Posts for February 4th 2010

Appetizers

Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini

From Food & Wine Pimento Cheese and Bacon CrostiniIngredients2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese 2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp orange cheddar cheese One 7-ounce jar pimientos, drained and finely chopped 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Cayenne pepper 40 slices baguette, toasted 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled Directions In a mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the white and orange cheddar cheeses.

From Food & Wine

Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini

Easy Super Bowl Recipe for Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp orange cheddar cheese
One 7-ounce jar pimientos, drained and finely chopped
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
40 slices baguette, toasted
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Directions

  1. In a mixer fitted with the paddle, combine the white and orange cheddar cheeses. Add the chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, black pepper and garlic powder; blend at low speed. Season the pimento cheese with cayenne pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400° Spread the pimento cheese on the toasts, top with the bacon and bake until the cheese is melted and browned, about 2 minutes. Serve.

Makes 3 cups or 40 crostini.

Poll

Would You Eat Cod Milt?

February's all about romance-inducing foods.

February's all about romance-inducing foods. How about a different kind of aphrodisiac? Right now, it's the season for cod milt, a fancier word for fish sperm. In Japan, it's considered a delicacy, where it's consumed both raw and cooked. I've always said I'll try anything once, although the thought of this makes my stomach turn. But maybe, as with bugs, you just need a few bites to get used to the idea. Have you ever tried cod milt?

Source: Flickr User takaokun

recipes

Come Party With Me: Romantic Dinner — Drinks

Before you sit down to a romantic dinner for two on Valentine's Day, enjoy each other's company over a blushing cocktail.

Before you sit down to a romantic dinner for two on Valentine's Day, enjoy each other's company over a blushing cocktail. This drink is the perfect boy meets girl concoction.

Don't be fooled by the pink color; it's gin-based, so it's not for the faint of heart. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness, while pomegranate juice and simple syrup slightly sweeten the beverage.

It's sure to get your intimate party started! To look at the easy recipe, read more

Health

The New Look and Taste of Heinz

For the first time in 40 years, Heinz has redesigned its ketchup packet — and made it healthier to boot.

For the first time in 40 years, Heinz has redesigned its ketchup packet — and made it healthier to boot.

This morning, the company revealed a larger, more versatile condiment packet, which ketchup lovers can either tear off to squeeze like a traditional packet or peel off to dip. It holds three times as much as the old packet. The packaging innovation will be in most quick-service restaurants by the end of this year.

The company also introduced Simply Heinz Tomato Ketchup, a version made with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The ketchup will be released in March, and by Summer, the entire core Heinz ketchup line will reduce sodium by 15 percent, making Heinz the lowest-sodium national ketchup.

I know this is ridiculous, but I consider this a Heinz breakthrough. I can't wait to tear open a packet that's big enough for more than three fries! Hopefully, the news will quiet ardent protest groups on Facebook, like Make Ketchup Packets Bigger and Abolish Ketchup Packets. Are you as excited as I am for this groundbreaking move?

Source

fast and easy

Fast & Easy Dinner: Polenta Lasagne With Seitan

I love recipes like this lasagna that are fresh new takes on comforting classics.

I love recipes like this lasagna that are fresh new takes on comforting classics. Traditionally lasagna is made with noodles and meat sauce, but this modern variation uses polenta and a mushroom seitan sauce. The update saves time because you don't have to fuss with boiling pasta. It also is meat-free and vegetarian-friendly. Don't be intimidated by the cheese sauce; it's a straightforward béchamel that's simple to put together.

For the recipe to this hearty casserole, please read more