: 1/2 package dried yeast 1/2 cup water (between  120° F–130° F /49° C–55° C) 2 cups flour (suggest using low-gluten bun flour, but not necessary) 1/8 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp vegetable oil Toasted sesame oil (for brushing on outside of buns) 1. Dissolve yeast in the warm water and add 1/2 cup of the flour.  Combine and cover with cloth.  Allow to rise for 45 minutes. 2. Combine vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and 1/4 cup boiling water.  Allow to become room temperature. 3. Add remaining flour. 4. Turn dough onto floured surface and kneed until smooth. 5. Place in large greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth.  Allow to rise for approximately 2 hours or unt...

I wasn't going to put this up, as it is not much of a recipe.  However, it got quite a reaction!  So I submit to you, Angry Pig Fries. You will need: 1 roasting tray of fries (I chose curly and seasoned) 2/3 cup grated mature cheddar cheese 400g pulled pork, prepared or leftovers Hot sauce of choice (we used Louisiana, but Sriracha might be amazing as well) If you need to prepare the pulled pork, do so first and set aside.  Do not add bbq sauce unless you prefer that to hot sauce. Bake (or fry) your fries according to package directions.  Once crispy, sprinkle grated cheese over and replace in the oven for about 1 minute (keep an eye on it, as you want the cheese to be melted, not starting to broil).  Tip onto a plate and top with pulled pork.  Sprinkle with hot sauce and serve with mayonnaise.

This super sweet and sticky side dish makes a wonderful addition to a meal!  It is particularly good with fried foods and roasts (and would therefore be a great addition to a Thanksgiving or holiday meal). It is so hard to stop eating this all in one go!  It's also easy on your budget and goes down well with picky eaters. You will need: 3 medium sweet potatoes 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp brown sugar 1/8 tsp Worcestershire sauce Honey for drizzling Toasted Sesame Oil for brushing on potatoes 1. Wash and peel sweet potatoes.  Cut into small cubes. 2. Arrange on a roasting tin over parchment paper. 3. Brush with toasted sesame oil and bake for 25 minutes at 200 C / 400 F. 4. While potatoes are roasting, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. 5. After 25 minutes, brush potatoes with sauce.  (Very) lightly drizzle honey over potatoes and replace in oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Chicken and biscuits are always a crowd pleaser.  Alas, I did not come up with the beautiful recipe for Sriracha-Honey Butter.  It was found here , by Rachel Ray.  However, this is a great recipe to make on a weeknight when you are in a hurry! Looking for a healthier version?  No problem.  Substitute the fried chicken for grilled chicken.  And substitute the butter for margarine. You will need: 4 Country fried chicken breast patties 1/2 tube (4) refrigerated biscuits (I used Pillsbury) 8 pickle slices --- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste) Yield: 4 chicken and biscuit sandwiches 1. Simply pop the chicken and the biscuits in the oven according to manufacturer's instructions. 2. In the mean time, you can prepare the Sriracha-Honey Butter by combining butter, honey, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. 3. When chicken and biscuits are done, slice the biscuits in half.  Assemble your sandwiches with the...

There are two ways of making this diner favorite, an express way, and from scratch.  To make the crust from scratch, simply crush oreos (or the chocolate biscuit part of the oreo) until you have 1 1/4 cup, combine with a spot of melted butter and press into the base of your pan.  This is baked for about 5 minutes at 350F/175C. The second bit that can be made from scratch is the chocolate fudge.  Chocolate fudge is not difficult to make, you simply melt 1/2 tin condensed milk (that is 400g or about 14 oz) and 175g dark chocolate (about 1 cup dark chocolate chips). This pie can really be an amazing thing to whip together in no time with pre-made ingredients or you can take the time to lovingly prepare it yourself! You will need: 1 9-inch chocolate pie crust base (either prepared or store-bought) 3/4 cup dark chocolate fudge (either prepared or store-bought) 225g (8oz) full fat cream cheese 1 cup smooth peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp butter or margarine 1 tsp va...

Yes, it's that time of year when everyone tries to figure out what is in Starbuck's pumpkin spice latte and debate about whether there is real pumpkin in it (there is not, but what is 100% honest and natural these days anyways?).  If you don't have £4 to drop on one, why not make your own? Pumpkin hint for Londoners: Libby's tinned pumpkin can be found at Whole Foods if you are struggling to find it in your local supermarket.  I've only ever found it at Whole Foods after being tipped off by other american expats.  They also sell organic pumpkin, which is more watery, but fine for a drinks recipe. You will need: 2 cups milk 1/2 cup prepared hot strong coffee 2 Tbsp tinned pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (imitation/vanilla 'flavour' is fine) 3 Tbsp sugar 1/8 tsp ground cloves 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Whipped cream topping optional! Yield: 2 1. In a saucepan, combine pumpkin, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. ...

A perfect, quick, and healthy version of a childhood comfort food! You will need: 300g (3/4 lb) Turkey Breast Mince 1 small egg 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs 1/4 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp garlic powder --- 1 1/2 Tbsp all purpose flour 1/2 tsp pepper1/2 cup skimmed milk 1 cup hot water 2 beef oxo (bouillon) cubes 1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil 225g (about 9 oz) white mushrooms Note: Recipe assumes the gravy is started as soon as the 'steaks' hit the frying pan. 1. In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.  Mix. 2. Add turkey mince, Worcestershire sauce, and egg to bowl.  Combine as though you were making hamburgers and shape into 4 oblong-shaped patties. 3. In a greased frying pan, cook patties until browned on each side on a medium heat.  Ensure that patties are fully-cooked (this can be done by keeping pan covered during browning).  Remove from heat and keep covered/warm. 4. Fo...

I broke out my mini springform pan again, this time for a savory recipe!  Personal Deep-Dish Pizzas! As it is a pizza, you can put any fillings you want in it.  What follows are some filling suggestions and then a general recipe. Filling suggestions: Chicken + Crispy Bacon + BBQ Sauce + Mozzarella Fresh Basil + Fresh Tomatoes + Tomato Sauce +  Pepperoni + Mozzarella + Parmesan Shavings (top) Pepperoni + Spicy Sausage + Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella Chorizo Sausage + Peppers + Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella You will need: 1 packet quick rise-dry yeast 1 cup water 2 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp crushed sea salt 2 1/2 cups flour Yield: 2 6-inch deep dish pizzas 1. Combine dry ingredients: salt, sugar, flour, and yeast in a medium bowl. 2. Heat water to 130 F, immediately add water (once heated) and olive oil.  Stir until thick. 3. Turn dough onto floured surface, kneading for 5 minutes. 4. Return dough to bowl and cover with kitchen towel, let sit for 5 minutes.  Now...

Cheesecake #2!  Since these cookies n cream cupcakes were so tasty, I thought I'd work out a recipe for a similar cheesecake.  Enjoy! You will need: 140g (just under 5oz.) Oreos or similar chocolate and cream sandwich biscuits 150g (just over 5oz.) Chocolate biscuits, preferably Oreos with the cream removed 3 Tbsp melted butter 350g (~12oz) full fat cream cheese 200g (~1 cup) granulated sugar 3 eggs 100ml (just under 1/2 cup (.42)) soured cream 1/2 Tbsp flour 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract You will also need a 6-inch springform pan. 1. Crush 150g chocolate biscuits to a fine sandy texture.  This is best done either in a food processor or in a strong food storage bag with a rolling pin. 2. With your hands, mix crushed biscuits and 3 Tbsp melted butter in the springform pan.  Press around edges to form crust. 3. Crush 140g sandwich biscuits into large pieces.  Set aside. 4. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and cream cheese.  5. Mix in eggs. 6. Mix in flo...

I've been at it again, trying to invent reasonably healthy recipes that actually taste good.  My husband agrees, I have hit the nail on the head with my spicy blended green veggie soup!  This soup uses potato and veggies as thickener instead of a roux or cream. Health! Great recipe for picky eaters as well, no bits if you leave off the garnishes that do not suit your tastes. You will need: 1 small potato 1 clove garlic 1 1/2 spring onion 2 large stalks celery 1 cup broccoli 1/4-1/2 tsp minced green chili (depending on spice preference) 2 1/2 cups water 2 chicken stock cubes (or vegetable stock for veggies) 1 1/2 Tbsp smooth peanut butter 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (for garnish) 1 Tbsp olive oil or cooking spray Yield: 2 large servings 1. Wash and peel potato, chop into chunks and set aside. 2. Slice one clove of garlic and set aside. 3. Wash spring onion, celery, broccoli, and chili. 4. Slice celery, spring onion, and broccoli into large segments, set aside.  If you'd like...

I suspect this recipe was born out of some bizarre twist on how americans interpret english cookery and pies.  Perhaps it is not a meat pie in the classical sense, but hey, it's got meat... and it's in a pie... Dig in! You will need: 75g crispy bacon (cooked) 250g trimmed smoked back bacon (cooked) 450g Irish sausages (I used 8 thick Richmond sausages) 250g white mushrooms (sliced and pan-fried) 1 tin (415g) Heinz baked beans 375g Ready-rolled puff pastry 1 egg Yield: 10-inch pie 1. The first step is to pan fry the mushrooms, cook the crispy bacon, back bacon, and sausages according to package instructions. 2. Once semi-cooled, crumble the crispy bacon into large pieces, rip or cut the back bacon into pieces, and slice your sausages into bitesize pieces.  Set aside. 3. Roll out your puff pastry so that you can adequately cover the inside (bottom) of your pie as well as make a lid for your pie.  Line the base of your pie tin and bake at 180C for 5-10 minutes until the past...

I've come up with an extremely successful peanut butter and chocolate chip ice cream recipe! This relatively simple ice cream recipe actually tastes more like gelato due to the added creaminess from the peanut butter, but I am hesitant to label it as that as I do not wish to incur ire from foodies. For one batch that fits perfectly in a standard ice cream maker you will need: 1 cup whole milk 1 cup double cream (half and half) 2/3 cups granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 200g (7oz) smooth peanut butter 140g (5oz) dark chocolate (or semi-sweet) chocolate chips Note: This recipe assumes that you have chilled your ice cream maker or are familiar with how to make freezer ice cream. 1. Combine whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a pan over low heat.  Remove from heat as soon as smooth and set aside to cool. 2. Using an electric mixer, beat the double cream until it becomes aerated and starts to stiffen. 3. In a large bowl (that can easily be poured from), add the peanut butter ...

I saw pics of these pancakes on Pinterest and Buzzfeed and I just had to make my own!!!   They are so beautiful and taste just as good as they look.  I wished there was more people around to share them with when I was cooking!  I believe that they could benefit from using mint chocolate chips, but those are not easily available to me where I live in London.  But if you can get some, go for it! You will need: 1 1/3 cup flour 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup buttermilk 1 large egg 2 Tbsp butter (melted, but not too hot to scramble the egg!) 2 tsp peppermint extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk (added a bit at a time until batter is correct consistency) Green food coloring 3/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips OR mint chocolate chips Whipping cream + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, whipped! OR already prepared whipped cream) Yield: 12 medium pancakes (that are very filling!) 1. In a large bowl, sift flour, su...

I was forced to come up with a shortcut version Chicken Katsu Curry, as we would go broke if we went to Japanese restaurants as often as we'd like.  This is so quick and perfect for a work night! If you'd like a more authentic katsu curry, click here ! Yield: 4 portions You will need: 1 package of Golden Curry sauce mix 4 breaded chicken cutlets I'd recommend rice or boiled potatoes as a side! All you need to do is bake your chicken while preparing the sauce according to package instructions.  If you've never cooked with Golden Curry suace mix before, all you need to do is add the appropriate amount of water for how much sauce you wish to make in a saucepan, break apart the mix, heat, and stir until sauce thickens.  Done!  

2 oz./approx 50g semi-sweet bakers chocolate for stars 4 eggs whites 1 cup granulated sugar 1/8 tsp cream of tartar 1/8 tsp mint extract Green food coloring (I used 4 drops of McCormick brand) Prepare chocolate stars FIRST by heating a small amount of chocolate, and using a small piping tip (or cut the tip of a plastic bag), pipe out a few dozen stars in chocolate onto wax paper or parchment.  These can then harden while meringues bake. For the meringues: 1. Preheat oven to 200F/100 C. 2. In a bowl, beat egg whites and tartar until mixture begins to thicken. 3. Slowly add sugar to the mixture until meringue is able to hold stiff peaks. 4. Beat in mint extract and food coloring.  Be careful not to overdo it on the food coloring, as it will cause your lovely stiff meringue to become a gooey mess. 5. Line a baking sheet with parchment or some other non-stick surface. 6. Add mixture to a piping bag with a large cupcake decorating nozzle (see picture of meringues for idea of what t...

No frills lasagne for those on a budget! Egg lasagne noodles(approx 200g) 500g Spicy tomato pasta sauce 300g Shredded mozarella cheese 4 Tbsp Grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup large-curd Cottage Cheese 1 tsp Garlic powder 1 tsp Onion powder 1. Cook the noodles until tender. 2. While noodles are cooking, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cottage cheese, and parmesan in a small bowl. 3. When you are ready to assemble lasagne, simple alternate fillings with noodles in a 9in x 9in square pan.  For example, I did sauce --> noodles --> cheese mixture --> by noodles --> sauce --> mozzarella --> noodles --> cheese mixture --> noodles --> sauce --> mozarella --> etc etc REPEAT!  4. Bake at for 30 minutes at 180C!