A Warm And Cozy Dinner Party

A dinner party doesn't;t have to have elegant fancy food t be a success. You can also serve hearty, rib sticking food especially during these frigid nights. It just has to be good Everyone will appreciate a tasty meal that warming to the heart and the soul.

One of the easiest heart warming dinner dishes t serve is crockpot chili. Unlike fancier roasts this can be started in the morning and  slow cooked all  day. This gives any host enough time to get the house cleaned and other groceries bought. If you want to make it a bit more glamorous, then think about subbing in chopped filet mignon.Surprisingly enough there is a lobster chili made with the white version. This  has white beans , corn and squash along with white onions.It's a different take and sure to be a crowd pleaser at any party.Would a stew be dinner party appropriate? Yes, if' its the rich < French duck and pork one called cassoulet. This is a hearty spoonful of the two meats slow cooked with added meats such as pork and mutton along with white beans, garlic and herbs. It can be served with a simple salad and crusty , warn French bread.The simple yet delicious shepherd' pie could also make a dinner party main course.Thus hearty British dish can be made elegant by topping the savory meat, veggies and gravy  not with mashed potatoes but with sliced ones arranged  in a fancy pattern,

There are two fun and filling dinner party dishes to think about. They are the Piedmontese bagna calda and the Swiss fondue. Both require a fondue pot (which can be had from Amazon at $23 for the least expensive and $84 for a deluxe stainless steel one) > Bagna calda or hot bath starts out with a base of olive oil , butter and garlic simmered in a fondue pot. Anchovies are melted into this to create a savory, unami rich sauce ,. Usually Savoy cabbage, torn into bite sized pieces are dipped in by each diner and then cooked. however it can also be made Paterson NJ style with the addition of cubed m, par boiled London Broil. Doing it this way will give the sauce added oomph thanks to the red meat. It's hearty elegance at its' best. Fondue is another ribsticking and completely fun dinner party choice. It;s melting Gruyere and Emmenthaler cheeses with garlic ,white wine and a splash of kirsch. Usually chunks of a baguette is dipped into this but you can also use boiled and peeled potatoes and cabbage too.

A winter dinner party can also good , hearty food. The dishes don;t have to be elegant. They just have to be delicious and filling. It's a perfect way to celebrate on a cold January night.

An Empty Nester Eats

Many parents are now living in an empty nest. The kids are tucked away at college or in their new apartments,, What used to be a house full of noise and fun is now quiet. It's even worse in the kitchen when it's back to cooking and eating for two or even possibly one.

What happens when you;re one of those empty nesters?Firstly embrace this . Don;t just give up the want or passion to cook.  You're still there. You deserve hot healthy meals and fun treats. It's tempting to give in to eating take out every other day. Maybe save the Burger King or Chinese for a Saturday or Sunday night.It's also time to look at your cooking space and adapting it for this new phase. This si also a great time to reconnect for friends, You can still cook big meals for a fun Saturday night cocktail and dinner party or a boozy(or not so boozy) brunch, These are the times to think back to when your were single or just married. Did  you have friends over? Wasn;t it fun to have those parties and wouldn;t it be nice to have them again? Start looking at your good dishes and champagne glasses again. Start planning fun recipes  to make like duck l'orange or beef Wellington. Entertain friends and office mates with the dishes your kids turned their noses at like escargot and calamari. 

 However for daily life  store those big pots and pans away. Save them for those dinner parties or  holidays when you know you'll be cooking for a full house. Buy smaller amounts of the foods you usually cook.Instead of a dozen eggs settle for six. Try hamburger patties in packages of four instead of eight. Buy smaller containers of milk and juice.  This is the time to splurge on more expensive ingredients too.  Get those sticks of Kerry Gold butter if you want. They're going to last longer with one or two people in the house.Treat yourselves or self to a T-bone steak or filet mignon now. Break up the mid week doldrums with scallops or lobster tails. Another idea is cooking for two days. You probably did this when you had a full house but on a larger scale. Make a pasta for two that can be a great Sunday dinner and then turn into Monday supper leftovers.A small meat loaf is perfect for a weekend and then cut it up for  work day sandwiches.  You can still bake too. Just cut down on the amount. Try baking in micro batches .

Empty nesting is hard. Yet it can be a great time for all sorts of fun and lush foods too.. Embrace this time with tasty meals and fun treats.

More Like A Flat Tire

 road trips can be like a fork in the road. They can be fun and exhilarating or they could have the the same effect as a flat tire  - not fun. A recent road trip was definitely in the four flat tires catagory.

The area is known for cute and kitcshy and that includes Peddlar's Village.There are several neat places like the candy store that sells vintage brands and fresh ly dipped chocolates and the German store that has everything from Haribo Gummies to schnitzel mix. There there ate the cute restaurants that offer their version of sophisticated.my group and I startedthe day at Frescafe a funky little cafet that styled itself after a New York one. I chose the  tomato basil soup that was more like sauce than soup.Friends had the different sandwiches from grilled cheese to a a turkey pesto.

dinner was at the supposedly wildly popular Porterhouse Inn. in Lahaska PA. it was a loud , noisy place .I wish I could say that the food made up for it was OK.

I ordered  the steak sandwich au jus without the prolone.Others at the table ordered the filet mignon sandwich and a seafood cavatappi.The sandwich was good ,dipped in a gravy .It came with a mound of slightly darkened fries. The same with the filet mignon sandwich. The cavatappi has little chunks of lobster scallops and shrimp. There should have been more seafood for the price.

Sunday was spent at the Black Bass Inn on the Delaware RiverIt's historic enough and the views were gorgeous.

The food was so so.I ordered a chicken salad with a strawberry dressing.The chicken was placed away from the greens while the dressing looked like strawberry yogurt.

The other dishes were the French toast served with a mound of bacon and a pepper and caramelized omelet. The salad was just barely passable while the chicken was too dry.They opened up with vile tasting cheddar and chive biscuits. This is supposed to be a popular place although I really can't see the charm.It was in Loyalist territory 250 years ago and It still is, thanks to it's Royal Family corner.

This was the road trip that was not that great . It was not a good one food wise If you want to explore the area then do so. Just eat at your own risk.

Note I did get some nice soaps at Soap Opera and a pretty chambray dress at Cotton, both at Pedlars's  Village. Shop at these.

It's Just You And The Kitchen

 This is the time of year when the nest empties out. The kids have either gone back to college or flown the nest in their first post graduate apartment. That means  the kitchen is yours again. It's time to have fun.

Many couples may feel that loneliness yet it's also a time to celebrate and discover. Remember the time when it was just you two, newly together. You had fun. You cooked for each other. If yo want to splurge and have lobster for dinner you did. if you wanted a candleight supper with champagne you arranged it. Now you can do it again. Treat youselves to a lush seafood dinner. Think shrimp kabobs on the grill or steaming crab legs. If you're into beef then then a juicy and buttery filet mignon on the barbecue. Serve with Hasselback potatoes which are those fancy sliced potatoes. with the kids away you can also put out all those stinky cheeses you loved and they hated. Imagine a charcuterie board full of Limburger and Camembert wedges. Now you can even experiment with Pont l"Eveque which smells like a mix fo barnyard and bacon and Robiola , an cheese with a strongly unique aroma.Kinds are also picky when it comes to unusual foods like escargot  or smails. Yet if you loved them when you first had your kitchen then get them again.

Having the kids around meant seeing homemade treats get gobbled up in seconds. Now with just two you can easily bake and have a batch of cookies or even a cake last for a week. Again, like with savory food, indulge youselves now. Bake a scratch chocolate cake with homemade fudge frosting. If a whole cake is rtoo much then think of a mini cake. It's easy to get the pan for it. You can also make all those 'icky" desserts thant the kids turned upt heir noses at . Try your hand at a pear galette or aquafaba meringues. Another plus about havinmg the kitchen to yourself is less clean up. There's not the big crowd anymore .There are no friends staying for dinner or coming over for snacks and games. You can leave  dinner dishes in the sink overnight and don't have to go crazy mopping the floor. (because those muddy feet are dirtying up their dorm rooms or apartment)There will be night when you'll be cooking for one or ordering in. Forgo the plates . Use them when the kids come or friends come over. Use the aurfryer and microwave more too.

It's just you and your kitchen, Enjoy this alone time. Celebrate it. Have fun cooking old recipes again and just baking for two.

One Steak Many Ways

 Steak is one of the most versatile cuts. It can be smoky, spicy, mellow. It can be grilled or sauteed. It's perfect on the grill or just air fried.It makes for the perfect summer dinner.

Before you buy know the different cuts. There are actually seventeen (!) types of steak.Decide which one fits what you want to do.Rib eye steak is the most famous and well loved.It's marbled with rich fat so all it needs is a good sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. It's better cooked om a grill or in a cast iron skillet with some butter.Filet mignon is one of those luxurious cuts. It has a melt in your mouth quality and is usually the most expensive. It's good on it's own but you could add some lemon butter to it. Strip steak is one of the most popular . You can get it with the bone Kansas City style or New York , which is without the bone.This is a versatile  cuts You can grill, pan fry or air fry it. Yes it's good on it's own but you can also add  a spice rub or a marinade. A good spice one has brown sugar mixed with paprika and garlic powder. Some add coffee too , both in wet and dry marinades.It's better in wet marinades because the grounds can be a bit too much (and can give you a really wild buzz). A good coffee marinade has the drink mixed with soy sauce, sesame seeds and Worcestershire sauce.

If you want to treat yourself think a  juicy Porterhouse steak.This thick cut is perfect marinated in a herbal marinade and then grilled. You could also do a wet rub of olive oil and ground black pepper.Another popular cut is the flank steak. It  is served with a salsa verde sauce or chimichurri . This is a mix of fresh oregano, parsley and cilantro mixed with olive oil and red wine vinegar Garlic is also added as is hot pepper flakes. You could also try a blend of olive oil any citrus juice like lemon or lime plus soy sauce.A similar cut is the skirt steak. Thanks to the abundance of connective tissue (it comes from the cow's belly) it can be tough in texture. It needs a good marinade to soften it. Try one with olive oil and lemon juice. Add some herbs like rosemary and oregano for more flavor.One of the most affordable cuts is the flat iron steak. This truly is a versatile. cut.It can be pan cooked, air fried, grilled or even slow cooked. To get the best of its' flavor try a simple marinade of just olive oil , garlic and herbs.It's perfect like this, with a potato and salad but it can also be put into a fajiita too.Two other versatile pieces are sirloin steak and London Broil. These are best oven cooked, with just salt and pepper on them. They're great cold being made into sandwiches too,.

Any cut of steak is great for a warm summer night. It can be cooked any way and is delicious. Get the cut you want and create a tasty meal. 

Luxury Eating For Mom

 Mother's Day is all about pampering and treating Mom to something special. Why not treat her to some luxurious meals from  breakfast to lunch to dinner. She'll appreciate not just the time and effort but also those special recipes.

The most commonly made Mother's Day meal is breakfast. Nothing beats breakfast in bed. Make it even more special than eggs Benedict. This is actually nothing more than a breakfast sandwich with Hollandaise on it. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be varied. The original one calls for one one or two slices of Canadian bacon to be layered with sunny side up eggs. However think how Mom would react if you subbed in small filet mignon for the ham for a truly lush Mother's Day treat. If; she's  big seafood lover then think a crab or lobster Benedict. The last requites lobster tails to be cooked and shredded.  You could also do a take on the Southern shrimp and grits breakfast by adding shrimp to the  recipe too. Another idea is French toast.Yes, you could whip up the traditional sweet recipe but what about a savory one that would work well with a Bloody Mary? This is swapping the cinnamon and sugar for pepper and eggs. The basic ingredients are the same,  - a dense chewy bread like a sour dough , dunked in an egg and milk batter.Any kind of shredded cheese is then added on top.If you like add a smear of tomato jelly and top with bacon strips.

Of course this could also work for a lush lunch, especially when it's topped with slices of paper thin prosciutto. Serve with a red wine spritzer, which is just red wine mixed with a seltzer for a different but elegant lunch or supper.Grilling is usually a Father's Day activity but Mom can also have grilled meat. If the filet mignon was too much for breakfast then think of it as a nice Sunday lunch or supper idea. Marinate in olive oil and rosemary for extra flavor. first before cooking . Serve on warmed French or Italian bread. Again grilled shrimp and lobster are perfect . The shrimp can be turned into tasty kabobs , layered with cherry tomatoes and small onions. The lobster can be cut in half and remove the green insides or tomally  and break off the claws. (These can also be grilled) Drizzle with oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper..What would go with this? Try a simple spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a tomato salad that can be spooned onto crusty rolls. Quiches are also a nice lunch or supper. They're easy to make yet rich in flavor and texture. They can be the traditional or a lovely veggie one.

Mom deserves the best on her day. make it special with lush meals she's sure to enjoy. Celebrate her with luxurious recipes.

A Very Stout Burger

 Can a burger's taste be improved? The answer is most definitely yes. Surprisingly even a drop of alcohol can do wonders to add to the meaty and unami flavors.it does'r have to be a teaspoon of ground onion.

I recently discovered the stout burger during a visit to Paragon Tap and Table in Clark New Jersey. To be honest I was kind of hesitant to go in, expecting the brew house to have a limited menu. It didn't with an abundance of choices. One item from the menu caught my eye.

Their stout burger. This was something to be tried and it didn't disappoint. This was a thick patty served on a buttery brioche bun.A huge slab of bacon along with sauteed  and fried onions(!!) mushrooms and a stout aioli graced it but it was the burger itself that stood out. The waiter was kind enough to give me the recipe.

The stout is Guiness , that  famed creamy velvety brew from Dublin, drizzled onto already made patties and cooked quickly on a hot grill. Instead of the stout's flavor being mixed in and absorbed by the meat as in other stout burger recipes, it stood out on it's own, hence the purer flavor. It was really wonderful, marrying with the beef perfectly. The kitchen used just the right amount  as to not smother the hamburger's own taste. Even without the extras a  plain stout burger  on its' own with just the bun  and an onion would be good. Paragon also offers hanger steak and filet mignon. I wonder how those cuts would taste with a quick splash of stout. Their lamb burger with red wine sounds good too and I may try that on my next trip there.I am planning on using their stout recipe for my Beyond Burgers just to see how the drink holds up against plant based proteins. Will they taste the same?Or have a different taste vibe because real meat wasn't used.

Beer and burgers are always good together, Burgers with a splash of stout added to them are way better. Try one  today on a fun trip to Paragon Tap and Table.

Paragon Tap and Table is located at 77 Central Ave, Clark NJ. It shares the same parking lot as the Clark Target and Marshalls. It's right off the Clark Exit 135 on the Garden State Parkway South.

Your Own Holiday Party

 The one aspect of the holiday everyone is missing right now is the holiday party. It could be a lavish office affair or a tree trimming bash. There are no more family gatherings or Hanukkah parties. Yet we can still celebrate - at home among ourselves.

Sit down office parties were always full of good drink and good food. You can still have a lush night in, including getting dressed up. Think about serving small filet mignons to make at home with a side of Hasselback potatoes. The meat can be enhanced with garlic or herb butter or a bagna calda sauce of anchovies garlic, butter and olive oil. Hasselback potatoes are accordion sliced russet potatoes brushed with melted butter and different herbs. Another lush meal would be Cornish game hens with flavored rice and/or mushrooms. Corporate Christmas parties are also known for their many hors d'ouevres. Whip up a bowl of fresh made bruschetta to be piled on toasted and sliced Italian or French bread. Cheese and mushrooms puffs are a must. You can make these at home using already made puff pastry but you can also find trays of both at your grocery's freezer section. The same goes for spanokopita, the miniature Greek spinach pies. Since you're not going to be driving, you can make dinner as boozy as you want. Serve champagne or make a packed

 punch with rum ,orange and pineapple juices. You can also create individual drinks like Cosmopoitans and martinis too.If the kids are involved, then make a non alcoholic one with a variety of juices and seltzer.

Hanukkah parties are special times that can still be celebrated. Homemade latkes are a must but these can have different spins. Try making them in a waffle iron for an all over crispiness. Add sweet onions and horseradish for some zing and heat. Veggie laced latkes are a different and flavorful twist. Think about adding in chopped leeks or scallions along with carrots and onions. A true treat is a brisket and latke sandwich, made with melt in your mouth brisket and hot crisp latkes. A fun dessert is sufganiyot , the holiday jelly doughnuts. Also have some chocolate coins for the dreidl games later. A family tree trimming party can still occur. You could give it a Mexican spin with fresh made guacamole and salsa or a plate of loaded nachos. The last are tortilla chips topped with pulled chicken or ground beef  and smothered with cheese, sliced jalapenos and black olives. You can also toss in diced tomatoes and peppers too. Another tree trimming party idea would be a plate of English muffin pizzas. Everyone can put on whatever toppings they want like pepperoni and extra sauce. You could even include garlic knots too and extra pizza sauce for dipping. Finish with a platter of homemade cookies and hot cocoa , tea or flavored coffee.

You can still have delicious food and drink. Just do it at home. It may not be the same as those parties you're used to but it could easily be tastier. Celebrate this holiday season however you want. It's your party.

A Different July Fourth

This is by far the strangest July Fourth weekend any of us have experienced. As the past few months have taught us anything is that we need to care for our families and others. How do we do that? By offering good food, whether homemade or restaurant bought.

Families can still have barbecues even if they're socially distanced.It can be done. Even if it's just the immediate family there's still can be hot dogs and hamburgers, graced with sides of macaroni and potato salads. If more people are coming then check out Melissa Clark's article in Wednesday's New York Times Food section about a barbecue in the age of Covid 19, There won't be shared ribs or s'mores but you can have delicious grilled chicken that everyone can take off the grill themselves, along with bags of chips and homemade  no bake butterscotch custard. You can still have beach and park picnics if you're six feet apart from everyone. Some snack bars may be closed yet there may be food trucks offering everything from burgers to taco in the beach and park parking lots. If not, then get out the cooler and stuff it with picnic classics. Think hero sandwiches, chock full of such treats as mortadella and prosciutto , graced with tomatoes lettuce and some kind of dressing. For a more sophisticated vibe try pan bagnat the Provencal classic that has everything in it from hard boiled eggs to anchovies in it along with tomatoes and Dijon mustard. Have bottles of sparkling mineral water to wash it down along with flavored seltzers.

If that's not your style, then eat out. Many restaurants and even diners are now offering outdoor dining, perfect for the evenings. Event tents are popping up in their parking lots , protecting tables and customers. They're worth visiting (although if it looks too crowded, think about ordering the food and bringing it home). There's something about dressing up after three months of lock down wearing ratty clothes and actually eating something you personally haven't slaved over. It's time to get that shrimp cocktail with the giant shrimps or the filet mignon with pomme frites. Better yet it's ordering all the fun food like pot stickers or mozzarella sticks , washing them down with fancy drinks or large refreshing glasses of iced tea. For those who love the different ethnic cuisines, it's spending a warm night enjoying pasta under the stars or chicken curry amidst balmy breezes. Take advantage of the coffee shops and bakeries too.  Some also have tables and chairs set up on their sidewalks too. Meet friends for iced coffee and cupcakes and catch up on what's been going on.

Yes, this will be a July Fourth for the books. Make the most of it. Use it as a template for the holidays to come. Just remember to care for family and friends. Offer them good food, whether from your grill or your favorite restaurant,

Summer Parties Redone

June is the kickoff month of the summer party scene. Sadly a summer gathering hasn't much changed since our parents' days here in suburbia. It's time to liven things up, with drinks and with foods.

As anyone with a backyard will tell you, a backyard barbecue starts off with beer and soda in big iced filled buckets.This is OK, but change it up a bit with IPA beers. The IPA stands for India pale ale - it was a light,hoppy ale that was first exported to India in the mid 1800's. Today it's a perfect accompaniment to any grilled food, be it beef, chicken or fish. Another good beer is a dark porter. Although this may seem like a drink perfect with a London Broil on a winter's day, this is surprisingly great with hamburgers and T-bones. You could easily serve beer, but make it a true  German one such as Paulaner Oktoberfest marzan. A different spin is a shandy -a mix of lemonade and beer. It's  combining lemon juice, a pinch of sugar and one bottle of beer. Some recipes add seltzer for kick.  You could also go with the Italian  sparkling lemonade such as  San Pellegrino's and serve it virgin for the kids, a naughty shot of vodka for the adults. Also try this with San Pellegrino's other flavors such as blood orange, lime and grapefruit. Sangria is fun accompaniment for any party. Like the lemonade, it can be made either alcoholic for the grown ups and non alcoholic for the little ones.

Every great barbecue starts off with hamburgers. What else would go with those pale ales and shandys?  Go  super lux with filet mignon burgers ! These can be made two ways. First you can grind the meat if you have a meat grinder attachment for your mixer or even easier, cut into small pieces and grind in your food chopper. Do this in small batches for a nicely even texture. The second way is just cutting the meat the size of the hamburger buns. You can add a fancy mushroom sauce or pop them on toasted brioche buns for more glamor. If you want simple then stick with hot dogs but make them fun.Have a fixings bar where guests can add sauteed onions ,sauerkraut, chili and guacamole. Have veggie dogs too for vegan guests.The sides need to be taken up a notch too. Try a Sicilian potato salad that's made light by subbing in mayo with olive oil. If you still prefer the traditional, add crumbled bacon on top then. Cole slaw can go exotic with nixing the mayonnaise , subbing in olive  oil and soy sauce. A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger gives it zing. End the evening with  a lusher kind of s'mores. Sub in chocolate graham crackers for the plain kind, and use Valrhona chocolate instead of Hershey's .

Throw a summer party that' s going to be talked about up until the fall and winter. Update classic recipes. Make plain dishes rich and lux. It's easy to redo a summer party menu.

The Pantry Is Now Open And It Went To Visentini's

Yes, I have reopened the pantry after a false health scare (blame the doctor , not me). The first trip back was to Visentini's Brothers in Lodi, New Jersey. This gem is an Italian food lover's paradise, filled with traditional and even unusual Italian treats from both the north and south of the country.

A friend told me about Visentini's Brothers, located on one of the town's main roads, Union Ave in Lodi. There have been Italians living in this area since the late 1800's so food shopping really is like shopping in Naples or Rome. At one time home chefs had a handful of salumerias to shop from,to buy home made pasta and cold cuts. Those stores have since closed , leaving only Visentini Brothers which is a combination liquor store, salumeria, caterer and grocery .What is unique about it is the variety of unusual products. The store  sells candele pasta, literally two foot long (!) pasta tubes that are a specialty of Neopolitan kitchens.There are also other tubular pastas of different sizes and shapes home chefs can try out too., Yes they offer traditional pastas such as fusilli lunghi, foot long strings of wavy pasta along with spaghetti , angel hair and penne. What is great about the store is that they feature staples of Northern Italy too. There is the finely ground Piedmontese polenta, along  with dried mushrooms,There are shelves full of Italian breakfast biscuits as well as San Pelligrino Mineral water along with the always tart and refreshing orange and lemon sodas.

Visentini Brothers is also a deli, and again they don't disappoint with their wide array. They have breaded eggplant, chicken and even cauliflower. This last is a must have .The florets are evenly and perfectly coated with something akin to bread "dust" than crumbs. It's not overpowered with spices so that the sweet earthy flavor of the cauliflower comes through.The artichoke hearts are another standout. They are the size of small roses almost with an earthy candy flavor. Visentini's marinates in a vinaigrette sauce that only adds to the flavor.The deli counter also offers other delicious dishes such as shrimp salad, meatballs and broccoli rabe. Those who are familiar with Southern Italian specialties will love their arancini, , the little oranges made from rice , chopped meat  and breading. Usually these are the size of small softballs but Visentinis makes theirs the size of small bowling balls. One can easily feed two or even three people. Their heroes are legendary around the area, with the store customizing them to individual tastes. The store also has an extensive catering menu which features filet mignon,, deviled eggs with caviar, and melon with prosciutto, They also a wide range of pastas to choose from, unusual for a caterer.

Visentini Brothers is the perfect stop for those who adore the Italian food. It is a great trip , full of tasty foods. and plates. Welcome back to the pantry, thanks , in part to this amazing store.

Summer Party Ideas

Summer is the time for entertainment .It's getting friends together and just celebrating the balmy nights or days by the pool.There's even room  to throw in an old fashioned clambake or fish boil. Whichever you choose will always be fun.

Of course there's the barbecue. That American classic will be the backbone of many warm weather gatherings. Give it a more sophisticated turn by serving grilled filet mignon on brioches.For a true lux  idea make a bagna cauda sauce  from anchovies cooked with olive oil, butter and garlic. If you want an even more decadent barbecue, then think burgers made from this expensive cut. Serve with sliced , grilled portobello mushrooms. Another party dish is champagne marinaded chicken. This is mixing the champagne with olive oil, garlic and seasonings and letting it marinate for anywhere from eight hours to overnight, It's grilled for fifty minutes to an hour over hot coals. Lobster can also be grilled too and it's a nice change of pace for a summer get together. Served with asparagus salad and a tomato basil mousse for a truly elegant warm weather party.Don't feel like cooking? Then have it catered. Many restaurants can roast up chickens and even turkeys along with a variety of sides if you;'e throwing a large (anywhere from fifteen to thirty people)They will also set up and supply you with servers too. As for dessert, try an ice cream Charlotte. It's a striking end to any dinner  and all it needs is lady fingers, fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream.The lady fingers are pressed against a spring form pan creating a shell, then  filled with the ice cream and fruit.

If you want something a bit more down to earth then think luau, clambake or fish boil. A luau is a great idea for a pool party. Start with the basics of this South Pacific feast, chicken, fish and pork.If you can try to get luau leaves however surprisingly collard greens can  be a substitute for them. Most luaus use the Hawaiian butterfish againrif you can;t find it in your fish store, then use pompano.A fun crowd pleaser is huli huli chicken, a marinated dish that artfully combines pineapple juice , white wine and soy sauce.Poi is a staple too but it is hard to come by , especially in the continental US , Sub in a mix of mashed banana, lemon juice and coconut cream. Make sure guests have fruity cocktails to sip as well.Clambakes can be fun too, even if you're miles away from any ocean. It's primarily a variety of seafood boiled together. Add what you want .Mussels, clams and lobsters are the most popular. Sometimes whole potatoes are added as is corn. Butter is melted, preferably in an old coffee can  and the seafood and the veggies can be dipped into it. Beer or cider is usually the beverage of choice. A fish boil is the Midwes';s version of a clambake.It's usually whitefish steaks boiled with potatoes and onions.served with a side of melted sweet butter. The meal ends with a cherry or blueberry pie a la mode ad strong, hot coffee.

It is the height of the summer party season. Throw one that suits your tastes. Go elegant or go down home. No matter what you choose, it will be a memorable one with good food and good drink.

Steak And Potatoes Please

Sometimes the best meals are the simplest. The most famed and desired is  the simple steak and potatoes. It's an easy meal to make and thanks to the different cuts of meat and variety of potato recipes can be served a variety of ways. One day it can reflect the gaucho cuisine of Argentina the next , an homage to French bistro dining.

What steak makes for a good dinner./you have a choie.Most people go for the filet mignon .as we all know it's top of the line There are several reasons for this.It's not as marbled with fat as other cuts and extremely tender,It's best served cooked rare to medium. The best cooking method for it is searing or grilling. If searing , then you can  added a medallion of herbed butter for more flavor.A less expensive cut is the flank steak or London Broil. This is a triangular piece that has a robust beefy flavor and is good hot or cold. They are tougher in texture so marinating is in order.Try a simple oil and vinegar one, with some rosemary sprigs added. You can also try a soy and ginger one too. or for something exciting cook it gaucho style with a yummy chimichurri sauce. It's a spin on salsa Verdi with cilantro,tequila and lime juice.This  Sometimes you just want a plain hamburger. Use chop meat instead of the usual premade patties. Add some minced onion for a truly flavorful ones or insert a small blob of butter or an ice cube for tender moist ones.


As for the potatoes, there's a dozen recipes you can choose from. A plain baked potato is always the best It doesn't interfere with the meat's great flavor and you can use it to sop up the juices. Just bake in foil and add some butter or sour cream afterwards. You could also try pomme frites, the French way of making fries. These are then fried twice , the second time with garlic butter infused with parsley. You can serve aioli with both them and the choice of meat. Scalloped style is a great way to go, especially if you have filet mignon.These are thinly sliced  potatoes (use a mandolin for this) and baked with a cheddar  cheese sauce,layered in a casserole dish.You can sprinkled paprika or breadcrumbs on top for color and crunch.. Red potatoes also compliment any meat, even chicken and turkey. They're also easy to make. First coat in oil, sea salt and rosemary before being set in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. One of the best recipes is mashed. Homemade mashed is excellent gracing a steak . Pour th e extra juice over the spuds and it is a classic meat and potatoes meal.

Nothing beats a good steak served with potatoes. It's simple yet filling., the perfect comfort dish for a cold night. Make it a variety of different ways. They're all good, they're all tasty.

Dining For One

Being single does have it's advantages, especially in the kitchen.You can make what you want when you want.You can also splurge on expensive ingredients and have it with a good wine or even champagne.That's the joy of dining for one. Eating alone can always mean sticking with favorites.One of my culinary specials is filet mignon with bagna calda sauce.This last is a blend of anchovies, butter ,oil and garlic ,cooked with the meat.It's a wonderful blend of flavors, both briny and earthy.The dish is just pure heaven.I can never make this for my friends because they have a strong aversion to the fish.(I can't even order anchovy pizza except when I'm on my own).The same applies to surprisingly enough, kale.Forget making kale chips for any kind of get togethers.Yet it's one of my favorite vegetables. Luckily I have a family who enjoys this vitamin rich veggie and enjoys both kale and Brussel sprouts chips.A splurge is usually expensive.If that's the case, wait until your supermarket has a sale or is offering coupons.You can also use alternatives.For my indulgence, it doesn't always have to be filet mignon.It could even be flank steak or beef tips. What happens if your splurge is a good chocolate chip or oatmeal cookie? What about if you crave a slice of red velvet cake? Many people find buying the whole box or cake too much.It's all that effort and time just for one slice.Bakeries can help that, with offering bigger size of your favorites.Grocery stores are now offering individual sliced cake served in a size appropriate plastic container.As for A one chocolate, many candy stores like Rocky Mountain sell individual pieces like the chocolate covered Oreos and graham crackers.If you're craving ganache or fudge, you could make those yourself. There are a million recipes on the web regarding them and you can use primo ingredients like Dutch cocoa and French butter as ingredients.What about chocolate fondue for one? It can be done and you can have a ball dipping anything and everything into it.Another great aspect of eating alone is there 's no one to shame you if you exceed your calorie count or go off your diet for a super banana split or a bottomless ice cream soda. Dining for one can be fun.You can treat yourself to all sorts of fun dishes and desserts.Best of all you don't have to share.It's all yours!

The Return Of Classic French Fare

 Before dishes became trendy, they were considered elegant. Their ingredients weren't the flavor of the month.They were time honored and tested. This is true with French fare. Many foodies and gourmets have forgotten that this type of cuisine was the gold standard of all cooking whether it was prepared at home or in a restaurant.

This was the subject of Jeff Gordinier's article in today's New York Times Dining section. He discovers the classic Gallic dish, Tournados Roussini ,a dish that has been missing from most  menus for quite some time, The tournados are tender filet mignons topped with a small slice of foie gras . They are served on buttered rounds and then anointed with a sauce of veal broth , truffle juice and Madeira. The dish was created during the Golden Era of French cuisine by either the culinary giants, Marie-Antoine Careme or Auguste Escoffier. It is a rich dish that was pure heaven to Mr.Gordinier.

Sadly enough only a few French restaurants offer this dish named after the opera composer, Gioachino Rossini. The famed Manhattan Le Bernardin as well as Benoit restaurant in New York City offer Tournados Roussini only during the Christmas holidays. The trendier, Le Sirene in the West Village makes them on a regular basis. The famed modern French chef,Daniel Boulud bases his to die for burgers on them. Hopefully these lush treats  will be back on more menus, despite the price (even for lunch they're around $55.00).

Tournadoes Roussini are a throwback to a more elegant time in dining. Hopefully modern foodies and gourmets will want this amazing dish back in their lives. As with all good dishes, it transcends time and trends.

Yummy Luxury Omaha Steaks

This is the second installment of luxury foodie gifts. While we drooled over champagne and chocolate last week today we can smack our lips over steak. Omaha Steaks in particular. This company gives the world a variety of different cuts at over the top prices.

Omaha Steaks is one of the oldest food mail order companies in the United States. It started in 1917 by the Simons , a Latvian family who settled in Omaha. They came up with the idea of shipping steaks throughout the country after a son in law convinced Union Pacific to showcase their cuts in their dining cars. By the late 1940's the company had gone national By the mid 1970's stores were added. Omaha Steaks does sell some bargain packages starting at $39 but most are over the $80 range.

What can you buy at Omaha Steak? A lot of great cuts of beef. you can buy the combo which is filet mignon and Porterhouse steaks. You can also try filet mignons and T bone steaks shipped together. Omaha Steaks has some good sirloin cuts as well . There are also a variety of flavors such the whiskey ribbed and the Caesar one. Omaha Steaks also has poultry and seafood along with desserts.

There's nothing as delicious and intoxicating as an aged, juicy steak. Omaha Steaks fulfills that fantasy with their delicious cuts of beef. Order some for yourself for a yummy holiday treat.