Posts for August 12th 2011

recipes

Happy Hour: Pineapple Mojito

National Rum Day isn't until next Tuesday, but why not get the party started now?

National Rum Day isn't until next Tuesday, but why not get the party started now? After all, it's the end of a work week, and there is no better time for a rum drink than Friday afternoon. There are tons of mojito variations out there, but the one I've been sipping lately is this refreshing and potent pineapple version. It's like a mojito that's decided to go on a tropical vacation!

The pineapple provides a nice sweetness, so no extra sugar is necessary. There's four ounces of alcohol in this drink, but thanks to the pineapple juice, it doesn't taste too strong! If you prefer a mojito with a little effervescence, top it off with sparkling water or soda. You've got to make this beverage: here's the recipe.

grilling

Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken

Adapted from GourmetGrilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Ingredients1/4 cup fresh citrus juice (lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice) 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, basil, cilantro, rosemary, mint, tarragon, etc.) 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 1/3 cup olive oil 8 chicken breasts (skinless boneless or with skin and bones — whatever kind you prefer) Directions Whisk together citrus juice, herbs, garlic, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and add oil in a slow stream, whisking.

Adapted from Gourmet

Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken

Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe 2011-08-12 13:47:00

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh citrus juice (lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, basil, cilantro, rosemary, mint, tarragon, etc.)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
8 chicken breasts (skinless boneless or with skin and bones — whatever kind you prefer)

Directions

  1. Whisk together citrus juice, herbs, garlic, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and add oil in a slow stream, whisking.
  2. Generously season the chicken breasts, on both sides, with salt and black pepper.
  3. Prepare gas or charcoal grill. When you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds, sear chicken breasts (in batches if you have to) over coals or high heat, uncovered, turning once, until well browned, 6 to 8 minutes total, then transfer as cooked to tray. Put all browned chicken breasts on side of grill with no coals underneath or indirect heat and cook, covered with lid, turning occasionally, until just cooked through (the meat, when opened slightly, will be moist but no longer pink), 12 to 15 minutes more.
  4. Transfer breasts to bowl with citrus herb dressing and turn to coat, then transfer to platter and enjoy.

Serves 8-10.

iPad

Get Ready to Jet Set to Cabo San Lucas!

We launched our new PopSugar iPad app, so now you can experience PopSugar Network in HD and enjoy amazing full-screen galleries, flip the pages just like a magazine, and easily share stories with friends on Facebook and Twitter.

We launched our new PopSugar iPad app, so now you can experience PopSugar Network in HD and enjoy amazing full-screen galleries, flip the pages just like a magazine, and easily share stories with friends on Facebook and Twitter. And to celebrate, we want to send you, a guest, and a new PopSugar-loaded iPad 2 all the way to Mexico!

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2011 Summer

4 Savory Ways to Enjoy Watermelon

The simplest preparation of ripe watermelon, fresh from the fridge and sliced into wedges, is arguably the best way to eat it.

The simplest preparation of ripe watermelon, fresh from the fridge and sliced into wedges, is arguably the best way to eat it. But I'm going to play devil's advocate and recommend that you do something unexpectedly delicious with watermelon. Fresh popsicles or another sweet treat are awesome uses of watermelon, but they are a little too common. To really blow your friends and family away, incorporate the juicy pink flesh of watermelon into a savory dish. Here are four to try:

  1. Salad: Arugula (or some other green, like watercress), feta, and watermelon salad has popped up on so many restaurant menus it could practically be considered a classic salad! Other salad ingredients that pair well with watermelon are jicama, mint, red onion, olives, tomatoes, goat cheese, radishes, basil, cucumber, avocado, and fennel. Try adding watermelon slices to Caprese salad: it tastes wonderful with balls of fresh mozzarella.
  2. Seafood: The brightness of watermelon complements many kinds of seafood from squid to swordfish to crab.
  3. Cocktail: When pureed and strained, watermelon juice is a refreshing ingredient in many cocktails, specifically drinks that have a little spice like this chipotle-rimmed tequila beverage.
  4. Grill it: Earlier this Summer, Mark Bittman, columnist at The New York Times, blew me away with his recommendation for grilled watermelon burgers! If that's a little too adventurous for you, grill watermelon and add it to a salad.

Do you use watermelon in savory dishes? Share your techniques with us below!

recipes

Scream For It! Butterscotch Ice Cream

What's cold, creamy, and buttery?

What's cold, creamy, and buttery? Butterscotch ice cream! If you've never made butterscotch before, don't be intimidated; it's much easier than making caramel. You simply put brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a saute pan and heat it until the mixture magically turns into a rich golden brown syrup. The ice cream base is made in the traditional custard method with egg yolks, cream, and half and half. Like most ice cream recipes, you'll need to get started a couple of days before you want to enjoy it. It's worth the effort especially when served with peach pie. Read more to look at the recipe.

recipes

Pineapple Mojito

From Martin Sadlemire, bar manager at the Wequasett Resort Pineapple MojitoIngredients3 1-inch chunks of pineapple 4 lime wedges, from one half of a lime 8 mint leaves 3 oz rum (recommended: Brugal Añejo Rum) 1 oz triple sec 1 oz pineapple juice Directions In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and mint leaves.

From Martin Sadlemire, bar manager at the Wequasett Resort

Pineapple Mojito

Pineapple Mojito Recipe 2011-08-12 11:19:24

Ingredients

3 1-inch chunks of pineapple
4 lime wedges, from one half of a lime
8 mint leaves
3 oz rum (recommended: Brugal Añejo Rum)
1 oz triple sec
1 oz pineapple juice

Directions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and mint leaves.
  2. Fill the shaker with rum, triple sec, and pineapple juice. Add ice.
  3. Shake and serve in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Makes 1 drink.

Food News

Yummy Links: From Omelets to Anchovies

Source: Flickr User nathanmac87

recipes

Butterscotch Ice Cream

From The Sunset CookbookButterscotch Ice CreamIngredients1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 2 cups half-and-half (light cream) 6 large egg yolks Directions In a 1- to 2-quart pan over medium heat, stir brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until butter is melted, sugar is dissolved, and mixture is bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes.

From The Sunset Cookbook

Butterscotch Ice Cream

Butterscotch Ice Cream Recipe 2011-08-12 10:54:52

Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 cups half-and-half (light cream)
6 large egg yolks

Directions

  1. In a 1- to 2-quart pan over medium heat, stir brown sugar, butter, and vanilla until butter is melted, sugar is dissolved, and mixture is bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Whisk in 1/2 cup whipping cream until smooth; remove butterscotch mixture from heat.
  3. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over medium-high heat, combine remaining 1 cup whipping cream and the half-and-half; bring to a simmer.
  4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat egg yolks to blend. Whisk 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into egg yolks, then pour egg yolk mixture into pan with cream. Stir constantly over low heat just until mixture is slightly thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove from heat.
  5. Pour through a fine strainer into a clean bowl and whisk in butterscotch mixture. Chill until cold, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours; or cover and chill up to 1 day.
  6. Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Serve softly frozen, or transfer ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or up to 1 week.

Makes 1 quart.

community

Savory Sight: Yummy Sunday Treat For Mom

What do you make for yourself on Sunday mornings?

What do you make for yourself on Sunday mornings? Hea729 pampered herself by making homemade eggs benedict!
I hadn't made these since I was pregnant 2 years ago. So yummy! And easy too!

When was the last time you made eggs benedict? If you want to share your recent brunch adventures, upload photos to the Savory Sights group in our community!

Tips

Hosting a Dinner Party? Read This Beforehand!

When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more rewarding than serving your friends and family at a party.

When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more rewarding than serving your friends and family at a party. Whether it be a dinner, baby shower, or birthday bash, crafting the perfect menu is crucial to an event's success. From your guests' dietary needs to the occasion to the season, there's a lot to consider when planning a menu. Don't be overwhelmed, I've got a handful of suggestions to keep in mind the next time you're deciding what to serve.

  • Being a good hostess means that you make guests feel welcome and comfortable, that's why it's important to think about their diets. Don't serve a meat-heavy menu if you have vegetarians in attendance. A friend allergic to gluten? Offer a gluten-free meal. While you may have to think outside the box, there are millions of dishes in the world; it can be done!
  • If it's easier for you to cook with a theme, like rustic Italian, casual Californian, or traditional Spanish, do so!
  • Unless you are highlighting a special item on purpose, (like serving a blood orange meal, where each course features blood oranges), make sure there isn't too much of one ingredient. Too much cheese or starch or vegetables will result in an unbalanced meal.

Get the rest of my tips — and share yours! — after the jump.