Ah Christmas, so much to plan, so much to do. Including building up your stores of tasty gifts. This Simply Spectacularly Delicious recipe for Raspberry Sauce is a sure-fire route to success. I know some of you haven't dipped into jelly and jam making yet, or tried your hand at home canned delicacies. Far be it for me to get all Judge Judy on you; it's … [Read more...]
Archives for 2011
SOPAPILLAS
Back in the day El Serape restaurant down off Grand near St. Louis U. was our special occasion restaurant. I'm sure there were many things on the menu we loved, but only one item has stood the test of time of memory: Sopapillas. Hot and crispy, dripping honey and topped with a scoop of meting ice cream, the final touch a sprinkle of … [Read more...]
HOME MADE CHICKEN AND SHITTAKE SAUSAGES: SISTERS ARE DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES
The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking -- how can you not love the name of this blog? Written by Kate, a flashy cook, who sticks to things that are alarming as opposed to required (sound familiar?). She's author as well of this book with the same name. I've been following Kate and HGGH for a while and not just for the recipes -- stuff like a … [Read more...]
SEARED FOIE GRAS CANAPES; GREEN AND RED CAVIAR LATKES
A global blitz of glitz and glamour descends on Miami every December, a conflagration of fine art, interior design, celebrities and parties galore called Design Miami and Art Basel. The Elle Decor Showhouse debuted last week, a gorgeous penthouse overlooking Biscayne Bay. On one of my trips to help set it up renowned Miami architect Warren Ser and … [Read more...]
RECIPE: CHICKEN SHIITAKE SAUSAGES
Spectacularly Delicious Chicken and Shiitake Sausage Recipe (As first published on The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking in a guest post) yields 8–12 sausages, depending on how long you make the links Note: the settings and grinding instructions are based on using the KitchenAid tools (I don’t get a kick-back; I’m just a big fan.) 1. Cut up 6 thick slices … [Read more...]
TAMALE PIE: MARY PAT’S FAMOUS RECIPE
If you're on the home stretch of turkey leftovers, here's a great way to go out with a bang: this recipe for Mary Pat's famous Tamale Pie. An authentic taste of childhood, this sassy south of the border comfort food is a Sullivan family classic. This Thanksgiving we celebrated with my youngest brother, Brendan, and his brood. We've kind of got a … [Read more...]
H.M.S. FANCIFUL FRENCH MACAROONS
There's a new power cookie in town. While it's yet to eclipse the cupcake's sovereignty as the sweet snack of choice for a nation obsessed, those in the know have long known that the ethereal pastel treats from Paris's Ladurée and other like-minded institutions are, well, just better. I speak, of course, of the French … [Read more...]
RECIPE: FANCIFUL FRENCH MACAROONS
From Home Made Simple: 1 c. slivered almonds 2 c. confectioner's sugar, divided 3 large egg whites pinch of salt 1/2 t. vanilla extract 1/2 t. almond extract (or maple extract) 6-8 drops gel food coloring, color of choice Filling of choice (SpecD recommends home made jam or jelly) Line to large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. The amount of … [Read more...]
KELLY LESTER’S VICTORIOUS COQUILLES ST. JACQUES
Here's a delicacy ripped straight from the headlines: The East Hampton Star just proclaimed "Lesters Found Not Guilty." In celebration we high-tailed it over to their roadside stand for a pound of just harvested, sweet bay scallops. Hence this sumptuous recipe for Coquilles St. Jacques created in Kelly Lester's honor. In yet another blow for … [Read more...]
RECIPE: KELLY LESTER’S VICTORIOUS COQUILLES ST. JACQUES
1 lb. fresh bay scallops 1 c. clam broth 1 c. white wine 1 c. light cream 1 fennel bulb, sliced into batons, ferns reserved for garnish 1 bay leaf 1 small onion 1 c. roughly chopped onion 3 T. butter 3 T. flour juice of 1 lemon 1/2 tonka bean, grated, or 1/4 t. nutmeg 1/4 lb. Gruyère cheese, grated 2 c. hot whipped potatoes paprika Avoid … [Read more...]