Posts for March 18th 2008

St Patrick's Day

Savory Sight: St. Patrick's Day Dinner

I was checking out TeamSugar when I came across this post from member Phasekitty.

I was checking out TeamSugar when I came across this post from member Phasekitty. She went all out and planned a fantastic-looking St. Patrick's Day dinner. She baked up some Irish Soda Bread, ate Guinness Beef Stew, and topped off the evening with a yummy green peppermint pie! It all looks so delicious, I wish I was there!

If you want to read more about her festive evening, and get links to all the recipes then, read more

Poll

Would You Drink This Rattlesnake-Infused Vodka?

I'm all for infusing vodka at home, but homemade vodka infused with rattlesnake may be going too far.

I'm all for infusing vodka at home, but homemade vodka infused with rattlesnake may be going too far. I'm not the only one who thinks it's a little much — the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission recently seized 411 bottles of the illegal substance. Apparently this type of alcohol — liquor infused with insects or reptiles — is popular in some Asian cultures, as it is believed to be an aphrodisiac. I don't think I could take a swig from the bottle, but might be able to take a chilled shot of the potent concoction. How about you? Would you drink this rattlesnake-infused vodka?

Source

Spring

Spring Is in the Air!

The weather has been getting warmer here in San Francisco, and there's no doubt about it, Spring is just around the corner.

The weather has been getting warmer here in San Francisco, and there's no doubt about it, Spring is just around the corner. In fact it starts this Thursday, Mar. 20.

To ring it in, and to celebrate that Easter is also this week, I've rounded up a bunch of Spring finds. From butterfly-shaped egg platters to flower-farm measuring cups, I've got 32 Spring finds for you to check out. Just scroll through the list below.

beer

Get Your Green Beer On

Last night to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I made some green beer.

Last night to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I made some green beer. Green beer — or any colored beer for that matter — is extremely festive and fun for a themed party. Here's how I made this simple conversation starter:

  • Fill glass with beer.
  • Add a couple of drops of food coloring. For a vibrant dark green add 5-6 drops, for a pastel, minty green add 1-3.
  • Combine the two liquids with a stirrer.
  • Enjoy! Disclaimer: If too many green beers are consumed in a short amount of time you may end up with green-stained lips.

How about you? Have you ever had green beer? How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

sandwiches

Name That Dish!

Yesterday I suggested you use leftover ham to make a tasty frittata.
Yesterday I suggested you use leftover ham to make a tasty frittata. You could also make the classic sandwich that is pictured below, Besides thinly sliced ham, other ingredients in this scrumptious 'wich include pork, swiss cheese, and pickles.

Name That Dish!

recipes

Asparagus Tart Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

One way to take advantage of Spring's glorious bounty of asparagus is to make a tart.

One way to take advantage of Spring's glorious bounty of asparagus is to make a tart. A savory tart that highlights the pure flavor of asparagus is welcome on any Easter menu. Both scrumptious and versatile, an asparagus tart can be served as a side, a dinner, or as a part of a brunch buffet.

Since we all have different levels of culinary confidence, I've found two delicious recipes. One takes advantage of frozen puff pastry and the other makes it from scratch. Choose which one suits your cookery needs or get inspired and make your own variation. For the recipes, read more

Bravo

Stephanie Izard Wants to Be Top Chef

Based on the first episode of this season's Top Chef, chef Stephanie Izard looks like someone to beat.

Based on the first episode of this season's Top Chef, chef Stephanie Izard looks like someone to beat. Her version of duck l'orange looked so delicious I wanted to reach in and grab it through the screen.

Recently we had the opportunity to talk to Stephanie. This Chicago-based chef talked about her audition, a hometown advantage and what it was like to be a Top Chef contestant. Check out our interview, just read more

salads

Do You Like Fruit in Salad?

Source Do You Like Fruit in Salad?

Source

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Easter Brunch — Menu

As much as I love ordering eggs Benedict or pancakes when I am out, poaching eggs and flipping pancakes isn't practical when hosting a brunch in your own home.

As much as I love ordering eggs Benedict or pancakes when I am out, poaching eggs and flipping pancakes isn't practical when hosting a brunch in your own home. Instead choose dishes that can be made the night before and are easily finished in the morning.

A sausage and egg casserole with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella is an easy crowd pleaser. Serve an apple potato gratin on the side. A beautiful, fresh fruit platter rounds out the breakfast. Supplement the menu with your favorite store bought breads, yogurts, or pastries.

For these recipes, read more