Oct 02, 2009 -
This October, instead of being bummed about Summer's departure, I've decided to get excited for Fall. I've changed the background on my phone to an image of autumnal flowers, I've searched FabSugar for Fall-look inspiration, I've decorated my house with white pumpkins, and most importantly, I've starting sipping this apple cocktail.
Apples are a quintessential ingredient at this time of year, thus a stimulating concoction made with apple cider and dark rum seems seasonally appropriate.
- 3 Comments
Sep 13, 2009 -
Last week, I pounded some pork cutlets and put them on the grill. They were such a smash hit with my crowd that I'm going to use the same technique again this weekend — only this time, with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I'll be coating chicken paillards with a marinade that's filled with my favorite flavorings, like grainy French mustard, shallots, and dill, and serving it alongside cherry tomatoes tossed with the same bright dressing.
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Jul 30, 2009 -
Until I discovered this recipe, I'd never considered eating raw corn off the cob. But since devouring these chile-rubbed shrimp with avocado-corn salsa, I've been adding raw corn to all of my salads. Now that you're a pro at cutting corn off the cob, try enjoying Summer's sweet bounty in a spicy shrimp taco.
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Jul 29, 2009 -
The Reuben is such a classic American sandwich that two people claim to have invented it: Reuben Kulakofsky of Omaha, NE, who enjoyed the sandwich at a weekly poker game, and New York deli owner Arthur Reuben, who said he first made the sandwich around 1914.
Who first grilled up that savory stack of rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, we'll probably never know. But that won't stop me from enjoying an endless parade of Reuben recipes, from pastrami to tempeh.
- 3 Comments
Jul 19, 2009 -
Today, I'm planning a popular Italian-American supper, eggplant parmigiana. To prove that it can be just as enjoyable in warm weather as it is comforting in Winter, I'll be keeping my oven turned off and making use of the grill grates instead — grilling adds a smoky flavor to an already substantive vegetable. When preparing this dish, be sure to slice the eggplant right before using to prevent any discoloration.
- 5 Comments
Jun 17, 2009 -
Lobster rolls might just be the world's most ideal on-the-go treat: they're highbrow yet informal, portable yet palatable, and, like all shore food, pair perfectly with a balmy breeze. For my next outdoor meal — likely to be a picnic at a Summer concert —I'll surprise everyone with these simple yet stunning sandwiches. If I have the time, I'd love to steam live lobster myself and make my own mayonnaise for the freshest roll in town — but if I don't have the bandwidth, I'll still wow the crowd, using pre-cooked lobster meat and fresh hot dog buns.
- 2 Comments
Jun 08, 2009 -
June is National Iced Tea month and with the warm weather and long, lazy days, there's no better time for a thirst-quenching glass of iced tea. While making iced tea can be as simple as pouring fresh brewed tea over a tall pitcher of ice, there are hundreds of more complex varieties. I've scoured the Internet for the most innovative recipes.
- 3 Comments
Jun 03, 2009 -
Now that it's Summer, all the attention has been turned to typical warm-weather fare, like barbecue and burgers. But don't discount fresh seafood dishes as wonderful additions to any backyard feast. Items like ceviche and shrimp rémoulade will help break up monotony at the appetizer table — as will an exotic, indulgent seafood cocktail.
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May 26, 2009 -
Now that Summer's officially started, head to the picnic grounds and fire up the grill for some succulent pork burgers. If you've already got burger patties to transport, opt for an easy-to-pack fruit salad for dessert.
This versatile, naturally sweet salad makes the most of Summer's beloved fruits.
- 8 Comments
May 14, 2009 -
If you're hosting a party — like Ronda's belly dancing-themed bachelorette — that begins in the early evening and carries on until the wee hours of morning at a second location, skip the shots and hard alcohol. You don't want guests getting too wasted too quickly, and you'll save money by not having to purchase a bunch of liquor.
At a bachelorette, serve a girly, bubbly cocktail like this lavender and peach bellini.
- 3 Comments