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In Season: Spring Onions

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:30:48 -0700

It's hard to appreciate the onset of Spring without considering the glorious bounty of new produce options at the farmers market. This week, I was enraptured by the spring onions.

Don't confuse a spring onion with its close counterpart, the long, thin scallion (or green onion). Spring onions are more petite than leeks, and look different from scallions because they will bulge near the root: they are simply young onions that have been pulled before they develop into conventional onions. These seasonal vegetables are milder than regular onions yet zippier and sweeter than green onions. Learn how to pick and enjoy them when you read more.

Select bunches of spring onions that have perky leaves, a vivid green color, and a firm bulb that may be either white or purple (there is little difference in flavor between the two). They will store in a perforated bag in the refrigerator for several days. They don't last as long as regular onions and, like scallions, will turn slimy. To prepare, soak and wash thoroughly of all dirt and sand, and trim off the roots; cut off the top of the greens, and slice the bulb into rounds.

Because of their mild flavor, spring onions taste great in raw salads; they can also be grilled, roasted, or stir-fried. Use them in place of onions or scallions in a dish, or consider one of these ideas:

Glaze onions in a sauté pan and serve as an agro-dolce appetizer.
Reserve the tougher green tops for use in vegetable or chicken stock.
Stir into mashed potatoes to make the classic Irish dish, champ.
Caramelize and purée them in a creamy bisque.

What do you think of spring onions, and what are your favorite ways to enjoy them?

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.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew

partysugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 06:50:34 -0700

According to the food dictionary on Epicurious, stew is a "method of cooking by which food is barely covered with liquid and simmered slowly for a long period of time." However, this recipe proves that a rich flavorful stew can come together in under 30 minutes.

The key is to use a tender cut of meat like perfectly in-season Spring lamb. White wine, canned tomatoes, and store-bought chicken broth combine to make the simple sauce. To experiment with this quick-cooking stew, read more.

Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew
From Real Simple

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds lamb steaks (top round or shoulder), bones removed and meat cut into 2-inch pieces
kosher salt and black pepper
4 carrots, cut into 3-inch sticks
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
4 ounces green beans, cut into small pieces (about 1 cup)
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the lamb with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until medium-rare, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a plate.
Add the carrots, onion, and the remaining oil to the pot. Cook until beginning to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and scrape up any brown bits.
Add the broth, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the lamb, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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Tom Colicchio Makes a Bloody Good Drink

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:00:28 -0700

While I rang in the season premiere of True Blood with a sublime red velvet cookie sandwich, Tom Colicchio was inspiring fans of the show to get in the kitchen as well.

Top Chef's head judge is no newbie to plugging drinks - witness his Diet Coke commercial spot. But on this segment of "The Perspective" with Victoria Davis, he goes above and beyond, making a beverage for fictitious, blood-sucking friends: "I have a few friends that are vampires, and I've had this issue. We go out, and I'm sitting there through appetizer, and entree, and dessert, and they're just kind of nursing a TruBlood," he says. See the video when you read more.

Watch the clip of the celebrated chef below, making a warm "meal in a glass" with sugar snap peas, chicken broth, fennel, favas, spring onions, and beet juice. Would you try making this? Do you find this segment as ridiculous and cheesy as I do?

Source

What's Cooking at Slashfood

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:30:00 -0700

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

Gordon Ramsay apologizes for calling an Australian TV host a pig.
Take advantage of the barbecue and make a memorable Summer drink, smoked lemonade.
For added flavor - and health benefits - toss turmeric into your favorite dishes.
The best way to enjoy morels is to serve them simply in a scramble with eggs, spring onions, and asparagus.
Slashfood talks to the host of Bravo's new Top Chef Masters, Kelly Choi.
Make an Italian-inspired turkey burger that's short on the grease, but not on moisture.

Source

The Basics: Pico de Gallo

partysugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:00:34 -0700

During the Spring and Summer, you can almost always find the ingredients for pico de gallo in my fridge. This delightful Mexican condiment has a fresh tomato base and is flecked with raw onions and minced jalapeno. Just-squeezed lime juice adds a refreshing tartness. If I have cilantro, sometimes I'll stir that in, too.

To simply enjoy the pure flavor of pico de gallo, serve as a dip with crunchy tortilla chips. Or use the versatile mix in a number of creative ways. Place on top of grilled fish or steak. Stir into a salad of mixed greens or fold with cooked couscous. Toss with shredded chicken and you've got a quick filling for tacos or enchiladas frescos. Place in between soft tortillas with cheese and make quesadillas. Puree in the food processor for salsa.

See? The possibilities are endless. Get this recipe that you'll be making well into next Fall when you read more.

Pico de Gallo
From Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes, cored, halved, and seeded (about 2 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup finely chopped white onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons minced, seeded jalapeno or serrano chiles (about 2 medium)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Cut the tomatoes into 1/4-inch dice and place in a bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 1 hour for the flavors to blend.

Makes about 3 cups.

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Lovely Links

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:59:26 -0700

The side ponytail returns - FabSugar UK
Shu Uemura's new makeup collection is pretty in pink - Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hillary Clinton launches intimidating new fragrance line - The Onion
10 ways to help the environment through beauty - Temptalia
Can you take a compliment? - Glamour
Susan Boyle has new eyebrows - Stylelist
New trend: chalky nails - The Cut
Organic beauty decoded - Allure
The top hair cities in America - Total Beauty
Get sexy spring highlights - InStyle
Blueberry mascara FTW - Beauty Blogging Junkie

Celebrate Spring With Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta

YumSugar — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:00:23 -0700

With the farmers market now overflowing with verdant vegetables, it's easy for me to drop a pretty penny on produce like Spring onions and English peas.

Case in point: the other day, I bought just a little too much asparagus, reasoning I'd figure out a way to prepare it that would highlight its freshness.

Later that day, I emerged with a casual linguine toss with shrimp, asparagus, and basil that's perfect for every occasion, from a romantic meal to entertaining a dinner party crowd. To see the straightforward recipe, read more.

Linguine with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Basil
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

8 ounces linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped red jalapeño chiles
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon butter
12 uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact
12 slender asparagus, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus additional for garnish
2 lemon wedges

Directions

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and jalapeño; sauté 1 minute. Add wine and butter; boil 2 minutes. Add shrimp, asparagus, and lemon juice. Toss until asparagus is just tender and shrimp are just opaque in center, about 3 minutes.
Drain pasta and add to skillet; add 2 cups sliced basil leaves and toss until basil wilts and sauce coats pasta, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide pasta between 2 plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges and serve.

Serves 2.

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In Season: Dandelion Greens

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:00:54 -0700

Spring doesn't officially start until tomorrow, but judging by the produce that's popping up at the farmers market, the season's already begun. Edible weeds like fresh dandelion greens are at the peak of their season now through mid-Spring - and, with their mildly astringent, pleasantly bitter flavor, they're not to be missed. To find out how they're used, read more.

Dandelion greens, which are named after the phrase dent de lion, or "lion's tooth," have jagged, irregular leaves. Look for firm, fresh, tender, bright green leaves that aren't discolored or wilted. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, they will keep for a few days. Like spinach, dandelion greens are commonly enjoyed raw, but they also taste fantastic sautéed, braised, or even stewed:

Wash, trim, tear, and toss in your favorite salad medley.
Sauté with garlic, onions and pine nuts; finish with goat cheese crumbles.
Substitute spinach for dandelion greens in spanakopita, the traditional Greek dish.
Make Provençal soup: Sauté leeks, and garlic, add greens until wilted, and then simmer over water until greens are tender. Temper in a couple of beaten eggs, turn off the heat, and top with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
Add another layer of flavor to a stew: throw in greens and cook until wilted.

What do you think of dandelion greens? If you've been a longtime fan, tell us: What are your favorite ways to enjoy them?

Fast & Easy Dinner: Asparagus and Bok Choy Frittata

partysugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:50:43 -0700

If you consider a frittata to be a breakfast-only dish, think again. With its Asian flavors and fresh Spring vegetables, this vegetarian frittata is ideal for dinner. It's healthy because there's no cheese or cream involved, yet filling thanks to a hearty helping of bok choy, green onions, and asparagus.

The recipe finishes off the frittata with a drizzle of sesame oil, but unless you plan to use it in the future, there's no need to purchase this pricey ingredient. To look at the recipe please read more.

Asparagus and Bok-Choy Frittata
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cooking oil
3 scallions including green tops, sliced thin
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small head bok choy (about 3/4 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 pound asparagus, tough ends snapped off and discarded, spears cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 teaspoon salt
9 eggs, beaten to mix
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

Directions

Heat the oven to 325°. In a medium cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick frying pan, heat the cooking oil over moderate heat.
Add the scallions, ginger, and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bok choy and cook, stirring, until the leaves wilt, about 2 minutes.
Add the asparagus and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are almost tender, about 3 minutes more.
Evenly distribute the vegetables in the pan and then add the eggs, pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook the frittata, without stirring, until the edges start to set, about 2 minutes.
Put the frittata in the oven and bake until firm, about 25 minutes. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top.

Serves 4.

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