YumSugar

Let's Dish: Will You Only Cook an Item if It's in Season?

YumSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:58 -0800

Today in the New York Times dining section, The Minimalist food personality Mark Bittman shares a recipe for asparagus prosciutto rolls.

Shortly after reading his column, I came across a critique of it on The Kitchn that makes a good point: Although the dish looks delicious, asparagus is completely out of season. Instead, The Kitchn suggests, why not opt for something lighter on the conscience, such as squash or roasted beets?

I'm curious to know how you stand on this issue. While it's not in season, the vegetable in question is available in most supermarkets, where it's often been flown in from Guatemala, Peru, and other warmer locations. Importing produce from South America more than likely leaves a larger carbon footprint than eating locally. Even if it doesn't, it goes against the progressive Slow Food philosophy of eating locally, seasonally, and sustainably. Is it unethical to cook an item when it's out of season? Or is it simply unrealistic to expect us to do otherwise? Where do you stand: Will you only cook with items that are in season?

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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:30:11 -0800

Begin 2009 on a sweet note with sticky honey buns.
Or, if you are avoiding sweets, consider a wholesome, nutritious, and sophisticated Winter salad.
PartySugar plans an elegant New Year's Day lunch fitting for any classy occasion.
Find out what sets Président's new brie log apart from the rest.
From minimalist to intricate, PartySugar's picked out the most stylish Champagne flutes.
In our Best of 2008 series, we reveal our pick for the year's most trendy ingredient.
Tell us what your culinary resolutions are for the new year.

Say Cheers to Chic Champagne Flutes

partysugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:30:16 -0800

Champagne is chic, so why shouldn't your glassware be? Ring in the New Year with a champagne flute that puts a contemporary twist on the traditional look. These modern, sleek designs can capably contain your bubbly while looking surprising and sophisticated.

From the minimalist MOYA Champagne Flute ($27.50) to stylishly simple offerings from fashion designers Monique Lhuillier and Calvin Klein, these glasses add punch to any New Year's party - as if you needed help. Check out my favorite finds below.

'Wich of the Week: Fried Oyster Po'boy

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:00:07 -0800

If you're a fan of oysters, you may be sneaking the seafood into your Thanksgiving stuffing. But the batter-fried bivalves are even more divine stuffed inside a sandwich - in this case, the famous New Orleans French-bread creation known as an oyster po'boy or oyster loaf.Just how divine is the oyster loaf? In the 1800s, the sandwich was nicknamed la mediatrice or "the peacemaker," because husbands brought them home to placate angry wives. Some skeptics wonder how a po'boy is different from a sub or a grinder, so for further insight and two great recipes, read more.

If you've ever eaten an oyster po'boy, you know that it's no sub sandwich. What sets a po'boy apart is the fluffy but flaky French bread that's native to New Orleans. The way the crusty loaf hugs the cornmeal-crusted oysters, squishing them down to manageable sandwich size, elevates an otherwise simple recipe to regal status. This version, which I devoured on a sunny Monday morning at Nola's Acme Oyster House, is "dressed" with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo, plus a touch of Tabasco and lemon. But the minimalists among you can skip the dressing. Below, get the recipes for both the oyster loaf and the cormeal-crusted oysters that go inside it.

Oyster Loaf
Modified From The New Orleans Cookbook

Ingredients

1 dozen fresh fried oysters
1 small loaf French bread (about 1 foot long)
1/4 cup salt butter
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
2 slices tomato
Mayonnaise (optional)
Tabasco (optional)
Salt (optional)

Directions

Prepare the fried oysters according to the recipe for Fried Oysters in Corn Meal.
Slice the French bread in half across and then in half lengthwise.
Place in a 300 degree oven to warm for about 6 minutes.
Spread butter generously over the inner surfaces of the bread and heap the fried oysters on the bottom pieces.
Add mayonnaise and Tabasco, or just a bit of salt if you prefer, and cover with the top pieces of bread. Serve hot.

Makes one sandwich.

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Fried Oysters in Corn Meal
The New Orleans Cookbook

Ingredients

1 1/2 pints fresh shucked oysters (about 2 1/2 dozen medium-sized oysters)
Vegetable oil for deep frying
1 cup finely ground yellow corn meal
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh, finely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Directions

Drain the oysters thoroughly in a colander. Meanwhile, heat the oil to 375 degrees in a deep fryer.
In a bowl combine the corn meal, salt, black pepper, and cayenne and mix thoroughly.
Roll the drained oysters about 6 to 8 at a time in the seasoned corn meal, taking care to coat each one evenly and thoroughly.
Fry the oysters in batches of 6 to 8, taking care to keep the frying temperature between 360 and 375 degrees; wait a few minutes after frying a batch for the oil temperature to rise again to the desired level. (If you use a heavy kettle or saucepan, be sure to clip a deep frying thermometer to the side of it and to adjust the burner heat to keep the oil temperature constant.) Fry each batch of oysters for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
When done, drain thoroughly by raising the frying basket out of the oil or by using a long-handled skimmer.
Place each cooked batch on a large platter lined with paper towels, then set in a preheated 200 degree oven to keep warm until all the oysters are fried.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen fried oysters.

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Say Cheese

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:15:21 -0700

In case you don't already own cheese serving tools, I went shopping for stylish cheese serving trays and found a fabulous selection. They run the gamut from ornate and over-the-top to sleek and minimalist. My favorite is this marble tray with silver bamboo hardware ($78); it's got the perfect amount of flair and will look excellent displaying everything from a pungent blue to a sharp cheddar.

To scope out all my finds, click on the arrows below.

'Wich of the Week: Salami and Pickle Party Sub

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:18 -0700

Perhaps it's no surprise that when I host a party, I like to serve some type of sandwich. (You know, like a Caesar wrap at an Ides of March party.) The easiest thing to do is make one long party sub then slice it into individual servings. If you're serving the sandwich as a way to soak up booze (which is often the case at my parties), you can't go wrong with a salty but simple combination of salami, cheese, and pickles.

Though rather minimalist in its ingredients, this sub is incredibly easy to prepare, and your guests will gobble it up. Plus, the lack of any wet components, aside from a smear of mustard, means no messy sauces dripping all over your house. The crunchy pickles, creamy cheese, and decadent salami keep the sandwich from being dry. To get the recipe, read more.

Salami and Pickle Party Sub
Original recipe

Ingredients

2 rustic baguettes, sliced lengthwise
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 pound salami
1 8-oz. pack of presliced sharp cheddar cheese
60 bread-and-butter pickle slices for sandwiches

Directions

Coat the bottom half of each baguette with 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard (or more to taste).
Evenly distribute the salami over the mustard-coated slices, so that you have a single layer of salami on each baguette.
Cut each cheese slice diagonally in half to make two triangles. Distribute the cheese triangles evenly atop the salami.
Arrange the pickle slices on top of the cheese, so there is a single layer of pickles covering the cheese.
Top each ingredient-covered slice with the other half of baguette.
Slice each loaf into 10 servings and lay on a platter.

Serves 20.

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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

partysugar — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:30:29 -0700

Learn how to properly serve absinthe.
Go behind the scenes of Hubert Keller's cooking show, Secrets of a Chef.
Celebrate National Apple Pie day with our fun quiz.
Jello is the secret ingredient that makes this key lime cake and this strawberry shortcake super moist.
Speaking of cakes, the next time you're attending a bridal shower, consider this adorable kitchen cake as a gift.
Is a deconstructed, minimalist salad still a salad?
Get excited for the premiere of the Sex and the City movie by checking out the pics from my Sex and the City party.
Finally, if you need a delicious, healthy meal this weekend, make grilled vegetables and chickpeas with couscous.

Yummy Links: From Mini-Cupcakes to Giada's Baby

YumSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:31:51 -0700

One of our fave baking blogs is going to be a guest on Martha Stewart! Congrats! - Bakerella
Meet Jaden Carda, the three-year-old Mini Minimalist. - The Food Section
What's the difference between Marzipan and Almond Paste? - The Kitchn
Discover the 10 things celebrity chefs won't tell you. - Smart Money
If this sign is any proof, then Tyler Florence's new restaurant will open this summer! - Eater SF
Don't forget, it's all about a sweet presentation. - Hostess with the Mostess
And in case you missed it, Giada had a baby girl! Now you can see the adorable pics of them together. - LilSugar

All the News That's Fit to Eat - Dec. 12, 2007

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:17:39 -0800

Looking for more gift ideas? Here are several inspired gift ideas for the kitchen. Plus, adaptable ganache with The Minimalist. - The New York Times
Ever heard of beurre noisette? It's also called brown butter and makes for delicious sweet and savory dishes, including Brown Butter Caramel Apple Cake. - San Francisco Chronicle

Wondering what Dale from Top Chef Season 3 has been up to? Check out what he has to say in this candid interview. He's got a new restaurant and yep, he is dating Jack from Project Runway. - They Cook, We Dish
Interested in becoming a sommelier? Hope you're ready to pass the difficult exam. - Los Angeles Times
Discover a full array of books for every type of cook on your list. - Chicago Tribune
Is there anything more elegant than an eclair? - The Oregonian
Interested in making your own gifts? Here are a bunch of homemade treats you can whip up. - Dallas Morning News
Time to get tart and sassy! Here are ten luscious ways with grapefruit. - Miami Herald

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YumSugar Gift Guide: Veggies on the Brain

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:18:31 -0800

Unless you are a vegetarian - or are downright savvy - cooking for one can sometimes be a daunting task. You have to remember to read all the ingredients, as even the tiniest bits are no-no. However, unlike cooking up vegetarian food, cooking up vegetarian foodie gifts is actually a snap. There are tons of great books out there, and lots of interesting finds. Mark Bittman, aka The Minimalist, has just released a vegetarian version of his classic tome How to Cook Everything. His recipes are straightforward and practical and his tone is wonderful.

If your vegetarian is more of an eater than a cooker, hunt down this Please Don't Eat Me, I Love You shirt. It's available in ten different colors and will look great on anyone.

For other great vegetarian gift ideas, including a soy milk maker, scroll through below.

Vegetarian Times Subscription ($12)	Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook ($18.15)
Please Don't Eat Me, I Love You T-Shirt ($20.95)	Broccoli Tote by Pinecone Chickadee ($22)
How to Cook Everything Vegetarian ($24.50)	Sunpentown Soy Milk Maker ($96.80)

Olya Champagne Flute - $22.50	Calvin Klein Home "Boulle" Champagne Flute Pair - $60.00
ELINA Champagne Flute - $31.50	Champagne Flutes - $24.95
Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton "Joie" Champagne Flute - $35.00	Dansk "Karin" Organix Flutes, Set of 4 - $43.00
Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton "‰toile" Champagne Flute - $35.00	Nambe Champagne Flutes, Pair 11" - $79.00
Robert Mondavi by Waterford Champagne Flute, Pair 6 oz. - $50.00	Calvin Klein Home "Halcyon" Flutes, Set of 2 - $50.00
Orrefors "Amor Vincit Omnia" Champagne Flute, set of 2 - $150.00	Morph Champagne Flutes by Nambé - $79.00
Calvin Klein Home "Angled Cut" Flute, 6 Oz. - $35.00	MOYA Champagne Flute - $27.50

Yamazaki "Signature" Cheese Tray, 14" - $50.00	Agate Cheese Plates - $60.00
4 Piece Marble Cheese Set by All-Clad - $99.99	Georg Jensen Cheeseboard and Knife - $155.00
Stelton - stainless cheese plane by martin rosquist for stelton - $48.00	Petrified Wood Cheese Trays - $78.00
Silver Bamboo & Marble Cheese Set - $78.00	Cheese Board with Tools - $19.95
Michael Aram "Swiss Cheese" Cutting Board & Knife - $65.00	Granite Cheese Board with Hammered Metal Handles - $39.95
Fitz and Floyd "Ricamo" Cheese Tray with Knife, 14 1/8" - $62.00	Eclipse Cheese Tray by Nambé - $195.00
Michael Aram "Vine" Cheese Board with Knife - $79.00