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The Not-So-Amateur Gourmet Joins Food Network

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:28:31 -0800

Adam Roberts, everyone's favorite Amateur Gourmet is getting his own online show. Called The FN Dish, the weekly show is a behind-the-scenes look at what's going on at the Food Network. It'll also cover food-related ideas, recipes, and stories that Adam finds exciting.

In his first few episodes, he interviews all the big Food Network stars. It's a little fan gushy, but not too much, and I really am looking forward to seeing what he cooks up, especially his coverage of the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. If you're interested to see what Adam whips up behind the scenes of Food Network then check out the first episode of The FN Dish just read more.

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Come Party With Me: Last-Minute Thanksgiving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:50:22 -0800

Thanksgiving is two days away, and if you've all of a sudden realized that you're in charge of planning, cooking, and hosting a dinner, don't freak out. I've got your back - and an incredibly easy menu that can be put together in just about two hours. For the appetizers, take some help from the store. Pick up your favorite cheese, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. Use these items to throw together an uncomplicated yet stunning cheese display. When it comes to the main course, the simpler the better. Serve turkey breast roasted with lemon and thyme, mashed sweet potato paprika puree, and a hearty, healthy portion of braised kale.

Thanksgiving isn't about the quantity of food, it's about the quality of conversation you have while enjoying the meal. To savor these dishes with loved ones, get the recipes and read more.

Early Bird Turkey
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

Two 2 3/4-pound boneless turkey breast halves with skin on
One 2 1/4-pound bone-in turkey thigh
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1 lemon, halved crosswise
1/2 cup chicken broth
Store-bought cranberry sauce, for serving

Directions

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400°. Arrange the turkey parts on a rimmed baking sheet, tucking the smaller end of each breast under to make an even thickness. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the thyme, salt and pepper. Place the lemon halves, cut side down, in the pan. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in each piece registers 155°, about 55 minutes.
Transfer the turkey parts to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil; let stand for 20 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, pour the chicken broth into the baking sheet, scraping up any browned bits. Pour into a microwaveable cup; skim the fat that rises to the surface. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Serve the turkey pan sauce with the sliced turkey and cranberry sauce.

Serves 8.

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Sweet-Potato Purée With Smoked Paprika
From Gourmet

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and softened
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sweet or hot smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

Directions

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
Prick each potato once with a fork, then bake potatoes in a foil-lined shallow baking pan until tender, about 1 hour.
When cool enough to handle, peel, then cut away any eyes or dark spots.
Purée potatoes with butter, cream, paprika, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth.

Serves 8.

Make Ahead: Purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled in an airtight container. Reheat in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.

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Braised Kale
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
3 pounds kale, stems and inner ribs discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a very large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken stock, then add the kale in large handfuls, letting it wilt slightly before adding more. Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook over moderate heat until the kale is tender, about 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Serves 12.

Make Ahead: The braised kale can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Reheat before serving.

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More Details on Gourmet's Collapse

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:32 -0700

Yesterday morning began with breaking news that, after 68 years of publication, Gourmet was going out of print, and now we have more details on the magazine's collapse. Although the glossy will cease to exist, the Gourmet brand will live on through book publishing and TV programs. Staffers at the magazine were first unaware, then teary-eyed and harried, as they were allegedly given 48 hours to leave.

According to publisher Condé Nast, which staunchly defended its position, star editor Ruth Reichl will likely part ways with the publishing house, although this has not been confirmed. She, too, admitted her surprise, tweeting, "Thank you all so much for this outpouring of support. We're all stunned, sad . . . Hard to believe it's over."

Hard to believe indeed. From food personalities to subscribers, everyone has shown an overwhelming amount of regret. I'll miss the pages of exquisite photography and timeless travel pieces, and Party doesn't know how she'll live without the recipes. What will you miss about Gourmet?

Gourmet Magazine to Fold

YumSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:43:25 -0700

This morning, Condé Nast announced its oldest food title, Gourmet magazine, is folding. There were telltale signs of trouble: the glossy, which will print its last issue in November, just underwent budget cuts. As early as the onset of 2009, rumors were already flying that Gourmet would not see the end of the year.

The speculation didn't prepare me for the shellshock of Gourmet's demise. After all, the magazine, which has been published since December 1940, is an institution. I would have thought they could cut issues to six a year, or even quarterly, before shutting down such a venerable publication. It's wishful thinking, but a part of me hopes this is just some sort of sick publicity stunt. Are you as stunned as I am?

Come Party With Me: Bold Flavorful Thanksgiving - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:50:48 -0800

Are you sick of the same old, boring Thanksgiving recipes? Then this year, why not shake things up and serve a menu that is bold, flavorful, and eye-catching? Start with fried polenta bites with spicy chorizo. The focal point is a vibrantly colored turkey coated in adobo and red-chile gravy. On the side: cornbread stuffing, chile scalloped sweet potatoes, cranberry citrus compote, and olive oil mashed potatoes with manchego cheese.

While the traditional elements are there, each of these recipes has a slight twist making them oh-so-modern. Use all to host a memorable meal or incorporate one or two into your menu. The recipes, after the jump.

Noteworthy Nibbles - Sept. 23-29, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:54 -0700

This week, spice up your free time with the chili cook-offs that are setting the country aflame. Whether you're looking for an epicurean adventure at the Bellagio, or something more along the lines of a back-country roadkill cook-off, you're in luck. Check out what's going on in your neck of the woods this week, and let us know if we've left anything off the list!

Sante Fe, NM: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta - Sept. 24-28
Las Vegas, NV: Gourmet's Taste of Bellagio - Sept. 25
New York, NY: Joy of Sake New York - Sept. 25
Providence, RI: Food for Thought - Sept. 25
London, KY: World Chicken Festival - Sept. 25-28

To see the rest, read more.

Emporia, VA: Virginia Peanut Festival - Sept. 25-28
Kingwood, WV: Preston County Buckwheat Festival - Sept. 25-28
Marlinton, WV: West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off - Sept. 26
Charlotte, NC: Culinary Arts Experience - Sept. 26-27
Irmo, SC: Okra Strut - Sept. 26-27
Los Angeles, CA: American Wine & Food Festival - Sept. 26-28
Lawrenceburg, KY: Anderson County Burgoo Festival - Sept. 26-28
Los Angeles, CA: Feast of San Gennaro - Sept. 26-28
Redondo Beach, CA: Redondo Beach Lobster Festival - Sept. 26-28
Cape Charles,VA: Fall Tomato Festival - Sept. 26-28
Warrens, WI: Warrens Cranberry Festival - Sept. 26-28
Wilmington, VT: Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival - Sept. 26-28
Atlanta, GA: The Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off - Sept. 27
Wichita, KS: Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cook-Off - Sept. 27
Charlottesville, VA: Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival - Sept. 27
Urbana, IL: International Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off - Sept. 27
Orlando, FL: Festival de Sabores - Sept. 27
St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Wine Festival - Sept. 27-28
Saugerties, NY: Hudson Valley Garlic Festival - Sept. 27-28
Newport, RI: Taste of Rhode Island - Sept. 27-28
San Jose, CA: Family Festa - Sept. 27-28
Manassas, VA: Virginia Wine Festival - Sept. 27-28

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Place for Pig-alles a Foodie Meet-Up

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:01:15 -0700

On Sunday night I had the lovely opportunity to meet a few wonderful food bloggers face to face. From left to right we have Catherine of Food Musings (who was delightful and funny), the secretive couple from BunRab (who's site I didn't know but have since fallen in love with their photos and their wild story about how they were the first couple married at the French Laundry back when it just opened), Kristen of Give Me Some Food (who actually went to college with Adam, proving my theory that foodies somehow attract other foodies), and the visiting Adam of the The Amateur Gourmet (who's working on a book right now). Also present were Sam & Fred of Becks & Posh (who arrived soon after the photo was snapped and were even more charming than I imagined them to be). We ended up at Place Pigalle over in Hayes Valley (a neighborhood here in San Francisco). I'd never been there before and wasn't 100% sure where it was - that is, until I got there and realized I'd walked past it a bajillion times. It was a low-key bar with lots of beers on tap, a decent wine selection and a great happy hour price (pint of Stella less than 3 bucks). Plus it got bonus points for big booths and a foosball table.

So, what does a table full of food bloggers talk about? If you said food you'd only be partly correct. We also, somehow ended up talking about American pop-culture and American Idol for much longer than I'd like to admit. However we did talk a lot about food. Adam is visiting from New York and has a large list of places that he's hoping to make it to. In fact, the night before we met, he drove out to Yountville to visit Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc. Talking to him made me realize. Wow, I live here and I've never been to half the places he's going to make it to - this has got to change. I'm going to have to start going out more often...

Our conversation also made me realize the funny lengths we go to for a good meal. So tell me everyone, what's the furthest distance you've ever gone for a good meal?

And hey Adam, next time we meet I will (a) have a gift for you and (b) take you up on that foosball challenge.

Recall: 286,000 Pounds of Meat and Poultry

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:15:00 -0700

If you're thinking about grilling this week or have a freezer packed with convenience foods, check your meat. Gourmet Boutique, a food company based in Queens, NY, is recalling 286,000 pounds of meat and poultry. The recall is voluntary and includes more than 30 types of fresh and frozen products produced by the company, which may be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. The USDA reports that the contamination was discovered in sampling done by federal food safety inspectors and Florida agriculture officials.

The recall includes fresh meat and chicken salad produced between April 19 and 24, 2008. The frozen products were produced between Oct. 23, 2007 and April 23, 2008. Some of the products to look out for are Gourmet Boutique Curry Chicken Salad, Gourmet Boutique Turkey Club Twister, and Jan’s Buffalo Bob tortilla wrap sandwiches. Frozen foods include Archer Farms mini beef burritos, pulled-pork burritos, and chicken burritos.

There haven't been any cases of illness yet, but the bacteria could potentially cause Listeriosis, which involves a high fever, headache, and nausea. More seriously, people with weak immune systems could suffer from fatal infections. Consumers with questions about the recall can call Gourmet Boutique's recall hotline at (347) 887-0083.

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 14-20, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

It's only Tuesday, but I'm already looking forward to the multitude of festivals this weekend.

There are so many in the Bay Area alone that I can't decide whether to hit up the Santana Row Pear Festival, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, or the Monterey Wine Festival. I suppose I might just rock them all!

Have we left something out? If so, please drop us a line in the comments below!

San Francisco, CA: Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting - Oct. 14
New York, NY: At the Table: New York - Oct. 14
Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village - Oct. 14-20
Circleville, OH: Circleville Pumpkin Show - Oct. 15-18
Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Oktoberfest - Oct. 16-19
Crowley, LA: International Rice Festival - Oct. 16-19
New York, NY: 6th Annual Gourmet Institute - Oct. 17-19
Paso Robles, CA: Harvest Wine Weekend - Oct. 17-19

To see the rest, read more.

Niceville, FL: Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival - Oct. 17-19
Hood River, OR: Hood River Valley Harvest Festival - Oct. 17-19
Atlantic City, NJ: Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 17-19
Poquoson, VA: Poquoson Seafood Festival - Oct. 17-19
Shenandoah, VA: Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival - Oct. 17-19
Richmond Hill, GA: Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival - Oct. 17-19
Chackbay, LA: Louisiana Gumbo Fest of Chackbay - Oct. 17-19
Llano, TX: Llano Chuck Wagon Cook-Off - Oct. 18
Pittsburgh, PA: Good Taste! Pittsburgh - Oct. 18
Chincoteague, VA: Chili & Chowder Cookoff - Oct. 18
Half Moon Bay, CA: Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Oct. 18-19
Chicago, IL: Tour de Champagne - Oct. 18
Wellfleet, MA: Wellfleet OysterFest - Oct. 18-19
Millville, NJ: South Jersey Pumpkin Show - Oct. 18-19
Cullman, AL: Alabama Gourd Festival - Oct. 18-19
Cedar Key, FL: Cedar Key Seafood Festival - Oct. 18-19
Leonardtown, MD: St. Mary's County Oyster Festival - Oct. 18-19
Salisbury, MD: Wicomico County Autumn Wine Festival - Oct. 18-19
Gautier, MS: Gautier Mullet & Music Fest - Oct. 18-19
Chatsworth, NJ: The Cranberry Festival of Chatsworth - Oct. 18-19
Newport, RI: Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival - Oct. 18-19
Richmond, VA: Shockoe on the Halfshell - Oct. 18-19
Berkeley, CA: Spice of Life Festival - Oct. 19
New York, NY: Apple Day - Oct. 19
San Jose, CA: Santana Row Pear Festival - Oct. 19
Welches, OR: Wild About Game Festival - Oct. 19
San Francisco, CA: Fiesta on the Hill - Oct. 19
Philadelphia, PA: Foodie Venture Fair - Oct. 19-27
San Francisco, CA: Nirvino Female Bartender Cocktail Competition - Oct. 20

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Yummy Links: From Stephen Colbert to Elton John

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 14:59:11 -0800

It's finally official, Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert inspired Americone Dream launched last night. Check out the video clip and promotional pictures. - BuzzSugar

I can't seem to get enough of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival coverage. Especially when it has a fun recap like this one (behind the bash photos and more), makes me really wish I'd been there.- Food Network Addict
Fer Food breaks down the difference between a yam and a sweet potato. - via Tastespotting
New York Magazine asked four members of the fashion community (two models, an editor, and a show producer) to keep food diaries during fashion week. Interesting how the model eats more than the editor. - via Serious Eats

Does the flame in a Flaming Dr. Pepper, really bring anything to the party? - Liquor Snob
Leave it to the BBC to bring us Kill It, Cook It, Eat It, a program designed to "bring together the two key moments... the death of the animal and the eating of its meat."- Megnut
Who knows what sort of stuff you'll find when you look for food related things on youtube. Would you have stumbled upon Elton John composing Oven-Instruction Music? - The Amateur Gourmet