Posts for May 18th 2011

happy hour

Happy Hour: 2010 Lyrarakis Dafni

Not familiar with Greek wines?

Not familiar with Greek wines? Here's a remarkable wine to start with: 2010 Lyrarakis Dafni. This bottle by Lyrarakis is made entirely from a rare Cretan grape called Dafni that, just a few decades ago, was on the brink of extinction.

The varietal is named after the word daphne, which refers to the laurel plant that's prized for its bay leaves, and for good reason. A first sniff reveals layers of complex botanical flavors, ranging widely from juniper to eucalyptus, spearmint, and — dare I say? — laurel leaves. This bouquet's followed by a rich, long-lasting finish with a nice amount of acidity.

For less than $15 retail, it's hard to believe a wine can leave such an indelible impression. If you're looking for a white that tastes unlike anything you've experienced, this is it. Which whites are among the most memorable that you've ever had?

Appetizers

Jazz Up Guacamole With Roasted Garlic

The dish that I've probably made the most in my life is guacamole.

The dish that I've probably made the most in my life is guacamole. When I started cooking, it's the first thing I mastered; I still remember learning how to make it from my dad. It's a dip that I never get tired of because there are tons of different variations and it's just so good! My latest favorite involves a whole head of roasted garlic. It's amazing how creamy and rich this guac is. The roasted garlic gives it a smooth texture and depth of flavor. The ingredient list doesn't call for tomatoes, but if you prefer guacamole with tomatoes, add them. Really, feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking! Check it out after the break.

Appetizers

Roasted Garlic Guacamole

From Katie Lee Roasted Garlic Guacamole Ingredients 1 head garlic 1 teaspoon olive oil 1∕2 serrano pepper 4 Hass avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled Juice of 1 lime 1 1∕2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1∕2 cup chopped cilantro Tortilla chips, for serving Directions Preheat the oven to 400°F.


From Katie Lee

Roasted Garlic Guacamole

Guacamole Recipe 2011-05-18 12:56:25

Ingredients

1 head garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
1∕2 serrano pepper
4 Hass avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
Juice of 1 lime
1 1∕2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1∕2 cup chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the head of garlic. Place the garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with the olive oil. Wrap the garlic tightly. Roast for about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic, until soft and golden brown.
  2. Let cool completely. Squeeze the peel of each clove to release the garlic.
  3. In a food processor, combine the garlic, serrano, avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until chunky. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Serves 6-8.

From Katie Lee

Roasted Garlic Guacamole

Guacamole Recipe 2011-05-18 12:56:25

Ingredients

1 head garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
1∕2 serrano pepper
4 Hass avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
Juice of 1 lime
1 1∕2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1∕2 cup chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the head of garlic. Place the garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil and drizzle with the olive oil. Wrap the garlic tightly. Roast for about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic, until soft and golden brown.
  2. Let cool completely. Squeeze the peel of each clove to release the garlic.
  3. In a food processor, combine the garlic, serrano, avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until chunky. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Serves 6-8.

Wedding

9 Things to Know Before Buying China

If you plan on registering for a full set of china, either now or in the long run, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you plan on registering for a full set of china, either now or in the long run, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, it should be a fun way to adorn your table, and an extension of your tasteful lifestyle! But beware: cost prohibitiveness and space limitations mean you should make the right decision the first time around. If you're new to the registry game, there are a few things to keep in mind when coordinating and selecting the perfect set. To see what they are, keep reading.

Food News

Yummy Links: From Weird Food Names to Bad Cooking Habits

POPSUGAR Food

Emeril Lagasse on Best Places to Eat in the US

Emeril Lagasse, the original celebrity chef, is debuting a new show this Thursday on the Cooking Channel at 10:30 p.m EDT.

Emeril Lagasse, the original celebrity chef, is debuting a new show this Thursday on the Cooking Channel at 10:30 p.m EDT. On The Originals, the culinary legend pays homage to iconic food institutions that have stood the test of time. We caught up with Emeril while he was filming in Los Angeles — to find out what he had to say about The Originals and learn more about his upcoming projects, watch the video now!

Food News

Gilt Launches Taste With Ruth Reichl

Last night, Gilt, the megabrand behind luxurious online offers, launched Gilt Taste with Ruth Reichl officially on board as editorial advisor.

Last night, Gilt, the megabrand behind luxurious online offers, launched Gilt Taste with Ruth Reichl officially on board as editorial advisor. Speculations about Francis Lam were correct, as he joins his former Gourmet editor in chief as features editor while recipes for Taste are being developed by Melissa Clark.

In the editor's letter, Reichl describes the site as "a new kind of magazine, one that has no ads and is supported solely by sales. We don't just want to sell you great products — we want to tell you the stories of the people who create them and inspire you with delicious new ways to use them." When it comes to the shopping side of Gilt Taste, there's a variety of artisan America products ranging from caved-aged cheese from Murray's Cheese to white truffle cream from Gourmet Attitude.

While I doubt that I'll be purchasing many of the groceries, I'm excited to try the recipes and read the informative and thought-provoking articles that are sure to be highlighted on Gilt Taste. What do you think of the website?

Facebook

Follow and Like Us on Facebook!

Do you have an appetite for recipes, food news, and entertaining tips?


Do you have an appetite for recipes, food news, and entertaining tips? If so, then be sure to follow YumSugar on Facebook!

Once you hit that "Like" button, we'll have plenty of up-to-date culinary news and information to share with you. Ask any questions you have right there on our page, or even upload your own kitchen adventures to share with us!

What are you waiting for? Click below to get started on the fun. Can't get enough? Then be sure to check us out on Twitter, too.

Poll

Have You Ever Enjoyed Greek Wine?

Don't know much about Greek wine?

Don't know much about Greek wine? Neither did I, but yesterday I had my first taste of it at a lunch hosted by the Wines of Greece. Once I got past the fact that the names were a mouthful (Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko, and Xinomavro, anyone?), I loved the whites for their bracing acidity, and the reds for their nice balance of earth and fruit. Have you sought out grapes from Greece?

Source: Flickr User Wolfgang Staudt