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Festive Foods: Australian Traditional Christmas Pudding

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:20:46 -0800

Right now, while we're all bundled up and cozy, everyone south of the equator is shedding off layers and celebrating summer. In fact, Christmas Day in Australia can often reach temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

So while we're inside stuffing ourselves to keep warm, our friends in Australia are headed to the beach, gathering around the Christmas Bush (a native plant with red flowering leaves) and snacking down on Christmas pudding. To make your own version of a traditional Australian Christmas pudding, read more

Australian Traditional Christmas Pudding

1/2 pound plain flour
1/2 pound breadcrumbs
1 pound butter
1 pound brown sugar
1 pound currants
1/2 pound raisins
1 pound sultanas
1/2 pound citron peel
9 eggs
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 pound almonds
1/2 teaspoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, well beaten, also brandy. Stir in all fruit and chopped blanched almonds. Add breadcrumbs, flour, soda, and spices. Bake in greased pudding basin, leaving sufficient room for rising. (The pudding can also be poured onto a piece of calico and tied securely with string.) Steam for 6 hours.

This pudding can be made ahead of time, say two or three months if wished. This recipe makes two very large puddings; It is best divided into 3 portions. A half quantity takes 3 1/2 hours to cook. For heating pudding when required, boil slowly for 2-3 hours.

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During the Australian gold rush days, it was tradition to put a gold nugget into the mix. These days a small surprise (you choose!) can be put inside instead. Whoever finds it is supposed to be blessed with good luck. Just let your guests know before hand, so they don't bite down and break a tooth!

Festive Foods: Sochivo

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:20:11 -0800

Quick, when you think of holiday feasts, what food comes to mind? Turkey, ham, duck and let me guess, probably not Sochivo. That is, unless you celebrate a traditional Russian Christmas. Sochivo, a porridge made from wheat, barley, rye or (more recently) rice, is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve (which is actually celebrated there on January 6th - they're on the Julian calendar). So if you're looking for something new and adventurous, give this a try.

The recipe sounds simple, yet cryptic. I must admit I haven't tried it myself, but be sure to leave a comment below if you do!

Sochivo
From Olga Timokhina

2 cups wheat
1/2 cup honey
1 cup poppy seeds
1 cup walnuts
salt to taste

Sort wheat, wash and put in boiling water. Bring to a boil, drain and wash under cold water, bring to boil, cover tightly and put in the oven until soft. Then take out and cool down. Wash poppy seeds, scald, wash under cold water and ground until homogeneous and white, add sugar or honey and a bit of salt. Combine with wheat. If sochivo is very dense, add some water. At the end add chopped walnuts.

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As they say in Russia, "S Rozhdestvom Khristovym!"

Festive Foods: Modern Peking Duck

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:14:21 -0800

I'll admit, it's a little weird to feature festive food from a country that doesn't really celebrate Christmas, but well folks, times are changing.

Although only one percent (or less) of the Chinese population is Christian, it appears that Christmas is on the rise. Much like America, urban retailers have now smothered their stores with Christmas trees, lights and wreaths and although it's not a public holiday, Christmas in China (particularly urban areas) is becoming a time to celebrate with friends, family and good food. For a modern spin on traditional Peking Duck, read more.

Hoisin-Roasted Duck with Sweet Potatoes
From Ming Tsai

One 5- to 6-pound duck, rinsed and dried, and visible fat removed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups Hoisin-Lime Sauce
1/2 cup red wine
2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 large sweet potatoes, washed and cut into 6 to 8 wedges each

1. Season the duck inside and out with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine the Hoisin-Lime Sauce and the wine. Rub the duck generously with the mixture inside and out, and marinate in the mixture, refrigerated, for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

2. Place a roasting pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F.

3. Combine the onions and potatoes in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and toss.

4. Open the oven and carefully spray the roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place one potato wedge in the pan. The potato should sizzle; if not, remove it and continue to heat the pan. When the pan is very hot, add the potato mixture to the pan and place the duck on top, breast side up. Turn the pan back to front and roast until the duck is brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Tent the duck with foil and continue to roast until the duck is cooked through, or the legs are easily moved, 30 to 35 minutes more. Transfer the duck to a cutting board and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Using a flat spatula, loosen the potato mixture from the pan and transfer to the center of a platter. Place the whole duck on the potatoes, breast side up, and carve at table. You may also carve the duck before serving, separating the leg thighs from the wings, and slicing the breast.

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Festive Foods: Krumkaker Filled with Cloudberry Cream

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 14:17:56 -0800

Every country has its own set of traditional holiday food. Here in America we pig out on turkey, ham, sugar cookies, gingerbread houses and the beloved (or not so beloved) fruitcake. But what about the rest of the world? Are they decorating gingerbread houses and adding cinnamon to their pumpkin pie? I decided to do some investigating and find out. Every day this week, I'll spotlight a holiday cooking tradition from around the globe.

Today we'll begin with our friends in Norway. This time of year their nights are long and their climate is cold. Although traditionally more meat than treats for the holidays, modern-day Norwegian families now take refuge from their long cold nights with baked goods. One of the traditional favorites is a Krumkaker filled with cloudberry cream. Its got a few specialty ingredients and requires the use of a specialized pan, but if you're interested in the recipe, read more

Krumkaker Filled with Cloudberry Cream
From Norway.org

4 tbs sugar
2 cups all purpose wheat flour
1/2 quarter heavy whipping cream
2 tbs water

Cookies

Whip cream and sugar

Add flour and mix. Then, add water

Let the dough rest in a cool place for one hour

Fry the cookies in a krumkake iron [which is a specialty iron, along the lines of a waffle iron]

Roll the cookies quickly while they are still hot, as shown above.

1 cup cream
5 tbsp cloudberry jam [let's face it, you're not going to find this easy. Try specialty food shops or substitute with your favorite tart berry jam]
1 tbsp cloudberry liqueur [again, try substituting with a favorite berry liqueur]

Filling

Whip cream.

Stir in jam and liqueur

Fill each cookie with approximately 2 tbsp of cream mixture

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If you've tried these before, or have even made them, leave a comment and let us know how it was!

Noteworthy Nibbles - June 9-16, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:07 -0700

From Dr Pepper to pork to Philly cheesesteaks, this week's noteworthy nibbles seem to pay homage to time-honored American food traditions. We can't wait for the first ever Great American Food & Music Fest in Silicon Valley, which will feature guests like Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri, as well as famous regional specialties from all across the United States. Know of anything we've left off the list? Please feel free to chime in below!

Ithaca, NY: Taste of the Nation Ithaca - June 9
New York, NY: Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town - June 15
Emporia, VA: Virginia Pork Festival - June 10
Lockhart, TX: Chisholm Trail Roundup - June 11-13
Kapalua, HI: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival - June 11-14
Winston-Salem, NC: Hot Ribs, Cool Music - June 11-14
Minneapolis, MN: Taste of the Nation Minneapolis - June 12
Salem, OR: Wine, Chocolate, and More! - June 12-13
Las Vegas, NV: Coffee Fest Las Vegas - June 12-14
Mountain View, CA: Great American Food & Music Festival - June 13

To see the rest, read more.

Oak Grove, VA: Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival - June 13
Minneapolis, MN: Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Festival - June 13
Dublin, TX: Dr Pepper Birthday Celebration - June 13
Richmond, VA: St. Joseph's Italian Festival - June 13-14
Cockeysville, MD: Great Grapes! Wine, Art, and Food Festival - June 13-14
San Francisco, CA: Cochon 555 - June 14
Los Angeles, CA: Taste of the Nation LA - June 14
Ojai, CA: Ojai Wine Festival - June 14
Sedona, AZ: Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest - June 15-30

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Nov. 3-10, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:07 -0800

Kick-start the new month with a number of celebratory fêtes that are happening this week. Learn all about the art of butchering (and enjoy fire-cooked meats) in Napa Valley; sample food from Boston's best new chefs; or watch Paula Deen's antics in the nation's capital.

Where will your stomach lead you this week? Let us know below.

Boston, MA: StarChefs Boston Rising Stars Revue - Nov. 3
Washington DC: Tour de Champagne - Nov. 6
Houston, TX: Chocolate Festival of Texas - Nov. 6-7
Big Sur, CA: Big Sur Food & Wine Festival - Nov. 6-7
New York, NY: Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. - Nov. 6-8
St. Helena, CA: PRIMAL Napa - Nov. 7
Abbeville, LA: Giant Omelette Celebration - Nov. 7-8
Washington DC: Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show - Nov. 7-8
Los Angeles, CA: Great Chefs Go Organic - Nov. 8
San Antonio, TX: New World Wine & Food Festival - Nov. 8-15

Celebrities and Chefs Converge at New York Food Festival

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:40:43 -0700

This past weekend, Food Network's famous hosts, New York's foremost chefs, and other celebrated figures came together to attend the New York City Wine and Food Festival.

The four-day event was chock-full of demos, discussions, and, of course, parties. Food Network favorite Giada De Laurentiis and actress Alicia Silverstone signed copies of their books. Former President Bill Clinton, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Rachael Ray talked about tackling childhood obesity. Everyone, including fellow network stars Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis, turned out for the biggest event of the festival, Rachael Ray's Burger Bash.

Want to know who else was there - and who took top honors at the Burger Bash? Find out when you keep reading.

Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:15 -0700

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, everyone's in for a fun-filled week. Although every major city's likely to have some sort of costume-heavy celebration this weekend, leave some time (and belly room) for some serious food events. New Yorkers have their annual Chocolate Show, Bostonians can veg out on eco-friendly fare, and San Franciscans will discuss and sample the best of the city's street food.

Where will you be eating and drinking this week? Tell us in the comments below.

Washington, DC: Taste of Success - Oct. 27

San Francisco, CA: Hewitson Wine's Mad Hatter Party - Oct. 29

San Francisco, CA: The Street Food Movement: SF Hearts the Cart - Oct. 29

Grand Rapids, MI: Food, Wine & All That Jazz - Oct. 30

Decatur, GA: National BBQ Festival - Oct. 30-31

New York, NY: Chocolate Show - Oct. 30-Nov. 1

Boston, MA: Boston Vegetarian Food Festival - Oct. 31-Nov. 1

New York, NY: Day of the Dead Brunch - Nov. 1

Chicago, IL: A Tasteful Pursuit Dinner - Nov. 2

Boston, MA: StarChefs Boston Rising Stars Revue - Nov. 3

Source: Flickr User jeffreymcmanus

Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 13-20, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:31 -0700

As food festival season dwindles down, you might find yourself searching harder for events that will entertain you as much as your tastebuds. But look no further than our list below. Where else can you touch a 1,658-pound pumpkin but the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival? Imagine the jack-o'-lantern possibilities with that one. Find out what Top Cheffer Stefan Richter's been up to in Martha's Vineyard, or watch fellow contestant Fabio Viviani cook in the City of Brotherly Love.

Know of anything we've left off the list this week? Then please feel free to drop a line below!

New York, NY: Global Kitchen: The Magic of Pickling - Oct. 13
Boston, MA: Share Our Strength's A Tasteful Pursuit Dinner - Oct. 13
San Francisco, CA: Whiskeyfest - Oct. 16
Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Edgartown, MA: Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Baltimore, MD: Russian Festival - Oct. 16-18
Fort Collins, CO: Fall Harvest Brewfest - Oct. 17
Llano, TX: Llano River Chuck Wagon Cookoff - Oct. 17
Half Moon Bay, CA: Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Oct. 17-18
Wellfleet, MA: Wellfleet Oysterfest - Oct. 17-18
Chicago, IL: Friends of James Beard Benefit Chicago - Oct. 18

Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 20-27, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:55 -0700

This weekend, the T-minus one week countdown to Halloween begins. If you aren't too busy planning your fright night agenda and costume, take the time to hit up some of this month's biggest events, like Chicago's Champagne fête or the annual Kohler Food & Wine Experience. As the weather gets rainier, I'd personally love to spend a sun-spilled weekend eating my way through Scottsdale.

Know of any events we haven't included on the list? Feel free to pipe up about them below.

San Francisco, CA: Root Division's Annual Art/Food Auction - Oct. 22
Scottsdale, AZ: Crave Arizona - Oct. 22-24
Portland, ME: Harvest on the Harbor - Oct. 22-24
Kohler, WI: Kohler Food & Wine Experience - Oct. 22-25
Chicago, IL: Tour de Champagne Chicago - Oct. 23
Chicago, IL: Beef: From Plains to Plate - Oct. 23-25
Fredericksburg, TX: Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest - Oct. 24
Lexington, NC: Barbecue Festival - Oct. 24
Detroit, MI: Harvest Beer Festival - Oct. 24
Orlando, FL: Central Florida Veg Fest - Oct. 24
Lynchburg, TN: Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitation Barbecue - Oct. 24

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