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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Salad Piccata

partysugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:50:52 -0700

Traditionally, a piccata consists of floured meat cutlets that are quickly sauteed and served with a simple sauce made from pan drippings and lemon juice. This recipe employs boneless skinless chicken breasts to make the piccata. Instead of placing the cooked chicken on a bed of pasta, it's set atop a mixture of red potatoes and green beans, with the sauce acting as a dressing for the vegetables. This affordable meal is a delicious variation on a crowd-pleasing classic, so be sure to get the recipe.

Come Party With Me: Oktoberfest - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:43 -0700

Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest, the annual German beer festival, doesn't begin in October, it actually starts this weekend! Just because I can't travel to this year's event doesn't mean I shouldn't celebrate in the comforts of my own home. You can, too, by following my plan for the ultimate Oktoberfest.

Start by serving a delectable German-inspired meal. Sauteed bratwurst are succulent when paired with braised sauerkraut, soft onions, and sweet apples. A classic vinegar-based potato salad is a filling and savory side dish. To get these recipes please keep reading.

Come Party With Me: Outdoor Concert - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:03 -0700

During the Summer, most cities host some sort of outdoor concert series. New York has Summer Stage in Central Park, in San Francisco's there's Stern Grove, and Chicago's home to Ravinia. While these events are about enjoying music in the open air, the food cannot be overlooked: a scrumptious picnic makes an outdoor concert! So this week pack a basket and head to your local amphitheater.

Steak sandwiches are a portable favorite, and Ina Garten's recipe with sautéed onions, arugula, and mustard mayonnaise will impress your friends. Make use of Summer's ripe tomatoes with a fresh tomato salad. When placed on a bed of watercress and drizzled with a blue cheese dressing, potato salad goes glam. Be sure to keep the salad's three components separate until serving. No picnic is complete without fruit, and watermelon cubes are a refreshing treat. To look at these recipes, read more.

Steak Sandwich
From Ina Garten

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) 1-inch thick New York strip boneless beef top loin steak
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
2 yellow onions, sliced in rings
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 recipe Mustard Mayo, recipe follows
2 mini focaccia buns, sliced in 1/2
1/2 cup baby arugula

Directions

Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saute pan over high heat until it's almost smoking, then sear the steak on each side for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low and cook the steak for about 7 to 10 minutes, turning once, until very rare in the middle. Remove to a plate, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Slice the steak into strips.
Using the same saute pan, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme and saute for 10 minutes, until the onions are brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
To assemble the sandwiches, spread a tablespoon of Mustard Mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Place a layer of the steak strips on top of the mayo, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with the caramelized onion rings. Place the baby arugula on top of the onion rings, and cover the sandwiches with the top half of the buns.

Makes 2 sandwiches.

Mustard Mayo:

3/4 cup good mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Serve at room temperature.

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Tomato Salad
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

8 plum tomatoes-seeded, quartered and thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions
In a medium bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, basil and parsley and dress with the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serves 8.

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Grilled Potato Salad With Watercress, Green Onions, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar
1 large shallot, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
12 medium red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled (about 2 3/4 pounds)
Additional olive oil
2 bunches watercress, stems trimmed
3 green onions, chopped

Directions

Combine vinegar, shallot, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in cheese. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 16 minutes. Drain; cool completely. Cut potatoes into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Brush rounds on both sides with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Arrange watercress on platter. Grill potatoes until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
Mound warm potatoes atop watercress; sprinkle with green onions. Spoon vinaigrette over potatoes.

Serves 4-6.

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Watermelon Squares in Campari
From Whole Living

Ingredients

One 5- to 6-pound watermelon, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup Campari (optional)

Directions

Using a very sharp knife, slice the rind from the bottom of each watermelon half. The halves will now lay flat on a cutting board.
Working from top to bottom, trim the rind from the watermelon flesh in 4 cuts, creating 2 large squares. Cut each square in half to make 4 smaller squares. Cut the squares vertically into thirds. Rotate counterclockwise and repeat the cut. Rotate once more counterclockwise and cut into thirds again.
Place on dessert plates and serve each with 2 tablespoons of Campari, if desired.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Sausages With Warm Potato Salad

partysugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:15 -0700

Who can say no to the classic combination of meat and potatoes? To get your weekend started, serve your family this hearty and satisfying meal. Although the ingredient list calls for Italian sausage, bratwurst, andouille, or any other kind of sausage would work well.

The recipe cooks the sausages over the stove, but don't hesitate to throw them on the grill. The warm potato salad is German-style and has no mayonnaise. To serve this meal with an icy cold beer, get the recipe now.

Come Party With Me: Independence Day - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:45 -0700

Although I don't consider myself the most patriotic person, I love a good 4th of July celebration! With its warm weather, barbecue dinner, and fireworks finish, chances are you enjoy the nation's birthday party, too. If you haven't decided what to serve your family and friends, consider whipping up a meal that is all-American.

Start things off with finger-licking-good chicken wings. The sweet and spicy sauce is so simple it can be made with items you already have in your pantry. Next move on to a beloved classic: a bacon cheeseburger with all the fixings. No backyard party is complete without several stellar sides, so plate up a generous helping of creamy potato salad.

A platter of plump in-season heirloom tomatoes drizzled with olive oil rounds out the menu. Are you enticed by the sound of these dishes? Check out the recipes when you read more.

Chicken Wings With Sweet-and-Spicy Pantry Sauce
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

16 chicken wings, with the two joints attached, tips removed
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar

Directions

Make a slash on the inside of the chicken wing joints without cutting through the bone and in a few other places.
In a large, shallow baking dish, combine the ketchup with the mustard, hot sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar. Add the chicken wings and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Light a grill. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade, leaving some of it on them, and reserve the remaining marinade. Grill the wings over a medium-hot fire, turning and basting them with the reserved marinade, until nicely charred and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Stop basting during the last 5 minutes of grilling and discard any remaining marinade. Serve the wings hot or at room temperature.

Serves 4.

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Home-Ground Burgers With Bacon, Cheese, and Fresh Thyme
From Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 ounces bacon, chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 slices cheddar cheese
4 sesame-seed hamburger rolls, lightly toasted
1 1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
8 thin slices tomato
Mayonnaise, for serving
Ketchup, for serving
Mustard, for serving
Pickles, for serving

Directions

Place the diced chuck in a large bowl.
Set a 10-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and most of the fat has been rendered, 7 to 8 minutes.
Add the onions to the pan and cook until they are softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer. Add the thyme and toss to combine.
Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture over the diced chuck. Drizzle with the Worcestershire, and season with the salt and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Cover and set aside to marinate, refrigerated, for 1 hour.
Assemble a home grinder according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a medium die for grinding. Grind the meat mixture and then gently form it into 4 patties, being careful not to overwork it. Alternately, use a food processor to grind the meat in batches. Form gently into four patties. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
Preheat a grill to medium, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the patties from the refrigerator and place them on the grill. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Then turn them over and place 2 slices of the cheddar on each burger.
Cook for another 7 to 8 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or until the burgers are cooked to the desired degree of doneness. Place a burger on the bottom of each of the 4 toasted buns. Dress with the lettuce and tomatoes, and add mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickles as desired. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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Potato Salad
From Tyler Florence

Ingredients

2 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes
2 large eggs
Kosher salt
1/2 bunch sliced scallions, white and green parts
2 tablespoons drained capers
2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles with 1/4 cup juice, about 2 pickles
1/2 small red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 bunch dill, chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

Put the potatoes and eggs into a big saucepan of cold salted water. Bring to a simmer. After 12 minutes remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and let cool. Continue cooking the potatoes until a paring knife poked into them goes in without resistance, about 3 minutes longer. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool.
Reserve some scallion greens and capers for garnish.
Meanwhile, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, pickles and their juice, onion, remaining scallions and capers, parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl large enough to hold the potatoes
Peel the cool eggs and grate them into the bowl.
Stick a fork into the potatoes and lift them 1 at a time out of the colander. Break up the potatoes by hand into rough chunks, add them to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.

Serves 4-6.

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Perfect Tomato Salad
From Real Simple

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, preferably a mix of colors and sizes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

With the tip of a paring knife, remove the stems from large tomatoes and slice them 1/4 inch thick. Leave grape or cherry tomatoes whole.
Divide the tomatoes among individual plates, drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with the salt.

Serves 6.

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Summer of Salads: German Potato Salad

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:46 -0700

One of the reasons I look forward to Summer is the remarkable seasonal fare that comes along with the warm weather, from barbecue to ceviche to tropical Popsicles and everything in between. Since Party and I have had such a blast putting together Summer recipes (we instated an ice cream sandwich series in years past), we've decided to bring you a brand new series: Summer of salads.

From a crunchy classic Caesar to a Calabrian tuna panzanella, this season is sure to be all about refreshing salads that will keep you going even when the mercury rises. Traditional German potato salad is one of my favorites. Since it's made with a vinegar-based sauce, it's not as creamy as American potato salad, but what it lacks in creaminess it more than makes up for in tang from the vinegar and smokiness from bacon bits. It also stands up to the heat better than classic potato salad. To make this for a Summer grillout or picnic, read more.

German Potato Salad
Adapted from Bobby Flay

Ingredients

3 pounds new potatoes
1 yellow onion, quartered
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 large red onion, diced
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1/4 cup canola oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Place potatoes in a large pot with the onion and cover with cold water. Cook on high until tender. Drain, discard the onion, and cut the potatoes into cubes when cool enough to handle. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover to keep warm.
In a large sauté pan, add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the onions to the rendered bacon fat and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully add the vinegar and mustard seeds and cook for 2 more minutes. Whisk in the canola oil and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Add the hot dressing and the bacon pieces to the potatoes and toss gently to coat. Fold in the green onions and parsley. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serves 8 as a side dish.

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Yummy Links: From Rhubarb to the Swine Flu

partysugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:50:17 -0700

One farmer on why she grows rhubarb and what dessert she likes to make with it. - The Atlantic
Classic pasta carbonara inspires this scrumptious potato salad recipe. - Chow
What exactly is a hot brown? - Epicurious
Use lemon juice to naturally brighten dishes. - The Kitchn
Surprisingly these classic cocktail recipes from the 1940s seem totally modern. - Gourmet
Despite the swine flu, consumers can still eat pork. - Serious Eats

Source

Five Dinners That Improve With Time

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:30:12 -0700

In theory, we can all sing the virtues of leftovers: By eating them, you're not only saving money, but also time, energy, resources, and possibly calories. But in reality, some of you just can't stomach the idea of eating yesterday's food. The solution? Take it from SavvySugar: Prepare foods that taste better the next day. For those of you who need a little convincing, here are five dishes that really do taste better the next day.

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Would You Rather Eat Cole Slaw or Potato Salad?

YumSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:30:11 -0700

As we get ready to feed on all sorts of Fourth of July goodness, I want to know which of these picnic sides you would pick.

Source and Source

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:45:35 -0700

Fresh Italian flavors inspire my Summer solstice dinner party menu. To maximize time spent with guests, all of the food can be made in advance or cooked outdoors on the grill. A buffet of salumi, flatbreads, olives, and store bought spreads will await my guests.

When sliced into triangles grilled mozzarella panini are delightful appetizers. Chicken cooked under a brick is crispy yet succulent. Classic panzanella and balsamic potato salad are delicious served on the side. If these recipes sound tasty, get them now when you read more.

Mozzarella Panini
From Gourmet magazine

Ingredients

12 slices firm white sandwich bread
1/4 cup drained bottled capers, chopped
6 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, at room temperature
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Divide capers among 12 bread slices and spread evenly.
Divide mozzarella among 6 slices and sprinkle with pepper to taste. Make into 6 sandwiches, then cut off and discard crusts to form 3-inch squares.
Coat sandwiches with flour, knocking off excess.
Beat together eggs, milk, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in another small shallow bowl.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides.
Meanwhile, coat 3 sandwiches, 1 at a time, with egg mixture. Fry, turning over once, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then drain on paper towels. Coat and fry remaining 3 sandwiches in same manner.
Cut sandwiches into quarters and serve immediately.

Makes 24 hors d'oeuvres.

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Northern Italian-Style Chicken Under a Brick
From Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 whole chicken, 3 to 3 1/2 pounds
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
2 bricks, wrapped in aluminum foil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and preheat grill to medium-low.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper. Mix to combine and set aside.
Place the chicken on a cutting board. With a boning knife and/or poultry scissors, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove. Place the chicken skin side down on a clean work surface and, using a paring or small boning knife, cut underneath and around the breast bone on both sides, cutting the cartilage away from the flesh so that you can work your fingers underneath the bone, and then carefully remove the breast bone. The chicken should lay flat like an open book. Tuck the wing tips behind the joint of the wing that meets the breast. Cut small tips in the skin that hangs beneath the thighs and tuck the tips of the drumstick bones inside.
Place in a 9 by 13-inch, nonreactive baking dish and add the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours, turning occasionally to evenly coat.
Preheat the bricks for 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and season on both sides with the Essence, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken, skin side down, on the grill. Place 2 bricks on top of the chicken to cover completely and flatten. Cook until the skin side has nice grill marks, about 20 minutes. Remove the bricks and turn the chicken so that it is skin side up. Cook on the second side for about 15 minutes longer, or until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the deep portion of the thigh registers 165 degrees F.
Remove the chicken from the grill, place on a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut the chicken into quarters and serve immediately.

Serves 6-8.

Emeril's Essence Seasoning

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Makes 2/3 cup.

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Panzanella
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 garlic clove
2 pounds ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cored and cut into large chunks
1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
5 one-inch-thick slices day-old Tuscan-style bread
4 (about 12 ounces) Kirby cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves

Directions

Place garlic on a cutting board; hit it with the side of a large knife to break it open a bit.
Place tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large nonreactive bowl. Drizzle oil and vinegar over the vegetable mixture; season with salt and pepper. Toss; let stand, covered, in a cool place, for 1 hour or more.
Place bread on a hot grill or under a heated broiler; toast until both sides are slightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, rub lightly with garlic if desired; tear bread into bite-size chunks. When ready to serve, add cucumbers, basil, and bread to tomatoes.
Toss to coat bread thoroughly with the marinating liquid. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and remove garlic clove.

Serves 6.

Variations: Try adding bocconcini (cubed fresh mozzarella), roasted bell peppers, sliced fresh fennel, or capers. Experiment using other seasonal vegetables.

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Balsamic Potato and Green Bean Salad
From Everyday With Rachael Ray magazine

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds small new potatoes
Salt
10 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved crosswise
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus whole sprigs for garnish

Directions

In a large saucepan, place the potatoes, 2 teaspoons salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and let stand.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the olive oil until combined.
Toss the potatoes and beans with the dressing to coat. Using a fork, mash several potatoes. Toss in the scallions and thyme. Season with more salt and pepper to taste and top with thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8.

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