Posts for December 9th 2009

Easy and Fast Minestrone Soup Recipe 2009-12-09 17:26:29

recipes Dec 09, 2009

Meal-in-a-Bowl Minestrone

From Woman's DayMeal-in-a-Bowl MinestroneIngredients2 Tbsp olive oil, preferably extra-virgin 1 1⁄2 cups chopped onion 1 Tbsp minced garlic 4 cups plus 1⁄4 cup water 1 can (14 1⁄2 oz) reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth (13⁄4 cups) 1 cup small whole-wheat pasta (such as elbow macaroni) 1 medium carrot, cut in 4 pieces lengthwise, then in 1⁄4-in.-thick slices 1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 8 oz broccoli rabe, cut bite-size, or 4 cups broccoli florets 1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then in 1⁄2-in.-thick slices 4 oz green beans, cut in 1-in.

by partysugar

From Woman's Day

Meal-in-a-Bowl Minestrone

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil, preferably extra-virgin
1 1⁄2 cups chopped onion
1 Tbsp minced garlic
4 cups plus 1⁄4 cup water
1 can (14 1⁄2 oz) reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth (13⁄4 cups)
1 cup small whole-wheat pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
1 medium carrot, cut in 4 pieces lengthwise, then in 1⁄4-in.-thick slices
1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
8 oz broccoli rabe, cut bite-size, or 4 cups broccoli florets
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then in 1⁄2-in.-thick slices
4 oz green beans, cut in 1-in. pieces (1 cup)
1 cup packed parsley leaves
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
1 lb plum ( Roma) tomatoes, chopped in 1⁄2-in. pieces (2 1⁄2 cups)

Directions

Heat 1 tsp oil in a heavy 5- to 6-qt pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir in onion; cover and cook 5 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Add 2 tsp garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add 4 cups water and the broth; bring to a boil. Add pasta and carrot; boil 5 minutes. Reserve 3⁄4 cup of the cannellini beans.
Stir rest into pot along with broccoli rabe, zucchini and green beans. Return to a boil and boil 5 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile purée remaining beans, 5 tsp oil, 1 tsp garlic, 1⁄4 cup water, the parsley and cheese in a food processor or blender.
Remove from heat; stir tomatoes into soup. Stir in the parsley mixture or serve it alongside.

Serves 4.

Vodka Martini Recipe 2009-12-09 16:13:25

recipes Dec 09, 2009

Dry Vodka Martini

From Everyday With Rachael RayDry Vodka MartiniIngredients4 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce vermouth Olives, for garnish Directions Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

by partysugar

From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Dry Vodka Martini

Ingredients

4 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce vermouth
Olives, for garnish

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the vodka and vermouth.
Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with olives.

Makes 1 drink.

News Dec 09, 2009

Condé Nast Selling Gourmet Issues For $10 Each

When Gourmet collapsed earlier this year, the food cognoscenti, mourning the end of a culinary institution, immediately began waxing nostalgic, revisiting the first-ever edition of Gourmet, and taking a look back in time at the magazine's covers.

by POPSUGAR Food

When Gourmet collapsed earlier this year, the food cognoscenti, mourning the end of a culinary institution, immediately began waxing nostalgic, revisiting the first-ever edition of Gourmet, and taking a look back in time at the magazine's covers. Well, for those who are still feeling twinges of regret, or are in need of gift ideas: Condé Nast has responded by offering limited issues of Gourmet through its online store.

For $50, Gourmet enthusiasts can get a five-issue collection of the glossy's grilling, travel, Thanksgiving, holiday cookie, or restaurant guide issues, respectively. A special issue collection and a set of five magazines from Gourmet's final year in print is also offered. The idea is great, but $10 an issue? Considering some of the same magazines are going for $5 or less on eBay, this doesn't seem like such a great price. Would you buy Gourmet online?

recipes Dec 09, 2009

Bacon Jam

Adapted from Not Quite NigellaBacon JamIngredients1 pound good quality smoked bacon 1 large onion, thinly sliced 5 cloves of garlic, minced 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons Sriracha 1 cup coffee 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup maple syrup fresh cracked black pepper 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Directions In a large, heavy pot cook the bacon in batches over medium high heat until it's lightly browned and just starting to crisp.

by partysugar

Adapted from Not Quite Nigella

Bacon Jam

Ingredients

1 pound good quality smoked bacon
1 large onion, thinly sliced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 cup coffee
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions

In a large, heavy pot cook the bacon in batches over medium high heat until it's lightly browned and just starting to crisp. Set aside to cool.
Add the onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, 10-12 minutes.
While the onion cooks, slice the bacon into 1-inch strips.
Return the bacon to the pan and add the brown sugar, coffee, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
Simmer over low heat stirring every now and then to prevent sticking for 3-4 hours until you can no longer tell the onion from the bacon and it has a thick, jam-like consistency and deep rich brown color.
Let cool for 20 minutes than transfer to a food processor. Pulse for several seconds to finely chop and blend the jam.
Return to the pot. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Remove the pot from the fridge and place on the stove. With a spoon, scoop the majority of the fat from the top of the jam. Turn the heat to low. Add the black pepper to taste, smoked paprika, and red wine vinegar. If you desire more heat, add another squirt of Sriracha. Cook for 45 minutes until almost all the liquid is evaporated.
Let cool and place in a glass jar. Enjoy!

Makes two 4-ounce jars of jam.

edible gifts Dec 09, 2009

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Bacon Jam

by partysugar

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2009: A Look Back at Kentucky Fried Chicken's Controversial Year

News Dec 09, 2009

Biggest Headline of 2009: KFC's Moment in the Spotlight

With its many marketing efforts, both good and bad, KFC turned out to be the fast food chain that, in 2009, surprised everyone.

by POPSUGAR Food

With its many marketing efforts, both good and bad, KFC turned out to be the fast food chain that, in 2009, surprised everyone. KFC's groundbreaking year began quite literally when the company filled street potholes, spray-painting them with a stenciled memo that read, "Re-Freshed by KFC." The cause was a good one, yet we questioned whether it took corporate sponsorship too far.

But that was peanuts compared to the Kentucky Grilled Chicken campaign, KFC's biggest product launch in years. To celebrate, the company offered chances to try the chicken for free. A promotion that started out innocently quickly turned sour when media mogul Oprah Winfrey got involved in a giveaway for a free grilled chicken meal. The free promo was the fifth most popular search on Google, but KFC, unable to meet demand, was forced to turn away customers. Winfrey, who famously exposed the cruelty of the factory farming industry, was declared a hypocrite for endorsing Tyson-bred KFC chicken. KFC president then Roger Eaton issued a YouTube apology and raincheck to customers who'd been turned away.

The drama continued when vegetarian advocacy group, PCRM, filed suit against KFC, alleging its grilled chicken contains cancer-causing compounds. To counterbalance the negative media frenzy surrounding grilled chicken, KFC once again refocused on a good cause, this time closing stores to serve free grilled chicken to needy families and braved yet a third giveaway. While it's unclear what the nation's sentiments about KFC are, one thing's for sure: Kentucky Grilled Chicken has become a household phrase.

How did you feel KFC fared in 2009? Is it your favorite fast food chain this year?

Source, Source, and Source

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

recipes Dec 09, 2009

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Peanut Butter Cups

With the holidays upon us and gift giving soon here, it's the perfect time to make your own affordable and edible gifts.

by POPSUGAR Food

With the holidays upon us and gift giving soon here, it's the perfect time to make your own affordable and edible gifts. Earlier this week, PartySugar featured her decadent chocolate truffles and to continue with the chocolate theme, I made homemade peanut butter cups. It only takes an afternoon to put together these delectable chocolate cups. Packaged in a small box or bag, they're a wonderful favor for any holiday guests.

The peanut butter base is simple, and the chocolate coating requires nothing more than a melted chocolate milk mixture. I made mine with more dark chocolate, but feel free to change the ratio depending on your tastes. Once you've enjoyed a homemade peanut butter cup, a Reese's will never compare! To celebrate your holidays with these chocolate peanut butter cups, keep reading.

News Dec 09, 2009

Food Section Sampler — Dec. 9, 2009

Four architectural firms design their dream gingerbread houses.

by POPSUGAR Food

Four architectural firms design their dream gingerbread houses. — Chicago Tribune
Molecular mixology, a new bar science movement, is picking up steam. — Wall Street Journal
The top 100 wines of 2009 reveal this year has been all about value. — San Francisco Chronicle
One server's case for why the customer isn't always right. — Boston Globe
Regulatory records show that millions of people in the US have been drinking contaminated water. — New York Times
LA is weighing a plan to ban smoking for outdoor restaurant seating. — Los Angeles Times
Why your local food purveyor might be the key to economic recovery. — Washington Post

Source: Flickr User tienvijftien

recipes Dec 09, 2009

Come Party With Me: Festival of Lights — Dessert

As much as I love biting into a piping-hot, jelly-filled, sugar-crusted doughnut, homemade sufganiyot is a lot of work to make.

by partysugar

As much as I love biting into a piping-hot, jelly-filled, sugar-crusted doughnut, homemade sufganiyot is a lot of work to make. Since the frying cannot be done in advance, these traditional Israeli doughnuts aren't an ideal party dessert. Opt to serve rugelach, the crescent-shaped cream cheese pastry cookie, instead. Rugelach is a classic treat that must be made the morning of your Hanukkah dinner. While the buttery dough can be filled with a variety of spices and sweeteners, this recipe combines walnuts with dried blueberries, cinnamon, and blackberry jam.

The resulting bite has just the right amount of richness. Check out the recipe and read more