Posts Labeled ‘Food & Wine’

November 23rd, 2011

Simple, delicious cranberry sauce

One of my favorite dishes at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. The canned kind is good (I love how it comes out as one giant cylinder on the plate!) but homemade is even better. Here is my favorite cranberry sauce recipe, courtesy of Food & Wine magazine. It is easy and delicious.

Jellied Cranberry Sauce with Fuji Apple

One 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
1 large Fuji apple, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water

  1. Line an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap and spray the plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries with the apple, sugar and water. Bring to a boil and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently until the cranberries are completely broken down and the sauce is very thick, about 15 minutes. Scrape the cranberry sauce into the prepared pan and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours. Invert the jelly onto a serving plate and remove the plastic wrap. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Slice with a serrated knife before serving.
MAKE AHEAD The cranberry sauce can be covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Serve chilled.

 

November 14th, 2011

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Nutella!

A dear friend of mine is crazy for Nutella. And I mean who wouldn’t be? The chocolate, hazelnut goodness can turn a piece of bread into a sinfully good sweet. It’s magical! Here is a roundup of some desserts that feature the beloved spread. Click on the photos below to take you to the recipes.

nutella rice krispie treats from Liv Life

nutella caramel hazelnut brownies from Bella Alimento

Molten chocolate nutella cake from US Masala

nutella sandwich cookies from A Beautiful Mess

Nutella Mallow Pillow Pockets from Picky Palate

homemade nutella via The Eccentric Cook

 

Nutella Cheesecake Brownies from Babble

nutella buttercream cupcakes from Babble

no bake nutter butter nutella pie from Tasty Kitchen

 

November 8th, 2011

Tea Forte cocktail infusions

Tea Forte, well-known for its delicious assortment of tea flavors, is now branching out into the world of mixology. They offer several different infusion flavors that quickly turn a regular cocktail into something fresh and creative. Simply pour alcohol over the infuser, wait for it to steep, and get ready for a delicious beverage.

Their Mixology Set, with two infusion chambers, eight infusers, and a recipe booklet would make a great holiday gift.

June 6th, 2011

The Rainbow Confection

Everywhere I look I am seeing rainbows. Rainbow cakes, that is. Here are a few that caught my eye, plus more that still have that colorful layered look but in softer, subtler colors.

rainbow cake by Bumpsmitten

rainbow doodle cake by Sweetapolita

rainbow doodle cake by Sweetapolita

pink pastel layer cake from Martha Stewart

Call Me Cupcake pink rainbow cake

pastel layer cake from Martha Stewart

inside out neapolitan cake by Sweetapolita

 

 

 

May 16th, 2011

Frozen Funny Faces with the Zoku Ice Pop Maker

I was visiting with friends yesterday and as we sat on their sunny patio their three-year-old, having just completed session of swinging on the playset, asked (nay, begged) her mom for a popsicle. Since there were no popsicles to be had, the little one was not so happy. It made me think that soon most of our freezers will be stocked with popsicles as summer (crazy as it may seem) is just around the corner.

If you are looking for a fun frozen treat, the Williams-Sonoma Zoku Duo Quick Pop Machine allows you to create your own ice pops in whatever flavor you like. And their new character creation add-on kit makes each pop unique and would be a fun project for the whole family.

The Pop Machine would be a great gift for families or would be so fun to add to a wedding registry.

Zoku Duo Ice Pop Machine

make your own frozen ice pop characters with Williams-Sonoma's Zoku Duo Quick Pop Maker

April 19th, 2010

French Fry Love

French fries are a weakness of mine.  I wish I could be as disciplined as my friends who choose a side salad over fries with their sandwich or burger… but I just can’t! And when they are labeled “frites” on the menu, forget it — they somehow become even more irresistable!

Serving “cones” of fries at parties is not a new thing. Caterers often fold parchment or other paper into a cone and present the fries in the cones. That’s easy enough to do at home, as well, but now it’s even easier…

I spotted these wire containers on Crate & Barrel’s site recently… just in time for summer BBQs! I am pretty sure the Truffled French Fries featured on Epicurious would fit very well in one of these!

Bon Appetit!

French Fry Holder & Burger Basket with Liners, from Crate & Barrel

French Fry Holder & Burger Basket with Liners, from Crate & Barrel

french fries presented in a wire cone with fun paper

french fries presented in a wire cone with fun paper

 

August 6th, 2009

Day Four – Celebrating Julia Child: A Countdown to Julie & Julia

Just one more day until Julie & Julia hits the theaters!

For Day Four of Celebrating Julia Child: A Countdown to Julie & Julia, I am taking inspiration from the August issue of Food & Wine magazine. The magazine suggests hosting a “We Heart Julia” Party with one of Julia Child’s favorite dishes: quiche.

photo via www.foodandwine.com

photo via www.foodandwine.com

Adorable party favor ideas include aprons and t-shirts with Julia Child quotes. Another idea is to order a set of 4-6 custom napkins (foryourparty.com is a great source) each featuring a different Julia Child quote.

Can’t get enough of Julia Child and Julie & Julia? Check out:

Dean & Deluca has a crush on Julia Child!

Why else would they host a contest in connection with the Julie & Julia movie?! Test your luck and enter to win a fabulous Dean & Deluca prize!

For more Rex & Regina chatter about Julie Child, check out Day One, Day Two, and Day Three of this series and stay tuned tomorrow for another entry!