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Must Read: Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:48 -0800

Much like PartySugar, I'll be paying special attention to the oft-neglected starters when I host this year's Thanksgiving meal. I've not yet determined what they'll be: should I serve soup? Dip in a bread bowl? So I am excited for a new book, Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads ($17) by Stacey Printz, which offers up an array of spreads to serve when entertaining on the run. Were its offerings worthy of being on the Thanksgiving table? Find out when you read more.

Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:50:53 -0700

Rustic, woodsy cremini mushrooms are the perfect flavor this time of year, and they make a killer app for gatherings big and small - especially when combined with the nuttiness of aged, hard Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned expert, stuffed mushrooms are an ideal start to any meal, and many versions are vegetarian! Keep it simple by baking 'shroom caps with a cold cheese mixture, or opt for a more sophisticated variation by making your own breadcrumbs, then adding sautéed vegetables into the stuffing before sticking the bites into the oven. Interested? Then keep reading.

10 Killer Vegetarian Appetizers

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:50:31 -0700

With the last few days of Summer upon us, and the start of football season, there are a multitude of reasons why I've been pulling all the best killer apps out of my hat. But in an attempt to lighten my carbon footprint, eat healthier, and gear up for National Vegetarian Month in October, I've also tried to steer clear of eating too much meat. Thankfully, my vegetarian options are so superb that I'm not missing out on the meat at all! For a sampling of stellar veggie-friendly starter ideas, keep reading.

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Sunday BBQ: Grilled Peaches and Goat Cheese Crostinis

YumSugar — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:55:38 -0700

This week we've fixed up a great 4th of July bbq menu including good ol' bbq ribs. Since there are already a bunch of bbq entrees at your fingertips, I thought I'd try something new for this week's Sunday BBQ. Sweet tangy peaches and creamy goat cheese make for a perfect start (or finish) to any meal. Pair the flavors with a sparkling wine and you'll be set. To get the recipe for Grilled Peaches and Goat Cheese Crostinis, read more

Grilled Peaches and Goat Cheese Crostinis
From iVillage

3 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices French bread, 1/2 inch thick
2 large ripe yellow peaches, each sliced into 6 wedges
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
2 ounces goat cheese
8 sprigs marjoram

Preheat the oven or grill to 400 degrees F (oven) or medium heat (grill).

Brush 2 tablespoons of the olive oil on the bread slices and toast or grill until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

Toss the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with the peach slices, the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. String the slices on 2 or 3 skewers. Grill the peaches over a medium flame until slightly charred. Remove from the skewers and toss with the shallots. Spread the goat cheese on the toasted bread and top with 2 to 3 peach slices and a marjoram sprig. Serve warm.

Note: To use this a dessert, try omitting the shallots and marjoram and sprinkling in brown sugar instead.

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Photo Gallery: Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:12:32 -0800

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Cup Noodles Gets Greener

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 06:39:18 -0800

Even the biggest foodies among us have consumed our fair share of instant Ramen - I did go to college, after all. But I always steered clear of Cup Noodles, the Ramen you cook by adding hot water to a styrofoam cup, which you then throw away. It just seems wasteful, and the fact that the cup is made of styrofoam makes it even worse!

Fortunately, it seems the Cup Noodles folks are moving into the 21st century: Treehugger reports that Cup Noodles is now selling reusable cups for its to-go Ramen soups in Japan. The "Cup Noodle Refill Starter Pack" includes a container called "My Noodle Cup," with a cup liner that Ramen fans can customize with their own designs, as well as soup refills.

I applaud the effort, but I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't just buy the regular Ramen noodles and make them in a bowl or mug. I guess because you're on the go, or too lazy to wash a dish, which makes me think that those folks will still opt for the styrofoam cup version. What do you guys think?

Source

Thanksgiving Tip: Calculate How Much Food You'll Need

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:42:21 -0800

For an elaborate meal like Thanksgiving, it's crucial to consider how much food you'll serve. Too little, and you'll leave guests wishing they could gobble up more; too much, and you'll wind up with Thanksgiving leftovers for weeks. To make sure your food doesn't go to waste, take time to do some adequate planning. A few pointers, when you read more.

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:50:19 -0700

From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!

Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner. I supply the pumpkins and a hearty Fall dinner and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. Since the party is all about creating interesting pumpkin designs, I like to serve a menu that guests can enjoy at their leisure.

For starters, I'll offer an orange and black cheese ball and spicy sausages wrapped in pizza dough.

A huge pot of vegetarian chili will bubble on the stove, and in between carving pumpkins, guests can grab a bowl and top it with an assortment of items like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. A side of jalapeño cornbread muffins are ideal for dipping. To look at these recipes, read more.

Cheddar Cheese Ball
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds extra-sharp cheddar, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup dry sherry
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup poppy seeds

Directions

Process all ingredients except poppy seeds in a food processor until smooth.
Transfer to a large bowl lined with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Unmold onto a plate. Press poppy seeds evenly over surface, rounding top. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 days.

Serves 12 to 15.

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Spicy Sausage in Carrozza
From Michael Chiarello

Ingredients

6 spicy Italian sausages
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
15 whole garlic cloves
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 (4-ounce) pieces pizza dough, store bought

Directions

In a saucepan add 1/2-inch water to the pan. Immerse sausages in water and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove sausage and dry the pan.
Return to the heat and add the olive oil on medium heat. When hot return the sausage to the pan with garlic cloves and saute until medium brown all over.
Remove garlic to a bowl. Remove sausage to a plate to cool.
Use a fork to mash the garlic with salt and pepper. Stir in mustard and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cut each piece of dough into 2 and roll out until 1/4-inch thick. Cut 6 pieces of dough about 3 inches wide and 1/2-inch shorter than the length of sausage, just enough to wrap around sausage with the ends peeking out.
Spread bottom of each dough with a tablespoon of garlic/mustard paste. Set sausage on top, moisten 1 dough edge with a wet finger so it sticks together and roll. Press the seam firmly and set them on a lightly floured sheet pan, seam side down.
Brush with olive oil. Bake until brown all around.
Remove and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into 3/4-inch long pieces and serve.

Serves 6.

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Spicy Vegetarian Chili
From Whole Foods

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped chipotles in adobo 1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
3 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained

Directions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, peppers and garlic and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until vegetables are softened but not browned.
Add chipotles, oregano, cumin, chili powder and salt. Stir to blend. Add tomatoes and 4 cups water. Gently simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Add beans and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Garnish individual bowls with green onions or sour cream, if desired.

Serves 6-8.

Nutrition Per serving (about 17oz/495g-wt.): 230 calories (45 from fat), 5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 37g total carbohydrate (13g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 11g protein.

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Jalapeño Corn Muffins
From Everyday With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

One 8.5-ounce box corn muffin mix
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh corn kernels (3 ears)
4 ounces jalapeño jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, prepare the mix according to the package directions, using the milk in place of water. Stir in the corn, cheese and basil; season with salt and pepper.
Grease a muffin pan and fill each cup with batter. Bake until lightly golden, 30 minutes; let cool.

Serves 6.

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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:30:20 -0700

Bacon-wrapped dates may just be the world's most perfect sweet-salty combo.
Quiz: what do you know about the Food Network's newer chefs?
Oktoberfest starts this weekend, and Party kicks it off with a German meal at her haus.
Ten ways to make it rain meatballs after watching the new movie.
Ring in the Jewish New Year with sweet honey cake.
Were you in the know about this week's Top Chef battle on the range?
Ten meatless starters that are always tops for entertaining.

Burning Question: Why Does Spinach Make Your Teeth Gritty?

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:50:35 -0700

Not too long ago, I enjoyed my favorite steakhouse side, creamed spinach, with a reliable hunk of aged meat at the House of Prime Rib. I hadn't had the dish in a while, and when I took my first bite I instantly remembered what it felt like to have "spinach teeth" - a gritty, uncomfortable sensation that one experiences after eating spinach. Why, I wondered, does spinach leave your teeth feeling rough?For starters, spinach grows best in sandy soil, so the grittiness may very well come from actual sand if it's not been thoroughly washed. But on top of this, the plant's leaves contain a high amount of oxalic acid crystals, which spread onto the teeth during the chewing process, resulting in a chalky sensation in the mouth. Spinach teeth may be enhanced when the vegetable is eaten with iron-rich substances like milk, which explains why the phenomenon is so detectable with creamed spinach.

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