YumSugar

Turkey Roulade Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:50:33 -0800

This Thanksgiving, surprise guests by offering a main dish that's a slight departure from the typical turkey roast: a turkey roulade. In case you aren't familiar with the term, it merely refers to any kind of meat that's been rolled around a filling and then cooked. The result? A platter that looks more elaborate and grand than any run-of-the-mill roasted turkey.

Ironically, despite the dish's opulent appearance, a roulade is rather simple, and can make for an ideal entree at a beginner's Thanksgiving. Lean on gourmet canned vegetables, like marinated artichokes and mushrooms, to create the filling for your rolled turkey. Or, if you're up to the challenge, make a traditional roulade that's served with from-scratch stuffing and a cider gravy. Does either interest you? Then read more.

Stuffed Squash Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:12 -0800

If you're attending a potluck this Thanksgiving and have been assigned to bring a side, be sure to pick something that's classic yet breaks just enough from the norm, so you know there won't be repeated dishes on the table.

Why not spring for the always stress-free and elegant course known as stuffed squash? Keep it simple and fill the gourd with an Italian-inspired medley of sausage, garlic, peppers, and cheese. Alternately, add another layer of texture by simmering couscous, then fluffing it into a sweet-savory dressing of ground beef, onions, cranberries, and walnuts. For a Thanksgiving side - or everyday meal! - that's sophisticated yet straightforward, keep reading.

Glazed Carrots Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:07 -0800

It isn't a true Thanksgiving meal without loads of sides, scattered around the table like banchan at a Korean barbecue. And one side (other than creamed spinach) that I can't do without is a bowl of candied carrots.

The premise behind glazed carrots couldn't be more basic: you simmer the root vegetables in some form of sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey, etc.) until the sauce has thickened and coats the carrots.

If you're taking part in a beginner, budget-conscious, or fast Thanksgiving dinner, opt for a two-step recipe made of only four pantry ingredients. Alternately, add citrus for a side that has layers of complexity. Scope out both recipes after the break.

Halloween Fingers Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:50:39 -0700

Whether you're throwing or attending a Halloween bash this weekend, chances are you'll need some flavorful frights to go with whatever hard drinks you're having on All Hallow's Eve. Go ghoulish - but not too gruesome! - with a treat that's also a bit of a trick: bony witches' fingers. Make a handful in a flash with the help of pre-made breadstick dough. Going for the realistic? Take the time to make them from scratch, knuckles, almond fingernails, and all. Tickled yet by one or both recipes? Get them after the jump.

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.

Butternut Squash Salad Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:50:44 -0700

October has barely begun, but I already miss my favorite Summer salads. Thankfully, I've got plenty of autumnal ingredients, like roasted butternut squash, to add into the fresh mix. If you plan meals ahead of time, channel your focus into a Fall salad with lots of splendid details, like port-soaked raisins, toasted walnuts, and oven-broiled goat cheese. Hoping to make the salad the night of? You still can - with the help of apples, cheese, cranberries, and a speedy balsamic glaze. Decide which one works best for you and read more.

Chicken Curry Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:51 -0700

To spice lovers like myself, chicken curry is the ideal, all-purpose meal. It's a well-balanced, relatively fast, one-pot dinner with loads of personality. For guests who don't go for the fiery factor, I simply cut down on the number of spices and chiles; when I'm cooking for myself, I'll take the dish a few notches higher on the Scoville scale.

If you're preoccupied with other tasks or don't like to cook with raw meat, reach for a rotisserie chicken and blended spice mix to cut your prep time in half. Looking to save a buck, and have a few minutes to spare? Begin by browning chicken thighs, then simmer them in a sweet and spicy curry broth with aromatics until falling-apart tender. Check out the recipes and keep reading.

Poached Figs Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:30:57 -0700

The narrow window of time that bridges late Summer with early Autumn is high time for figs, and I have this season's abundance thanks to a sale at my local market. Figs taste lovely when they're poached in syrup and offered as the close to an evening meal, so perhaps I'll simmer them briefly in Sambuca and finish them with a sweet-salty topping of pine nuts and fresh ricotta. Or, if I've got the time, I'll coat them in a slow-cooked sauce of herbs and spices, then serve with vanilla-imbued mascarpone. Considering the difficult decision I'm faced with, I may prepare both! Decide which recipe suits you and get them both.

Chicken Posole Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:50:53 -0700

I don't often throw big blowouts like Party does, but I still love an excuse to celebrate in my own way. So, to honor Mexican Independence Day (which just happens to be today - olé!), I'm making a spicy soup called chicken posole. With chicken broth, roasted chicken, hominy, and chiles, this rustic stew is down-home, South-of-the-border cooking at its best. Since I'm preparing ahead, I'll be putting together an elaborate rendition with homemade chicken stock, flash-fried tortilla strips, and pureéd ancho chiles, but in the future, when another posole craving inevitably strikes, I'll reach for a similar two-step recipe that does the trick, too. Decide which recipe's best for you

Empanadas Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:50:33 -0700

With so many Summer activities going on, I've been looking for more delectables to fit my on-the-go lifestyle. My new favorite snack is empanadas. The savory delicacies are not only perfect for portable snacking, but they're an easy way to use up leftover ingredients, and double as an appetizer for impromptu gatherings. Simply keep uncooked ones in the freezer, and bake them as necessary. Strapped for time or new to cooking? Take advantage of premade pizza dough to make mini-pockets in minutes. Or set aside a few hours to mix together homemade pastry dough - it'll make the crust extra flaky. Decide which recipe suits you best.