Posts for January 14th 2010

Breakfast

Name That Dish!

Much like a sour cream coffee cake, this sticky and sweet cinnamon-tinged pastry is a comforting delight for breakfast.
Much like a sour cream coffee cake, this sticky and sweet cinnamon-tinged pastry is a comforting delight for breakfast. Do you know what it's called?

Guess the Dish 2010-01-14 16:00:06

recipes

Lentil Vegetable Soup

From Ina Garten Lentil Vegetable Soup Ingredients1 pound French green lentils 4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions) 4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks) 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves) 1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon ground cumin 3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks) 3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots) 3 quarts chicken stock 1/4 cup tomato paste 2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Directions In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe 2010-01-14 15:16:05

Ingredients

1 pound French green lentils
4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 large onions)
4 cups chopped leeks, white part only (2 leeks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus additional for drizzling on top
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups medium-diced celery (8 stalks)
3 cups medium-diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine or red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender.
  3. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes.
  4. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings.
  6. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

Serves 8-10.

recipes

Come Party With Me: Winter Weekend — Drinks

When I imagine a Winter weekend getaway, it always involves a warm cocktail like a hot-buttered rum or Irish coffee.

When I imagine a Winter weekend getaway, it always involves a warm cocktail like a hot-buttered rum or Irish coffee. There's something so magical about sitting by a fire watching the snow fall, while sipping on a soothing potent drink.

This Saturday, I plan on stirring up a coffee and chocolate concoction. It's spiked with brandy and sweetened with cream, sugar, and vanilla. It's important to serve in heatproof glasses or mugs.

To check out the recipe and make this for your loved ones read more

Health

A Sneak Peek at Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Jamie Oliver's latest project has been a long time coming.

Jamie Oliver's latest project has been a long time coming. Last May, we learned the famed British chef would be starring in a reality show, Jamie's Food Revolution, to give unhealthy cities good-food makeovers. His cookbook by the same name gave Americans a taste of what the transformation would be all about. And now, ABC has released the trailer for the show, which will premiere Friday, March 26, at 9 pm.

Jamie jumps across the pond to Huntington, WV: population 50,000 and home to the unhealthiest people in America. "I'm here to start . . . the biggest food revolution that this country's ever seen," he declares. But that's before a teary Oliver encounters serious roadblocks along the way.

Can the acclaimed health activist and TED Prize winner — who's known for his school lunch overhaul in the UK — have the same impact in the US? Watch the trailer and tell me what you think.

recipes

Fast & Easy Dinner: Crustless Broccoli-Cheddar Quiches

Who says making quiche has to be complicated?

Who says making quiche has to be complicated? This recipe proves that a quick and simple quiche can come together in minutes. The secret is to leave out the pastry dough crust. Not only are you saving time, but you'll also cut calories. The classic combination of cheddar and broccoli is featured in this recipe; however other cheese and vegetable pairings can be substituted. Follow the same measurements but consider gruyere and mushrooms, gouda and red peppers, or parmesan and spinach. Get the basic vegetarian recipe when you read more

recipes

Tijuana Tippler

From Gourmet Tijuana Tippler Ingredients4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, grated 4 cups light cream 2 1/2 cups brandy 2 cups strong coffee 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, lightly whipped Directions In a large saucepan combine unsweetened chocolate, light cream, brandy, coffee, sugar, and vanilla.
Tijuana Tippler

Tijuana Tippler

Spiked Coffee Hot Chocolate Drink Recipe 2010-01-14 11:02:28

Ingredients

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, grated
4 cups light cream
2 1/2 cups brandy
2 cups strong coffee
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, lightly whipped

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan combine unsweetened chocolate, light cream, brandy, coffee, sugar, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, stirring, and simmer it, stirring, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is hot and well combined.
  2. Fold in lightly whipped cream and divide the mixture among ten 10-ounce heatproof mugs, rinsed with boiling water.

Makes 10 drinks.

salads

Quinoa Salad Is Healthy but Full of Satisfying Flavor

If I find myself with a free Sunday night, I like to prepare some meals for the week.

If I find myself with a free Sunday night, I like to prepare some meals for the week. Basically I'll pick one dish, be it a soup or salad, that I can bring to work for lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Since I'm continuing with my ongoing efforts to eat healthy, last Sunday I threw together a hearty and filling black bean and quinoa salad.

This flavorful, slightly spicy salad is packed with vegetables. It's seasoned with a sherry vinegar, soy, and lime vinaigrette. It proved to be a satisfying midday meal, but it would also make an excellent side dish to fish or chicken. Check out the protein-rich recipe when you read more

Travel

Eat and Drink Your Way Through Costa Rica

Wishing you were on a tropical vacation?
The Food and Drink of Costa Rica

Wishing you were on a tropical vacation? Might I recommend Costa Rica? I was fortunate enough to spend the Winter holidays there in Tamarindo. While I enjoyed plenty of beach time, I also made it a priority to eat and drink at as many restaurants and bars as possible. Here are some highlights from my trip!