Posts for March 28th 2011

Sugar Shout Out: FabSugarTV: Wear One Scarf 10 Different Ways!
Sugar Shout Out

Sugar Shout Out: How to Wear One Scarf 10 Different Ways!

FabSugarTV: reinvent your scarf collection with 10 new ways to wear them!
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Study Shows Comfort Food Can Remedy Sense of Loneliness
macaroni and cheese

Lonesome? A Bowl of Mac and Cheese Might Help

If you're feeling down and out, that bowl of macaroni and cheese may just be the ticket.
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If you're feeling down and out, that bowl of macaroni and cheese may just be the ticket. According to a new study conducted at the University of Buffalo, lonely participants were able to rescue themselves from their disconsolate feelings when they focused their thoughts on comfort foods.

The findings, which were published in the magazine Psychological Science, have implications about comfort food and its, well, comforting properties. Need to further that excuse to eat more meatloaf and mashed potatoes? Then head over to Slashfood for all the details.

Kumquat Cocktail Recipe
Spring

Happy Hour: Kumquat Fizz

Kumquats are in season now through April, and while they're at their peak a little longer, I'm stocking up to use them in everything from salads to marmalades.
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Kumquats are in season now through April, and while they're at their peak a little longer, I'm stocking up to use them in everything from salads to marmalades. My current favorite application? In a cocktail.

To make this effervescent drink, muddle the kumquats to release their juices and aromatic oils. You'll find that the brightness from the citrus marries well with ginger syrup, which delivers a clean sweetness and another dimension of flavor.

Each sip is so pleasing that you'll be on your second glass before you know it! For the recipe, read ahead.

Kumquat Cocktail Recipe 2011-03-28 12:40:20
Spring

Kumquat Fizz

From Susannah Chen Kumquat FizzIngredients8 kumquats, cut in half 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3 tablespoons ginger syrup 1-1/2 ounces vodka Club soda 2 whole fresh or candied kumquats, for garnish (optional) Directions In a mixing glass, muddle together kumquats, lemon juice, and ginger syrup.
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From Susannah Chen

Kumquat Fizz

Kumquat Cocktail Recipe 2011-03-28 12:40:20

Ingredients

8 kumquats, cut in half
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons ginger syrup
1-1/2 ounces vodka
Club soda
2 whole fresh or candied kumquats, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. In a mixing glass, muddle together kumquats, lemon juice, and ginger syrup.
  2. Add vodka; pour into a highball glass filled with ice.
  3. Top off the glass with club soda. Garnish with two fresh or candied kumquats.

Makes 1 drink.

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Ina Garten Denies Wish From Cancer Patient, How Do You Feel About Her?
celebrity chefs

Ina Garten: Love Her or Leave Her?

I was disappointed to hear that one of my favorite Food Network personalities, Ina Garten (or the Barefoot Contessa), has turned down the request to cook with a Make-A-Wish cancer patient.
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I was disappointed to hear that one of my favorite Food Network personalities, Ina Garten (or the Barefoot Contessa), has turned down the request to cook with a Make-A-Wish cancer patient. Apparently, a 6-year-old boy with leukemia asked to cook with Garten not once, but twice — and he was repeatedly told no. According to Garten's reps, the Hamptons chef is currently too busy to meet with the boy. For years, I've been a huge fan of Garten and her reliable, delicious recipes. However, this makes me wonder if it's just an act. How do you feel about her?

Update: It turns out that Garten wasn't aware of the boy's request and she has agreed to meet with him and his family!

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wedding Cake Detail
Wedding

Royal Wedding Cake Details Revealed!

One month before their nuptials are set to take place, the world is abuzz with curiosity about details of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding.
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One month before their nuptials are set to take place, the world is abuzz with curiosity about details of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding. Today we've learned what their regal wedding cakes will look like. Kate has chosen a fruitcake to be the main wedding cake — perhaps an odd choice in America, but a traditional one across the pond. Its designer will be Fiona Cairns, a well-respected cake creator known for her bold designs. Although further details of the cake "will be a surprise," says Cairns, we do know this: It'll be tall and tiered, and covered in cream-and-white decorative flowers that not only mimic the architecture of Buckingham Palace but also each represent something meaningful. For instance, the cake will include roses for England, shamrocks for Ireland, acorns for strength, and sweet William flowers as well.

Just like at Prince Charles's and Princess Diana's wedding, pieces of the cake will be cut up and put into little boxes. Because of fruitcake's density, the dessert will stand the test of time, serving as a memoir for the 600 guests. As for William? He'll buck tradition with a groom's cake, a top-secret royal family chocolate cake recipe that's made out of McVitie's biscuits, a digestive biscuit enjoyed at tea.

Although both sound incredible, I'd spring for William's in a heartbeat. Which cake would you rather eat?

Cornflake-Crusted Snapper
snapper

Cornflake-Crusted Snapper

Adapted from Coastal LivingCornflake-Crusted SnapperIngredients4 (6-ounce) snapper or other firm white fish fillets 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 large egg white 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes Vegetable cooking spray 1 lemon, cut into wedges Directions Preheat oven to 425°F.
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Adapted from Coastal Living

Cornflake-Crusted Snapper

Cornflake-Crusted Snapper

Ingredients

4 (6-ounce) snapper or other firm white fish fillets
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg white
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
Vegetable cooking spray
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a large baking pan with cooking spray or line with nonstick aluminum foil. Spray a rack with cooking spray.
  2. Sprinkle fish with red pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Place flour in a shallow dish. Whisk egg white and 1 tablespoon water in a medium bowl. Place cornflake crumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge fish in flour, shake off excess, and dip in egg white mixture. Dredge in cornflakes, coating completely.
  4. Place the prepared wire rack coated with cooking spray inside the large baking pan. Arrange fish in a single layer on rack; coat top of fish lightly with cooking spray, and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp and browned. Serve with side salad and lemon wedges.

Serves 4.

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Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
sandwiches

Melted Deliciousness Coming Your Way!

What's better than a plain grilled cheese sandwich?
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What's better than a plain grilled cheese sandwich? A grilled cheese sandwich with three kinds of cheese and caramelized pears and onions! This amazing recipe is another one from the book I'm currently obsessed with, Grilled Cheese Please! The thing that makes this sandwich so special is the butter: it's mixed with blue cheese before being slathered on the outside of the bread.

I've made it twice; once in a panini and another time on the stove, and I found that it works better in a sauté pan. When it cooked in the panini, everything oozed out the sides. Whatever way you cook it, this sandwich is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend you try it — it's perfect for meatless Mondays! Check out the recipe after the break.