May 27

Dallas Farmers Market

When May rolls around, I start to get antsy for fresh, local food.  And no, Mr. Judgemental-Foodie-Reading-This, that does not mean that the other 11 months of the year I pine away for frozen food made in some far-off land.  It’s just that the spring weather here in Texas (fleeting as it is) unearths an innate desire in me to eat brightly colored, healthy food and to shop for said food only at a farmers market.  Living in Dallas, I am lucky that there are several local markets from which to choose, especially in the summer.  However, I always start my annual fresh food fest at the Dallas Farmers Market, which happens to be open year-round.  I can’t say enough good things about this place. From the breakfast tacos I get walking in the market to the homemade fudge I buy walking out to everything in between (and yes, that does include a large array of veggies, fruits, dairy, and meat), I love it big time.  Here’s a little peek at what you might find when you hopefully head there yourself this weekend…

Breakfast taco stand.  Watch out for the green salsa.  It’s got serious kick, which makes it my new favorite thing.

Live music is a  staple at the market.  Get a bite to eat, sit back and enjoy.

There are all kinds of places to grab breakfast or lunch.  There’s everything from Japanese to Mexican to a Chicago-style deli, but there’s only one place that has Cesar Chavez airbrushed on the wall.  Awesome.

Outside of the food hall, in two huge sheds lies the diverse fruit, vegetable and dairy market.  There is so much from which to choose that you could walk around dazed for hours, which I think is inevitable on your first visit.  Soon you will come to know farmers like this guy and head straight to their booths, but until then enjoy tasting everyone’s wares and getting to know their stories.

But before you leave, head back into the food hall to get some fudge.  It is so rich that a little goes a long way, but considering that it keeps well, why buy just a little?  Hint: try the Tiger fudge.  It’s a winner.

www.dallasfarmersmarket.org

 

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Published by Lee at 4:18 pm.

May 18

50 Best Restaurants of 2011

Every year I love to see which restaurant will grab the top spot on the ultimate “50 Best” list produced by Restaurant magazine and S. Pellegrino.  I must admit that it got a little boring when El Bulli won so many damn years in a row.  I hope this doesn’t become the case with Noma.  But for now, hats off to my Danish friends.  Well done, again.

And, yes, I am aware that this list was published on Monday.  I am a bit behind considering my lack of sleep due to an infant who just LOVES to see his mama every hour of the night.  In fact, I think getting this post up just two days after the list was announced is kind of like a mini-victory for me.  Not sure what type of victory, but it certainly feels like one.  Maybe I’ll celebrate with some Veuve-Clicquot tonight. 

Check out the top 50 restaurants below and start planning your culinary adventures around them…

1) Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark)

2) El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain)

3) Mugaritz (Errenteria, Spain)

4) Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)

5) The Fat Duck (Bray, England)

6) Alinea (Chicago, Illinois)

7) D.O.M. (São Paulo, Brazil)

8) Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain)

9) Le Chateaubriand (Paris, France)

10) Per Se (New York)

11) Daniel (New York)

12) Les Créations de Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)

13) L’Astrance (Paris, France)

14) L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Paris, France)

15) Hof Van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium)

16) Pierre Gagnaire (Paris, France)

17) Oud Sluis (Sluis, Netherlands)

18) Le Bernardin (New York)

19) L’Arpege (Paris, France)

20) Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan)

21) Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany)

22) Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)

23) Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)

24) Eleven Madison Park (New York)

25) Aqua (Wolfsburg, Germany)

26) Quay Restaurant (Sydney, Australia)

27) Iggy’s (Singapore)

28) Combal Zero (Rivoli, Italy)

29) Martín Berasategui (Lasarte-Oria, Spain)

30) Bras (Laguiole, France)

31) Biko (Mexico City, Mexico)

32) Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)

33) Il Ristorante Cracco (Milan, Italy)

34) The Ledbury (London, England)

35) Chez Dominique (Helsinki, Finland)

36) Le Quartier Français (Franschhoek, South Africa)

37) Amber (Hong Kong, China)

38) Dal Pescatore (Mantova, Italy)

39) Il Canto (Siena, Italy)

40) Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York)

41) St. John (London, England)

42) Astrid y Gastón (Lima, Perú)

43) Hibiscus (London, England)

44) La Maison Troisgros (Roanne, France)

45) Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athénée (Paris, France)

46) De Librije (Zwolle, Netherlands)

47) Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville (Crissier, Switzerland)

48) Varvary (Moscow, Russia)

49) Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)

50) Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain)

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Published by Lee at 9:02 pm.

April 8

Twice Baked Potatoes

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I may have gone to culinary school in France, but I’m no haute cuisine only snob.  In fact, I try not to hate on any type of food, which quite frankly is really not that hard.  If it tastes good, it’s good enough for me.  So, the other night when I was taking a shot a snapper amandine (which seems slightly hoity-toity) I decided to go middle America and put a twice baked potato on the side.  And thank goodness for that because it was DEEE-LICIOUS. 

I love this potato recipe for several reasons:

1. It’s a twice baked potato.  Enough said.   (If that isn’t enough said for you then you have deprived yourself too long).

2. It makes the perfect amount for two over-stuffed potatoes.

3. I pretend that the non-fat greek yogurt cancels out the cheese and butter and thus makes this an ultra healthy dish.

4. It can be made ahead which is needed when you have a three month old that demands a lot of attention (deservingly, of course) at bedtime.  The fact that a dish this tasty can be prepped ahead and thrown into the oven to cook while I put Jean-Luc to sleep is a lifesaver.

The recipe I came up with is below.  Follow it to the T or use as a general guide for a great side dish this weekend.

Twice Baked Potatoes

1 large russet potato, scrubbed clean

1 medium russet potato, scrubbed clean

Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, cayenne

Olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic, peeled

1 green onion, thinly sliced

2 tbs salted butter

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, separated into ¾ cup and ¼ cup

~½ cup non-fat greek yogurt

1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

 

Place each potato over a square of aluminum foil.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne. Rub the spices and oil all over the potato. 

Wrap in foil and place in preheated oven for a little over 1 hour until the potato “gives” when slightly pressed.  You don’t want it too soft so check after an hour and then about every 15 minutes until just soft.  You can do this with a kitchen towel without having to pull the potatoes out of the oven.  Once cooked, set potatoes aside to cool for about 20 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the garlic by peeling 2-3 cloves and placing on a square of foil.  Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne as above.  Wrap tight and place in the oven for 30-45 minutes until the garlic is soft and smells so ridiculously awesome you want to stop everything and spread it on a hot baguette.  Try your best not to do that and set the garlic aside.

 

Once the potatoes are cool enough to work with, open the foil (but don’t throw it away!) and place potatoes on a chopping block.  Slice the large potato in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out the center, leaving enough potato to hold the filling later.  Place everything you scooped out into a large bowl.

Next, chop the medium size potato into ½ inch pieces and put into the same bowl.  Do not peel or throw away the skin – leave it on.  It is so tasty and good for you!  Next into the bowl goes the roasted garlic and all the delicious juices that have gathered in the foil from the garlic and the potatoes (remember how I told you not to throw it away?).  Add the green onion, butter, ¾ cup cheese and yogurt; then get to mashing.  I used a potato masher, but a whisk will do just as well.  Once the filling is at your desired consistency, taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper and/or cayenne as needed. 

To assemble, scoop as much filling as you possibly can into the two hollow potato halves.  Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and top with crumbled bacon.

Put the potatoes on a baking sheet, cover, and place in the fridge until ready to bake. 

To bake, heat oven to 375 degrees and cook for about 30 minutes until slightly brown and hot all the way through.

Enjoy!

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Published by Lee at 4:06 pm.

March 18

Chicken Pot Pie

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At the end of my pregnancy, my dear husband frequently cooked dinner for me.  One of his specialities, thanks to Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc at Home (find this great cookbook at PSG’s gift shop), is roast chicken.  It is always fantastic and healthy to boot.  However, we can never eat an entire chicken in one sitting – even at 9 months pregnant.  So one ambitious day I decided to get my mind over when this baby would decide to make an appearance and return the favor by cooking him dinner with the leftovers.  Deciding what to make him did not take long.  What better to make with leftover chicken than chicken pot pie?

This recipe will wow any guest with how comforting and scrumptious it is.  It is truly like going back in time to your grandmother’s kitchen.  Plus, it’s a great way to get in lots of veggies (even if they are coated in bechamel!). 

Chicken Pot Pie 

2 small carrots, sliced

1 small rutabaga, diced

1 small turnip, diced

1 medium red-skinned potato, diced

1 cup pearl onions (do yourself a favor and buy the frozen ones.  briefly thaw before use.)

1 rib celery, diced

½ cup green peas

3 tbs butter

3 tbs flour

3 cups whole milk

Several sprigs of fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste

2 ½ cups shredded, roasted chicken

1 10-inch pie crust (frozen or homemade)

Egg wash

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place carrots, rutabaga, turnip, and potato in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil.  Allow to cook for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are fork tender.  Drain and set aside to cool. 

In the meantime, make your bechamel by melting the butter over medium heat, adding the flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes.  Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until all is incorporated.  Turn the heat to low, throw in the sprigs of thyme and bay leaf.  Stir often as the bechamel begins to thicken.  Once at your desired consistency, remove from heat, take out the thyme branches and bay leaf, then season to taste.

Combine the cooked and cooled veggies with uncooked ones (celery, onions and peas).  Then season with salt, pepper and some more thyme leaves.  Roll out the pie crust to a size and shape that will fit whatever dish you are using. 

Lightly grease your oven-proof dish, then combine the veggies and shredded chicken in it.  Pour the bechamel sauce over that and top with the rolled out pie crust.  Brush the crust with an egg wash and make a small slit in the center of the crust with a sharp knife.

Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until the top is browned and the inside bubbly and hot.  Enjoy!

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Published by Lee at 10:07 am.

March 15

Rise No. 1

When a meal starts with this…

Lobster Soufflé

And ends with this…

Chocolate Soufflé with fleur de sel caramel sauce

Consider yourself lucky.

You might be saying to yourself right about now, “Yum!  I want to be lucky.  How do I get lucky?”  Well, the answer is simple.  Head over to Rise No. 1 in Dallas’ Inwood Village.  It’s a delightful restaurant that has an outstanding cheese selection (even if my snobby French self is horrified by the fact that the cheese plate is on the appetizer menu and not the dessert menu) and fluffy soufflés that make you want to come back for more.  Plus, for the health conscious, all the savory soufflés range between 200 and 400 calories.  Who knew you could have something so French and so delicious for so few calories?

Rise No. 1 - Suite 220, Inwood Village – Dallas, TX – 214.366.9900

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Published by Lee at 9:51 am.

March 11

Ultimate Indulgence

If what you see below is not considered the ultimate indulgence, I don’t know what is…

If you are at all familiar with these loaded cheese fries, you know that they come from one place and one place only in Dallas – Snuffer’s.  They are as delicious and dangerous as they look, threatening to put you out for the count for the rest of the afternoon, believe me!  So, if you want to indulge without being in a food coma for the day, I highly recommend bringing a group with you. 

Snuffer’s - Various DFW locations

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Published by Lee at 1:50 pm.

February 13

Paris: Modern Romance

  • By Tina Isaac    

    • Paris

    Paris, a city known for resisting change, is shaking itself out of its long languid spell.  

    There’s a new energy in the air, spurred by the arrival of a generation of new culinary talent and a movement to breathe fresh life into forgotten buildings and dormant institutions.

    Gastronomic creativity is coming from restaurants the size of pocket squares, run by young chefs who hail from—or have at least lived—elsewhere. Their imaginative yet unceremonious approaches mean surprising and affordable fare for diners.

    Spring, one of the most coveted tables in Paris since 2006, has moved to an airier space, with its acclaimed American chef, Daniel Rose, presiding over an open kitchen upstairs and a casual food-and-wine bar below.

    Around the corner, an outpost of La Régalade offers the same generous contemporary fare as the original spot on the south end of town, sans commute. And on the Left Bank, the new Sola serves Japanese-inflected French cuisine that is as beautiful to behold as it is to taste.

    Much of what’s cool is happening in the east. The 11th Arrondissement is a foodie hotbed, thanks to new addresses such as the prix-fixe Rino, a buzzing green market–driven modern French bistro. White-hot chef Inaki Aizpitarte’s Rem Koolhaas–designed Le Dauphin serves the kind of tapas-inspired dishes that put his Le Chateaubriand on the map. And Jeanne A—a rotisserie-épicerie concept spun off from the restaurant right next door, Astier—manages to successfully combine high-end takeout with a neighborhood market.

    Forgotten buildings are also getting second acts. At the restaurant/gallery 1728 (named for the townhouse’s date of birth) you can now have tea in the Louis XVI-style Salon de Musique. The city’s Neoclassical icon, the 18th-century Hôtel de la Monnaie—once Paris’s official currency maker—is getting a fancy new tenant, with chef Guy Savoy moving his three-star eatery to the landmark. Last month, the soaring salons of Georges Bizet’s former home, a 19th-century landmark, reopened as Carmen, the “hype” spot for nouveau mixology and dancing.

    On the lodging front, after a half-century of acting as a government building, a “hôtel particulier” commissioned by Napoleon’s grand-nephew Roland has been restored and reopened as a sumptuous Shangri-La. The Philippe Starck-renovated Royal Monceau hotel now offers amenities like an in-house art library where guests can browse rare tomes and follow live art auctions. (Breakfast is by star pastry chef Pierre Hermé.)

    However, the most talked about awakening is that of La Samaritaine. The legendary department store on the Seine, which opened in 1869 and closed in 2005, is expected to reopen over the next two years, transformed, in part, into a luxury hotel by the Pritzker Prize–winning architecture firm Sanaa.

    All these alterations don’t exactly add up to revolution—and that’s for the better. The city may guard its heritage jealously, but that keeps intact the beauty that brings us back time and time again. Paris, don’t ever change…well, not much.

    Insider Recommendations:

    Poupie Cadolle – The Heiress: Fifth-generation owner of Cadolle lingerie, inventors of the bra; costumer for Crazy Horse cabaret

    Getting Lit:Le Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris. The mythical hangout of James Joyce, Coco Chanel and “Papa” himself still endures with head barman Colin Field presiding. He instantly sizes up which cocktail has your name on it—and never gets it wrong. 15, Place Vendôme, 1st, ritzparis.com

    Pastries:Carette. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been hooked on the macarons there. And the Sunday brunch at both locations is a people-watcher’s delight. 4, Place du Trocadéro, 16th, carette-paris.com

    Love Letters:Cassegrain. If you still treasure the handwritten missive, this stationer is a must for its engraved letterhead. Just visiting provides inspiration to make every word count. 109, blvd. Haussmann, 8th, cassegrain.fr

    House of Wax:Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. The scent of their myrrh candle is that of paradise itself. This fragrance emporium has gorgeous marble floors and precious curio cabinets. 5, rue des Capucines, 1st, maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier.com

    L’Evier de Cuisine:E. Dehillerin. This treasure trove of kitchenware was founded nearly 200 years ago. They have cooking accoutrements—in copper, cast-iron and bronze—you never dreamed existed. 18-20, rue Coquillière, 1st, e-dehillerin.fr

    Jean-Claude Ellena – The Perfumer: In-house perfumer for Hermès; founder of perfume house The Different Company

    Petal Pushers: Monceau Fleurs. For a handful of Euros, you can pick up here enormous bouquets of iris, freesia, tulips and anemones, arriving each morning. 92, blvd. Malesherbes, 8th (among other locations), monceaufleurs.com

    Chocolate Buzz:La Maison du Chocolat. There’s always a line at this multiple-location confectionery. In addition to its gourmand boxes, they serve delightful individual pieces—a different sensation each. 19, rue de Sèvres, 6th, lamaisonduchocolat.com

    Club Sandwich: Ladurée. On the Rue Royale, this original location of the circa-1862 tea and pastry salon is so intimate and romantic. They’re renowned for their macarons, but it also makes the best club sandwich I’ve ever had. 16, rue Royale, 8th, laduree.fr

    Stroll Through Time: Jardin des Tuileries. Like Proust, this is also my favorite place to walk hand in hand down the chestnut tree-lined paths. This 17th-century formal garden bridges so many eras—not to mention the Louvre and L’Orangerie museums. Ave. du General Lemonnier, 1st, 33-1-40-20-90-43

    Garden Reading: Librairie des Jardins. This character-rich, Louvre-owned shop houses over 3,000 books on the world’s most magnificent gardens. Main gate of the Tuileries Gardens at Place de la Concorde, 1st, 33-1-42-60-61-61

    Jacques Genin – The Chocolatier: Owner of La Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin; chocolatier to Paris hotels and restaurants

    Aperitif: L’Avant Comptoir. The owner, Yves Camdeborde, is an old friend who has created a joyful spot for my gang to hang out in. It has a diner-like counter. And they serve wonderful natural wines. 9, carrefour de l’Odéon, 6th, 33-8-2610-1087

    Satin & Silk:Aubade. This shop creates lingerie of exquisite style and workmanship. A naked woman is beautiful; to see her semi-dressed, and then guess at the rest, is most excellent too. 33, rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 4th, aubade.com

    House of Tomes:Librairie Gallimard. This is my favorite bookshop because it’s inside a grand old French house that remains family owned. 15, blvd. Raspail, 7th, librairie-gallimard.com

    Pastries:Blé Sucré. If it’s not from my own shop, then it’s got to be from Fabrice Le Bourdat’s sweets emporium. His shop tops “best pastry” lists yearly. Don’t pass up the orange-glazed Madeleines. 7, rue Antoine Vollon, 12th, 33-9-61-36-09-01

    Sweet Leafs:Maison des Trois Thés. When you enter, you can smell the 100-percent natural aromas of the world’s finest teas. They’re such purists that customers are requested to not wear perfume in their tasting room. 1, rue Saint Medard, 5th, troisthes.com

    Victoire de Castellane - The Jewelry Designer: Creative director of Dior Joaillerie since 1998

    Fine Dining: Prunier. The stunning Art Deco interior is by architect Louis Hippolyte Boileau. Try the eggs in aspic with caviar. 16, Ave. Victor Hugo, 16th, prunier.com

    Green Market:Marché du Pont de l’Alma. What could be more sensual than roaming the markets of Paris for exquisite seasonal produce? My favorite for its selection is this bountiful market. Pont de l’Alma, 16th

    Fruit de Mer: 21. This low-key restaurant draws an A-list clientele and art world players, thanks to the minimalist fish dishes like marinated herring and mackerel and shrimp with pasta. 21, rue Mazarine, 6th, 33-1-46-33-76-90

    Confectionery:Chocolat Debauve & Gallais. It was the official purveyor to the last three kings of France, preceding Napoleon III. I love their iconic boxes. Founded more than 200 years ago, the building itself is an historic monument. 30, rue des Saints-Pères, 7th, debauve-et-gallais.com

    Magisterial Bouquets:Moulie Savart. Originally opened in 1870, this florist is known for having catered to ministers and couturiers. But it’s for all of us flower lovers too. 8, Place du Palais Bourbon, 7th, mouliefleurs.com

    Source: Wall Street Journal, February 12/13, 2011. 

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    Published by Lee at 6:35 pm.

    February 4

    Chocolate, Cheese and Bubbles

    This uncharacteristic snowy weather has me pining for Europe yet again.  Surprise, surprise.

    I miss the cold, crisp air that would hit my face when I stepped out of my apartment onto the bank of the Seine each and every wintery morning in Paris.  Inevitably, this longing for France leads me to eventually think of all the good food and wine to be had there (shocking transition for a chef trained in Paris, I know).  So when I saw that one of my favorite cheese shops in Dallas was hosting a “Chocolate, Cheese and Bubbles” night I knew I had to let the masses know – just in case someone out there is dreaming of Paris this time of year.  And what better way to mentally transport yourself there than with chocolate, cheese and champagne?

    Scardello Artisan Cheese hosts great classes that are perfect for a weeknight escape.  Check out the info below on their Chocolate, Cheese and Bubbles class coming up soon.  It would be a fun early Valentine’s date or simply a great way to unwind at the end of the week.  So, hop on the phone now and make a reservation before it’s too late!  214.219.1300.

    Chocolate, Cheese and Bubbles

    Thursday, February 10, 7:00pm

    Here’s what Scardello has to say about this class:  What more can be said about three of life’s greatest pleasures? We will have a special guest to share about chocolate. Join us as we explore each of these delights individually and try out some interesting pairings.  $30 a person.

    If you can’t make the Chocolate, Cheese and Bubbles class but are interested in other classes, below is a list of February offerings.  Go to Scardello’s website for more info.

    Fondue Night: Saturday, February 12, 8pm ~ Cheese 101: Thursday, February 17, 7:00pm ~ Beer and Cheese: Friday, February 25, 7:00pm

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    Published by Lee at 5:44 pm.

    February 1

    My Favorite Cookbooks

    Some people say cookbooks are a thing of the past.  I’ve heard such sacrilegious things said as, “Who needs a cookbook when you can just Google a recipe and literally hundreds of versions are at your fingertips in minutes?”  Well, the answer to that question is me, and I am willing to bet if you love to cook that you too still find value in an old school cookbook with actual pages, pictures and commentary.  I’m not saying that I don’t use the internet to find food inspiration – I am a food blogger for goodness sake.  It’s just that there is something very comforting about sitting down and thumbing through a good cookbook.  Simply put, a truly good cookbook has a soul.  Below I list a few of my favorite soul-filled cookbooks as well as one that I am dying to get my hands on… 

    All of the below books can be purchased on Pink Slip Gourmet’s Gift Shop at the top of the page.  They make great Valentine’s Day gifts for the foodie at heart.

    Ad Hoc At Home: This cookbook actually belongs to my husband, but I like to pretend it’s all mine. We use it and reference it so much that its permanent home is our kitchen table.  Chef extraordinaire, Thomas Keller, brings recipes from his Ad Hoc restaurant to the home cook in a simple yet satisfying way.  His explanations of why something is done instead of just how to do it makes Ad Hoc at Home a chef-in-training cookbook for even the most kitchen weary readers. 

    Try this first: Want to knock out your next dinner guests?  Make his roast chicken.  It is like heaven on earth when you pull that golden bird out of the oven and take a taste of the juicy meat and crispy skin.  Beware: if you serve this you will forever be lauded as a culinary genius.  And quite frankly, no one needs to know that Thomas Keller is the actual genius.  Just nod your head and say, “This old chicken recipe?  I’ve been doing it for years.”

    Mastering the Art of French Cooking:  While Volumes I and II are a must in every kitchen, I am partial to Volume I.  I think this is because I fell in love with pearl onions once I made them the way legend Julia Child does in her iconic cookbook.  If you think you are indifferent or maybe don’t even like pearl onions, you absolutely must try her recipe.  Sprinkled with thyme and slow cooked in the oven, there is no other word to describe them but divine.  Pair them with her Coq au Vin and you will find yourself transported to France in the 1950′s.

    Try this first: Coq au Vin (don’t forget those pearl onions).  This is a great make-ahead meal for the family, but tasty enough to serve your finest guests.  Just make sure to include a crusty baguette with the meal in order to soak up all the savory sauce.

    Everyday Italian: On her TV show, Giada de Laurentiis makes cooking look stylish.  While I applaud her on that feat, I certainly NEVER looked like that in the restaurant in Paris.  So don’t think you have to look like that in your own kitchen in order to make a great meal. Giada’s Everyday Italian cookbook is a good place for beginners to start experimenting with some great flavors.  Her recipes are inventive without being intimidating and are perfect for a last minute dinner party.

    Try this first: Stuffed tomatoes.  This dish won the heart of my husband one New Year’s Eve and it’s been a go-to recipe of mine ever since.  Once you have the method down, you can try your own twist on this easy but delicious dish.

    Martha Stewart’s Cookies:  This cookie book is a feast for the eyes as much as the cookies themselves are a feast for your taste buds.  Every single one of the 175 cookies featured in this book is shown in its final glorious state in the first few pages of the book.  Meaning…you can browse through the beginning of the book and visually decide what cookie appeals most to you.  As only Martha can do, she even categorizes them for you to make your decision that much easier.  There are light and delicate cookies, soft and chewy cookies, crumbly and sandy cookies, chunky and nutty cookies, cakey and tender cookies, crisp and crunchy cookies and finally rich and dense cookies.  Seriously, even for Martha, that is a bit of an overkill.   But in a good way.  You can find just about any cookie you have ever wanted to try in this book and they all look so delicious you’ll want to try every single one.

    Try this first: Pecan Linzer Cookies with Cherry Filling.  These are the perfect Valentine’s Day cookie.  They last for about a week.  So, make a batch, package them all pretty and ask someone to be your Valentine.

    The Art and Soul of Baking: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – The Art and Soul of Baking is a wonderful reference book for both sweet and savory bakers.  The detail put into each recipe will be much appreciated by newcomers and seasoned pros alike.  My favorite part of this book is the “make-ahead” section of each recipe where you are told how far in advance you can do certain steps in order to save time.   Now, who doesn’t want to save time?

    Try this first: Warm Cranberry Crumble Tart.  This appealing tart will not only become a Thanksgiving must-have, but a favorite all winter long.  The contrast between the tart and sweet flavors in this dessert is so sublime it will make you want a slice for breakfast the next day too.

    And one to grow on…

    John Besh: My New Orleans: This is the cookbook that I am itching to dive into with full force as soon as I can.  Why?  Because I ♥ John Besh.  He has done so much for New Orleans and his food is utterly divine.  I could not ask for more out of a native Louisianian.  Next time you are in my home state, head to New Orleans and check out one of his many restaurants.  Until then, get this cookbook and experience his cooking expertise at home.  If you don’t think his cookbook will be approachable because of his star status, all you have to do is read this quote from him:  “Bunny bread and a thick slice of Creole tomatoes, salt, pepper and an abundance of Blue Plate mayonnaise, now that’s living.” 

    Don’t forget to visit the Pink Slip Gourmet Gift Shop to pick up copies of these books.

    Happy Cooking!

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    Published by Lee at 12:32 am.

    January 29

    ZestFest 2011

    Do you LOVE all things spicy?  Do you use cayenne pepper like it is going out of style?  If so, don’t miss ZestFest 2011 this weekend in Irving, TX.  Exhibits, products, chef demos and even live music are on tap to make the 7th annual ZestFest a success. 

    Saturday, January 29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Sunday, January 30 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

    Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
    500 W Las Colinas Blvd.
    Irving, TX 75039

    Tickets are $10.

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    Published by Lee at 3:38 am.