YumSugar

Come Party With Me: Inauguration - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:15:58 -0800

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert. Eli's is the Windy City's famous bakery known for its chocolate chip cheesecake. While you could order a cheesecake from Eli's and have it delivered, I recommend whipping up a homemade variation. This recipe features sour cream (like most Chicago-style cheesecakes) and results in a cake that is firm on the outside, but deliciously creamy on the inside.

To look at the recipe, read more.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
From Ghirardelli

Ingredients

1 cup(s) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tablespoon(s) Unsweetened Cocoa
2 ounce(s) White Chocolate Baking Bar
2/3 cup(s) crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup(s) granulate white sugar
1/3 cup(s) (2/3 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 1/4 cup(s) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup(s) granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup(s) sour cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch springform cake pan.
To make the crust, in a small bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, cocoa, and sugar. Stir in the butter. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
Press firmly to distribute the crust mixture onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan. Chill the crust while making the filling.
To make the filling, in a medium-size bowl, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar with an electric mixer at low speed until smooth.
Gradually beat in the eggs, increasing the speed slightly as the mixture softens.
Beat in the sour cream. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips with a large spoon.
Pour the filling into the chilled crust and set the pan on a baking tray. Bake for 75 minutes, or until firm. The cheesecake may deflate and crack as it cools, so turn off the oven and let cool slowly in the oven for about 1 hour with the oven door open.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight before removing from the pan.
Sprinkle the top with grated white chocolate. This cheesecake is best if eaten within 3 days of baking.

Serves 8-10.

Print recipe with images | without images

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 12

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:12:49 -0800

It was down to five cheftestants on last night's episode of Top Chef. The final Las Vegas challenge - the next two shows take place in Napa, California - highlighted the Bocuse d'Or, the world's most prestigious classical cooking competition. A plethora of big name chefs including Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, guest judged. Ready to discuss? Keep reading.

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 11

partysugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:55 -0800

After a brief hiatus with last week's Fabio-hosted reunion dinner, we went back to Vegas - and into Padma's hotel room - for this week's episode of Top Chef.

The final six chefs started things off by cooking breakfast in bed for their fearless hostess and her celebrity chef friend Nigella Lawson. For the elimination challenge, each contestant created a dish for a party, drawing inspiration from different casinos on the strip. Who was playing to win? Let's talk about it when you read more.

I love how Nigella said Eli's dish "would be" good hangover food - you know, in theory. Whose quickfire dish would you want to eat if you were hungover?
How did you feel about Nigella as a guest judge?
What casino do you think would be hardest to base a dish around?
Kevin's dish looked great, but can anyone explain what it had to do with the Mirage?
Why do you think Jennifer has seemingly lost so much of her confidence?
With all the focus on Bryan's son and family life, did you think he might get kicked off?
Isn't it odd that the remaining guys are sharing a room? Shouldn't they be able to spread out by now?
What was up with the wind in that party venue?
Are buffalo wings something you associate with New York City? What iconic NYC food would you riff on in Michael's position?
How do you feel about who won and lost?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 9

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:50:37 -0700

On the latest Top Chef, the remaining eight cheftestants have to prove they can work as a team. The quickfire involves blindfolds and the elimination challenge is everyone's favorite, what Padma dubs the "most anticipated episode of the season," restaurant wars. To discuss all the delicious details, read more.

How cute was it when Michael picked his bro?
What did you think of the quickfire? Did the blue team win because Jen set them up with a specific dish?
Were you excited for restaurant wars? I was bummed they didn't have to do decor!
Michael V. says that winning restaurant wars is about the execution. Do you agree?
For some reason, I really enjoyed Jen in this episode. I identified with her when she told Tom she was stressed because she thinks she's superwoman and takes on too much. Did you see a different side of her as well?
During restaurant wars, in past seasons, did they have more time to cook?
What exactly is a billi-bi?
Are the producers keeping Robin around because she is the only person who causes drama?
Who worked the front of the house better? Eli or Laurine?
Were you surprised that Tom said Revolt was the best restaurant restaurant wars had ever seen?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef Vegas: Episode 8

partysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:00:15 -0700

Did you catch the latest episode of Top Chef? We had Pilates, pairings, and Charlie Palmer, the guest judge. Did anyone else wonder how come Bravo couldn't find a judge who didn't know the V Bros? Want to discuss more details? Well, you know what to do, keep reading.

Noteworthy Nibbles - Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Wine lovers, unite! From St. Louis, MO, to Orlando, FL, and everywhere up and down the California coast, this week is full of celebrations that pay homage to the year's bounty of grapes.

As a West Coaster, I have my pick of places to swirl my glass, but, since sandwiches are my true love, I'm green with envy for those who can attend Philly's Sandwich Smash. Where will you be tasting tipples this week? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival - Oct. 1-2
Orlando, FL: Latin Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 1-3
Los Angeles, CA: American Wine & Food Festival - Oct. 2-4
Carpinteria, CA: California Avocado Festival - Oct. 2-4
Denver, CO: Denver Chili Fest - Oct. 3
Chicago, IL: Eli's Cheesecake Festival - Oct. 3-4
New York, NY: New York Culinary Experience - Oct. 3-4
St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Wine Festival - Oct. 3-4
Shelton, WA: OysterFest - Oct. 3-4
Philadelphia, PA: Sandwich Smash - Oct. 4

Source

Come Party With Me: St. Patrick's Day - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:16 -0700

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays because everyone goes to the local pub, drinks beer, and is in a great mood. It's also a fabulous time to meet guys, so this year I'm inviting all my single ladies over for appetizers before we head out to the bars. Since some of my girlfriends are vegetarian, I'll offer a meat-free menu of green snacks. To start there's green goddess dressing with green crudités like celery sticks, green beans, edamame, and sugar snap peas. A warm spinach artichoke dip is decadent, but healthy when served with pita wedges. Slices of pizza topped with fresh pesto and arugula are delicious and filling.

Broccoli soup is pretty and portable when placed in small tea cups or shot glasses. To look at these green themed recipes, perfect for any St. Patty's Day soirée, read more.

Green Goddess Dressing
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed parsley leaves
1 to 2 anchovy fillets, optional
1 scallion, coarsely chopped
1/2 small garlic clove
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

In a food processor, pulse parsley, anchovies, scallion, and garlic until scallion and parsley are finely chopped.
Add mayonnaise, yogurt, and vinegar; pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with grilled shrimp, fish or crudités. If storing, cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.

Serves 10.

Print recipe with images | without images

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip
From Ellie Krieger

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 cloves garlic
1 (9-ounce) package artichoke hearts, defrosted, rinsed and dried
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, excess liquid squeezed out.
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Neufchatel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese)
2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions are light golden but not browned. Remove from heat and cool.
In the bowl of a food processor combine artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, Neufchatel, mozzarella and salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Add cooled onion-garlic mixture to the food processor and pulse a few times to combine.
Transfer mixture into an 8-inch glass square baking dish or 9-inch glass pie plate which has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with pita wedges or crudites.

Serves 12.

Print recipe with images | without images

Pesto Pizza
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

1/2 store bought pizza dough
5 tablespoons store-bought pesto
One 3-ounce package thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into pieces (optional)
2 to 3 handfuls arugula leaves
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Invert a large baking sheet and place it on a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat the oven to 500°. Invert a second baking sheet on a work surface and cover it with a sheet of parchment paper. Stretch the pizza dough to fit the parchment paper.
Using the back of a spoon, spread the pesto over the dough.
Slide the pizza and the parchment from the cool baking sheet to the hot baking sheet in the oven. Bake until golden, about 7 minutes.
Top with the prosciutto (if using), arugula and Parmesan, and cut into pieces.

Makes one 10x16 inch pizza.

Print recipe with images | without images

Creamy Broccoli Soup
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large white onion, chopped
3 small celery ribs, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets
3 1/2 cups water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Cheddar crisps, optional for serving

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes.
Add the broccoli and water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the contents of the saucepan to a blender and puree until smooth.
Season the soup with salt and pepper and serve with the Cheddar Crisps, if desired.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

Noteworthy Nibbles - Sept. 16-22, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:25 -0700

In the height of good weather, food and festivity abound, and right about now, I'm wishing I could teleport myself around the United States. First I'd hit up Manhattan for Wine 2.0's wine sampling this week, followed by the Shrimp & Grits Festival in Georgia, and then some classic Eli's cheesecake in the Windy City. Don't miss out on these events - if you do, you'll have to wait another year!

New York, NY: The StarChefs Rising Stars Revue New York - Sept. 16
New York, NY: Epicurious Wine.Dine.Donate New York - Sept. 17
New York, NY: Wine 2.0 New York - Sept. 18
Atlantic City, NJ: Celebrity Chef Tour Atlantic City - Sept. 18
Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA: Delaware River Food & Wine Festival - Sept. 18-21
Nappanee, IN: Nappanee Apple Festival - Sept. 18-21
La Crescent, MN: Applefest 08 - Sept. 18-21
Leavenworth, WA: Wenatchee River Salmon Festival - Sept. 18-21

To see the rest, read more.

Salinas, CA: Salute to Agriculture Taste of the Valley Food & Wine Show - Sept. 19
St. Peters, MO: Smoke-A-Palooza - Sept. 19-20
Hot Springs, AR: Smoke On the Water Arkansas BBQ Challenge - Sept. 19-20
Madison, WI: Food For Thought Festival - Sept. 19-20
Palisade, CO: Colorado Mountain Wine Fest - Sept. 19-21
San Pedro, CA: Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival - Sept. 19-21
Jekyll Island, GA: Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits Festival - Sept. 19-21
Berea, KY: Berea Spoonbread Festival - Sept. 19-21
Sioux Falls, SD: Spirit of the West Festival - Sept. 19-21
Monroe, WI: Green County Cheese Days - Sept. 19-21
Los Angeles, CA: Picklefest 2008 - Sept. 20
Lowville, NY: Cream Cheese Festival - Sept. 20
Litchfield, CT: Litchfield Hills Harvest Festival - Sept. 20-21
Chicago, IL: Eli's Cheesecake Festival - Sept. 20-21
Westminster, MD: Maryland Wine Festival - Sept. 20-21
Nebraska City, NE: AppleJack Festival - Sept. 20-21
San Francisco, CA: A Food Affaire - Sept. 22

Source

Off To Market Recap: Romantic Meatless Dinner

partysugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:58:53 -0800

Not too long ago, two of my very good friends Enrique and Elizabeth fell in love (ok maybe I'm jumping the gun here but according to my other girlfriend Eli they were totally all over each other at the Fito concert last Friday night). To show how he feels, Enrique asked me to help him plan a romantic surprise dinner for her! He wanted me to come up with a romantic meatless menu because Elizabeth doesn't eat meat (she does eat fish) and he is mostly used to cooking dishes based with chicken, pork, or beef. I asked you to help me out by adding your best romantic recipes to the recipe database and tagging them with the keywords Romantic Meatless Dinner. A super special thanks to crispet1 for coming up with a delicious and wonderful menu.
To start, crispet1 has Enrique making a simple yet extravagant appetizer of Baked Scallops Waldo.

To see the rest of crispet1's romantic meatless dinner menu, read more

For the second course Enrique will serve a scrumptious Splendid Raspberry Spinach Salad. As the main he'll serve a classic Spanish favorite: rice with the traditional Italian technique. crispet1's Wild Mushroom Risotto is made with vegetable broth making it completely vegetarian friendly. A Valentine's meal would not be complete without a sweet ending. Molten Mocha Cakes look mouth-watering good and will be the perfect finish to a perfect meal.

Click on an image below to take a peek at the recipes.

To learn how to save your recipes to the database please read geeksugar's explanation.