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YumTV: How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

partysugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:27 -0800

This Thanksgiving, why not turn up the volume on your basic mashed potatoes? One way to do this is by adding cheese. Watch now to learn how!

YumSugar's Must-Try Mac and Cheese Recipes

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:50:04 -0800

I've kicked off November (the biggest food month of the year!) by resolving to give thanks for something every day. And in a few weeks, when it's holiday time, there's one thing that I'll be grateful for: our recent recipe series dedicated solely to macaroni and cheese. We sifted through numerous recipes to come up with 10 timeless dishes that, regardless of what kind of Thanksgiving you're planning, will be a smash hit. Ready for the macstravaganza? Then read on.

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Yum's November Must Haves

partysugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:50:31 -0800

Fall is flying by and it's time to start prepping for the most food-centric holiday of the year, Thanksgiving. Turkey day requires special ingredients, cooking equipment, and entertaining supplies, so we've rounded up some important items that will help you out during November. Here are our must haves for this month.

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Killer App: Savory Pumpkin Puffs

partysugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:01 -0700

With it's flaky, crispy, and buttery layers, I never tire of puff pastry in a savory appetizer preparation. I always make sure my freezer is stocked with the easy-to-manage dough because it's ideal for impromptu entertaining. Roll it with some herbs and prosciutto and you've got pinwheels. Or, if you have a festive cookie cutter and a little more time, you can make these cheesy pumpkin puffs.The name of this recipe is somewhat misleading. There is no pumpkin flavor involved; the pumpkin refers to the cookie cutter's shape. Despite this fact, these gruyere, Parmesan, and mustard-filled puffs are amazing. They're the perfect little bite to begin a party as they pair with everything from sparkling wine to beer to cocktails. To look at the recipe, which would be welcome at any occasion between Halloween and Thanksgiving, read more.

Savory Pumpkin Puffs
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

All-purpose flour, for parchment
1 standard package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups finely grated Gruyere cheese
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Generously flour two pieces of parchment paper; on each, roll out an unfolded pastry sheet to form a 15-by-13-inch rectangle, about 1/16 inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir the paprika into the melted butter.
Remove pastry from the refrigerator, and brush off excess flour. Spread a rectangle of pastry with mustard; sprinkle with both cheeses. Season with pepper. Lay a second pastry rectangle on top.
Place a sheet of parchment on top of the stacked pastry; using a rolling pin, roll until smooth and pastry layers are sealed together.
Remove parchment, and brush top of pastry with butter mixture. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
With a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut into 18 to 24 shapes.
Immediately place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp paring knife, score each shape four or five times to make pumpkin ridges.
Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer puffs to a wire rack; let cool slightly before serving.

Makes 18-24.

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Yummy Links: From Rachael Ray to Cupcake Wars

partysugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:33 -0700

To encourage kids to eat healthier, Rachael Ray is cooking her soft tacos for public schools in New York. - New York Daily News
Your local mixologist may be earning a lot more money than you think. - Grub Street NY
Why not make your own baby food at home?- The Epi-Log
American cheeses are gaining popularity in Europe. - Wall Street Journal
An inside look at the Food Network's new Cook or Be Cooked video game. - Eat Me Daily
El Pollo Loco responds to KFC's free chicken deal with their own free chicken promotion. - Eater
Learn how Heston Blumenthal cooks sous vide. - Serious Eats
Get a glimpse of San Francisco's recent Cupcake Wars. - Chow

Must Make: Triple Decker Italian Cheese Sandwich

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:44 -0700

When I was little there was nothing as comforting as a grilled cheese sandwich. Although I enjoyed its crisply toasted exterior and gooey melted-cheese center, what I loved most about a grilled cheese was the name. For the longest time, I thought they were called "girl cheese sandwiches," meaning that the sandwich was something so special and delicious only girls like myself got to enjoy them. Eventually, I learned that boys ate them too, but at that point, I was so smitten by the classic combination of cheese and bread that I didn't care. My latest favorite "girl" cheese sandwich is actually a baked cheese sandwich. With its three cheeses (fontina, provolone, and parmesan), triple decker, and slow roasted tomatoes, it's far more gourmet than anything I devoured as a child. However, it still is everything a classic grilled cheese should be: nostalgic, comforting, and sublimely scrumptious. To savor every bite of this sandwich yourself, get the recipe now.

Mac Attack! Gorgonzola Apple Macaroni and Cheese

YumSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:54 -0700

I love blue cheese, but occasionally find that it can overpower a dish with its pungent flavor. But after appreciating its modest contribution to last week's buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, I was ready to give it a starring role.

One of my favorite versions of macaroni and cheese in San Francisco is made by Solstice, a restaurant and bar in my neighborhood. One taste of the creamy, steamy, slightly sharp mac - which is foiled by tart green apples and toasted walnuts - and all of the day's problems have vanished.

Since I've enjoyed it so many times at the restaurant, I took a stab at recreating it in my own kitchen. My attempt wasn't too bad, although I decided next time I'll make a few variations to the béchamel, which are noted below. Curious to see how I made it? Find out after the break.

Simple Tip: Use Parmesan Rinds to Flavor Soups

partysugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:30:12 -0700

Good-quality cheese is expensive and if I'm going to purchase a wedge of imported Italian Parmesan cheese, I like to use the entire chunk - including the rind. Luckily, I learned a long time ago that the rinds can be used to season soups and stews. Once you've grated all the cheese off, wrap the rind tightly in plastic wrap and throw in the freezer. The next time you make minestrone, chicken noodle soup, or any other Italian-style, stock-based soup or light stew, simply toss the rind in. It will melt and seep a nutty, cheesy goodness into the soup. How easy is that?!

Do you reserve and reuse cheese rinds? Tell us how below!

Mac Attack! Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

YumSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:35 -0700

From classic stovetop shells to leek-and-cheddar penne, I've never met a mac and cheese I don't like. But the recipe I'd been craving most of all was one that, up until recently, only lived in my imagination: buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese.

My fantasy finally became reality one weekend when I put together all the elements I'd dreamed about. Al dente elbows of pasta, coated in creamy, sharp cheese sauce, topped with hot pepper sauce and crispy chicken.

It only occurred to me after sinking my teeth into the first bite that I could improve upon it even more by dotting the top with blue cheese crumbles and diced celery squares. That's why I can't wait to make it again! The epitome of indulgence, after the break.

Do You Like Processed Cheese?

YumSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:45:50 -0700

As someone who loves the lowbrow as much as the highbrow, I eat processed American cheese more times a week than I care to admit. I'll never turn down a creamy Robiola, but I'll also never stray far from processed cheese, especially if it's on a burger or in cheese dip. I had been embarrassed about it, but recently I discovered I'm not alone in the food world. A Gourmet writer extolled its mild flavors and creamy texture, and Eric Ripert even holds some appreciation for it. Do you love it as much as we do?