YumSugar

Ask Aïda: Can You Show Us Around Chow?

partysugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:15:14 -0700

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Aïda Mollenkamp. A girl of many talents, Aïda is an editor and recipe developer at Chow, a home cook, a passionate fan of Slow Food, and host of the Food Network's new, interactive show, Ask Aida.

Aïda took time out of her busy schedule - the San Franciscan travels to New York twice a month - to give us a tour of the Chow test kitchen. Afterwards, Aïda and I sat down for a quick Q&A session.

To take a behind-the-scenes look at Chow, and find out more about Ask Aida, watch our exclusive video below.

Source

Happy Hour: Rose Mary

partysugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:13:58 -0700

On what may have been the most gorgeous Tuesday night ever, I headed down to the Ferry Building for Chow's Cocktail Square Off. In an attempt to promote and encourage the growing art of mixology, Chow partnered with organic vodka producers Square One to host a cocktail contest.

With contestants from all over the states, the top two - professional mixologist Ronaldo Colli and amateur mixer and shaker Abigail Gullo - met in a Iron Chef style battle. Both had to create signature cocktails that were judged by a panel of local figures, including Chow's editor in chief, Jane Goldman.

In the end Ronaldo's drinks won the contest and the people's choice award. His winning drink, the Rose Mary, was a refreshing mix of vodka, watermelon, and lime juice that was perfectly sweetened and super easy to drink. To take a look at the recipe and a gallery of images from the event, read more

Rose Mary
From Ronaldo Colli

1/2 branch of rosemary (organic)
4 chunks of watermelon (organic)
1/2 ounce lime juice, fresh squeezed (organic)
3/4 ounce 43 liqueur
1 1/2 ounces Square One Organic Vodka
Splash of agave nectar, if necessary (organic)
3 lime wheels (garnish)
1 long branch of rosemary, leaves peeled off beginning approximately two fingers from the top (garnish)

In a pint glass, muddle rosemary and watermelon, add lime juice, 43 liqueur, Square One Organic Vodka, and ice.
Shake and add agave nectar, if necessary.
Then double strain (fine strain) into a chilled collins glass filled with ice and lime wheels, and finish garnishing with rosemary branch inside of the cocktail.

Serves 1.

Please Note: While Ronaldo made his drink with all organic products feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Substitution: Feel free to use a splash of simple syrup instead of agave nectar.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 36 Photos ›

College Cooking 101

partysugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:17:07 -0700

If you've just left the comforting confines of your parents' house for college life, or life beyond college, you may be wondering what on earth you are going to eat. Don't panic, I've put together a bunch of tips that will ease you into the wonderful world of dorm style cooking. As most dormitories ban ovens of any sort, the George Foreman Grill and the microwave will be your most coveted companions followed closely by the mini fridge. Depending on the dorm's regulations you may also acquire a blender, rice cooker, or hot plate. To see my helpful hints on creating edible meals with these gadgets, read more

Get creative! When opened fully, many of the George Foreman grills can work as a griddle for frying eggs and other tasty proteins.
Learn how to correctly use the microwave and stick to it. Use microwave-safe dishes and don't overcook ingredients. Hot dogs and eggs can turn into a messy mistake if left in the microwave for too long.

When dealing with pre-made meals, follow the microwave directions found on the box.
Don't overcrowd your dorm room with pointless gadgets and little used ingredients. Keep things simple with salt and pepper shakers, bottle opener, can opener, knives, utensils and a set of plates, bowls, and glasses.
Don't like food from a can? Check out your local supermarket aisles. Safeway makes an excellent selection of Signature soups that stay up to three weeks in the fridge.
Be respectful of your roommates. NEVER make anything with an extreme smell like fish or broccoli.

Maintain a high level of cleanliness. Wash utensils and serveware after using and take out the garbage often. You don't want to attract bugs, rodents, or animals.
Know where the fire extinguisher is located in case of an emergency.
Keep dishes simple, the fewer ingredients you use, the easier they will be to put together. Check out Chow's collection of dorm room recipes for more ideas and inspirations.

Did you cook in your college dorm room? Share your secrets, successes, and blunders with us below!

Image Source

Yummy Link: Food Museums

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:45:13 -0700

From Pez to Spam and everything in between, if it has a fan, then it probably has a museum. Here's a list of the top ten food museums. Just don't touch or eat the displays! - Chow

Get Your Top Chef Fix

partysugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:49:57 -0700

If you're missing Top Chef - no new episode last night - head over to Chow and listen to what the losers have to say. Jane Goldman, the editor-in-chief of the online foodie site, has exclusive interviews with each of the losing contestants. It's pretty fascinating stuff, I've already listened and here are a few highlights:

Apparently Tre - and several of the other contestants - was recruited by Bravo to be on Top Chef. They contacted him and asked if he was interested in participating.
Sara still feels the roach coach challenge was unfair and that she should not have been forced to cook in her heels. Surprisingly, Goldman agrees with her.

Tre believes there aren't enough sexy male chefs in the world and wants to be the first chef known exclusively for his sexiness and food.
Joey admits he wasn't paying attention to Hung and did over cook the pasta.

There is lots more where those tidbits came from. The chefs discuss where they are now and who they keep in touch with from the show. Check it out and than come back here and tell me what you think!

Source: Chow
Image Source

Yummy Link: Ten Fantastic Cooking Destinations

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:30:18 -0700

You're not alone if you think traveling to foreign countries and learning a few authentic recipes sounds like an amazing vacation. Here are ten fantastic cooking destinations. - Chow

Gordan Ramsay Goes a Hunting

YumSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 03:00:19 -0700

Lately I've been trying to be more aware of my food chain. In fact, one of my goals for 2007 is to catch, kill and gut my own fish - Jimmy thinks I'm crazy, but I really want to do it. I think it would be a good reminder of the whole circle food chain thing. Also, fish are slimy and blech, but I'd probably have an easier time with a fish than I would, oh say a deer (mmm... venison).

Gordon Ramsay on the other hand, apparently doesn't have a hard time at all. In an upcoming episode of his show, The F Word (BBC America carries it, but is behind a season), Ramsay proves why he is the man most British men admire by hunting a deer. The episode hasn't aired yet, so I don't know if he actually succeeded, but I do know that someone did because later he carries the deer carcass through his restaurant. I guess the special that night was venison?

Source: Chow
The Daily Mail

Yummy Links: From Eggs Benedict to Candy Stores

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:32:45 -0700

Okay, this is a bit corny, but it made me smile, and Adam (aka The Amateur Gourmet) is fantastic. Check out how he saves a lady's life with Eggs Benedict. - Serious Eats

So you're having a party and you don't want your friends to bring their children, how do you tell them? Here are some tips to help you out. - Chow
Oh eggs, beautiful eggs. I know, you probably think I have some sort of problem, but eggs make me drool. Be sure to see this recipe for Pappardelle With Bagna Cauda, Wilted Radicchio and an Olive-Oil-Fried Egg. - Wednesday Chef
I have a feeling we all know at least one geek who would love these Chocolate Gadgets. - geeksugar
Learn the art of the Japanese Bento Box. - The Daily Tiffin
New York legend Joseph Ades is still hawking his peelers in Manhattan. - Kitchen @ Apartment Therapy
Los Angeles readers, you're in for a treat. Cybele has put together her list of places to buy candy in LA. I say someone needs to google map it and go on a candy quest. - Candyblog

Yummy Links: From Dancing Vegetables to Logical Bacon

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:11:59 -0700

In Italy dancing and singing pasta and vegetables are as excited about Parmigiano Reggiano as I am. I dare you not to get the song stuck in your head after watching. - Serious Eats
Don't miss this list of 50 wines you can always trust - and bonus, almost all are under $20. - Food & Wine
Think British food is terrible? Think again. Sam is out to prove that English food is not a joke. - Becks & Posh

I meant to post this earlier, but thought most of you may have heard. But just in case, Cadbury says that their Creme Eggs haven't gotten smaller, but you've gotten bigger. However, The Office's BJ Novak proves that they have indeed gotten smaller. - The Consumerist
David Beckam's not on the "daughter diet" to help conceive a girl. - Chow
Meeta manages to mix three of my favorite things into one delicious salad: spinach salad, goat cheese and avocado. - What's For Lunch, Honey?
And from the news of geeks + food = awesome... A computer is helping calculate how to make a perfect bacon sandwich. - geeksugar

Yummy Links: From Mark Bittman to Three Desserts

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:03:49 -0700

One of my favorite food personalities, Mark Bittman, is getting a new show. It should start this week on PBS stations near you. - Serious Eats
If you want to eat locally, why not start with a garden in your own lawn? You won't be the only one, urban gardening is on the rise. - Chow

Remember how I told you about the state egg debacle? Looks like I really should have clicked on them all, apparently I missed artist Penny Smith's Louisiana's egg featuring a miniature Emeril. - Food Network Addict
Warm weather is arriving and that means it's time for ice cream! Don't miss out on this sweet/salty Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream. It's not even 11am here and I am drooling. - David Lebovitz
You might want to pay more attention when reading nutrition labels. The math doesn't always add up when counting fat and trans fat. - The Ethicurean
And finally, here are a few desserts for you to try: Berry Brioche Pudding (beautifully put together by La Tartine Gourmande - Arborio Rice Pudding (scroll down to the end of this Smitten Kitchen post) - Ultimate Lemon Pound Cake (a treat for us from Tartelette).