YumSugar

Trend Alert: Hibiscus Drinks

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:45 -0800

Last June, I discovered the sweet virtue of dried hibiscus flowers. I picked them up at Trader Joe's and, on a whim, stirred them into a pitcher of lemonade. The hibiscus lent a sweet, tart flavor, as well as a beautiful blush color.

Perhaps by putting hibiscus flowers into that pitcher of sparkling ade, I was onto something: Hibiscus, with its fruity, tannic flavor, has been appearing in all sorts of beverages, from sparkling sodas to hot cocktails.

I've seen Ooba, a sparkling hibiscus soda, everywhere from this year's Fancy Foods Show to the drink aisle at the local Whole Foods Market. On her new show, Giada at Home, Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis entertained with a spiked hibiscus tea, made by boiling dried hibiscus in sugar water, straining out the flowers, and mixing in lemon juice and vodka. Both beverages, with their punchy pink color and notes of cranberry flavor, are drinks that would satisfy on a hot Summer day.

Not that hibiscus is only to be enjoyed during Summer. This month, Bon Appétit proclaims Winter cocktail The Laureate to be the "new hot toddy." In the mix? Añejo tequila, agave nectar, and - you guessed it - dried hibiscus flowers, which add "a bit of tartness and a rich ruby red color."

Can you see hibiscus drinks being a trend that really takes off? Have you enjoyed any hibiscus-flavored beverages lately?

Get Excited For Food Network's Fall Lineup

partysugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:15:14 -0700

Two of the Food Network's new shows for Fall have been announced. The first, features FN favorite Giada De Laurentiis in Giada at Home (debuts Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.). The show is described as a "stylish lifestyle and cooking series that follows her as she plans and prepares meals for her families and friends." I've always been a huge fan of Giada's recipes and am thrilled to check out what she has to offer outside the realm of Italian cooking.

The second, entitled The Chef Jeff Project is an interesting experiment that helps troubled youth. The series will follow Chef Jeff Henderson, a "former prison inmate turned successful executive chef," as he teaches six struggling young adults how to cook.

Highlighting the power and passion of food, the Chef Jeff Project airs on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10 p.m. Will you be watching?

Source

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:45 -0700

For a boy's birthday party on Alcatraz, pack a portable feast of special dishes that wouldn't normally be found in the common ten year olds lunch box. Keep things simple with easy to eat chicken salad pitas. On the side offer a pasta salad packed with salami and cheese and small bags of chips (let each boy select their favorite bag of chips). Don't forget to pack snacks in case they get hungry while on the tour. Cheese and crackers, crunchy trail mix, and homemade fruit roll ups are filling without being too sweet.
For these kid-friendly recipes, read more.

Chicken Salad Pitas
From Martha Stewart Kids

Ingredients

3 stalks celery, 1 coarsely chopped and 2 thinly sliced
1 medium sweet yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
2 (12 ounces total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup (from one 11-ounce can) canned mandarin orange segments
8 (6 or 8 inch) pita breads
8 lettuce leaves

Directions

Bring 2 cups water, chopped celery, onion, carrot, thyme, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add chicken; cover and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl; let cool, then shred with two forks. Discard contents of pan.
Stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in chicken, sliced celery, and almonds. Gently fold in orange segments.
Cut 1 inch from top of each pita to open pocket. Fill each pita with 1 lettuce leaf and 1/2 cup chicken salad.

Makes 8; Serves 4 to 6.

Print recipe with images | without images

Pasta Salad
From Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

Red Wine Vinaigrette:
1 bunch fresh basil, stemmed and leaves chopped (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Pasto Salad:
1 pound fusilli pasta
1/2 cup hard salami, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup smoked turkey, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)
1/4 cup provolone cheese, cut into strips
1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
2 tablespoons green olives, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons roasted red peppers, cut into strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Make vinaigrette: in a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped.
With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Serve.

Serves 4-6.

Print recipe with images | without images

Trail Mix
From Taste of Home magazine

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) banana-nut granola
1 package (15 ounces) raisins
1 package (14 ounces) milk chocolate M&M's
1 can (12 ounces) honey roasted peanuts

Directions
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Makes about 8-10 cups.

Print recipe with images | without images

Fruit Roll Up
From Better Homes and Garden magazine

Ingredients

1 6-ounce package dried apples
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup sugar

Directions

Turn on oven to 300 degree F.
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until fruit is very tender. Drain off any liquid.
Blend in a food processor. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with foil. Spray with nonstick coating.
Spread fruit in thin, even layer over foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Without opening the door, turn off oven and let dry overnight.
Lift foil and fruit leather off pan. Remove leather from foil; roll it up and wrap in waxed paper.
The fruit leather will keep in refrigerator up to 3 months or in the freezer up to 6 months.

Makes 1 large 15x10 inch fruit roll up.

Print recipe with images | without images

Rachael Ray, Ina Garten Nab Daytime Emmys

YumSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Ina Garten took home top honors at the 36th Annual Daytime Emmys on Saturday night.

For the second year in a row, Rachael Ray won the outstanding talk-show prize for Rachael Ray, her daytime TV spot. Grill It! With Bobby Flay took home the award for best culinary program, beating out Barefoot Contessa, Giada at Home, Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie, and Simply Ming. But Ina Garten had her time to shine, too, prevailing with the award of outstanding lifestyle host for Barefoot, an honor bestowed on Giada De Laurentiis last year for her show, Everyday Italian.

But Giada De Laurentiis didn't go home empty-handed, either. Her newest project, Giada at Home, won for directing in a lifestyle program. Food Network's only Susan Lucci of the bunch? Sandra Lee, who lost both her nods - one in outstanding achievement in hairstyling and the other for makeup - to The View. Judging by her ultrapolished, Barbie-esque look at the awards, however, perhaps the Academy should reassess. Are you surprised to hear who the winners are?

View 4 Photos ›

Summer of Salads: Asian Chicken Salad

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0700

Party and I have consumed countless salads over the last few months, from heirloom tomato panzanella to Niçoise salad and everything in between. But I'd almost forgotten about the American café favorite, Asian chicken salad, until I found myself watching Giada at Home one afternoon, and had yet another "must make this" moment. Her version is topped with sliced, roasted chicken and coated in a not-too-cloying soy dressing. The result is a light, yet hearty salad that I could eat over and over again. See for yourself when you check out the recipe.

Giada: From Pretty Cook to Full-Blown Celebrity Chef

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:50:24 -0700

Regardless of whether you think she hosts the best Italian cooking show, Giada De Laurentiis has made a tremendous mark on home cooking in America. Over the years, Giada's evolved from fresh-faced home caterer to full-blown celebrity TV personality - and tomorrow, the Food Network star turns 39 years young. To pay tribute to her influence, I thought I'd show you a glimpse of her best moments over the years. Check it out when you keep reading.

View Slideshow ›

Giada De Laurentiis: Love Her or Leave Her?

partysugar — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:00:03 -0700

While taking a look back at Giada De Laurentiis's culinary career, I realized how much I respect her.

I know some people think she's just a bobble head who bares all, but I happen to enjoy her show, Giada at Home and more importantly, I love her recipes! They are reliable, delicious, easy to follow, and make for some wonderful everyday Italian food.

Since today is her birthday tell me, how do you feel about the Food Network star?

Who's Your Favorite Food Network Chef of 2008?

YumSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:58 -0800

As part of our Best of 2008 coverage, I'd like to know who your favorite Food Network chef is. Could it be the energetic Guy Fieri, who really has become the next Food Network star? Or is it Bobby Flay, who continues to charm the food world with his Throwdown challenges? Or possibly gorgeous new mom Giada De Laurentiis, who has a new show, Giada at Home? Tell us your opinions below!

Source and Source

Sandra Lee to Debut New Food Network Show

partysugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:50:38 -0800

Both Ina Garten and Giada de Laurentiis premiered new Food Network series last Fall, so it's no surprise to learn that another of the network's biggest stars, Sandra Lee, is set to begin production of a new cooking program.

Sandra's Money Saving Meals will premiere on May 10 at 12 p.m. The show will focus on Lee's "triple A factor" of accessible, aspirational, and affordable food. She'll provide cost-saving tips for grocery shopping and feature innovative ways to use leftovers.

As more and more people look for inexpensive meal options, it's only natural for the Food Network to move toward a recession-friendly lineup. In a statement, Bob Tushman, the senior vice president of programing, said:

At this critical economic time, Sandra comes to the rescue by providing our viewers with creative ways to save money and time while cooking great meals at home. We appreciate the dedicated passion and in-depth knowledge Sandra brings to this topic, and we look forward to launching this new endeavor with her.

Although I've never really been a fan of Sandra's 70/30 semi-homemade philosophy, I'm curious to see her tips on affordable eating - after all, she was made from scratch! What do you think about the new series? Will you watch Sandra's Money Saving Meals?

Source

The Next Food Network Star - 3.4 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:03:18 -0700

Before I start with last night's Next Food Network Star recap, I have a quick question: Would you actually watch a show hosted by any of these folks? None of them seem that likable. I once rooted for Adrien, but he's coming across as blah. Then I rooted for Amy, but she's too snooty/whiny. Paul is unfortunately too wound up for Food TV, Rory seems too much like everyone else on the network, Michael seems robotic and Jag, well Jag is sometimes downright scary. So, which of these contestants deserves the chance to build an empire? I'm not sure, but to find out who's no longer in the running, read more

Last night started off with the contestants headed to Fort Dix to cook for the military. Surprisingly, Giada is once again the guest host & judge, although Paula Deen does make an appearance - causing me to wonder why she wasn't the host/judge. Does Giada pull in higher ratings or is Paula too pricey?

The contestants start things off by taking MREs (Meal Ready to Eat) and re-inventing them into something a little more edible and tasty. They have 20 minutes to make it and 1 minute to present it. Amy says the word gourmet too many times, Adrien has the least flavorful dish and barely "made" anything, Jag had the worst presentation and a spicy stew, Rory made nothing memorable, Michael said MRI instead of MRE and Paul had a pretty nice presentation talking about carbs and nutrition. And although he was talking quite fast (Giada actually cut him off with a curt, "Thanks Paul"), Paul is the winner with best presentation and flavor.

With a win in his back pocket, Paul is now told to divide the group into three teams (he & Jag, Rory & Amy, Michael & Adrien) and to choose which dish each is going to prepare. They have to serve either lasagna, meatloaf or chicken pot pies to 75 military folks and are given 2 hours to prepare and prep and 3 minutes to present.

Here's where things start going crazy. Jag and Paul find out their oven doesn't work, so they deep fry their bacon wrapped meatloafs. Amy discovers there's no brown sugar, so she whines to Paula who says, "It'll be sweet and that's all that matters." Amy & Rory can't get their giant pasta pot to drain. Michael & Adrien forget to thaw their fruit and decide to serve it frozen. Once again, I wonder, "Would I actually watch any of these shows?"

When the food is ready, it's time to present. Jag and Paul are actually a lot of fun on stage - Paul even does several pushups. Michael awkwardly talks about Vietnam and Amy & Rory decide to flirt their way into the audience's heart. Ultimately Jag and Paul are declared victors with their deep-fried meatloaf and funny routine. However once everyone's in front of panel, things get emotional. I know I would probably do the same, but keep it together folks, you're on TV! There's no crying in TV! Oh wait, there is, and last night there was LOTS of it. Jag, Amy and Michael cried and a think Rory shed a little tear too. In fact I'm sort of surprised that the whole gang didn't break down. Come on Adrien and Paul, are you dead inside or what!?

In the end, Michael is sent home and the rest of the folks move on to the next round. Next week's episode looks especially interesting. Alton Brown is the guest host/judge and from the preview things look like they go horribly awry. In fact, Alton is even shown saying, "Send them all home and start over." I don't know about you, but I can't wait!

Oh and if you think you can do better than any of these folks, they're currently looking for season 4 contestants.