Posts for May 11th 2009

Appetizers

Get Your Grill On With Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños

Recently my friend Jeffrey bragged about an amazing appetizer — cream-cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped grilled jalapeños — he had made for a party.

Recently my friend Jeffrey bragged about an amazing appetizer — cream-cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped grilled jalapeños — he had made for a party. Never one to be outdone, I decided immediately to make bacon-wrapped cheese-filled jalapeños that were better than his. After scouring the Internet for the perfect recipe, I chose one from Food Network because it incorporates sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in the cream cheese mixture.

The resulting appetizer is wildly delicious, intensely spicy, and downright addictive. The most difficult part is removing the seeds from the jalapeños without cutting the entire pepper in half. For best results I recommend using a sharp paring knife and small spoon. To look at the recipe, read more

Wine

Let's Dish: What's Your Signature Drink?

With so many cocktails, beers, and varieties of wine to choose from, it's good to have one standby drink you don't have to think about.

With so many cocktails, beers, and varieties of wine to choose from, it's good to have one standby drink you don't have to think about. Something that every restaurant stocks or every bartender knows how to make — your signature drink, if you will.

That way, if you're feeling undecided, you can just sidle up to the bar and shout your usual order. I tend to change my signature drink every so often, but my go-to beverages include gin and tonics, a Manhattan, or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Of course, I always need fresh ideas, so tell me: what's your signature drink that you usually order at a bar?

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definition

Definition: Hull

Whether you're making a strawberry tart or a sweet salsa, you'll probably want to "hull" the berries first.
OXO at ShopStyle

Whether you're making a strawberry tart or a sweet salsa, you'll probably want to "hull" the berries first. But what exactly does that mean?

Strictly speaking, hulling means removing the green leafy top of the strawberry. Or, you can go a step further and cut away the white flesh that surrounds the stem using the tip of a knife. Everything else — the center of the berry, the rounded top — is left intact. Some people lop off the entire top of the berry, but that isn't necessary and, in my opinion, wastes too much good fruit. You can use a strawberry huller or just a small, sharp knife.

News

Jamie Oliver and Ryan Seacrest Serving Up Reality Show

Seems Jamie Oliver and Ryan Seacrest have more in common than a shared love of spiky hairdos.

Seems Jamie Oliver and Ryan Seacrest have more in common than a shared love of spiky hairdos. They also want to help Americans eat better. The British chef is preparing a new reality show produced by Seacrest, where Oliver will touch down in America's unhealthiest cities and give its residents good-food makeovers using local resources.

This isn't Oliver's first stab at improving the eating habits of everyday folks. In the UK, he has worked extensively on children's nutrition, including a 2005 TV series called Jamie's School Lunches, which prompted education officials to remake school meals. The idea struck a chord with radio host/TV producer Seacrest:

Seacrest said he talked about school lunches during a segment on his KISS FM morning radio show and was struck by the amount of listener response. Then he heard Oliver was looking to bring his public service campaign stateside. The resulting ABC show will not only tackle a city's schools, but workplaces and other avenues for change.

ABC has already ordered at least six hours of the show, which will focus on cities that have shown on up lists of "America's fattest." But ABC exec Vicki Dummer says the point isn't to make fun of Americans: "Jamie has been through this mission before. He will be an advocate for change, but not act like, 'I'm from Britain and you Americans are fat.'"

What do you think of this idea for a show? Do you think it sends the right message?

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Tips

Simple Tip: Before Juicing, Keep Citrus at Room Temperature

If you plan on making lemonade or a batch of cocktails that require fresh citrus juice, be sure to use citrus that is at room temperature.

If you plan on making lemonade or a batch of cocktails that require fresh citrus juice, be sure to use citrus that is at room temperature. According to Food & Wine Cocktails 09, refrigerated citrus will yield up to a third less liquid than fruit at room temperature. To bring cold citrus to room temperature quickly, soak the fruit in really hot water for five minutes before squeezing. Ironically enough, when a recipe calls for citrus zest it's best to use the fruit right out of the fridge.

Do you normally store your lemons, limes, and oranges on the counter or in the fridge?

menus

Do You Save Restaurant Menus?

Do You Save Restaurant Menus?

fast and easy

Monday's Leftovers: Chicken With Gouda Gravy & Potatoes

Last night, you went the healthful route with sesame chicken, vegetables, and soba noodles; tonight, jazz things up with a meal that's the ultimate in comfort food.

Last night, you went the healthful route with sesame chicken, vegetables, and soba noodles; tonight, jazz things up with a meal that's the ultimate in comfort food. Take leftover boneless, skinless chicken breasts and turn them into something craveworthy when you drizzle them with a gouda cheese pan gravy and serve them alongside creamy smashed potatoes that are studded with broccoli florets. Get this crowd-pleasing recipe — that's ready in only half an hour — when you read more

popsugar

Fill Out Your Bracket for Round 4 of the PopSugar 100 and Enter To Win Chanel!

Click to ReadFill Out Your Bracket for Round 4 of the PopSugar 100 and Enter To Win Chanel!
Click to Read

Fill Out Your Bracket for Round 4 of the PopSugar 100 and Enter To Win Chanel! The races are closer than ever now that we're down to 16 of the hottest and most powerful stars in Hollywood. The tightest race at the moment is one of titanic proportions — environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio is trailing slightly behind his two time costar and Oscar winner Kate Winslet. Make sure to fill out your ballot with all your picks — and enter to win a $3,000 Chanel bag!

outdoor entertaining

Off to Market: Serving Tray

With the weather warming up, I've turned my attention to alfresco entertaining.

With the weather warming up, I've turned my attention to alfresco entertaining. Last weekend, I suggested my guests and I grab our cocktails and appetizers and head out to the patio. There was a lot to carry and on my third trip back to the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder why I don't own a stylish serving tray? Can you help me find one? Look for a large chic tray with edges to ensure that nothing slides off during transit. Save the trays in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Serving Tray. I'm excited to see your discoveries!

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar.
Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more

Quiz

What Do You Know About the Ritz Cracker?

This year, America's favorite cracker, the buttery Ritz, is turning 75.

This year, America's favorite cracker, the buttery Ritz, is turning 75. It's hard to believe the cracker has been an entertaining staple and after school snack since 1934. To commemorate the anniversary, I've put together a quiz about Ritz. Learn more about the crispy cracker when you take it now!

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Take the Quiz