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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Couscous With Dried Fruit

partysugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:50:49 -0800

Couscous is quite possibly the world's quickest cooking grain. It takes literally five minutes to make - meaning it's an ideal ingredient for home cooks who are pressed for time. To create an entire meal with couscous, toss with sauteed vegetables, dried fruit, aromatic spices, and rotisserie chicken. Feel free to use the recipe loosely as a guide; onions and garlic aren't the only veggies that work with this dish. Butternut squash, red peppers, and broccoli would also be delicious. To look at the incredibly uncomplicated recipe, read more.

Chicken Couscous With Dried Fruit
From Williams Sonoma

Ingredients

2 lemons
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits, such as pitted dates and apricots
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups couscous
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Grate 1 1/2 tsp. zest from the lemons and squeeze 1/4 cup juice. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic and onion are golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the cumin and cinnamon, and then mix in the chicken, lemon zest and juice, dried fruits and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Stir in the couscous, re-cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cilantro and the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil. Toss with a fork to fluff the couscous and distribute the cilantro.
Garnish with the almonds and serve.

Serves 4.

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Taste Test: Dried Sweetened Hibiscus Flowers

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:00:19 -0700

I like to keep my pantry stocked full of things - olive tapenade, cheese, crackers, and dried fruits - for an impromptu party. The other day I noticed it was sparse, so I headed off to Trader Joe's. While there, I found these dried sweetened hibiscus flowers and decided to take home a package.

I've had hibiscus cooler, but I had never actually eaten dried hibiscus flowers. Although I was a bit weirded out - the petals shriveled up into long fingerlike prongs - I was curious to try them. Surprisingly, and I'm sure this has to do with the fact that they're sweetened, they were delicious! With a sweet yet tart flavor, they're like a chewier version of dried cranberries.

Great for snacking, they would also be an excellent addition to salads or baked goods. I stirred some into a pitcher of sparkling lemonade, and it made for a super BBQ hit. Folks were intrigued by the look, the flavor melded with the lemonade well, and the flowers tinted the liquid a pretty color.

What do you think? Is this something you would try?

Make Your Own Fruit Roll Ups

partysugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:13:33 -0700

What child doesn't love fruit roll ups? There is something so satisfying about peeling the strip of chewy, sweetened fruit off a piece of sheer plastic. When I was younger, I never would have guessed that fruit roll ups could be homemade! But sure enough, like most store-bought processed snack foods, fruit roll ups can be made in your very own kitchen. I double dare you to make some for your kids (or yourself) today! It takes a little bit of time, but the result is a rewarding and tasty snack. For a peek at the recipe, read more

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups
From Martha Stewart Kids
Source

2 cups dried apricots
3 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 160 degrees with rack in center.
Place apricots in a large bowl, and cover with the water; let soak until they are completely soft, 30 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve; drain, and reserve liquid.
Place apricots in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; add honey and sugar. Process until mixture is very smooth and easily spreadable. If it is too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon soaking liquid.
Cover two 10-by-15-inch baking sheets with plastic wrap. Divide puree between the sheets; spread in a thin, even layer with an offset spatula.
Let dry in oven until mixture is firm but slightly tacky, about 8 hours or overnight. Remove from oven; let cool.
Peel fruit leather from plastic wrap, and cut into 1-inch-wide strips using a pizza cutter. Roll tightly into cylinders, and serve.

Makes 30 roll ups.

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Come Party With Me: All Hallow's Eve - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:46 -0700

It's T minus two days until your big Halloween party! Since nobody wants to spend the entire night mixing cocktails, serve a punch. It's quenches the thirst of a crowd and is easy to make. All you have to do is dump the ingredients into a cauldron and stir. This potent concoction is a mixture of passion fruit vodka, cranberry juice, ginger ale, and sparkling apple cider. To achieve a smoldering affect, you'll have to get your hands on dry ice, but if you don't have time to seek it out, the punch is still enjoyable without the smoke. Also, stock up on beer or order a keg. To check out the apple punch recipe, read more.

Wicked Witch Apple Punch
From Skky

Ingredients

1 750 ml bottle Skyy Infusions Passion Fruit
1 750 ml bottle sparkling apple cider
1 64 oz. bottle cranberry juice cocktail
1 Liter ginger ale
2 cups pineapple juice
Red apple slices

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large black witch’s cauldron with ice and stir.
Garnish with large slices of red apple floating on top and if desired, dry ice.

Serves 12-14.

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Burning Question: What Causes Red Wine Headaches?

YumSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:45:40 -0700

Red wine headache, or RWH, has long been a subject of contention. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't caused by sulfites (both sweet white wines and dried fruits contain more sulfites than red wine), but rather compounds found in grape skins. Still, no single chemical has conclusively proven to be the culprit.

Some believe the cause is a group of chemicals, which include tyramine, histamine, and others. Red wine contains higher levels of these, because it's produced using the grape's skin and juice. Other scientists theorize that tannins, another byproduct of grape skins, could be at fault. Still others point to lipid compounds. These potential culprits vary among red wines. If you aren't ready to give up red wine just yet, experts suggest trying a small glass of different brands and varietals - like less-tannic Burgundies, Riojas, and Pinot Noir - then noting whether they cause a headache, which would likely appear within 15 minutes.

Got a burning question? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.

In Season: Figs

YumSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:10 -0700

Fig season is like pre-Fall in the fashion world, a tasty little teaser that helps bridge the gap between Summer and Autumn. Perhaps it's partly because the season is so fleeting that this fruit tastes so sweet, but when figs are just right, they taste downright sinful. When people tell me they don't like figs, I say, they just haven't had a good one yet.

This soft, fleshy fruit with a thick but edible skin comes in many colors and forms. In North America, the most common types are Mission figs, Brown Turkey, and Brunswick, which have dark skin and a pink-purple middle; Calimyrna, the green-and-pink beauties like the fig pictured above; and Kadota, another green-skinned variety. Learn how to select fresh figs, and how to prepare them when you read more.

When buying figs, choose fruits that are firm but not hard, with a slight amount of give. Pick figs that feel juicy and rich, rather than dry, and be sure to handle them gingerly until you're ready to eat them, as they bruise easily. They are delicious on their own, but figs also play nicely against salty cheeses and cured meats. Here are some recipes to try:

Wrap them in prosciutto for figs in a blanket hors d'oeuvres.
Poach them for an elegant but simple dessert.
Smash them into panini with nut butter and banana.
Use them as a sweet topper for a salty pizza.
Bake them in a fig and goat cheese scone.

How do you plan to cook with figs this season?

Sir Mix a Lot

partysugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:15:59 -0700

My younger sister is one of those people who absolutely adores breakfast foods – she finds herself eating them all day long. So I was shocked when she said she was swearing off one of her a.m. staples: granola. Always health-conscious, she discovered how high in fat and calories a serving could be. I suggested she try the granola from MixMyGranola, a website that allows you to customize the fixings in your granola and check the fat and calorie content of each serving before ordering. Find out how it works after the jump

Ray Isle on Rosé

partysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:15:18 -0700

Each month when Food & Wine magazine arrives at my desk, I look forward to reading Ray Isle's latest article. As the deputy wine editor for the glossy, Isle writes interesting wine-related stories, recommends affordable pours, and pairs each of the recipes with an excellent variety. In short, he's incredibly knowledge in the world of wine. What I like best about Ray is his kind approachability: he doesn't have an ounce of wine snob in him. I was lucky enough to sit down with Ray on a warm afternoon at the Classic in Aspen and chat about one of the wine industry's hottest trends: Rosé.

To find out what Ray had to say about the pink wines you should be drinking, read more.

Before we could get started, Ray explained that there are two ways to make Rose. The traditional French method, known as saignée, employs red grapes. The juice soaks in the skins, but before the liquid turns into red wine, it is bled off. This pink juice is turned into Rosé. The second technique makes Rosé by simply mixing already-made red and white wines.

PartySugar: What happened to Rosé? How come it has such a bad rap?
Ray Isle: White zinfandel killed the image of dry Rosés. People didn't like the overly sweet white zin and any pink wine got lumped in with it.

PS: And why are we seeing a renaissance of Rosé now?
RI: Wine education is changing the way people drink wine. More and more people are becoming educated on wine. Before they didn't know that there was a category of really good dry Rosé, but now they do.

PS: Let's talk about the recent debate on Rosé production in Europe. Where do you stand?
RI: While it's typically cheaper for a wine maker to blend them, the quality of wine is inferior. They just don't taste as good as the wines made in the saignée method. I think the classical producers were right to stand up for their tradition.

PS: When shopping for Rosé what should one look for?
RI: First, don't spend more than $20. There are plenty of really great affordable Rosés out there. Look to a classic region like the South of France. The bottles don't have to say how the Rosé is made, so to ensure you get one made with the saignée method, it's best to look to a well-known region. For fruitier and richer Rosés select one from Spain or California. Etude's Pinot Noir Rosé is a great bottle and so is the Clos du Bois Rosé.

PS: Can one pair Rosé with food?
RI: Rosé is quite possibly the most food friendly variety of wine. Because it takes characteristics from both red (the fruit) and white (the acidity and lighter body) varieties, it's very easy to pair with food. Rosés cross both boundaries and can pair with anything from sushi to roast chicken. Remember Rosés are a great outdoor picnic or party wine. Serve it cool, like you would a white wine.

Come Party With Me: Change the World - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:44 -0700

My sister is on the cover of a fabulous new book called Change the World For Ten Bucks. The idea behind the book - which is written by an organization called We Are What We Do - is small actions multiplied by lots of people equals big change. Basically if everyone stops using plastic bags and recycles more, the world will be a better place! I'm a huge fan of the book and the concept.

Thus, I'm doing my part to help: my sister has organized a day of volunteerism for a large group of people, and I'm donating a delicious lunch for them to enjoy. Since Earth Day is tomorrow, I invite you to join me by packing this picnic and planning your own day of volunteerism.

To keep energy up I'm making maple-almond trail mix with dried bananas. I'll also pack a bunch of fresh fruit (apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.) for the group to snack on. For lunch, the volunteers can choose either roasted red pepper sandwiches with tapenade and basil or curried chicken salad with spiced chickpeas. Both items are healthy and well-balanced. To look at the recipes, read more.

Maple-Almond-Banana Trail Mix
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pure maple syrup, preferably Grade B
2 cups raw unsalted almonds (about 10 ounces)
1 cup wheat germ
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup cup dried bananas (about 4 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2/3 cup cup dried cranberries (about 3 ounces)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine butter, maple syrup, almonds, wheat germ, oats, and salt in a large bowl. Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake, stirring once and rotating sheet after 20 minutes, until just golden, 35 to 40 minutes total. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack.
Transfer to a large bowl, and stir in bananas and cranberries. Trail mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Makes about 8 cups.

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Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches With Tapenade and Basil
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

5 large red bell peppers
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
1 can anchovy fillets (3 ounces), drained and minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Two 24-inch baguettes, halved lengthwise
1/3 cup black olive tapenade from a jar
20 basil leaves

Directions

Roast the red peppers over a gas flame until charred all over. Transfer the peppers to a bowl and let cool.
Discard the skin and seeds and quarter the peppers. In a bowl, toss the peppers with the garlic, thyme, rosemary and about one-fourth of the anchovies and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate the red peppers overnight.
Light a grill. Toast the baguettes over a hot fire, cut sides down. Spread the bottom halves of the baguettes with the tapenade.
Top with the marinated peppers and their juices, basil leaves and the remaining anchovies. Close the sandwiches and cut into 12 pieces. Wrap in napkins; serve.

Serves 12.

Make Ahead: The marinated peppers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

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Curried Chicken Salad With Spiced Chickpeas and Raita
From Gourmet

Ingredients

For curried chicken salad:
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons cilantro
1 rotisserie chicken, meat coarsely shredded (3 to 4 cups)
1 cup red grapes, halved
For chickpeas:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (19-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry (2 cups)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
For raita and topping:
1 cup plain yogurt
1 seedless cucumber, peeled, cored, and chopped (2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped mint
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
4 (16-ounce) wide jars or containers with lids

Directions

Make curried chicken salad: cook onion, garlic, and ginger in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add curry, cumin, and 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in yogurt, cilantro, and chicken. Cool to room temperature.
Make chickpeas: heat oil in cleaned skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then cook chickpeas, stirring, 1 minute. Add cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring to coat, until skillet is dry, about 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Make raita: stir together yogurt, cucumber, mint, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Assemble jars: divide grapes among jars and layer curried chicken, raita, chickpeas, and almonds on top.

Serves 4.

Make Ahead: Curried chicken salad and spiced chickpeas can be made 1 day ahead and chilled separately. Assembled jars can be chilled up to 6 hours. Serve at room temperature.

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Happy Hour: Campari Squeeze

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:15 -0700

I'm still rather novice to the category of spirits known as aperitifs. These old-school standbys - which include liqueurs, dry champagne, and fortified wines - rose to fame in Europe in the 1800s, and have remained popular ever since.

I'd made it my mission to educate myself in aperitif studies, and after professing my love for Dubonnet, I felt adventurous enough to move onto the Italian spirit known as Campari. Invented in 1860, this bitter, which is used in a slew of different cocktails, is made by infusing alcohol and water with fruit, bitter herbs, and aromatic plants. Campari on the rocks is far too bitter for me, but I loved its complex, fruity, slightly medicinal flavor in the Campari Breeze, a cocktail that's perfect for warm-weather days.

To cool off on a sweltering weekend, I doubled the recipe for a bigger thirst quencher, employing Party's advice to save the ice until last. To see the recipe, read more.

Campari Squeeze
Adapted from Danny Boome

Ingredients

Ice cubes
2 shots Campari
2 splashes red grapefruit juice
2 splashes club soda
2 orange peels

Directions

Add the Campari and grapefruit in a shaker with ice, and shake.
Pour into 2 glasses filled with ice. Top off with some club soda and garnish with an orange peel.

Serves 2.

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