While spending the time to make a homemade pie crust is admirable and often preferred, when you have to whip up a pie in a hurry, not only is it OK to depend on a store bought crust, they are also very very good. I prefer the Oronoque Orchards, which are made from all natural ingredients. They come in a package of three 9-inch pie crusts made from flour, vegetable oil, water, salt and honey.  I have also been told that Putnam County Pie Company makes an incredible crust but I have not been able to find them.

Peach Ginger Pie

Ingredients

• 6 ripe peaches, cut into chunks
• 1" fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cups brown sugar crystals
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons minute tapioca
• juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees
2. Mix all ingredients together and place into the pie shell
   
3. Place pie on a cookie sheet (to capture any juices that might overflow) and place in oven
   
4. After baking for 15 minutes, turn the heat down to 375
5. Bake for about 45 minutes or until juices bubble on top
6. Serve with Vanilla Ice-Cream
   

Post a Comment

After a day of blueberry picking, we were ready for a simple, sweet indulgence. Blueberry crisp was our choice. This recipe can be made with summer berries of your choice or fresh peaches.

Blueberry Crisp

• 2 pints of fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups of flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• pinch of salt
• 10 tablespoons of butter, chilled and cut into pieces
• Vanilla Ice Cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a medium bowl, toss blueberries and granulated sugar together. Transfer to a medium sized backing dish and set aside
3. Mix together flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
4. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the blueberries. Bake for 40 - 50 minutes until topping is golden brown.
5. Allow to cool 15 - 30 minutes. Serve with a scoop of ice cream

Post a Comment

I recently saw this recipe at Gourmet.com (God, I miss that magazine!) and decided to give it a try. Super easy to make this pan seared dish is ready in no time. Sautéing the squid in bacon fat adds a pleasing robust flavor to the seafood. This can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

Spicy Calamari with Bacon and Scallions
Serves 4 as a main course

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb cleaned medium squid
• 1/4 lb bacon (about 5 slices), cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes

Directions

1. Rinse squid under cold water, then pat dry between paper towels.
   
2. Halve large tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide rings.
3. Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
4. Toss squid with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
5. Heat fat remaining in skillet over high heat until very hot, then sauté squid with scallions and red-pepper flakes until just cooked through, about 3 minutes.
6. Serve squid immediately, sprinkled with bacon.

Post a Comment

For cooking enthusiast who love to create gourmet meals at home, experiment with new recipes, or prepare ethnic foods that include exotic ingredients that your local grocer may not carry, there are many online resource that ship the finest foods and ingredients. And best of all, there are many resources below that offer prepared foods that require only a thoughtful, creative presentation. With just a few clicks your pantry will be filled with all you need to create memorable romantic meals for two. Here is a list of ten that should be bookmarked right away.


Dean & DeLuca / www.deandeluca.com
Purveyors of Fine Food, Wine and Kitchenware

DEAN & DELUCA offers the very best in service, quality and of course, selection. Epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining abound such as caviar, shellfish, Foie gras, tapas, high-quality steak, designer cakes, a must-have spice collection, and signature cheese, and an outstanding oil and vinegar collection. DEAN & DELUCA has a team of International food experts who search for the best and newest food products from around the globe. They also have launched a new wine division and can recommend the best food and wine pairings for your specially prepared Seduction Meals.

D'Artagnon / http://www.dartagnan.com/
A company of,by and for Foodies

Celebrating 25 years of delivering the world's finest natural and organic meats to four-star chefs and home gourmets alike. Simply put, D'Artagnan is a company dedicated to putting the finest foie gras, meat, game, truffles, and mushrooms on the tables of American gastronomes whether at home or in restaurants. "We are the leading purveyor of foie gras, pates, sausages, smoked delicacies, organic game and poultry in the nation. All of New York's four-star restaurants, for example, have D'Artagnan products on their menus. " From free-range organic and heritage meats to preservative free charcuterie, D'Artagnan continues to set the trend. In addition to being a group of "foodies" -- many of whom are former professional chefs -- dedicated to fine cuisine, the D'Artagnan team is equally dedicated to the quality and value of sustainable, responsible farming. They are also a frequent supporter of charity organizations such as Share Our Strength, March of Dimes, and City Harvest


Marx Foods / http://www.marxfoods.com
Fine Bulk Food & Delicacies

Marx Foods (a best kept secret) is the place to go when you prefer to order in bulk, the most economical way to shop, however this is bulk GOURMET shopping. This is an online food store with gourmet foods for sale at wholesale prices. Here you can find everything from exotic meats, wild mushrooms, grass-fed beef, free-range veal, designer pasta, and extraordinary salts, oils and sweetner A foodie haven, they also have a great blog with unlimited recipes--all worthy of your next Seduction Meal.

Murray's Cheese Shop / http://www.murrayscheese.com

When you think cheese, think Murray's. Since 1940, Murray's Cheese in New York City has been slicing up farmstead, cloth-bound, stinky, runny, artisanal, handmade, local, organic, and, of course, perfectly ripe cheese. Pay a visit to one of one of their NY stores to find familiar cheeses like English Cheddar, French Brie and Emmentaler  and, courtesy of their  taste-anything policy, experiment with new and exotic cheeses such as cave-aged Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese specialty cheese. Their selection of seasonal and artisanal American cheese is unparalleled, as farms from Vermont to Virginia and Connecticut to California are making some of the finest cheeses ever tasted. Take a virtual tour of their cheese shop. Order online and they will ship your cheese anywhere in the United States the next business day.

 
Petrossian / http://www.petrossian.com

Known for caviar and smoked salmon, this web site is packed with the very best selections of cavair, salmon, specialty smoked fish, foie gras, pate, truffles, chocolate, champagne and wine. Everything that would make your Seduction Meal a memorable, extraordinary  experience!

Chef Shop / http://chefshop.com

 
Espera / http://www.esperya.com
The Italian Food Experience

Esperya is the most well-known on line shop which sells high quality food in all Europe.Founded in 1998, Esperya receives the most hits of any online European gourmet shop. On its site, visited daily by over 4,000 individuals, Esperya offers its 25,000 clients a unique array of over eight hundred Italian food products. Esperya transforms the daily routine of eating into a special event--exactly what a Seduction Meal should be. Food which not only satisfies a basic need, but provides an enjoyable, exciting and "multi-sensory" experience, with an added cultural and social dimension - this, in short, is the ideal behind the creation of Esperya.

La Tienda / http://www.tienda.com
The Best of Spain in America

La Tienda.com was founded in 1996 in Williamsburg, Virginia with the goal of sharing with neighbors a taste of Spain -- as well as her grace, warmth and traditions. With over 700 fine products the broadest selection of quality Spanish food and related products available anywhere. Here you will find everything you need for a perfect paella - paella pans, burners, ingredients, recipes and kits, Jamon Serrano ham, saffron, chorizo, paella, and turron candy. The perfect destination for a Spanish Seduction Meal.

Zabars / http://www.zabars.com

New York Upper West Side gourmet epicurian emporium, specializing in the finest smoked fish, caviar, coffee, cheese, kitchen equipment and housewares. they have excellent gift baskets. I love their bagels and think this is the place to go for a Weekend Breakfast Seduction Meal in Bed. Founded by Louis Zabar. It is one of the best known commercial landmarks of the neighborhood, and is known for its selection of bagels, smoked fish, olives, and cheeses (see appetizing store). Zabar's is frequently referenced in popular culture; it is mentioned in the 1998 film You've Got Mail, the 2009 TV series V and episodes of Will & Grace, Dream On, Mad About You, Sex and the City, The Nanny, Seinfeld, The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 30 Rock, and Castle.

igourmet / http://www.igourmet.com
Specialty Cheeses, Fine Foods and Exquisite Gifts

igourmet.com is an online source for gourmet gifts, imported cheeses  and specialty foods. Since the launch of their website in 1997, igourmet.com has been dedicated to providing customers access to hard-to-find culinary treasures and gourmet gifts and unmatched customer service and affordable prices. The site offers easy-to-follow recipes, abundant serving suggestions, and informative product descriptions.

Post a Comment

Get ready for an enticing, spicy breakfast treat. This recipe was submitted by Virginia, NYC.

"This is one of my favorite weekend breakfast recipes. I serve this with sausage links and toast. Sliced Avocado would also be nice"


Fiesta Breakfast

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs per person
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 green chili
• 1 small habanero pepper, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• garnish with chopped cilantro
  
• Your favorite Sausage links
  

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, over medium high heat, add olive oil.
   
2. Saute the onion, tomato, green chili and habanero pepper until the onion and peppers softens, reduce heat to medium low
   
3. Add two eggs per person to the skillet, careful not to break the yolks
4. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste
5. Cover with lid, cook for 8-10 minutes until eggs are cooked to your taste (soft yolks or more firm)
6. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with sausage and toast
   

Post a Comment

A delicious recipe from George in NYC: Grilled Swordfish cooked with Tomato, Cilantro, and Onion Salsa


Grilled Swordfish cooked with Tomato, Cilantro, & Onion Salsa
Serves Two

Ingredients

• Two Swordfish Steaks,  1 - 1 1/2 inches thick
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced in 5 or 6 rounds
• 1/2 onion, sliced in thick rounds

Salsa Ingredients and Directions

• 1 Tomato
• 1/8 cup Cilantro
• 1/2 large Onion or 1 small one
  
• 3 cloves of Garlic

Directions:

1. Chop all ingredients and place in a bowl.
2. Place the onion and lemons on a large dinner plate
3. Place fish over the onions/lemons
4. Gently press the salsa on top each slice of fish. Let stand for 15 minutes
   

Swordfish Directions

1. Place each slide of fish, along with the onion and lemon on a sheet of aluminum foil
   
2. Seal tightly in the aluminum foil to create a pouch
   
3. Place on a grill, cooking over medium heat for 8 - 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of each slice
   
4. Remove the swordfish from the aluminum pouch and place on the grill (salsa side up), over medium high heat for about 3 minutes, be sure not to overcook the fish (it will become very dry)
5. Top with Salsa and serve immediately

NOTE: You can also serve this as Grilled Swordfish Tacos, placing chunks of swordfish in taco shells, soft or hard and serving with guacamole and salsa.

Post a Comment

Minimize your time in the kitchen and maximize it with friends and family by mixing your cocktails in bulk

Sparkling Dutch Red Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Dry Red Wine
• 3 oz Triple Sec Liqueur
• 3 oz Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
• 6 oz Grenadine
• 1/2 Bottle Pomegranate Juice
• 1/2 Bottle Pommery Brut Royal Champagne
• 1 Orange, sliced
• Cinnamon sticks

Directions
Combine the first five ingredients. Add Champagne and give a quick stir. Pour mixture over ice and add slices of orange. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick.

Post a Comment

This recipe was submitted by George of NYC, a wonderful appetizer or side dishes to a Mexican Meal: Guacamole and Salsa with a bit of heat!

Guacamole Ingredients:

• 4 avocados, pits removed, coarsely chopped
  
• 1 thick slice red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
• 1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
  
• 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped (if you like it spicy-add 1 more)
• sea salt to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lime
  

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together. Just before serving, squeeze lime juice over the guacamole
2. Serve with salsa and Tortilla Chips

Salsa

• 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1/8 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove
• garnish with Mango slices
  

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate or let sit for 1/2 hour to 1 hour to allow all flavors penetrate

Post a Comment

A delicious libation that can be made ahead of time so you can enjoy the party with your guests, right where you should be!

A Pitcher of Acai-Blueberry Mojitos

Ingredients

• 28 oz Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
• 14 oz Lime Juice, fresh
• 7 oz Simple Syrup
• Mint Leaves
• Blueberries, fresh
• Club Soda

Directions
Muddle mint leaves, blueberries and simple syrup in a pitcher. Stir in Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka and lime juice. Then add ice and top with club soda. Serve in a highball glass garnished with a mint sprig or skewer of blueberries

Post a Comment