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Come Party With Me: Potluck Thanksgiving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:50:39 -0800

Cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal is quite a hefty task. Not only does it require culinary expertise, but it also involves lots of planning. To help shoulder part of the burden and cut the budget, many people like to throw or attend a potluck Thanksgiving.

Usually the person hosting is in charge of the turkey. They should also assign side dishes - that way you won't end up with seven sweet potato casseroles and no cranberry sauce - and coordinate a cooking schedule.

If you're a guest at a potluck on Thanksgiving, be sure to ask the hostess what you should bring.

Select a side dish that can be made almost entirely in advance and put it together the morning of the big day. Communicate with the hostess and explain that your dish needs a certain amount of time in the oven or microwave. To see my recipe suggestions - like herb-roasted turkey, fennel and potato puree, sausage and apple stuffing, and cranberry ginger relish - for hosting and attending a potluck Thanksgiving, read more.

Herb-Roasted Turkey With Maple Gravy
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

One 18-pound turkey
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
1 medium onion, quartered
20 sage sprigs
20 thyme sprigs
20 parsley sprigs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 cups turkey stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. Trim the neck skin. Stuff the turkey with the garlic, onion and sage, thyme and parsley sprigs. Season inside and outside with salt and pepper. Transfer the turkey to a large, lightly oiled roasting pan and roast it for about 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh registers 175°. Cover the turkey with foil if the skin begins to look very brown. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour the pan juices into a heatproof bowl and skim off the fat. Set the roasting pan over 2 burners on high heat until sizzling. Add 1 cup of the turkey stock and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom and side of the pan; add to the pan juices in the bowl.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over moderately high heat for 1 minute. Add the pan juices and remaining 2 cups of turkey stock to the saucepan and cook, whisking, until the gravy is thickened and no floury taste remains, about 5 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Strain the gravy into a gravy boat. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy.

Serves 10.

Notes: Roast the bird for 20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey and 16 minutes per pound for an unstuffed one. The bird is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh registers between 160° and 180° and the juices run clear. The USDA specifies that cooking poultry to 180° will kill all bacteria that can cause illness. Remove the turkey from the oven when its temperature is 10 degrees lower than desired; the temperature will rise by 5 to 10 degrees as the bird rests.

You’ll need plenty of turkey stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth and roasting pan juices to make enough gravy. To get lots of pan juices, roast your turkey at 350° and baste with some stock; if the bird does not seem to brown adequately, you can always raise the oven temperature during the last half hour for faster browning. If your gravy is too thin, simply make a smooth paste with equal parts flour and unsalted butter, a mixture known in French as beurre manié (mon-YAY). Bring the gravy to a boil and whisk in bits of the paste until you get the thickness you desire. If your gravy seems too thick, gradually whisk in more stock.

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Yukon Gold and Fennel Puree With Rosemary Butter
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

3 large fresh fennel bulbs (about 2 1/4 pounds total), trimmed, quartered through core, center core trimmed and discarded, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 3/4 cups)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup crème fraîche

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine fennel, onion, oil, and 1 teaspoon sea salt in large bowl; toss. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with pepper. Roast until fennel and onion are very tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer fennel mixture to processor and puree until almost smooth.
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 25 minutes. Drain well. Cool slightly. Place in large bowl and mash with potato masher until smooth. Mix in fennel puree.
Melt butter with rosemary and 1 teaspoon sea salt in small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir butter mixture into fennel-potato puree. Mix in crème fraîche. Season to taste with more pepper and salt, if desired. Can be made 6 hours ahead. Transfer puree to large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill. Before serving, microwave on high until heated through, about 4 minutes.

Serves 8-10.

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Sausage, Dried Cranberry, and Apple Stuffing
From The Hearty Boys

Ingredients

1 pound mild bulk breakfast sausage
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only, cleaned well (about 2 large leeks)
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped celery with leaves
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 cup dried cranberries, rehydrated in boiling water for 15 minutes and drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
6 cups boxed bread cubes (croutons)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 to 3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Saute the sausage in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and drippings to a large bowl.
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to the skillet and saute until the leeks are soft, about 8 minutes.
Mix in the drained cranberries, sage and rosemary. Add the mixture to the sausage, then mix in the croutons and parsley. Next add the chicken stock a little at a time until the stuffing is very moist. Be sure not to overdo it; it shouldn't be mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a casserole dish. (The stuffing can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)
Bake in a 14-inch oval or 9 by 13-inch rectangular casserole dish and place, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the center piping hot. Remove and serve immediately.

Serves 8-10.

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Cranberry-Ginger Relish
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

1 bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar, ginger, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the cranberries have popped, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
Remove relish from heat. Let cool to room temperature, and serve (or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days).

Serves 8.

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The World's Easiest and Most Delicious Brownies. Ever.

partysugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:30:31 -0700

OK, so that title might be an exaggeration, but it got your attention, right? If you're looking for a delicious brownie recipe, I highly recommend you use this one. I've made it a million times and it always gets rave reviews.

Don't believe me? Well, 172 people praise it over on the Food Network's website. It's decadent, rich, and insanely chocolaty. Thanks to the help of a hand mixer and microwave, it takes about 15 minutes to make and another 15 to bake.

Since everything is more appealing mini, I like to slice them into small squares and serve as brownie bites. When paired with vanilla ice cream, they also make one mean brownie sundae. If you're a fan of fudgy brownies, you should stop reading this and make these - now! Get the recipe.

Green Bean Casserole Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:45:52 -0800

I mentioned last week that I've noticed casseroles making a comeback. What better time to bring them back than during the holidays? If you've got a lot to plan this Thanksgiving, stick with a no-muss, no-fuss recipe that'll be ready in around half an hour. If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, however, we've got just the expert green bean casserole for you, complete with homemade fried leek chips on top. To scope out both recipes, read more.

Beginner Green Bean Casserole
From Campbell's Casserole Kitchen

Ingredients

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. soy sauce
Dash ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions

Directions

Mix soup, milk, soy, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in 1 1/2-qt. casserole.
Bake at 350°F for 25 min. or until hot.
Stir. Sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake 5 min.

Serves 6.

Nutritional info using Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Calories 161, Total Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 4mg, Sodium 529mg, Total Carbohydrate 17g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 3g, Vitamin A 12%DV, Vitamin C 14%DV, Calcium 6%DV, Iron 3%DV

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Expert Green Bean Casserole
From The Hearty Boys

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter
2 shallots, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
8 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced
8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried sage
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sherry
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
Frizzled leeks:
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
1 leek
Superfine flour, for dredging (recommended: Wondra Flour)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Make sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, thyme and sage and saute until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook 5 more minutes.
Next add the sherry and stir until thickened.
Add the cream and simmer an additional 5 minutes. Set sauce aside. (Recipe can be made to this point up to 2 days before, refrigerated.)
Make frizzled leeks: Heat a couple inches of oil to 350 degrees F in a large, heavy pot. To check the oil temperature, drop a bread cube into it. If the cube browns within 30 seconds the oil is hot enough. Trim leek, slice in half lengthwise, and wash well under running water. Cut the root end off the leek and then cut each half lengthwise into long, thin strips. Season flour with salt and pepper. Dredge leek strips in flour. Fry leeks for 1 to 2 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
Melt the remaining butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beans, toss to coat with the butter and saute until bright green, about 7 minutes. They'll still be crispy. Season with salt and pepper and place on a platter.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and spoon over the beans. Top with the frizzled leeks.

Serves 8 to 10.

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Come Party With Me: Tailgate - Menu (Part II)

partysugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:13:33 -0700

I'm cheering on my alma mater by hosting a huge pre-game party. I host this tailgate every other year when the game takes place at Stanford. While the menu for the majority of the dishes changes - this year it consists of a variety of tasty football foods complete with chips, dips, and chicken wings - the desserts are always the same two classics. Since we will be enjoying the desserts next to the field, it's important to make something that is transportable and easy to eat.

Chocolate truffle brownies and zesty lemon bars are two crowd pleasing treats that score big points year after year. For these delicious dessert recipes, read more

Truffle Brownies
From The Hearty Boys

2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 stick margarine
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Chocolate ganache for topping, recipe follows
Special equipment: 9-inch round foil cake pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Using a hand held electric mixer, beat the eggs and salt together in a large mixing bowl until frothy. Add the sugar and beat until the eggs are thick and pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat an additional 30 seconds.
Put the margarine and chocolate in a microwave safe container and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to insure that the chocolate has melted. Microwave an additional 30 seconds, if needed.
With the mixer running, pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Add the flour and beat 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat an additional 30 seconds.
Spray the cake pan with a pan release spray and pour in the brownie batter. Place the pan on the top rack of the oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes until the center is barely set.*
Remove the pan from the oven and let cool. Top with the ganache and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
To serve, remove from freezer and slice immediately. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

*Cook's Note: If tested with a toothpick the center will still be gooey. If tested by touch, the center will be soft. It will set once frozen.

Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream

Put the chocolate chips and cream into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
Remove the bowl and stir with a whisk or fork until well mixed.
Use immediately. If using the ganache later it will need to be reheated.

Yield: 3/4 cup

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Lemon Bars
From Wolfgang Puck

Crust
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 ounces unsalted butter, cut into chunks
Lemon Custard
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup lemon zest
Confectioner’s sugar, for decorating

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. With the machine running, add the butter and continue to process until the mixture looks like coarse meal. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 12-by-18-inch baking pan. With your fingers, press it in to form an even layer of crust.
Bake the crust until light golden in color, 15 to 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the lemon custard topping. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sugar, flour, and salt and stir until well blended. Finally, stir in the lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest.
Pour the lemon mixture over the prebaked crust, return the pan to the oven, and continue to bake until the custard has set, 20 minutes more.
Remove the pan from the oven, let it cool to room temperature, and then chill, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, use a sharp knife to cut down through the topping and crust to make 3 dozen bars. Carefully pry them from the pan and dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Makes 3 dozen.

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Easy, Fruity, Delicious Dessert

partysugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:49:39 -0700

A Kir Royale is one of my favorite champagne cocktails, so when I came across this recipe for a healthier, lower-fat dessert full of the same flavors, I was definitely excited. This berrylicious creation is a cooling mix of fresh red berries and bubbly sparkling wine, laced with zesty lemon and fragrant mint. If that doesn't scream summer, I don't know what does! After a rich meal of grilled meats and cheesey salads, serve a refreshing dessert and your guests will go home happy. For a look at the recipe, read more

Black and Red Kir Royale Fruit Salad
From The Hearty Boys

1 cup seedless watermelon, diced
2 red plums, pitted and sliced
1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 pint blueberries
1 pint blackberries
1 bunch red seedless grapes
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup sparkling wine, chilled
1/4 cup Creme de Cassis
1 lemon, peel cut into strips, for garnish
1 bunch fresh mint, for garnish

Toss all the fruit together in a decorative bowl along with the lemon zest and refrigerate.
Immediately before serving, mix the sparkling wine and Cassis together and pour over the fruit.
Gently toss, garnish with the lemon peel and mint, and serve.

Serves 6 to 8.

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Adventures In Vegetarianism

partysugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:58:31 -0700

In her editor's letter in the April issue of Gourmet magazine, Ruth Reichl announces the arrival of a new feature devoted to hearty vegetarian recipes. With more and more restaurants offering a variety of vegetarian and even vegan dishes on their menus, in combination with the growing concern for environmentally-friendly living, the appeal of fresh, locally-grown, seasonal vegetables and legumes is suddenly extremely important in the food world. I recently decided I had better give in to the trend and veg out. Okay, it wasn't a conscious decision - I was on my second date with the boyishly charming Mr. I'minlikewithyou and he invited me to dinner at his favorite vegan place in San Francisco, Millennium. He promised me it was haute vegan cuisine with not even the slightest hint of hippie and an atmosphere that was chic, sophisticated, and elegant; boy was he right.

For the rest of my vegan escapade and all of the images of the scrumptious food,read more.

With its dim yellow lighting, wooden panels, tall ceilings, and crowded tables, Millennium turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The menu was overwhelming to someone who is normally frightened by bulgar, borlotti beans, and seitan sausages but with the subtle encouragement of my handsome new friend - and since this was an adventure - I blindly chose a starter (the smoked portabello collard roll) and entree (artichoke al cartoccio). The food was excellent, a multi-cultural culinary masterpiece that was flavorful, complex, and romantic. The service was impeccable and the surprise dessert sampling course was the perfect finish to a wonderful evening (the white chocolate tiramisu = to die for). I would love to say that Millennium is the city's best vegetarian restaurant, but seeing as this was my first adventure in vegetarianism I can't. What I can conclude is that it was one of the most refreshing and enjoyable dining experiences I've had in a long time - in both cuisine and company.

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Today's Special: Open-Faced Portobello Sandwiches

partysugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:57:32 -0700

Hefty portobello mushrooms are an excellent substitute for meat. The earthy, hearty mushroom adds protein and flavor to any meal, and is great for grilling, sauteing, or roasting. In tonight's case, the mushrooms act as the base of an open faced sandwich topped with a delicious vegetarian friendly mixture of cheese and herbs. The feta and fresh oregano give the mushrooms a Greek twist, and the grape tomato bites, added after baking, give it a salad like quality that is light and tasty. The creamy ricotta and tangy feta pair nicely with a bottle of Pinot Noir so why not invite your boy over for an impromptu dinner date? These sandwiches would make an intimate informal meal when concluded with fresh oranges and vanilla cookies. Happy Friday! Check out the recipe and read more

Open-Faced Portobello Sandwiches
From Vegetarian Times magazine

4 large portobello mushroom caps, about 5 oz. each
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 large egg, beaten
8 oz. crumbled feta cheese
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
3 Tbs. fresh oregano plus extra for garnish
3 Tbs. fresh snipped dillweed plus extra for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
20 grape tomatoes, halved

Preheat oven to 425F.
Wipe mushroom caps clean, snap off stem ends and carefully scrape out black gills. Brush each cap lightly with oil. Set mushrooms aside.
Combine egg, feta cheese and ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix well, and stir in oregano, dillweed, salt and pepper.
Divide cheese filling equally among portobello caps, and place on cookie sheet or baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until tops turn golden.
Remove from oven, garnish with tomatoes and serve.

Serves 4.

PER SERVING: 320 CAL; 19 G PROT; 20 G TOTAL FAT ( 11 SAT. FAT) ; 17 G CARB.; 120 MG CHOL; 720 MG SOD.; 3 G FIBER; 10 G SUGARS

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