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Yummy Links: From Dungeness Crab to Turkey Cookies

partysugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:50:32 -0800

San Franciscans get excited: it's dungeness crab season! - SFoodie
This holiday season, why not bake a beautifully festive cake or cupcakes? - Hostess With the Mostess
Eating dark chocolate may help you handle stress. - The Epi-Log
The FDA has withdrawn the ban on the sale of Gulf Coast raw oysters during warm months. - Eater
Introducing: people talking on bananas. - People Talking on Bananas
Could Jose Garces be the next Iron Chef? - Grub Street Philadelphia
Rachael Ray on the Martha Stewart Show makes for some uncomfortable television. - Eat Me Daily
Learn how to fight wine snobbery. - Chow
Turn Keebler Fudge striped cookies into Thanksgiving turkeys. - Serious Eats

Cupcakes So Good They'll Make You Hum

partysugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:30:10 -0700

Last week my sister hosted a Summer cocktail party that doubled as a birthday celebration for two friends. Since I've been known to make birthday cakes in the past, she asked me if I could do two cakes for the party. Immediately I began to worry: baking and assembling two cakes requires a lot of time. Just as I was starting to panic, I remembered the ingenious invention that is the cupcake! Each birthday girl could get her own minicake topped with a candle. Inspired by our slideshow of unconventional cupcake recipes, I decided to make hummingbird cupcakes. A native to the South, hummingbird cake is a cream cheese-frosted white cake with crushed pineapple, coconut, mashed bananas, and walnuts mixed into the batter. It's sweet, moist, fruity, crunchy, creamy, and divine - quite simply, it's everything you want in a cupcake. Although the pineapple topping is extra work, it's worth it. The cupcakes wouldn't be the same without the feathery juicy dried pineapple. To take a look at the recipe I used, read more.

Hummingbird Cupcakes
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 large)
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup coconut flakes
Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe below
Dried Pineapple Flowers, recipe below

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. Line cupcake pan with paper liners; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, vanilla, and sugar until combined, about 2 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each before adding the next. Beat at medium speed until mixture is pale yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together banana, pineapple, walnuts, and coconut. Add to egg mixture, mixing until combined. Stir in flour mixture.
Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of each cupcake. Decorate with dried pineapple flowers, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 24 cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and vanilla until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
With mixer on medium speed, gradually add butter, beating until incorporated.
Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add sugar, beating until incorporated. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Makes 3 cups.

Dried Pineapple Flowers

2 large or 4 small pineapples, peeled

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line two baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper.
Using a small melon baller, remove and discard all pineapple skin.
Using a sharp knife, cut pineapple crosswise into very thin slices. Transfer slices to baking sheets.
Bake until tops look dried, about 30 minutes. Flip slices; bake until completely dried, 25 to 30 minutes more. Pinch center of each pineapple slice to shape into a cone, and let cool in a clean egg carton to form flowers. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Makes about 2 dozen.

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'Wich of the Week: Fruit and Nut Butter Panini

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0700

I'm finally getting around to paying my respects to National Panini Month, while also fulfilling a sandwich promise I made to myself not long ago. After being disappointed by The Sentinel's pork and fig sandwich that didn't actually contain figs, I pressed together this panino before fig season bids its sad farewell.

When I came up with the "fruit and nut" idea, I thought: this could be terrible. But thanks to this morning's discovery of the perfect bread - a seeded raisin roll from a nearby bakery - the panino turned out to be one of my favorite creations! I love warm nut butters, and even with the fruit, this sammie isn't to sweet. Serve it for lunch or breakfast, and get the recipe now.

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:15:53 -0700

Besides frozen chocolate-covered banana bites, my favorite banana dessert is pictured below. Do you know what it's called?

Go Bananas For Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Bites

YumSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:09:22 -0700

Every so often I come across a simple recipe and wonder - why on earth didn't I think of that?! While browsing a recent issue of Bon Appétit, this was the case with frozen chocolate-dipped bananas. Frozen chocolate banana Popsicle are a fave, but, with their variety of toppings, these bites are even better!

The banana bites are quick to make and once the dipping and coating starts, things get messy. Kids would have a great time preparing them.

Toasted hazelnuts, shredded coconut, crushed creme-filled cookies. and chocolate covered pretzels were my toppings of choice. Be sure to remove the bites from the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving, so the frozen banana can slightly soften. If you have extra candy from Easter lying around, melt it down or crush it up to get started on your own scrumptious banana bites! For the recipe, read more.

Frozen Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons canola oil
Assorted toppings (such as crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, toffee bits, Butterfinger candy bars, chopped salted peanuts toasted shredded coconut, crushed chocolate dipped pretzels, crushed pretzels, chopped hazelnuts)
3 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

Directions

Stir chocolate and oil in heavy small saucepan over low heat just until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes to cool.
Place each topping in separate shallow dish. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange banana slices on foil. Using fingers or utensil, dip 1 banana slice in chocolate, coating completely. Shake off excess chocolate.
Drop dipped banana in 1 topping. Using clean hand or utensil, sprinkle more topping over banana to coat; transfer to foil-lined sheet.
Repeat with remaining bananas, chocolate, and toppings. Freeze until firm, about 3 hours, then serve.

Makes 36 banana bites.

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Would You Rather Eat a Hot or Cold Dessert?

partysugar — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:30:53 -0800

Source

Celebrate Mardi Gras With a Frozen Bananas Foster Bombe

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:00:56 -0800

Browsing the Food Network site, I was thrilled to find Emeril Lagasse's play on the New Orleans classic Bananas Foster. This decadent take on the dessert combines bananas, ice cream, rum, and chocolate mousse into a frozen bombe. It would be the ultimate ending to any Mardi Gras celebration.

Since the dessert is frozen, make a day in advance to allow enough time to completely freeze. The final step of flambéing the banana topping will surely impress your guests.

Each bite is a delightful combination of crispy caramelized bananas, creamy chocolate mousse, and delicate banana-flavored ice cream. If you want to pull out all the stops with this fabulous flambé, read more.

Banana Foster Bombe With Chocolate Mousse
Adapted from Food Network

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced lengthwise in 1/2 and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
2 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
Quick Chocolate Mousse
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large bananas, peeled and sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon rum

Directions

Make the ice cream mixture: In a large saute pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Be cautious not to burn the butter.
Add the bananas and cook, stirring for 3 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the rum. Return the pan to the stove and carefully ignite the alcohol. Shake the pan until the flames die down, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool completely.
Place the softened ice cream into a large bowl. With a wooden spoon, mix in the cooled banana mixture.
Make the mousse combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan, over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the chocolate melts completely, whisking occasionally. Remove from the heat, pour into a glass bowl and cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled.
Once the mixture has chilled, beat in an electric mixer with a wire whip, until stiff, firm peaks form.
To assemble, line muffin tin with plastic wrap. I used an extra deep muffin tin. Spread 3/4 cup of the ice cream over the bottom and sides of the molds. Freeze for a half hour to set. Spoon 1/4 cup of the chocolate mousse in the center of the mold. Wrap the molds in plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
When ready to serve, make the garnish. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the bananas and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the rum. Return the pan to the stove and carefully ignite the alcohol. Shake the pan until the flames die down, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Cool partially.
Place frozen banana bombe on a plate and top with cooled bananas. Enjoy.

Serves 6-8.

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Monday's Leftovers: Cocoa-Roasted Turkey

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:00:38 -0800

Still craving all things chocolate? You're in luck - the aphrodisiac takes on well with savory dishes like this recipe for cocoa-roasted turkey. For a Caribbean twist, rub leftover turkey thighs with a blend of cocoa and salt. The result is a crisp-skinned turkey imbued with a dark, roasted flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: If you're feeling wary of peanuts these days, sub in chopped cashews or pine nuts. Want more fiber? Use brown rice instead of white rice. To make this dinner tonight, read more.

Cocoa-Roasted Turkey
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt
3 turkey thighs (about 3 3/4 pounds total)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup white rice
1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts
2 bananas, halved lengthwise
Special equipment: Instant-read thermometer

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa and 1 tablespoon salt. Rub the turkey with the oil and sprinkle with the cocoa mixture. Roast the turkey, skin side up, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°, about 50 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil.
Add 3/4 cup water to the roasting pan and simmer over medium heat, scraping up the browned bits.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper and coriander and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups water, the rice and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in the peanuts.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the banana slices and cook until lightly browned on each side; season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve the turkey with the peanut rice, fried bananas and pan gravy.

Serves 4.

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Reader Recipe: Hummingbird Cake

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:00:39 -0800

Since a few of my friends have birthdays in February, I've been browsing all over the web in search of a birthday cake that fits my mood. I found it, of course, right underneath my nose in the Kitchen Goddess group. TeamSugar regular celebrity_soup took a hiatus from posting recipes, but has been back and on a cake-making frenzy, as demonstrated by her delectable desserts. Case in point: This opulent hummingbird cake, which I've definitely added to my birthday cake list. To see the recipe, read more.

Submitted by TeamSugar member celebrity_soup.

Hummingbird Cake
Paula Deen

Hey everybody!
It's been a while since I've been active on the Sugar network.
Time just passed fast and things got busy in my life, school being the main thing.
I'm really looking forward to being that nerdy cook I was and to share my recipes with you guys.
I'll be starting out slow, every week an old recipe I haven't posted and from there, new things and more cooking!
I made this cake for my friends birthday back in May. Everyone was blown away by how good it was, it finished in minutes!

Ingredients

For the cake:

Nonstick vegetable spray
All-purpose flour, for pans
3 cups self-rising flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
2 very ripe large bananas, mashed
1 (8-ounce) crushed pineapple, with juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 large eggs, beaten

For the frosting:
1 pound (1 box) confectioners' sugar
1 (8-ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk, or more if needed
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray and flour three 8-by-2-inch round cake pans, tapping out excess flour; set aside.
Prepare the cake; in a large bowl, stir to combine self-rising flour, sugar, oil, pecans, bananas, pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon, and eggs.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing with an offset spatula. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until the tops spring back when gently pressed with your fingertips, 26 to 28 minutes.
Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto wire rack. Reinvert cakes and let them cool completely, top sides up.
Prepare the frosting; in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon milk on medium speed until frosting is smooth. If needed, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to achieve the proper spreading consistency.
Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the first layer on the cake plate. Spread the top of the first layer with 1/4 of the frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat process with another 1/4 of the frosting. Place the remaining layer on top of the second layer bottom side up. Spread entire cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with pecans. Remove parchment paper strips; refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Definition: Plantain

partysugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:30:26 -0800

Plantain
A member of the banana family, this fruit is larger, less sweet, and more firm than the common banana. It's extremely popular in Latin American cuisine and has a mild, squashlike flavor with a starchy texture similar to a potato. Plantains are never consumed raw but are enjoyed fried, boiled, or mashed.

Source