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Simple Tip: Chop Onions Last

partysugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:15:00 -0800

When a recipe calls for an assortment of diced vegetables, like carrots, celery, garlic, and onions, chop the onions last. This is especially important if you are prone to crying when slicing onions.

The onion's chemicals will leave a natural residue in the air and on the cutting board and knife. The minute diced onions hit the pan, however, the enzymes that produce the tear-inducing gases are destroyed. The less time between dicing and cooking onions the better.

Got a tip for chopping veggies? Share with us below!

Mac Attack! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:35 -0700

From classic stovetop shells to leek-and-cheddar penne, I've never met a mac and cheese I don't like. But the recipe I'd been craving most of all was one that, up until recently, only lived in my imagination: buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese.

My fantasy finally became reality one weekend when I put together all the elements I'd dreamed about. Al dente elbows of pasta, coated in creamy, sharp cheese sauce, topped with hot pepper sauce and crispy chicken.

It only occurred to me after sinking my teeth into the first bite that I could improve upon it even more by dotting the top with blue cheese crumbles and diced celery squares. That's why I can't wait to make it again! The epitome of indulgence, after the break.

How to Clean Leeks

partysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:45 -0700

With their mild onion flavor and thick white stalk, leeks are one of my favorite vegetables. They're excellent in cold weather preparations like soups, stews, and braises. When cooking with leeks, it's important to take the time to properly clean them. Because of the way they grow, leeks are one the dirtiest of vegetables, with mud and dirt getting trapped between the layers. Here's how I like to clean mine:

Most recipes call for the white and light green parts only. Start by slicing the dark green part off. Slice off the bottom end.
Cut the leek in half lengthwise and dice according to the specifications in your recipe.
Fill a large bowl with cold water. Toss the chopped leeks in the water and swirl with your hands.
Let stand in the water for several minutes. Swirl with your hands again to ensure all the dirt is removed.
Drain in a colander and dry with a paper towel.

Do you cook with leeks? How do you prepare them?

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Spicy Fettuccine With Clams

partysugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:15:17 -0700

Linguine and clams is one of my all-time favorite meals. I've made countless variations, sometimes with cream, other times with a ton of herbs or bacon. However, I've never made pasta with clams and chorizo! This mouthwatering recipe is simple, but luxurious. It's the perfect meal to start the weekend. The quick sauce is made with sautéed garlic, chorizo, white wine, and diced tomatoes. A generous sprinkling of parsley finishes it off. Be sure to serve with a loaf of crusty bread for mopping up the flavorful sauce. To learn how it's done, read more.

Spicy Fettuccine With Clams
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3/4 pound fettuccine or linguine pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Three 5-inch links precooked chorizo (9 ounces total), sliced 1/4 inch thick
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/2 cups dry white wine
3 dozen small clams, such as littleneck, rinsed
1-1/2 cups diced tomatoes with their juice
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
Increase the heat to high, add the wine and clams, cover and boil. Stir occasionally and, as the clams open, transfer them to a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes to the pan and boil for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to low, add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Divide among 4 shallow bowls, add the clams and sprinkle the parsley on top.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

partysugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:50:31 -0700

Traditionally, the classic sloppy Joe is not considered healthy or vegetarian-friendly. However, this innovative recipe creates a lighter, meat-free sloppy Joe.

Soy ground beef is the meat substitute that's combined with diced onion, mushrooms, and celery. The sauce is a mixture of vegetable stock, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce resulting in a sandwich filling that's thick, spicy, and flavorful.

If this sloppy joe sounds interesting to you, check out the recipe and read more.

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
From The Nest

Ingredients

4 Kaiser rolls
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or more as needed
1 onion, diced
12 ounces soy ground beef, crumbled
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup vegetable Stock
Dashes hot pepper sauce to taste, optional
4 ounces shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Slice the rolls in half, cutting off the upper third of the roll to leave the larger bottom section. Scoop out the inner portion of each bottom section, and set the tops and bottoms aside on a large baking sheet.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, sauté the onion for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the soy ground beef, celery, mushrooms, barbecue sauce, stock and hot pepper sauce, if using. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through. Remove from the heat.
Spoon equal portions of the mixture into the bottom sections of the rolls. Sprinkle each filled roll with cheese, and spray the insides of the top sections of the rolls with nonstick cooking spray. Set the tops on the baking sheet, cut side up.
Bake the tops and bottoms for about 5 minutes, or until the tops brown and the cheese melts and spills down the sides of the rolls. Remove from the oven, and serve.

Serves 4.

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It's Tailgating Time! Seven-Layer Bean Dip

partysugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:30:28 -0700

Tomorrow the Golden Bears (my team!) take to the football field for the first game of the year. Since football season is officially here, I thought it would be fitting to feature one of my favorite tailgating dishes: seven-layer bean dip. This game-day classic is a mixture of beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. It's easy to make and downright delicious - thus, no tailgate table should be without it. This recipe makes use of buttery avocados (they're mashed with pickled jalapeños) and ripe tomatoes (they're tossed with diced onions) resulting in a dip that's fresh and addictive. To get the recipe, please read more.

Seven-Layer Bean Dip
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

4 tablespoons safflower oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped onion (from 1 medium onion)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) pinto beans, drained, liquid reserved
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
1 to 2 pickled jalapeno chiles, minced
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)
6 scallions, thinly sliced
6 ounces pitted black olives, chopped
1 to 2 bags tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

Heat oil in a large pan. Add 1 cup onion and the garlic, and cook over low heat until translucent, about 2 minutes.
Stir in beans, and cook for 3 minutes. Roughly mash with the back of a spoon, adding reserved liquid as needed to attain desired consistency.
Mix tomatoes with remaining 2 tablespoons onion and the salt.
Mash avocados with jalapenos, 2 tablespoons sour cream, and the lemon juice.
Spread 1/2 inch mashed beans into bottom of each jar. Top with 2 tablespoons cheddar, 1 tablespoon scallions, cup tomato mixture, 3 tablespoons avocado mixture, 2 tablespoons sour cream, then 2 1/2 tablespoons olives. Alternatively, layer all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve with chips.

Serves 8.

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Neapolitan-Style Mac and Cheese Is Dangerously Addictive

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:30:49 -0700

I don't take advantage of them too often, but lazy Saturdays are the best. Not only because I'm at home enjoying doing nothing, but also because my favorite shows on KQED, San Francisco's public television station, all happen to be on: Check, Please!, Made in Spain, Lidia's Italy, and Secrets of a Chef.

Recently the boy and I were watching an episode of Lidia's Italy in which she prepares a Neapolitan version of mac and cheese. Her recipe called for ditalini in lieu of macaroni, smoked provola instead of American or cheddar, and bacon, potatoes, and diced tomato. We sat there in captivation, practically smelling the sizzle of smoked bacon vaporizing in our living room.

We were so tantalized that we drove to the grocery store to make it immediately, with the notes I'd taken while watching the show as our guide. It tasted just as good as we'd hoped. Later, I got my hands on the book for the written recipe. Want it? Read more.

Summer of Salads: Heirloom Tomato Panzanella

partysugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:50:49 -0700

Panzanella is an Italian salad that typically consists of the following basic elements: day-old bread, diced onions, and ripe tomatoes. Many other ingredients can be added, but I prefer variations that highlight the pure fresh flavor of in-season tomatoes. This recipe is Top Chef Masters runner up Michael Chiarello's version. Although he says one should peel, seed, and drain the tomatoes, I skip this step all together. With its burst in your mouth tomatoes, crunchy cheesy croutons, and peppery crisp arugula, this is my favorite Summer panzanella. I've made it countless times over the years and my guests are always impressed. To introduce your friends and family to this scrumptious salad, get the recipe.

Off to Market Recap: Kitchen Knife

partysugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:50:13 -0700

I asked you to help me by heading off to market in search of practical everyday knives that can be used for dicing onions and slicing raw chicken. You saved your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Kitchen Knife.

Kimpossible recommends this classic chef's knife that's crafted by a premier blade producer from Japan. She's had it for almost three years and describes it as an "an awesome knife" that feels wonderful in her hand. And, it's on sale at Williams-Sonoma! Thanks Kimpossible. For more knives, browse the selection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark. Check it out for more details!

Off to Market: Kitchen Knife

partysugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:50:23 -0700

I need a new knife: All of mine are old and so dull they can no longer be sharpened. While I would love to purchase a shiny new set of kitchen knives, right now I can't afford it. That's why I've decided I will invest in one shiny, sharp, and versatile knife. Can you help me find it? Let's head off to market in search of practical everyday knives that can be used for dicing onions and slicing raw chicken. Save your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Kitchen Knife. Happy hunting!

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark. Check it out for more details!

Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more.

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market