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All the News That's Fit to Eat - Oct. 8, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:30:05 -0700

Ten multipurpose pantry items that will come in handy for the home cook. - San Francisco Chronicle
Why we have food cravings and what they mean. - Boston Globe
This Columbus Day, learn how the historical voyage changed the way the world eats. - Chicago Tribune
The economic downtown is changing the dynamics of the fine dining industry. - Los Angeles Times
What role does gender play when dining at restaurants? - New York Times
Why onions make us cry, and the best way to stay dry-eyed. - Washington Post
A home cook gets put to the test in a restaurant kitchen. - Miami Herald

Summer of Sandwiches: Crave Treats and Coffee Ice Cream

YumSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:28:31 -0700

A few weeks ago Grace of Crave Treats sent us a care package containing three packs of adorable, miniature cookies. Naturally we had to taste them all, and although they were lovely (even if the mint was a bit overpowering in the brownie mint), we immediately knew that they would be the perfect vehicle for ice cream. So the next day we purchased a pint of Häagen-Daz coffee ice cream and set about making mini-ice cream sandwiches.

Of the three cookie flavors - brownie mint, pb chip and mocha chip - our favorite was the mocha chip. The way the flavors blended with the ice cream caused a taste explosion in my mouth. To make your own mini-ice cream delights, you can order a dozen mini-cookies and have them shipped to your front door. A dozen will cost you $9 or you can get a combo pack for $24. Personally I want to try her PB+Jellyness cookies, I think they would be smashing with creme fraiche ice cream. What do you think? What flavors would you choose and what ice cream would you use?

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Happy Hour: Cranberry Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:46 -0800

While I'm a fan of the classic margarita, during November, I like to enjoy its Thanksgiving-themed cousin, the cranberry margarita. It's surprising how much the addition of cranberry juice changes the flavor of the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice cocktail. It's festive and familiar, but potent with a rich autumnal hue. Instead of craving tortilla chips and guacamole, I found myself wanting something elegant and savory. Thus, I paired the cran marg with a warm crab dip. Shake and serve straight up, or pour over ice, like I did. To check out the recipe, which is perfect for a party, read more.

Cranberry Margarita
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

2 cups tequila
1 1/3 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange-flavored liqueur (triple sec of Cointreau)
2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

Directions

Combine the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Shake over ice.
Strain into margarita glasses or low cocktail flutes. Alternately, strain into low tumblers filled with ice.

Serves 10.

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Monday's Leftovers: Thai Beef With Coconut Rice

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0800

Last night I made an Eastern European-inspired ground sirloin stew with egg noodles, and tonight I'm going to use the leftover beef to make something on the opposite end of the spectrum! I'm craving takeout, but - inspired by my recent successes - I'm going to continue my pattern of preparing Asian foods at home.

Spice up the sirloin with the help of minced garlic, lime, and Asian fish sauce, and wake up your senses with freshly-torn basil and julienned chiles. Complement the fiery protein with a soothing side of milky coconut rice. The result, which is healthier and cheaper than takeout, after the break.

Pumpkin Bread Is Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:46 -0700

I've had Autumn on the brain for weeks now, but it wasn't until I received an inquiry about a faithful pumpkin bread recipe that the aromatic, spiced bread crossed my mind. Yet as soon as it did, I found myself craving a loaf of it. There was only one thing to do.

This tried-and-true recipe couldn't be any simpler. It doesn't require an electric beater, and you don't need to spend hours roasting your own pumpkin. The übermoist, not-to-sweet, spiced bread is the perfect breakfast, snack, or edible gift for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or anywhere in between. Want the recipe? Keep reading.

Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 20-27, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:55 -0700

This weekend, the T-minus one week countdown to Halloween begins. If you aren't too busy planning your fright night agenda and costume, take the time to hit up some of this month's biggest events, like Chicago's Champagne fête or the annual Kohler Food & Wine Experience. As the weather gets rainier, I'd personally love to spend a sun-spilled weekend eating my way through Scottsdale.

Know of any events we haven't included on the list? Feel free to pipe up about them below.

San Francisco, CA: Root Division's Annual Art/Food Auction - Oct. 22
Scottsdale, AZ: Crave Arizona - Oct. 22-24
Portland, ME: Harvest on the Harbor - Oct. 22-24
Kohler, WI: Kohler Food & Wine Experience - Oct. 22-25
Chicago, IL: Tour de Champagne Chicago - Oct. 23
Chicago, IL: Beef: From Plains to Plate - Oct. 23-25
Fredericksburg, TX: Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest - Oct. 24
Lexington, NC: Barbecue Festival - Oct. 24
Detroit, MI: Harvest Beer Festival - Oct. 24
Orlando, FL: Central Florida Veg Fest - Oct. 24
Lynchburg, TN: Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitation Barbecue - Oct. 24

Source

Sunday Dinner: Drunken Noodles

YumSugar — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:30:52 -0700

For this week's Sunday night chicken dinner, I can't wait to apply the mainstream meat to a home-cooked Southeast Asian meal.

I love preparing ethnic foods at home, and this spicy noodle stir-fry, with its complex flavors, comes together in mere minutes, thanks to quick-cooking (and inexpensive) ground chicken.

Craving Thai takeout, sans the grease? For the recipe, read more.

Mac Attack! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:35 -0700

From classic stovetop shells to leek-and-cheddar penne, I've never met a mac and cheese I don't like. But the recipe I'd been craving most of all was one that, up until recently, only lived in my imagination: buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese.

My fantasy finally became reality one weekend when I put together all the elements I'd dreamed about. Al dente elbows of pasta, coated in creamy, sharp cheese sauce, topped with hot pepper sauce and crispy chicken.

It only occurred to me after sinking my teeth into the first bite that I could improve upon it even more by dotting the top with blue cheese crumbles and diced celery squares. That's why I can't wait to make it again! The epitome of indulgence, after the break.

Mac Attack! Kraft-Style Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

partysugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:21 -0700

When I was little my favorite meal was Kraft macaroni and cheese with slices of Ballpark hot dogs stirred in. Although I haven't had this dinner in years, I remember it fondly and sometimes crave an intensely creamy stove-top mac and cheese. I considered giving the old package a try, but the thought of powdered cheese made me cringe. That's why I decided to make my own version of Kraft's classic mac. Surprisingly, it's very quick and easy to put together and the resulting dish is comforting and nostalgic, yet a little more gourmet. To ensure a smooth rich texture, I combined Velveeta - what can I say, it's a guilty pleasure! - with a good-quality, extra-sharp cheddar. The mixture works wonderfully and from now on instead of reaching for a box, I'll reach for this recipe! To do the same, get it now and read more.

Kraft-Style Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Original Recipe

Although I used whole milk, you could probably substitute 1 or 2 percent and still have a thick orange sauce.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups small pasta shells
1 1/2 cups large pasta shells
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 3/4 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces velveeta, diced
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan of boiled water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and add the cheddar and velveeta in handfuls, whisking to melt. Stir until all the cheese is combined and
Season with the mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Fold in the cooked pasta and stir well to coat all of the pasta with the sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey Chili

partysugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:01 -0700

On a cool Fall evenings, I often crave chili. While a pot that's simmered on the stove all day is intensely flavorful and satisfying, a quick week night rendition filled with aromatic spices, black beans, and chunks of turkey, is equally gratifying.

This recipe employs cooked turkey, but, if you prefer, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.

Don't forget the condiments - sour cream, fresh lime wedges, and grated cheddar cheese enhance the comforting richness of the dish. To serve this rapid chili to your family, get the recipe and read more.

Turkey Chili
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 large white onion, coarsely chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice
1 (19-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
2 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1-inch pieces
Accompaniments: sour cream; sliced avocado; chopped white onion; lime wedges

Directions

Cook onion and peppers in oil in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Add spices and brown sugar and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, breaking them up with back of a spoon, then add beans, water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
Stir in turkey and let stand, covered, until heated through, 5 minutes.

Serves 6-8.

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