Jun 25, 2009 -
Although her demonstration at the Food & Wine Classic was first thing on Saturday morning, Giada de Laurentiis was full of bubbly energy. In front of a huge audience she cooked three dishes — fregola salad with citrus and red onion, prosciutto lamb burgers, and a ricotta cappuccino dessert — while answering questions from the crowd. Now that she's a mother, it's very clear that Giada is all about her family.
- 3 Comments
May 28, 2009 -
At a rehearsal dinner, don't go overboard with the alcohol. The last thing you'll (whether you're the bride, maid of honor, or a guest) want to deal with on the big day is a hangover. Don't offer a full bar, instead tempt guests with one cocktail, beer, wine, and sodas.
- 1 Comment
Apr 17, 2009 -
When it comes to cooking, there are many basic recipes that are like building blocks. Take a simple vinaigrette, for example: once you know the most common ratio of oil to vinegar, you can easily change and enhance the flavor by adding herbs, garlic, finely grated cheese, mustard, honey, citrus, or whatever ingredients entice your tastebuds. Our new regular feature, The Basics, highlights these important recipes.
- 12 Comments
Apr 16, 2009 -
When we recently disagreed with the assertion that cooking shows are too unrealistic, many of you seemed to share our opinion that food TV can actually be rather inspiring. Well, here's another question for you to ponder: Should TV chefs serve as role models?
In a Huffington Post article titled "Nasty Habits of Food Network Celebrities," columnist Isabel Cowles criticizes Food Network chefs like Giada De Laurentiis, Sandra Lee, and Guy Fieri for "encouraging wasteful, unhealthy behavior."Cowles derides De Laurentiis for using (and not recycling) nearly 1,000 square inches of aluminum foil on an episode of Everyday Italian.
- 16 Comments
Feb 16, 2009 -
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.
- 14 Comments
Feb 11, 2009 -
If you're not cooking a romantic dinner for two this Valentine's Day, then give this strangely delicious sandwich a shot. Made with salty, creamy brie and dark chocolate, this panini is neither a full-on dessert or a savory entree, but the sticky, gooey results will have you licking your fingers anyway. I've been curious to try this ever since PartySugar featured it on the menu of her wine and chocolate tasting, so I whipped up a batch on the panini press the other day.
- 35 Comments
Dec 18, 2008 -
For an Italian-style seafood dinner on Christmas Eve, plan on pouring Italian wines and an Italian cocktail called sgroppino. This icy concoction is made with vodka, Prosecco, and lemon sorbet. The recipe serves 2, but it's easily alterable to make a large batch.
- 4 Comments
Nov 13, 2008 -
Looking for the perfect appetizer to serve at Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than this delicious mushroom and pancetta crostata. A crostata is an Italian free-form tart that's similar to a savory pie.
- 15 Comments
Nov 07, 2008 -
Last week, while at my parents house, I was watching an old episode of Everyday Italian when my mom turned to me and said, "Let's make that cocktail!" With its vibrant color it looked amazing, so we sent my dad to the store to pick up the ingredients. The recipe calls for maraschino liqueur, a spirit that's pretty difficult to find.
- 6 Comments
Oct 25, 2008 -
When I learned that today is World Pasta Day, my imagination began to run wild. What should I make to celebrate? The options were endless: baked ziti; pasta alla norma; linguine with white clam sauce.
- 5 Comments
