Michelle Obama has only been a resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for 10 months, yet she’s already managed to set an example for Americans to eat more fresh food, from planting a garden to starting a White House farmers market.
Earlier this year, I spotted a recipe for one of the first lady’s favorite White House dishes, a creamed spinach without the cream. I bookmarked it, thinking it would make a satisfying yet light steak side, or a healthful addition to a large Thanksgiving feast.
The recipe calls for blanched, puréed spinach, which adds an airy, creamy taste without the calories. To see the technique, keep reading.
If your house is the location of a Thanksgiving potluck, you’re hosting duties not only include making the turkey, but also preparing a cocktail. When guests arrive offer them a glass to get things started. Since the meal is a big one, serve an apéritif – something not too sweet that will stimulate the palate like these campari triple-sec concoctions.
On the flip side, when attending a Thanksgiving potluck, don’t show up empty handed. Bring a bottle of sparkling wine or Beaujolais Nouveau or a six-pack of festive pumpkin ale.
To look at the campari cocktail recipe, which can be easily adapted for a crowd, read more.
Bitter Orange Kindler
From Gourmet
Ingredients
2 ounces triple sec
2 ounces campari
tonic water
orange peel, optional for garnish
Directions
- In a tall glass combine the triple sec and Campari with 3 cubes of ice.
- Fill the glass with chilled tonic water and stir to blend. Garnish with a strip of orange peel.
Makes 1 cocktail.
Print recipe with images | without images
Gordon Ramsay sure is busy. Besides joining Tony Bourdain on the animated series circuit, the reigning king of chef empires will play a key role in a new show, Masterchef, airing soon on Fox.
The Masterchef series was first a hit in the UK in 1990 and has recently garnered high ratings in Australia. It’s being described as a culinary American Idol. The show goes on a “nationwide search for the best amateur chef in America.” While Ramsay will coproduce and be on air, it’s unclear what role he will play in the new show. Scheduling hasn’t been announced. Precisely what America needs! Another amateur cooking competition.
Do you think the show will appeal to the mainstream? Or has the TV cooking space reached its saturation point?
It’s very good and is relatively quick to make. — posted by AngieME
As Halloween nears, people are decorating homes, designing costumes and carving pumpkins.
?Where would we be without salt?? ? James Beard
I casually sprinkled the thick-cut Hempler?s bacon with cayenne before frying to a nearly blackened crisp. Once the caramel had reached its perfect molten temperature I stirred in a handful of the bacon then reserved the rest to get sprinkled on top. The caramel set beautifully. Some were cut and served as is while a select few were covered in tempered dark chocolate. All of them were devoured.
from Not Without Salt
Don’t knock it til you try it…. — posted by College Girl
When hosting any Thanksgiving dinner, be it a potluck or one where you do the majority of the cooking, it’s a good idea to set the table a couple of days in advance.
Start with a seasonal tablecloth, then add the good china, polished flatware, and wine glasses. Serve the cocktails in tumblers and the turkey on a large platter.
Lots of candlelight creates a festive atmosphere, so place votives on the table and pillar candles around the dining room. Don’t forget a bouquet or two of fresh flowers.
Consider the counter space; a lot of it might be in use during the hours before the meal, so a folding table where guests can place their contributions is crucial. If you are attending a potluck, make your dish in a vessel that has a cover or in a disposable pan that can be discarded at the end of the night.
Like many people, you may find yourself in early November sitting on piles of candy you don’t think you should eat – no matter how much you desire it.
Cranberry-Ginger Relish
From Martha Stewart
INGREDIENTS
1 bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
DIRECTIONS
- In a large saucepan, bring cranberries, sugar, ginger, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until most of the cranberries have popped, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
- Remove relish from heat. Let cool to room temperature, and serve (or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days).
Serves 8.
Three San Jose police officers came to the rescue Sunday morning when they saw a 2-year-old boy choking on a piece of candy, a police spokesman said.