YumSugar

Yum's October Must Haves

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:30:52 -0700

Hard to believe October is already here! Although I'm not a fan of colder weather, I am looking forward to everything October has to offer. From harvest meals to Halloween, it's sure to be an exciting month. Here are my top picks for properly enjoying this fabulous Fall month to the fullest.

View Slideshow ›

'Wich of the Week: Prosciutto and Mango Panini

YumSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:00:29 -0700

Prosciutto and melon is a classic Italian appetizer, but right now, the abundance of juicy, summery mango is too tempting to resist. Combined with the salty, cured ham, this tropical fruit works just as well, especially when freshly cut mint from your garden (or grocery store) is added to the mix.

To balance out the bold trio of mango, prosciutto, and mint, I went basic with the rest of the ingredients: bitter arugula to cut the sweetness, simple hollowed-out ciabatta for the bread, and mild mozzarella to meld it all together. The resulting recipe sounds divinely high-end, but it's just as easy to make as any old panini - whether you own a panini maker or not. Get the recipe, complete with step-by-step photos, when you read more.

Prosciutto and Mango Panini
Original recipe

Ingredients

2 small ciabatta rolls (individual sandwich size)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup arugula
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, julienned
4 large slices of prosciutto
1/2 mango, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds

Directions

Preheat the panini maker or, if you don't own one, place a cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally and scoop some of the bread out of the top half to hollow out. Drizzle the bottom half of each roll with olive oil.
On each bottom piece of bread, pile half the arugula and top with half the mint.

Lay two slices of prosciutto on the arugula, followed by the mango and the mozzarella, dividing equally between the two pieces of bread. To close each sandwich, cover with top half of ciabatta .

Place sandwiches in panini maker for about 5 minutes, until cheese is fully melted. Or, if you don't have a panini maker, arrange sandwiches side-by-side on a baking sheet and cover with cast-iron skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.

Makes 2 panini.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 12 Photos ›

'Wich of the Week: Honey Baked Ham and Cabbage Reuben

YumSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:15:14 -0700

I love celebrating Easter, mainly because it means I get to make sandwiches with the leftover ham. This year, I decided to come up with a new sandwich that satisfies all year round.

I had way too much cabbage, but I didn't want to go to the trouble of cooking it, so I came up with the idea of pressing it raw into a panini. Low and behold, it worked. With Swiss cheese, the result was something like an earthier, crunchier Reuben with honey baked ham standing in for the usual salty-sweet combo of corned beef and Thousand Island dressing. To see how I made it and get the recipe, read more.

When assembling, be sure to put the ham down first, then the pickles; on the first try, I put the pickles directly on the bread, which caused tragic sogginess once it hit the panini maker. This sandwich would also probably work in the oven, but I recommend the panini press in order to thoroughly cook the cabbage.

Honey Baked Ham and Cabbage Reuben
Original recipe

Ingredients

1 cup raw cabbage, cut into strips
4 slices wheat bread
4 teaspoons spicy mustard
6 slices Honey Baked Ham or similar
12 sandwich-size bread and butter pickle slices
1 tablespoon salt
2 slices Swiss cheese

Directions

Prepare the cabbage: place in a colander and salt generously. Place the colander over a bowl and allow the cabbage to "sweat" for at least one hour or as long as overnight. Rinse and pat dry.
Heat a panini press to medium.
To make each sandwich, spread 1 teaspoon of the mustard on one slice of bread and cover with ham. Top with 6 pickle slices, followed by half the cabbage.
Spread mustard on the second slice of bread, lay swiss cheese over cabbage, and place second slice mustard-side down on cheese.
Heat in the panini maker until cabbage is just wilted and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Cut in half and serve immediately.

Makes 2 sandwiches.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 6 Photos ›

Get Thee to the Grilled Cheese Invitational!

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:01:33 -0700

Do you make a mean grilled cheese sandwich? Think you've got what it takes to win the Annual National Grilled Cheese Invitational? Well then you better hurry: Registration ends this Sunday, April 13.

The annual melted cheese event is being held this year in Los Angeles on April 19. There will be up to 100 competitors vying for title of the big cheese. If you're not a sandwich maker, then show up and instantly become part of the judging panel. The sandwiches are handed out to the audience, who then vote for their faves. The categories are: Missionary (white bread, orange cheese, and butter), Spoons (any bread, butter, cheese), Kama Sutra (any bread, butter, cheese, and other ingredients), and Honey Pot (same as Kama Sutra, but sweet).

Event founder and organizer Tim Walker said:

The 1st 6th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational will be mankind's greatest achievement since the invention of fire! This year we will have more cheese than ever before. More competitors, more sammiches, more everything!

It sounds like it's going to be a fantastic cheese voyage. If I lived in the area, I would definitely find a way to attend. How about you? Are you going to go to the Grilled Cheese Invitational?

What Would You Make?

partysugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:17:19 -0800

Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/child/friend, but the ingredients you have on hand are limited.

You have leftover turkey breast from Sunday's dinner, a bag full of dried cranberries, and a couple stalks of fresh celery. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on hand in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make?

To see what I would whip up, read more

I would start by finely chopping the celery. Next I would chop a little bit of apple and red onion - two ingredients that happen to be sitting in my fridge.
I would then chunk the leftover turkey breast.
Next I would mix the turkey with the chopped vegetables, the dried cranberry, a few tablespoons of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
I would spread this mixture between two slices of cut, white sandwich bread. Next I would grate extra sharp cheddar cheese on top of the turkey salad.
I would heat my panini grill and then cook the sandwich in the panini maker until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Finally, I would slice it into triangles, call it a turkey melt, and serve with a dill pickle and cold beer. This sounds so good, I may actually have to make it!

Source, Source, Source

Bravo (Finally) Announces Top Chef 3 Contestants

YumSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:53:46 -0700

On the heels of yesterday's random, miscellaneous Top Chef related news, comes official TC Season 3 news! Bravo TV has finally announced contestants and judges (don't worry, Padma's still the host). They've also let us in on this elusive mystery "special." As mentioned before, season 3 starts on Wednesday, June 13, but the June 6 special 4-Star All-Stars, which pits chefs from Season 1 and Season 2 against each other, sounds fantastic!

In addition to 15 new contestants, this season also has a new judge. That's right, Ted "Queer Eye" Allen is now officially a full-time TC judge! I don't know about you guys, but I am honestly excited about this - I love that guy. But enough of my blather, let's check out the contestants. To see the 15 hopeful contestants (8 guys and 7 ladies), read more

BRIAN
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Bend, Ore. currently resides in San Diego, Calif.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room
CULINARY EDUCATION: Western Culinary Institute
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Cold Beer, Cold Wine & Cold Seafood

A native of Oregon, Brian grew up inspired by his grandmother's cooking and by all the fresh seafood and produce the area offered. He soon set his sights on California, where he was recently voted 2007 Best Chef in San Diego for his work as Executive Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. He's in constant competition with everyone in San Diego and makes it a point to do everything bigger and better in his restaurant. At the top of his game, Brian's high-energy makes him a whirlwind in the kitchen. Stay-tuned to see just how long he can live by his motto, "Love, peace and happiness."

CAMILLE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Elizabeth, N.J. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
PROFESSION: Owner/Chef, Paloma
CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary School, Academy of Culinary Arts
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Mixed Greens Salad with Baby Grains

Camille hails from Puerto Rico, and is the proud owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates Latin spice into her kitchen, and is all business when it comes to her cooking. Camille has a 5-year-old daughter, and attempts to stay positive and balanced by meditating with a 100-year-old Zen Master. She has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, and often surprises people by her occupation. Camille says the world would be a better place if everyone knew how to cook.

CASEY
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Cedar Hills, Texas currently resides in Dallas, Texas
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Shinsei Restaurant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Big Burgers

The executive chef at Shinsei Restaurant in Dallas, one of the most successful in the state, Casey's cuisine incorporates Asian and Mexican cultural influences. This rising star lives by her simple yet time-tested cooking philosophy - serve food that people want more of. Casey names tartare the most romantic dish because it's raw, risky, ice cold and delicious. Her outgoing and confident manner will "serve" her well in the competition.

CHRIS
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: El Toro, Calif. currently resides in Venice, Calif.
PROFESSION: Private Chef
CULINARY EDUCATION: Associated Culinary Arts (CSCA)
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Marinated Tomatoes with Beef and Cheese

A true Californian at heart, Chris is a private chef who has worked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation. An ex-volleyball player standing at 6'8" it seems everyone looks up to him. Chris is motivated to live life to the fullest having overcome testicular cancer. He has a competitive spirit and the utmost confidence in his culinary skills.

CLAY
AGE: 28
HOMETOWN: Northern Mississippi currently resides in Santa Barbara, Calif.
PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Santa Barbara University Club
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught

Clay says he is just a good ol' boy from Mississippi. Self-taught, Clay developed his skills from working his way up the ladder in various kitchens and truly feels he has an innate talent. Now living in Santa Barbara, he is a sous chef at the renowned Santa Barbara University Club. Clay has enjoyed bringing his southern style cooking to California and will definitely bring some different flavors and styles to the judge's table this third season.

DALE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Ill.
PROFESSION: Chef/Consultant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
SIGNATURE DISH/CUISINE: Croque Monsieur

Chicago native Dale has been a chef for six years, with plans underway to open his own restaurant. Whether he's cooking four-star meals, diving, or doing gymnastics, Dale's competitive edge is undeniable. He has created something he calls "flavor math," where the right number of spices can bring the perfect flavor and taste. He uses French American cultural influences in his cooking, and is serious about putting his skills to the ultimate test. He loves the fact that the other contestants could be "out-cooked by a queer." Dale will say what everyone else is thinking.

HOWIE
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: Miami, Fla.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Seared Scallops with Chorizo and Corn Emulsion

A Miami native, Howie claims home-court advantage in this competition. A true chef at heart he can't help but let his passion come through in everything he does. Due to his father's early death, Howie was raised by women and has no problem communicating his feelings. A chef for 10 years, his culinary expertise is contemporary American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. A "hurricane" in the kitchen, he loves to source the best products and let them speak for themselves.

HUNG
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, Mass. currently resides in Las Vegas, Nev.
PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Guy Savoy
CULINARY EDUCATION: A.O.S Culinary Arts, C.I.A
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Mint & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Hung works as the Executive Sous Chef at one of the most expensive restaurants in Las Vegas, Guy Savoy. Born in Vietnam and trained in classic French and Asian cuisine, he believes in cooking from the soul. Hung especially loves seafood because he says there are a million varieties and flavors to combine. He has traveled the world over learning different types of cuisines, and speaks four languages. He incorporates Asian, French and Spanish influences in his cooking. If he were a food, he says, "I would be spicy chili - it takes a while to get used to, but once you eat it you always come back for more."

JOEY
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Franklin Square, Long Island, N.Y. - currently resides in New York City
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Caf Des Artistes EDUCATION: Peter Kump's New York Cooking School
SIGNATURE DISH: Caramelized Diver Sea Scallops with a Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto

A native New Yorker and four-star chef, Joey has worked at some of New York City's premiere restaurants - including Waters Edge, Jean Georges, Vong, and most currently Cafe de Artistes. His cooking is influenced by world cultures, and he loves to serve simple, light food always on a hot plate. Joey's intense passion and playful mentality make him a serious contender. His romantic self enjoys whipping up white chocolate and coconut-dipped strawberries with Veuve Clicquot Champagne - while his aggressive self lives by the motto - if you can't take the heat, get the f*** outta the kitchen.

LIA
AGE: 28
HOMETOWN: Tacoma, Wash. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Jean Georges
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Guacamole

Originally a literature major, Lia found her passion in cooking and never looked back. Currently the executive sous chef at Manhattan's elite Jean Georges restaurant, this self-taught, self-starter knew that to be the best - she had to train under the best. She has honed her skills at Jean Georges and now feels she is one of the top line cooks around. Living in New York, she has been influenced by many different types of food and calls her signature style eclectic. Lia feels it's key to always be proud of what you do.

MICAH
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: South Africa currently resides in Boca Raton, Fla.
PROFESSION: Caterer/Owner, The Wandering Chef Caterers
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Gazpacho Made from Sun-Almost-Ripened Tomatoes

A world-traveled single mother, Micah currently owns her own catering company. Best known for her eclectic world cuisine, her customers rave about her specialty - guava chili glazed lamb chop with passion fruit mint sauce. She thrives on usually being the only woman in the kitchen and loves when people underestimate her. For fun, she used to race sailboats and enjoys fishing if she can cook what she catches. An English Literature major, Micah was a restaurant reviewer and the editor of a boating magazine. She is currently at work on a children's book entitled "Silly Tilly Cooks Fusilli."

SANDEE
AGE: 39
HOMETOWN: Saint Simon's Islands, Ga. currently resides in Miami Beach, Fla.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Tantra
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Watermelon

A Georgia native, Sandee specializes in southern soul food. Her signature dish is grilled hamachi collar with southern collard greens and soy sherry reduction with jalapeno corn bread. Enough said. Not a chef by trade, Sandee never attended Culinary School and has only worked at Tantra, a hot South Beach restaurant. Hired as a line cook, she has worked hard and studied just about every book around to become the Executive Chef. Since taking over the kitchen at Tantra, she has received 3-stars and rave reviews. Strong and independent, she is not a pushover. Sandee is aware that everyone will underestimate her, but she is adamant that while her opponents are playing it safe, she will work harder because she doesn't know any other way. Sandee says, "Dream as if you'll live forever, and live as if you'll die today."

SARA M.
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Kingston, Jamaica currently resides in Miami, Fla.
PROFESSION: Cheese Maker
CULINARY EDUCATION: AA Culinary Arts
FAVORITE CUISINE: Cheese

Sara M. grew up in Kingston Jamaica, and began her culinary career under Chef Mark Militello, one of the forefathers of New Florida cuisine. She then became the Sous Chef for Michelle Bernstein at Tantra in Miami, her second home. After a five-year stint as Chef de Cuisine at Ortanique in Miami, she left her comfort zone to discover her true passion for cheese. Sarah M. wants to bring cheese to her native land of Jamaica because she says there's a real need for good cheese there. She feels her passion and strong palate will shine through as she competes on her home turf. Time will tell if Sarah M. can hold true to her motto, "Do unto others as you would do unto yourself."

SARA N.
AGE: 25
HOMETOWN: Santa Monica, Calif. - currently resides in New York City
PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Boucarou
CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary Arts/Management Degree from the Institute of Culinary Education
SIGNATURE CUISINE: French-Asian Cuisine
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Soft Shelled Crab

A native of Santa Monica, California, Sara N. attacks everything she attempts with the utmost passion. After graduating at the top of her class from culinary school, Sara N. landed an internship at the upscale Per Se in New York City. She then had the opportunity to be the sous chef at Chef & Company and moved on to work as the Executive Chef at Stone Rose. Sarah N. attributes her fast rise in the restaurant industry to her innate cooking skills and ability to manage people. She excels at fine dining, corporate and private catering, and feels that food should be simple, seasonal and satisfying. She plans to beat out the competition by saying she'll either find a way or make one.

TRE
AGE: 30
HOMETOWN: Duncanville, Texas currently resides in Cedar Hills, Texas
PROFESSION: Chef de Cuisine, Abacus Restaurant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
SIGNATURE CUISINE: Contemporary Global Cuisine

A self-taught chef, Tre worked his way through the ranks to become the main chef at Abacus, one of the best restaurants in Dallas. The proud father of two, he remains extremely passionate about both his family and his food. It's all in the presentation for Tre, who considers the spoon his paintbrush. He lives by the motto "make it nice or make it twice." In great shape, he loves the gym almost as much as cooking. Sure to win over America with his beautiful plates and charming dimples, Tre is ready to be nationally recognized for his culinary abilities.

So what do you guys think, you have any favorites? I think these guys look tough, experienced and fierce. I don't have a favorite yet (that usually doesn't happen until about episode 3), but I have a special place for Sara M., the lady is a cheese maker!

Source: The Futon Critic
Images Courtesy of Bravo TV

Today's Special: Cheese Olive Panini

partysugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:59:11 -0800

A few years ago my sister and I bought my dad a panini maker for Father's Day. My mom worried that it would never get put to use, but we make the warm pressed sandwiches at least once a week and she is the one who is always begging for more! If you don't have a panini maker you can still make this a pressed sandwich by placing another heavy pan on top of the sandwich, pressing down with a can of tomatoes or a bottle of wine (I've used this technique many times when I lived in Spain). Add a quick chopped salad, a glass of red wine, or pita chips and hummus and you can have yourself a little Mediterranean par-tee. Bread, melted cheese, olives, could delicious be described any more simply? Check out the recipe and, read more

Cheese Olive Panini
Modified from All Recipes

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/3 cup olive oil
10 large pitted green olives, chopped
1/3 cup pitted, chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 slices your favorite bread
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 slices Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1/4 tomato, thinly sliced

Whisk the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Gradually blend in the oil.
Stir in the olives and roasted peppers. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non buttered side of one slice, spread some of the olive mixture, then layer the feta cheese, cheddar cheese, red onion and tomato. Top with the other slice of bread with the butter side out.
Fry the sandwich until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. The second side always cooks faster.

Makes 1 sandwich.

Print recipe with images | without images