A Hot Spicy August

 The temps are going up this month. Why no turn up the heat on your summer cooking too? add some zesty spices to everything from barbecue to salads to even desserts.It''sa fun way to liven up sometimes bland sometimes boring griller fare.

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern must have.I'ts wonderful mixed with olive oil and drizzled on warm pita no matter what time of year.Yet you can easily put on it on chicken.First make a marinade with two tablespoons of the spice mix and three tablespoons of olive oil Make sure every part  of the chicken is coated for full flavor and then grill. It can also be used for steak too.Rub it on like a dry rub and then sear immediately on a hot grill.This would be good with pita to sop of the juices.Another use for it would b e in a tangy Middle Eastern salad dressing. Take a teaspoon of the mix and then blend it with a third of a cup of fresh lemon juice, and a third of a cup of olive oil. Fresh garlic or garlic powder can b e added. Vigorously whisk everything together. It can be served on fresh greens but also goes well on chilled broccoli, string beans or tomatoes.Keep in mind that this is great on grilled veggies too.Marinated all sorts soft veggie sin this and toss on a hot grill,Za atar is easy to make or you can buy a jar of it.

Berbere spice is another way to add heat and flavor to summer foods. What is berbere spice.Its the main flavoring in dishes from Ethiopia and Eritrea .It features chili peppers fenugreek and warm spice s like cinnamon , cloves all spice and nutmeg.It's a perfect flavor booster for both chicken and beef. For chicken add two tablespoons of the blend and a tablespoon of olive oil.A half teaspoon of black pepper can also be added for more fire. To make the meat incredibly moist add a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or lemon juice.Pat the chicken dry and then add the marinade.Let it sit on the meat for anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes.Grill for thirty-five to forty-five minutes until the meat is thoroughly cook.Steaks can also benefit from berbere spice. Mix with three tablespoons of olive oil o r ghee and rub on the meat. Ancho chilis are also perfect mixed with olive oil and rubbed on such griller favorites like pork,chicken and beef.Use it in desserts .Add ground chili powder t o a blend of chocolate and heavy cream.This fiery ganache is perfect on strawberries.Serve it on pound cake or on vanilla ice cream for a sweet heat ending to your summer dinner.

Turn the heat up in your cooking this August. Add any of these zingy spice mixes to your barbecue or desserts.It a great way to zest up he average barbecue.

Fun Frosty Treats

 This is the summer for hot , HOT weather. It'd even too hot for the kids to play at the beach or in the pool. If that's the case keep them inside and creative. Have them make cooking treats for a fun snack or dessert.

One of the tastiest treats is a chocolate covered frozen banana. This is a super easy make with just a banana and semi sweet chocolate chips. You'llk need long wooden skewers which you can buy anywhere from the dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General.to  grocery storeThe bananas should be big and rip. Prep the fruit first. Place the bananas on a parchment line baking sheet and then melt  the chocolate. This can be done in thirty seconds increments in the microwave. Do this until all the chocolate is melted.Hold the banana over the bowl of melted chocolate and ladle the chocolate over it, slowly rotating the banana until  the batch is all covered. You can also roll them in sprinkles, shredded coconut (an absolute must) or chopped nuts. Another sweet treat is banan ice cream. Again take bananas and cut them into chunks Keep them in the freezer overnight and then take out. Put the pieces in a food chopper and blend until  the banana chunks become smooth custardy consistency . You can add peanut butter for more creaminess. My favorite way of having it is with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

Of course the kids can try their hand at homemade popsicles. Before you embark on this, make sure you have the right molds.Temu has  amold set of twelve  for  as low as $1,77 while Wal-Mart has them. on hand for $2.02 They do have better made ones,, a ten piece one  now on sale for $9.99. Kohl's also offers something similar at $11.19  for six.A fun and colorful version is a fruit and yogurt one. Use one pound of any sort of fresh fruit and two cups of vanilla yogurt. This will make for ten popsicles. It starts with pureeing the fruit in a food processor .Pour into a resealable bags or squeeze bottle when done. Do the same with the yogurt, spooning it int either resealabe bags or squeeze bottles. (Actually squeeze bottles will be a better choice if kids are making them.) Swirl the two ingredients into the mold,c resting swirls and whirls. when they;re all done, pop in the freezer to solidify over night.Eliminate the yogurt if you want all fruit ones. Soften any flavor ice cream and then spoon into cupcake papers. Add a bit of either chocolate or caramel sauce and then refreeze until the cakes become solidly again. Take out ofthe freezer and decorate with whipped cream and sprinkles or any kind of candy. Top with a cherry for a more festive look.

A super hot day needs a super cold and fun treats. Make any of these to keep the kids chilled and happy. They;ll love making and eating them.

 

NO Bake Treats

Kids want cookies no matter what the temps are. There's nothing like a platter of homemade treats to satisfy a young sweet toot  - although adults feel the same way too Yet it's just too ot to bake . Wat do do? Try no bake treats that are perfect snacks.

One of the easiest is the classic Rice Krispie treats.This is an easy make that requires the traditional rice cereal mixed with marshmallows butter and a drop of vanilla. There are several debates on how to create this easy treat. Some home chefs claim that mini marshmallows make the best base instead of the bigger pillowy kind (probably because they melt better.)  Te second question is whether to use butter or margarine, margarine may melt better but butter gives that rich flavor tat works well with the other ingredients.[Adds ins are a fun too. Mulicolored sprinkles make the treats more festive and are perfect for summer birthdays, Semi sweet chocolate chips take away that intense sweetness as do nuts and pretzel bits. You can also dip the squares in microwaved chocolate too for a fancy after dinner treat. Can you vary the recipe? Yes! Cinnamon lovers can use Cinnamon Toast Squares and any brand of oat hoops like  Cheerios can be used too for a different take on the treat.

Cow patty may be a gross way to describe a cookie but this chocolate delight is bot easy and tasty. This is a stove top recipe in which sugar ,butter milk and cocoa powder are whisked together as they slow boil. Once whisked, oats, peanut butter and vanilla are added in.Lay out parchment paper and then spoon the mix onto the paper.They should be slightly thick and rounded. Set for half an hour before eating.Keep in mind when cooking tat the butter and the sugar can;t be cooked too long to they will burn . Do not use crunchy peanut for this .It';ll screw up the recipe. A vanilla version can be made subbing in vanilla pudding powder for the cocoa.Ice cream cupcakes are another cool treat on a  it day. The base is crumbled Oreos but I think Nabisco's chocolate wafers. Tis is mixed with melted butter to form the base. This mixture is stamped down in cupcake papers put in muffin tins.Tbe second layer is softened ice cream. Add whatever flavor you want, and the top with a tiny spoonful of hot fudge or caramel sauce.  Top with whipped cream and sprinkles when you;re ready to serve.

You can still have tasty  homemade treats without turning on the oven. These are quick stovetop or microwave treats. The result is a cool sweet on a nit day,

An Easy Fruit Sundae

 Sometimes you just want a sundae but without the ice cream. There's something about fruit and cream that magical tpgether. It can even be healthy.

The other day I was craving a healthy yet decadent dessert and this came to mind.

This is bananas, peaches and strawberries from Stop & Shop.It;s their brand of frozen fruit that;s perfect in sundaes but also in other desserts like crepes (which is definitely on my radar).

F course every Sundae has to be topped with whipped cream so I used dairy free coconut based Whipp.This is one of my favorite whipped creams. The non dairy versions are usually lighter and not as heavy tasting as the full cream ones.

This is the finished ,fluffy version. I love the mix of fruit with it and in the future I can add some chocolate chips or chocolate syrup to round it out. 

A fruit sundae is always a nice summery treat. It can be made from fresh or frozen ones .It;s a nice light flavor, perfect for the warm days ahead.

A Sweet Happy Easter

 Happiest of Easters to readers around the world!!! Enjoy this holy day full of joy and hope with the best of meals and the sweetest of candy!

Here are scenes from my Easter displays.I'm waiting for those chocolate eggs and bunny!!!!!

Irish Quaffs

 StPaddy's Day so this week and with it delicious food likeolcannon and lamb stew. Yet he's need a good wash of something to accompany them. what better than the Irish bews the Island is known for. There are so many .What is good? What 's makes a tasty pint?

Yes, Eire is associated with beer. The Irish have been making it for five thousand years! Early ales reflected the rich greenery of the island. Some brews had the aromatic bog myrtle or heather. The misty damp climate has always made it perfect for growing barley, essential for making a good ale.It also helped that the culture developed the local pub came about. This brought towns, large and small together and fostered a sense of community. )One fo the most famous families ,Guinness started their brewery in Dublin in 1759. Even earlier was Kilkenny Brewery started in 1710 by John Smithwick. There was also William Beamish and William Crawford who opened up one of the first Cork breweries in 1782. The Victorian era saw James Murphy opening a rival one in 1856. Guinness stout is the most flavorful and can be used in both cooking and baking. It has notes of chocolate and coffee along with roasted barley,. It's perfect for those who want to try a good stout with familiar and comforting flavors.

For those craving something different try Smithwick's red ale. This too has sweet notes of caramel and toffee blended with toasted biscuit. It;s the perfect pint with grilled meats such as hamburger or lamb chops on St Patrick's Day. Paella ale is another Gaelic treat. The taste can  be flowery mixed with a rich toasty caramel flavor/. Pale ales are just good with bar nibbles like nachos and sliders however if you want a good pub go to then try fish and chips or sharp cheddar on rustic bread.Whiskey has always been considered a Scottish beverage shower they Irish are also know fro producing some good ones too.It is a month light liquor, Most have a fruit or floral flavor. They're  often triple distilled and kept in vats for a minimum. of three years. That classic dessert drink Irish coffee is made with it.This is a fun cocktail to try at  home.It taking  about two ounces of Irish whiskey and mixing it with strong black coffee. Two tablespoons of brown sugar is mixed in and carefully poured fresh whipped cream is poured over it.

St Paddy's Day is all about drinking to celebrate it's most famous Saint. There are all sorts of good ales and whiskies to try. Have fun .Be responsible with them.

 

Celebrating STC's Birthday

 Today is Samuel Taylor Coleridge 's birthday, the amazing author of Kubla Khan and Frost At Midnight. He would have loved a cream tea, complete with scones and jams along with a good joint of lamb. 
There is cake

He may have enjoyed chocolate which was just coming into recipes at the time. Carrot cake?

Possibly. Carrot cake is a spice cake, a sweet Coleridge certainly would have enjoyed during his life time. He may have been put off with the creamy cheese frosting since most spice cakes of his time were soaked in Madeira.  Still he would have enjoyed these.

Celebrate this great poet today with a slice of cake or scones laden with clotted cream. ENjoy his rich  array of poems and critiques. Enjoy his birthday.

The Ultimate Empanada Cookbook

 Nothing beats a  homemade pastry filled with either savory or sweet fillings. empanadas are just this. The dense pastries can be filled with all sorts of yummy fillings from, meat to veggies to even fruit and chocolate They're perfect for lunch dinner and even picnics.  Now there's a new cookbook that has dozens of tasty recipes .

Donna Kelly is the author of a great cookbook titled Empanada (Smith Gibbs Publishing 2025). This is an exciting book.I love empanadas and have always wanted to create my own. Ms. Kelly begins the book with their history - starting in Spain around 700 AD. Most are fried , usually in a neutral oil however Americans tend to bake them. How they're prepared is up to you. She also has several dough recipes ranging from dough for baked or fried pastries along with one for shortcuts - tortillas and ones with traditional masa or corn dough.There are also helpful instructions on sealing them from the traditional rope to the pressed crimp edge.The recipes start off with a section dedicated to traditional Latin ones,The Mexican ones have a blend of potatoes and chorizo while Argentinian ones include the tangy green chimichurri sauce. A great way of using rotisserie chicken is the Venezualan Mojo chicken recipe, packed with the meat and a variety of fiery spices and honey. The Cuban style empanada is full of Havarti cheese, black beans, rice and diced ham. This is a whole meal in one pastry. Again all look so good  and it's a question of what to make first.

There are also North American recipes too that are just as delicious.I can;t decide which one to try.The spinach artichoke one is good for parties but also a great dinner one. The TexMex chili is another on the radar to try. The books also has international , dessert  and holiday recipes too.Pizza empanadas are so good and there is a a recipe for them.Imagine an everything pizza with two kinds of cheese in one empananda. There is also a caprese one stuffed with fresh basil mozzarella and tomatoes. The Korean bulgoki one is an interesting mix of sriracha, soy sauce and bok choi along with ground sirloin.The Halloween empanadas are a must bake for any holiday party. They have jack o'lantern eyes and mouth cut out to reveal a black bean and onion filling. There are even Thanks giving ones, perfect for the day after the holiday. The dessert ones are perfect not just for snacks but also for get togethers. The chocolate raspberry is a definite must bake as are the fruit ones, perfect for the peach and berry harvests going on now. Another plus is the section of dipping sauces from savory to sweet, The avocado sauce would work well with the chicken ones while the chocolate hazelnut one is perfect with the sweet.

Empanada lovers will go made for this cookbook.Empananda  has every kind of recipe from Latin to dessert, American to international and holiday. It 's a definite addition to any home chef's library.

Your Own Ice Cream Shop

 One of the most trips in summer is heading to the local ice cream shop. Yet these are becoming few and far between. Then there is the price. An average sundae can cost as much as six dollars just for two scoops with chocolate syrup. A better idea is making everything yourself .Besides it's more fun to create some sweet treats on your own.

The base of any ice cream shop is the ice cream itself. You can easily buy or make it depending on your schedule. Start with the basics  - vanilla and chocolate These work with any kind of ice cream dish. Vanilla and chocolate ice cream is easy to make.An easy vanilla recipe just calls for two cups heavy whipping cream, condensed milk and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.It's whipping the cream into soft peaks and then adding the remaining ingredients. There's no churning or even ice cream maker needed. Just place in a container and freeze for at least six hours or until firm. This also is the recipe for easy chocolate ice cream except there is also the addition of half a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, whether regular or Dutch processed.If you want something a bit more adventurous then try a coffee which is great with chocolate syrup or a berry  - the perfect way to use up fresh strawberries or blueberries. For the coffee add  a chilled half cup of coffee . Sub in whole milk for condensed. As for an quick berry ice cream.mash berries and cook with a bit of water and sugar in a sauce pan. Let cool and add to the vanilla mix..

Can you make cones too? Yes! ice cream cones do require egg whites to give it to that stuff texture that holds up to melting ice cream scoops. You'll also need super fine sugar , whole milk, whole flour and vanilla extract.It's then cooking them in an oiled skillet not unlike a pancake. Once baked into little cakes they're then shaped with a cone roller (where you can find on Amazon).  Waffle cones are a bit more cakier thanks to the addition of one whole egg along with the white of another for a good stiff texture. .A quarter of a stick of melted butter is also added for richness.  You can't use a regular waffle maker for this You'll need a waffle cone maker to give you a thinner ,crispier cone.  what about waffle bones that hols more ice cream along with sauce and toppings. You can use a regular waffle maker for this  along with an  everyday waffle recipe. It;s then putting the hot waffles into a bowl to shape them. Any ice cream treat needs a good sauce for fun and flavor. CHocolate sauce just requires water sugar  , vanilla extract and sugar to create a thin syrup  that's also perfect in egg creams. A decadent hot fudge sauce requires     butter, corn syrup for texture along with heavy cream,vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Caramel sauce  is another yummy topping. For a truly rich one use six tablespoons of butter mixed with  half a cup of heavy cream granulated sugar and water along with a small pinch of  flaky sea salt for contrast.

Imagine having your own ice cream parlor with Tim's of homemade yummy treat, You can. It's easy to make your own ice cream and sauces, sugar  and waffle cones and bowls to create perfection.

The Sweet And Heat Of A Caribbean Barbaque

 barbecue and Caribbean flavors go hand in hand. The sweet and spicy favors highlight all sorts of grilled means ,side dishes and desserts.In fact the word barbecue comes from the Taino people who inhabited most of the islands in this paradise. It's now time to try the paradises' great dishes,perfect for summer eating.

Grilled meats is the backbone of the region's outdoor cooking.Jamaicans add the spicy mix of jerk to everything from burgers to chicken.There are three main ingredients in the mix - Scotch Bonnet peppers,s allspice and thyme.Scotch bonnet is one of the hottest peppers out there and it what gives jerk it's eye watering bite. You can find it everywhere. Wal-Mart has it in powdered form. Nutmeg and brown sugar balance out this extreme heat.Onion and garlic give it a nice earthy, vegetal flavor. Try jerk chicken wings for a tasty meal A jerk rib sauce is a better alternative tom that gloppy overly sweet one. You will need ketchup,a wet paste jerk marinade, apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke. This jerk marinade consists of pimento scotch bonnet peppers, some kind of acid like vinegar and a variety of spices. Use clove ,cinnamon,nutmeg and thyme. sugar is also mixed in but you could use brown sugar for a more earthier sweet flavor. garlic also makes this sauce sing.Mix everything together and either slather on the ribs before cooking or dip them in the sauce after grilling.

Very barbecue deserves a table full of sides. A Caribbean one is no different. Try a corn dish with fresh corn right off the cob.This is just  using a sharp knife to slice  the kernels off and into a bowl. saute corn and garlic in oil for five minutes  In a small dish combine pineapple juice, milk soy sauce, sugar cumin and ginger. You can sub in almond milk for cow;s milk and brown sugar for the refined white.. Pour this sauce over the corn, cover it and then simmer for fifteen more minutes.. Add chopped green onions and cook for another five minutes. Salads are another perfect foil for all that fiery meat.A bowl of greens with a honey lime dressing and rich with such fruit as pineapple mandarins  and dried cranberries  provides refreshment to all that fire.  add some sesame seeds for crunch and if you want croutons. A simple salad with just pineapple and coconut also works along with a few sliced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. for dessert try the sweet and creamy dulce de Coco Tierno, a Domincan treat made from tender coconut meat, condensed milk and regular milk.Coconut macaroons are another meal ender that would be perfect with iced coffee or tea. dip the macaroons in dark chocolate for an added treat.

The Caribbean is full of great recipes perfect for any barbecue. Whip up some jerk,Make a fruity salad and then create a sweet tropical influenced dessert. It s the taste of the islands in your back yard.

The Asier Dessert Ice Or Ice Cream

Summer demands cool desserts. However there can  be a sweat in creating them.  Which is easier?Is a bowl of frosty flavored ice? Or a cone of creamy , custardy ice cream? Is gelato easier to make than these both? There are differences and easy options any home chef can choose.

First of all what is ice. It can be shaved or pebble or fork sifted as with the Italian granite.Keep in mind you will need some kind of ice machine, whether it's for shaved or snow cone kind of ices.They're both very different thanks to the texture of the ices.Most home chefs opt for the snow cone one. They're great for kids parties and you can create an adult version of snow cone with a shot of some alcohol. Any ice machine does require maintenance . Both types eventually will need replacement blades as well as cups and plastic spoons.They do have kits that come with already made bottles of syrups. The syrups can be made at home.You will need two cups of sugar , one cup water and any unsweetened fruit flavored drink mix.Fresh fruit can be used for purists along with agave or syrup for flavoring.You can try a pound of strawberries, blue berries and or blackberries for a fresh , flavorful, spoonful. A simpler ice is the Italian granite. This is a fun quick dessert.It's two cups of strong brewed coffee or espresso mixed with sugar and then frozen in a tray (usually an ice cube one)It's scrapped every two or three hours to create a gritty texture.Granita is usually served with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa. There's really zero effort in making it and it's the easiest frozen dessert to make..

Is there an easy ice cream recipe? Yes there are a few no cook recipes you can use. Most , however, do use a custard recipe that requires cooking egg yolks and cream.Non-custard versions do require heavy cream for body and smoothness. A classic chocolate  one has a blend of cocoa powder, heavy cream, sugar, whole milk and vanilla.It's beating the cocoa powder and heavy cream first  The vanilla is added in , then the milk and sugar.It's chilled first and then gone through the ice cream maker. Can you make this without an icecream maker. Yes, you can,. You can sort of create your own ice cream maker by using a plastic bag and a bigger plastic bag. Fill the larger ine with four  cups of fresh crushed ice and four tablespoons of coarse salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice and creates an extra cold atmosphere. This squeezes out all the heat and makes for a better ice cream. Fill the smaller bag with the ice cream mixture and then wrap the larger bag in a towel and shake vigorously until frozen. The more you shake the more frozen it will be. You can also buy an ice cream ball from Wal-Mart or Amazon for a quicker freeze.

what is easier to create? Ice, especially granita is the simplest. Yet if you want a quick ice cream then go for a non custard one for a sweet and fast dessert.

Sweet Treats For Less

 May is the time for parties and get togethers. Yet these can be expensive ,especially desserts. WHat to do? The old fashioned thing - make and bake yourself. You can have fun with with all sorts of treats from cakes to candy.

LIke yesterday with savory main courses and sides, a sumptuous dessert table is easy to create at home. This is  fun to do, especially to decorate. Customized sheet cakes are  very expensive at $28. at Acme while Wal-Mart sells one at a startling $24.96. A fully frosted and decorated vegan cake can go up to a jaw dropping $80. at the Vegan pastry Lab in Englewood, New Jersey(their cakes are phenomenal but stick to the occasional cupcake from them)THis is a time for bake your own.Before you bakes anything make sure you have the right pans. For a party think a throw away cake pans that makes for an easy cleanup. Also have a good cake carrier .Wal-Mart has the Mainstays cake and cupcakes carrier which makes it easy for you to transport dessert to any event. Also make sure your decorating Both Wal-Mart and Amazon has good prices on these and the icing bags. Home bakers can buy a fifteen piece cake decorating set for only $4.30. This a really complete set with cake scrapers to make wavy lines  and ruffles on the cakes sides like bakeries do.

As for the actual ingredients, it pays to shop around for the best prices for sugar and mixes. Again look to Wal-MArt for good prices and a good variety. The store seems to have almost every flavor of Duncan Hine's Dolly Parton's cakes and icing.They're is selling the mixes for $1.97 right now. These can be great for parties ,Create a chocolate covered strawberry treat by baking her strawberry cake and then frosting it with her chocolate frosting. You can create your own scratch cakes ,cupcakes and cookies.Target, Wal-mart and Acme have the cheapest prices on all purpose flour with Wal-Mart being the cheapest at $1.99  for a two pound bag. Target  has the  Good and Gathered unbleached variety at $2.59 for five pounds. What about confectioner's sugar.It's all important for creating perfect glazes and frostings. Acme has it in sale now for $2.49 a pound. ( heads up confectioner;s sugar or any sugar doesn't;t go bad,it will get lumpy and lose it;'s taste with age) As for frosting gels to write messages and names, Wal-Mart has the best bet at $1,56 a tube.As for other candy decorations, you can get creative with cheap bags of M&M,s Sour Patch kids and other small bite sized pieces.

Desserts can be made at a cost for any big shower or party. Best of all they';re fun to make and decorate. Save money by baking a fun slice or cupcake.

An Easter Full of Treats

 everyone have a good Easter.enjoy all the candy and those oh so expensive eggs. It is a time for all sorts of sweets and traditional foods.

I cannot wait to crack my chocolate Fiorina egg from Lidl. It;s chock full of little  chocolate treats. There's also a bunny from my friend Harry and chocolate eggs from Walgreens.

A good Easter to everyone! Go on an egg hunt. Much on chocolate eggs.Revel in the season of rebirth

Your favorite Holiday Flavors

 We all have them, Our favorite Passover and Easter flavors. it could be a decades old brisket recipe, flavorful and meaty .It could be chocolate coconut or creme eggs . These are the tastes that shape us and our memories.

The question is what is your favorite Spring holiday flavor? Mine is asparagus Piedmontese style with melted plant butter and vegan Parmesan cheese. I'm also fond of chocolate chip macaroons too.

Let us know here.

Celtic Libations

 Saint Patrick;s Day brings a host of traditional Irish  foods and drink. People do know and love lamb stew and boxty yet Irish stouts and ales. flummox them. What's the best to drink? How is stout different from ale? There are so many aspects to decipher.

St Patrick's Day is a day to try a big pint of stout - namely  Guinness . This iconic ale was first created in 1759 by Arthur Guinness in Dublin. He had a 9,000 (!!!!!) year old lease on Saint James Brewery. It first produced many beers but then concentrated on a dark one first called porter then stout. Now there is a difference between the two. Porters use malted barley while the other uses just barley. This give stout  a roasted coffee like, almost bitter flavor. The taste does make it excellent for baking. Many use it ,combined with chocolate to create rich cakes and cupcakes.Porter's taste is also good, with a chocolate-y caramel or even a light coffee taste.Many porter cakes usually have brown sugar to balance this out as well as complementing the flavor. Keep in mind if you;re on a pub crawl on Monday, go easy on the stout.It has a higher alcohol content than porter. You can simply nurse one for an evening. You could also go for a pint of porter which is lighter and won;t leave you with a hangover on Tuesday morning.

Of course there's no avoiding a good dream of Irish whiskey on St Patrick's day. Yet which one is the best along with should you of with Irish or Scottish whisky.The different spellings can tell you something. whiskey with an e is the drink being distilled  three times while the one without an e is distilled only twice. The triple distilling give the finished product a lighter flavor. It can also be produced with both unmalted and malted barley.Malted just means the grains are allowed to ferment in water until sprouts appear.They're then dried and this process gives the sugars needed for fermentation. There are many Celtic themed cocktails to make with whiskey, namely the famed Irish coffee. This is coming a good whiskey such as Bailey's with hot coffee and sugar.A  thick layer of cream is put on top of the cup and you sip through that.THis can end a wonderful evening meal of lamb stew or a roast leg of lamb. There is also Irish cider a  blend of whiskey and hard cider for an extra kick.if you;re a light drinker than stick with a whiskey sour, a mix of whiskey, lemon or lime juice and simple or maple syrup. You can tell the bartender to go light on the whiskey so it kind of resembles a shandy.

Monday is a day for having fun and drinking. Just pick the drink that bests suit you.It could be a gorgeous dark stout or a light whiskey cocktail. Either way celebrate with a toast and Slainte

Welcoming Dumplings

 The Year of The Snake has arrived!It's time to celebrate with all sorts of goodies to ring in the  Lunar New Year! Think dumplings both sweet and savory to feast on.

REgular contributor Genevieve KO writes and gives all sorts of variations in today's Wednesday's New York Times Food section. For some Asians these gems full of flavor and happiness represent wealth and prosperity for the year ahead. Five contributors have given their best recipes. Keep in mind that these recipes also work for any time for the year. They're great for parties and even barbecues but they could also be a fun weekend meals in with family.Eric Kin gives his for the Korean New Year(all Asian countries celebrate at the same time) Seolail ones that are made with wonton wrappers.It is loaded with beloved Korean flavors like kimchi and gochugaru.Fish or soy sauce can be added for brininess and flavor. Vegetarians will love the CHinese Zhongshan Gok Jai .They are also called crystal dumplings because you can see through the skins the dough is a combination of wheat tapioca and potato starches instead of flour, hence the transparency. The fillings has two kinds of  mushrooms, shiitake and dried wood earm, alongside with carrots celery and water chestnuts. Tofu give its more solidity and weight.

For a different taste try Sue Li's chili oil wontons. These are highly flavorful, being packed with ground chicken or pork along with shrimp. Shaozing wine or sherry can be added for more flavor. The sauce here is the most important It;s made with garlic, scallions and red pepper mixed in vegetable oil. Bay leaf is added. The dumplings should be served with peanuts, peppercorns and scallions.Kay Chun gives her recipe for beef wontons  with zucchini and buchu, a highly flavorful allium. Tofu and garlic are also included for more weight and taste. The dipping sauce is unusual in the sense that it uses pine nuts which are mostly used in Southern European baking along with soy sauce, white sugar and white vinegar. Dumplings aren't usually sweet however Ms KO, a renown baker gives her spin.Her filling is a kind of ganache , made with a bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate bar or dark chocolate chips and quarter of a cup of condensed milk. Sesame oil is added for silkiness along with salt. The wrappers is more doughy than the average dumpling. Ms Ko uses glutenous rice flour and sesame oil. It has to be kneaded and rolled like bread dough and then proofed.It's then steam over water.

It's the New Year. Celebrate with these savory and sweet treats. They're perfect for ringing in the Year of The Snale!

Holiday Tortes

 A different kind of cake to think about for holiday baking is a torte. It's a denser , more flavorful version of a cake and somewhat easy to create. it's an elegant sweet, perfect for any holiday table.

What is a torte exactly? It is a rich dense multilayered cake, usually made from ground nuts or breadcrumbs.Unlike a regular cake there is very little to no flour added.They're usually covered in a rich frosting and can be filledd with buttercream, whipped cream, jams or fruit. The Germans and the Austrians are best known for them, namely in the famed Black Forest Cake. This is chocolate and ream cake filled with whipped cream and cherries. The layers are made with ground walnuts and cocoa.This is one of the newest recipes to the sort, having been invented in the Spring of 1930. The actual sweet can from Eastern and Central Europe before becoming a standard in Viennese coffee houses. Many home bakers do shy away from them probably for two reasons. The first is that it does need a Springform pan fro some recipes. Sometimes spring form cakes can turn out to be flops The second reason is that it's labor intensive. It used to be both home and professional bakers had to grind the nuts (I remember my Mom doing this for her Black Forest torte. Nowadays though walnut and almond flours can even be had at Wal-mart. As for the breadcrumbs - Italian or French bread will give the torte its' best texture.Many recipes do call for regular flour to give the cake a silken crumb.

A torte can be an exciting and delicious treat to make. There are so many variations to choose from. The Black Forest is one of the  most popular and the first many home bakers choose.Some actually start off with a flour based cake but this really isn;t authentic. Use ground hazelnuts mixed with baking powder for the gateau or cake part.The filling is fresh or frozen pitted cherries cooked into a syrupy filling. Cornstarch is added to thicken it to a jam consistency. Depending on the recipe the layers are doused with kirsche a heady cherry liqueur made in Germany. It's assembled and frosted with fresh whipped. cream. The torte is liberally dusted with shaved dark chocolate and decorated with cherries.It's a show stopper for any holiday dinner or even dinner party. Another great torte is the Austrian Sacher torte. This is a mouthwatering marriage of apricot and chocolate.what gives the three tiered cake its' lightness is the addition of egg whites. The bite is airy and light.The filling is strained apricot preserves the fruit has t be removed (unless you want a chunky filling which would give it a more intense apricot flavor).Let it air dry and then pour the melted chocolate glaze over it and let the icing set. For a true Viennese experience serve with cups of strong coffee.

Think tortes instead of cakes for this holiday season.They're different but just as delicious. THey're also impressive , creating a sight , showing off your baking talent.

Isabella's Cookies Sweet Treats For A Hot Day

 Let's face it.It's too hot to bake. yet what do you do when you want a homemade cookie on a hot August Day?You get Isabella's Cookies. These chocolate chips come in so many different varieties of one cookie. They're the perfect accompaniment with a tall iced coffee.

These are definitely my new favorite cookies. The company comes from sunny Redondo Beach,California and some of the cookies do have a laid back SoCal vibe to them. Jennifer Palmer founded the company in 2001 and brought forth all natural  baking. The cookies have no preservatives in them and only pure ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and pure chocolate chips along with creamy peanut butter ones

She offers a whopping thirty !!!!!!! different types of chocolate chips that range from the Muffie which has white chocolate chips and chocolate covered blueberries to the Matinee which is studded with both chocolate covered raisins and plain ones.

There are also the V-chip one of the many vegan cookies offered.

That and the Muffie are my favorites. A close second is the Aloha which not only has white chocolate chips but everything Hawaiian fruit like coconut, macadamia nuts and pineapple. I like the V chip which has a swirl of peanut butter through each cookie. Right now you can find them at Whole Foods or buy them on line.

It's hot.It's mid August. Why bake when you can have one of Isabella's chock full of chocolate chips cookie. Have it with your favorite iced coffee or iced tea.

The Perfect Parfait

 This is the time for cool treats and nothing says that better than a parfait. It could be a lovely way to start the day? It can be a cool treat after a barbecue .Anyway you have it 's a nice treat on a hot August day,,

As expected the parfait  was created by the French around 1890. The original recipe was the basis for our frozen custards of today. French chefs cooked eggs sugar and cream together as a custard then frozen. There are two versions. the french one which is made with whipped cream, simple syrup and any kind of flavoring, namely fruit. It's then poured into a tin, much like its' Italian cousin the semifreddo. Egg yolks are added , much like the original recipe to give it body. The American version is more layered like a sundae. There is also a Japanese one with a base layer of cornflakes! it also has more whipped cream and gelatin cubes than the American one. A breakfast parfait is a different and fun way to start the day. Use Greek yogurt which is thicker and has more body than the American and layer with different ingredients.Add old fashioned oats and for more nutrition and good helping of chia seeds. You could add frozen fruit but fresh is better especially now with all the harvests happening right now. Layer with sliced peaches and strawberries for a tasty treat.Sliced bananas and blueberries also work. Keep in mind that you can have this as a mid afternoon snack too. Add chocolate chips for some flavor and a boost of energy.

An ice cream parfait is a lovely way to use the fruit of the season along with good ice cream., As for the ice cream , you can make it yourself or get a good brand . A simple yet elegant one is layers if vanilla ice cream and fresh cut fruit. Try a French vanilla with pitted and chopped cherries is also good. You can do the same with other fruit for the season like peaches and strawberries. If you want more layers, add  crumbled vanilla wafers like Lidl's or Nabiscos and top with whipped cream. Of course a chocolate version is also  doable and delicious. Layer chocolate ice cream with strawberries or chopped , pitted cherries. Add a good chocolate syrup such as U-Bet or Fox's. (Hershey's also work well here).Top with a blob of whipped cream and more fruit. You can add a layer of cookie or even chocolate cake here too. A decadent dessert is a tiramisu su one. It starts with a homemade ice cream made from a mix of mascapone cheese and evaporated milk. Beat together until stiff peaks form and freeze until ready to use. You can also use coffee ice cream too. Cake is the base here and it's soaking either vanilla or chocolate pound cake in espresso. Layer the ice cream and cake, sort of like mini trifles .You can also sprinkle on cocoa powder too to give it a mocha flavor. Top with whipped cream and more powdered chocolate.

Beat the heat with the perfect parfait. You can make one for a breakfast treat or have one after a barbecue. Either way they're cool and delightful.

Wendy's Creamsicle Is it A Dreamsicle

 Wendy's has brought back this Creamsicle Forsty for a short while, replacing its' famed vanilla Frosty. Is it just has tasty as a real Creamsicle, a mix of orange and vanilla ice cream?Is it just tasty as the chocolate Frosty?

I had to try it to see. To be honest I 'm not a big Creamsicle fan but I do like a good orange sherbet.However  was reminiscent of baby aspirin.It was a little too sweet. There was the citrus and vanilla flavor but it was overpowered by a sugary sweetness.There could be one solution to cut this - freezing it.

I put it in the fridge for two hours .It did have a nice ice cream consistency , but the flavor was still the same. Freezing it didn't cut the sugariness.I think for it to work is if Wendy's' added unsweetened orange juice to this. The juice's tartness would work equally well with vanilla ice cream. It's something for them to consider.

Is the Frosty Creamsicle worth it.? If you;re a big fan of Frosty's, yes. If not try Wendy's Frosty's sodas. These are cool and refreshing without a lot of sweetness.