Starters

Bucatini with Brussels Sprouts, from Corkbuzz

The Tasting Table agrees with me as to their favorite Corkbuzz dish: the buttery bowl of bucatini with Brussels sprouts and chile oil. They like it with a glass of Trimbach Riesling Reserve with it -- which is why they the recipe doesn't contain the chile oil .... at least according to sommelier/owner Laura Maniec. "Chef Hayan drizzles chili oil at end as garnish... We left them off recipe for the purpose of pairing with the Trimbach but if you love the heat, just pair with a slightly sweet German Riesling," explained Laura. Here's the adapted recipe from Hayan Yi, Corkbuzz Wine Studio from their site that takes about 25 [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:36-04:00April 25th, 2012|Entrees, Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|1 Comment

Mad Men’s Old Fashioned Cocktail

Even if you don't watch Mad Men, you've heard about the hot series based on life in the '60s and Don Draper, it's lead character. The series is so hot that clothing styles and the cuisine and cocktails of that era have returned to fashion. The Old Fashion — the  classic cocktail made using Four Roses bourbon — is featured in the new Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Sixties Cookbook by Rick Rodgers. According to Rick, "It's called an Old-Fashioned because it is the original cocktail recipes: whiskey, sugar and bitters." Serve his Old-Fashioned to friends while watching Don Draper and gang on Sunday evenings. Will Betty trim down? Will she [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:36-04:00April 22nd, 2012|Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|0 Comments

Lost Boys Cocktail

Just attended a "Destination DC's 2012 New York Media Reception," where I met Derek Brown, owner of the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. He was serving a  cocktail, made with Bowmore Single Malt Scotch —that was well blended,  not too sweet. I asked Derek for the recipe to share. I also took a photo so the two bitters he used, so it might be easier to find them! Lost Boys Cocktail 8-10 oz. Rocks Glass 2 oz Smoky Scotch 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (made with 2 parts honey, 1 part water) Dash Xocolatl Mole Bitters Dash Orange Bitters 2 Orange Peels (2" x 3/4") Combine ingredients in mixing glass with [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:37-04:00April 3rd, 2012|Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|0 Comments

Food and Film

As one might guess, Film Movement, a company dedicated to distributing the best award-winning films from the world’s top film festivals, loves learning about different cultures. But that doesn’t mean only movies… Each month, Film Movement releases a new film on DVD to its club members to own, and pairs it with a special delicious recipe via a monthly newsletter. January's recipe of Algerian Spiced Potato Cakes goes with that month's film selection of  Free Men directed by Ismaël Ferroukhi. It's  from "North African Cooking : Exotic Delights from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt" by Hilaire Walden, In German-occupied Paris, a young unemployed Algerian named Younes (played by break-out star, [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:38-04:00February 26th, 2012|Other happenings, Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|1 Comment

Avocado Dipping Sauce

Use this quick and easy sauce as a dip for Superbowl Sunday. Serve with fresh veggies (carrot, celery, tomato, jicama, fennel, bell peppers), fresh or fried shrimp, Buffalo wings, seasoned fries or chips made from regular or sweet potatoes, taro or other vegetables. You can make the sauce up to 4 hours ahead of time, and refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve. Hass Avocado Dipping Sauce 2 ripe, fresh Hass avocados, peeled and seeded 1 cup low fat sour cream 2 T (or to taste) lime juice Zest from 2 limes, optional Salt, to taste Place avocados, sour cream, lime juice and zest in the work bowl [...]

By |2017-08-25T15:55:57-04:00January 30th, 2012|Recipes, Starters|1 Comment

Chocolatini

Eric's personal recommendation for using Godiva Chocolate Infused Vodka in a cocktail: Chocolatini 1/2-ounce Godiva Chocolate Infused Vodka 1 1/4 ounces Kahlúa 1 1/4 ounces dark crème de cocoa Shake all ingredients, with ice, in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Optional decadence - as in photo - garnish with a truffle!

By |2017-08-25T16:01:51-04:00July 13th, 2011|Recipes, Starters|0 Comments

Hearts of Palm at Jerry’s Restaurant

It’s rare for a side dish to be so exceptional that it becomes the standout of the meal, let alone a restaurant; but Chef Bridget Burns at Jerry’s in Winnetka serves a Hearts of Palm Salad so innovative that it takes center stage. With only eight ingredients, Chef Burns is able to create an wonderfully easy, gourmet addition to her menu. The salad is warm, including browned hearts of palm blended with chopped anchovies, fresh garlic, leeks, chili flakes, all topped with shaved parmesan cheese. Jerry’s is known though for their seasonal menus, so you might want to act fast if this new dish is definitely one you don’t want [...]

Coffee 2.0

Is an espresso just too much liquid for you? Seems the five-hour energy craze has taken over from the 8-minute ab craze and coffee is being left in the dust. That is, until a new hero emerged, taking on the convenience of weird vitamin-infused superliquids and giving coffee another chance. Welcome to Coffee 2.0 Java Juice is a 100% liquid, organic, gluten, coffee concentrate. Oh yes, we've gone through the looking glass. Single-serve, no mess, no cleanup, no machines. No chemicals or additives, zero fat and sugar-free. Java Juice is made in the USA from organic Arabica beans. And they're even 'greeny'; Java Juice contains no chemicals or preservatives and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:53-04:00March 15th, 2011|Food & Drinks, Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|1 Comment

Tequila Cocktails for Fat Tuesday Celebration

On March 8th, Bourbon Street (NoLA )will overflow with booze and beads as Americans celebrate “Fat Tuesday.” If you can't make it to the French Quarter, get a taste of the Big Easy with these festive cocktails. The Big Easy Refreshing, yet potent, this simple drink has the flavors and energy of Mardi Gras. ½ cup ice 2 parts 1800 tequila 2 parts champagne 1 part cranberry Juice In a shaker, combine tequila, passion fruit syrup, and lime juice. Shake well and pour mixture into a glass of ice. Top with champagne and stir. Garnish with mint leaves. Agave Jazz Julep Inspired by kitchens in the Deep South and a [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:54-04:00March 8th, 2011|Recipes, Starters, xyz misc|0 Comments

Hot Toddy

Quick, easy and delicious is this hot toddy recipe, made with cranberry juice, apple cider and... tequila. It's sure to cure anyone’s winter blues. Hot Cran-Apple Toddy 3 ounces apple cider, warmed until hot 1 1/2 ounces tequila 1 ounce cranberry juice 1/2 ounce triple sec Cinnamon stick for garnish Combine the cider, tequila, cranberry juice and triple sec. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Makes 1 serving. Measuring note A tablespoon is equivalent to 1/2 ounce - Photo and recipe courtesy of Dobel Tequila

By |2017-08-25T16:01:51-04:00February 21st, 2011|Recipes, Starters|0 Comments

Express (aka Quick!) Golden Portuguese Bean Soup

A quick nutritious soup! Golden Portuguese Bean Soup Cook 1 pound thinly sliced chorizo, linguiça, or other garlic sausage in a 4-qt saucepan over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add 1 minced large onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 6 cups water, 1 peeled, seeded and diced butternut squash, 2 peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 4 peeled and diced carrots, 1/2 t cracked pepper, 1/4 – 1/2 t salt and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or more. Add 1 rinsed and drained can of cannellini beans and 1 shredded small head of [...]

By |2017-08-25T16:04:40-04:00January 6th, 2011|Recipes, Starters|3 Comments

Cheesburger Cocktail?

What's better than a sandwich? A sandwich cocktail of course! Who said the days of the liquid lunch went out the door with the sixties? Flor de Cana rum looks to bring it back with the utmost in sandwich drinks to get you plastered. In celebration of National Sandwich Day this past November 3 (You didn't know there was a National Sandwich Day? Shame on you!), Flor de Caña rum created some of the most unique concoctions imaginable with the help of some of the finest mixologists behind the bar. Their attempts to liquefy three iconic lunchtime favorites into sandwich libations was a large success, so we now bring you [...]

Express (aka Quick!) Chicken Tortilla Soup

A very express (aka quick!) recipe  for Chicken Tortilla Soup. Chicken Tortilla Soup Combine 32-ounce chicken broth, 12-ounces cubed chicken, 1 c favorite salsa, 2 c corn, 1 can rinsed and drained black beans, 1/2 t chili powder and 1/4 t cumin in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with tortilla chips and chopped fresh cilantro. Makes 3 to 4 servings.

By |2017-08-25T16:04:40-04:00December 5th, 2010|Recipes, Starters|1 Comment

Express (aka Quick!) Entrees Using Peanut Butter

Looking  for delicious recipes that you can get on the table in under 15 minutes with little fuss, and big flavors. What follows are Peanut Butter (PB) recipes adapted from Express Lane Cooking®, my daily syndicated column. These originally posted on this site with our review of Santa Cruz Dark Roasted Peanut Butter. Give ‘em a try—and let me know what you think. Chicken Satay: Stir together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 T soy sauce, 2 T white or rice vinegar, 1 T lime juice, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1/2 t sesame oil and 1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes. Blend in 3 T hot water or broth. Add 1 [...]

By |2017-08-25T16:04:40-04:00December 2nd, 2010|Entrees, Recipes, Starters|0 Comments

Express (aka Quick!) Soup Recipes

Here are a few recipes for you, adapted from my Express Lane Cooking® column recipes. Each one uses a 32-ounce container, preferably Swanson Organic Chicken Broth. These originally posted when we featured Swanson Organic Chicken Broth Bangkok Chicken & Rice Soup Toss 3/4-pound chicken breasts cut into strips with 2 teaspoons curry powder. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the 32-ounce container chicken broth, 12- to 14-ounce can lite coconut milk, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground or 1 chunk of crushed fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Bring to a boil, stir in 3/4 cup regular or jasmine rice, reduce heat, and [...]

By |2017-08-25T16:04:40-04:00November 26th, 2010|Entrees, Recipes, Starters|0 Comments

Cannellini Bean Recipes

Beans have a well-deserved reputation of being the musical fruit–that is, unless you eat them regularly. The following recipes using cannellini beans are from by "Beans" cookbook and were originally posted on a review of Progresso cannellini beans here. I'm just posting them again for you in our recipe section! Pizza Provençal. Yes, a white bean pizza. Just mash 1 ½ cups cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), 2 minced garlic cloves and a teaspoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Spread over a prebaked pizza crust (such as a Boboli, available in supermarkets), top with a thinly sliced tomato, crumbled goat cheese and fresh rosemary. Bake in a 450-degree [...]

By |2017-08-25T16:04:40-04:00October 14th, 2010|Breads, Sides & Salads, Recipes, Starters|2 Comments

Mini Fish Tacos

"Did you know that Stephanie Sokolove, Boston's "Queen of Sophisticated Comfort Food" is a huge Cabot fan?" asked a publicist who emailed Bite of the Best."She actually uses nearly 200 pounds of their cheese in her restaurants each week!  Her comfort food recipes would not be the same without Cabot being a key ingredient..." Here's one of Stephanie of Tremont's recipes that we've adapted for you. Mini Fish Tacos with Cabot Cheddar Cheese 2 c shredded white cabbage Juice of 1 lime, ¼ c thinly sliced red onion 10 cilantro leaves 2 scallions, thinly sliced 8 mini corn tortillas 1 lb mahi mahi or other fish, coated with Cajun spices, [...]

By |2017-08-25T15:56:05-04:00October 2nd, 2010|Entrees, Recipes, Starters|2 Comments

National Tea Month: Iced Tea + Lemonade

Some tea trivia to share with you as National Iced Tea Month ends: In 1953,  Tetley — British tea company — invented the tea bag. Iced tea is 106 years old About eighty-five percent of the tea served in the United States iced tea And in celebration of National Iced Tea month,  Tetley offers two  non-diluting  suggestions  for making and serving summer beverages, putting  the “ice” in iced tea to work. As these ice cubes melt, rather than watering down the taste, the iced tea and lemonade will combine for even more flavor. Freeze your favorite lemonade into ice cubes, then pour iced tea over the lemonade cubes Freeze iced [...]

By |2017-08-25T16:01:51-04:00June 30th, 2010|Recipes, Starters|0 Comments

Bar Centrale, A NYC Hidden Treasure

You'll need to know the location of Bar Centrale next door to Joe Allen’s, a neighborhood theatre-area hangout to find it...but once you do reservations are a must.(HINT: it's right next door to Joe Allen's, up the stairs of a Victorian brownstone and through unmarked wooden doors.) It's a perfect après-theatre place for a star-sightings or a nibble — the menu includes  appetizers, salads, sandwiches and mini pizzas. Both the watercress beet and smoked trout salad and the goat cheese pizza were divine.  Black and white movies play on the TV above the bar (an old Ronald Reagan movie played when I visited) while there's jazz in the background And [...]

By |2017-10-22T14:59:46-04:00May 28th, 2010|City Bites, Recipes, Starters|2 Comments

Sweet & Spicy Meatballs or Chicken

A simple recipe for meatballs cooked in a blend of jelly and chili sauce, sparked a memory — and a discussion among my siblings — about a chicken recipe my mother had made almost 50 years ago. Be sure to use aluminum foil to line the pan, or you may decide to toss it! Bring this nostalgic dish, if you're invited to a 50's or 60's potluck! Russian Chicken 1/2 c Miracle Whip 1/2 chili sauce 1 pkg dry onion soup mix 1 c apricot preserves Chicken pieces Heat oven to 325 degrees; line baking pan with foil. Combine Miracle Whip, chili sauce, soup mix and preserves;  dip chicken pieces [...]

By |2017-08-25T15:56:05-04:00May 20th, 2010|Recipes, Starters|0 Comments
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