Eat. Drink. Memory.

We were craving Chinese takeout.

No place close that's good. 

I miss NYC Chinatown, dim sum, Peking duck, pho noodle soup, summer rolls, steamed fish...  So I made my own ginger beef with broccoli. It was okay, satisfied the craving, but I'm no Ming.

Make your Valentine gift to the people of Haiti

Love is a verb. Take action.

Join the World Food Programme in their efforts to help sustain and support the people of Haiti.

Say 'I Love You' with gummy bear goodness

Still at a loss about what to get your special someone? How about a five-pound Gummy Bear?

Weighing in at a whopping 12,600 calories and allegedly the world's largest gummy bear, this mammoth gummy is equivalent to 1,400 itty-bitty gummy bears. 

Available in blue raspberry, red cherry, and green apple from Vat19.com for $40 big ones.

Beets are good food - even in a cupcake

This Valentine's Day, take a cue from Del Monte spokesman and chef-author Dave Lieberman with healthy sweet treats for your beloved.

Lieberman, author of The 10 Things You Need To Eat, has found a way to make beets palatable to those who wouldn't ordinarily eat them while dishing up a pretty in pink (and chocolate) cupcake perfect for sweethearts to share.

Del Monte offers a coupon to make things even sweeter.




Beet Mash Cupcakes (or Cake)

Serves 12-15.

For the cupcakes

Ingredients

One 14.5 oz. can Del Monte® Fresh Cut® Sliced Beets, drained
2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
½ cup vegetable oil
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
½ cup warm water
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Icing
2 sticks unsalted butter
Approx. ½ a can of Del Monte® Fresh Cut® Sliced Beets, drained
1 pound confectioners sugar

Preparation

For Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. For Cake: Preheat the oven to 325ºF.

In a small bowl, mash the drained can of beets finely with a potato masher and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and water. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet. Fold in the mashed beets and mix well.

For Cupcakes: Pour the batter into greased cupcake tins. Bake about 15-20 minutes, until set but moist. (Or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean)

For Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch Bundt pan. Bake about 70 minutes, until set but moist. Let cool, and turn out onto a large serving plate.

Make the Icing: Mash the ½ can of beets finely with a potato masher. Melt 1 stick of butter in a saucepan and add mashed beets. Simmer on very low heat for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cream the second stick of butter with a mixer in a bowl. Mix in the melted butter and beet mixture until fully incorporated. Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar.

Ice the cupcakes or cake with a thick layer of icing.  

PAMA Lava Lamp heats up Valentine's Day

So you're looking to heat things up this Valentine's Day.

Pick up a bottle of bubbly and PAMA Pomengranate Liqueur, then add this terrific recipe from Maria Hunt's The Bubbly Bar.

PAMA (which makes a great cupcake ingredient too) is made with all-natural pomegranate juice, premium vodka and a touch of imported tequila. Bottled at just 34 proof, PAMA is highly mixable and makes mixing up a love potion pretty easy.

Love potion number nine is The Lava Lamp. It's explosive.

The Lava Lamp

1 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

5 oz. Brut Sparkling Wine

3 pomegranate seeds

Add PAMA to a champagne flute.

Fill the glass with sparkling wine.

Drop in the pomegranate seeds

Southwestern chili recipe hearty winter warm-up

 

When I was a kid, my mom occasionally made ethnic food - a very Westernized stir fry or tacos. She made her own flour tortillas from a recipe, which unfortunately is long disappeared

Unlike my son, who practically cut his teeth on sushi, dim sum and curry, we were not exposed to a wide range of foods beyond our regional cuisine and hearty American classics like pot roast with mashed potatoes.

My mom was a great scratch cook, but women of her era were enamored of the subtleties of French cooking not anything as scarily exotic as Asian or Latin food.

These days you can find a recipe - either traditional or modified - for just about any world cuisine.

I don't know if it's because it's freezing cold or because everyone - but me - is gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday, but recipes for Taco Soup are every where.

Maybe it's because tacos are a quick and easy family favorite.  Maybe it's because nothing shouts fiesta like Mexican comfort food.

I'm a fan of tacos, tortas, burritos, enchiladas - anything salsa- and guacamole-laden, so the idea of Taco Soup is pretty tasty to me. Whatever the reason, I have to weigh in with my own recipe for Southwestern Chili.

This recipe is fast, nutritious and delicious. And who doesn't love a meal that requires minimal effort with maximum flavor.

Southwestern Chili

serves six to eight

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1/2 pound chorizo (the crumbly Mexican kind)

1 16-ounce can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 16-ounce can pinto beans, drained & rinsed

1 12-ounce can sweet corn, drained

1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes & green chilies

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock

2 bay leaves

2 teaspoons cumin

1teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoons chipotle chili powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated for garnish

1 avocado, diced for garnish

1/2 cup sour cream for garnish

1/2 cup taco sauce

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Preparation

In a six-quart stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat before adding onion, celery and garlic. Sautee until soft, about five minutes, then add ground beef and chorizo.  Brown until meat is no longer pink and is finely crumbled, about six to eight minutes.

When meat mixture is browned, add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes & chilies and crushed tomatoes. Add chicken stock as needed to adjust thickness of the chili.  Stir in bay leaves, cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer, where the chili is just bubbling a bit, then reduce heat and cook gently, allowing flavors to marry for about 45 minutes to an hour.

While the chili is simmering, prepare long grain rice, according to package instructions.

Once the rice is ready, spoon a half cup into each bowl, then top with a half cup of chili. Garnish each bowl with 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon diced avocado, and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Drizzle with taco sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Serve with warmed flour or corn tortillas.

Sweet deals and sparkly finds at Magpie Boutique grand opening

Let Your Luck Decide Your Discount!

MAGPIE BOUTIQUE’S 1ST annual Draw Your Own Discount Sale and Grand Opening Party is FEBRUARY 6TH.

The fates will decide when you draw for a 25-50% discount on all Fall/Winter clothing and shoes.  

Bring a friend and bring home a find from top designers like BCBG, Corey Lynn Calter, Eva Franco, Gold Hawk, James Jeans, Lauren Vidal, Pur Premium Denim, Red Engine, Cavage, Corso Como, Remix, and many more.

Desserts by Pastry Chef Christa Evans and Sparkling Drinks Served at 4 pm.

Details:

Magpie Boutique

601 W. Main Street, Suite D

Durham, NC 27701

(919) 683-1981

www.magpienc.com

Beyú Caffé: Coffee, Cocktails and Culture in Downtown Durham

I heart Brooklyn. 

Up until August 2009, I was happily immersed in the rat race, scurrying underground everyday for the commute to my son's elementary school, then off to my teaching job.  At least once daily, often more than once, I'd pop into one of my favorite cafes for a coffee or later in the evening for a glass of wine.

The cafe bistro was my living room on the go, a place to do a little work, read a book or magazine, or meet up with friends.
  
When I injured my back, so badly I couldn't walk,  much less think about popping down to the cafe, I made a very difficult decision to relocate closer to my family who could help me with my recovery and with my school age son.

For a while I was pretty miserable.

But one day, I was walking better and my pain was almost gone and the next day I could see the most amazing opportunities begin to open up for me.  I discovered what a big little foodie city Durham, NC is and I nearly wept with joy.

Suddenly my grey cloud had a shiny silver lining.

 But really, the happiest I have been in six months was the day I walked into BeYú Caffé (335 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27701, 919-683-1058). The cafe bistro, only open about two months, is like a delicious slice of my former urban life served up with a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream.  

Owner Dorian (DJ) Brown has transformed the space in the historic Snow Building into a cozy, ambient place to chill - morning, noon and night. The decor is decidedly inviting with colors that are warm and inviting - walls of deep turquoise, rich burgundy and sunflower yellow - and interesting, carefully curated art.  The staff is wonderfully warm - there is nothing like a Southern welcome - and the coffee is brilliant. I can't wait to try the food, particularly my favorite - Red Velvet Cake. It goes without saying, I'm cheerful about a well-stocked wine bar.

Brown, a former big city finance guy, graduated from Duke University and left to chase money.  He found himself dissatisfied and began thinking about what to do with his life. He researched and he worked a part-time job as a barrista before leaving his suit behind. This is the sweetened condensed version, but the end result was BeYú Caffé.
 
I, for one, am exceedingly glad he followed his dream.
  
I heart BeYú Caffé.

Berry sweet brunch for Valentine sweethearts

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on one of the least romantic days of the week: Sunday. But while Sunday may not shine in the romance department, it positively owns brunch. So let’s make the most of it, shall we?

Invite two or three couples over and celebrate the fact that cupid’s arrow finally hit its target and the pressure is off!

Start by setting the table with red and pink accessories like red carnations, candy hearts and vases filled with red and white M&M’S®. Use old-fashioned Valentine cards as place cards.

Now for the most important element – the food. Brunch is all about variety. So take the time to buy or prepare several dishes.

Fruit is a brunch staple. We happen to love incorporating raspberries and strawberries into the menu, not only for their color, but because they’re yummy and healthy, too. In fact, topping traditional pancakes or waffles with Fresh Raspberry Sauce instantly updates an old favorite. For a more savory menu item, try a Raspberry Ham Frittata or Goat Cheese and Strawberry Bruschetta.

We heart pink drinks! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time break out the Maker’s Mark and whip up a refreshing Belmont Breeze. And for those who don’t imbibe, try a simple strawberry smoothie.

What could possibly be sweeter than your sweetheart? That’d be dessert. Strawberry Crème Brulee is a fabulous treat that is as easy on the eyes as it is the taste buds.

Strawberry Crème Brulee

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Makes 6 servings
 
Crème Brulee:

1 package (16 ounces) Driscoll’s Strawberries, hulled, divided
2 cups half and half
7 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup light brown sugar, divided
 
Heat oven to 325°F. Place six 6-ounce ramekins in a roasting pan; set aside.  
 
Coarsely chop 4 strawberries and evenly divided in bottom of each ramekin. Bring half and half to a boil in a saucepot over medium heat. Whisk egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a bowl 2 minutes or until golden yellow. Slowly whisk hot half & half into egg mixture. Divide among prepared ramekins. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to reach halfway up sides of ramekins.
 
Bake 35 minutes or until edges of custard are set and center jiggles when ramekin is tapped. Remove from hot water bath and cool to room temperature. Cover each one with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
 
Heat broiler. Press through a sieve 2 teaspoon light brown sugar evenly over the top of each custard. Arrange custards on a baking sheet and place 2 inches from source of heat. Broil until sugar melts and bubbles.
 
Top each with a strawberry halved.
 
Nutrition Per Serving: 285 calories, 13.26g total fat, 7.23 saturated fat, 6.33g protein, 31.85g carbohydrate, 284.74mg cholesterol, 1.03g fiber, 51.27mg sodium
 
Tip: lighten up the recipe by replacing half and half with milk

Domino's Bread Bowl Pasta my favorite food perversion

I sure miss NYC slices.  Pizza in the Carolinas isn't impressive.  Our only delivery option is Papa John's or Domino's.

Usually, we'll make a pie using pizza dough from Trader Joe's with great fresh ingredients. But there are nights where even something as easy as a homemade pie - how hard is it to layer sauce, cheese and toppings - is too much.

When I'm not feeling like toiling over the kitchen, much less lifting a finger to put together even a simple meal, I want take-out. Our choices here are pretty limited.  Our only delivery option is Papa John's or Domino's.

Sometimes even not great pizza beats no pizza at all.

Every time we order from Domino's, I'm amazed by the curiosity that is the Domino's Chicken Carbonara Breadbowl Pasta.  Who would create such a monstrosity?  And yet I'm perversely interested in trying it. 

Can all those carbs, saturated fats and sodium taste bad? Loading up a menu item with the big three is a sure guarantee of its success since these flavor and taste enhancers are what satisfy when eating.  Unfortunately, they (and sugar) are just a little too satisfying in some cases. 

A refined palate is going to find this gross. Truthfully, the thought of it grosses me out, but I did say my curiosity was a perversion.

Here's what the Eat This, Not That expert has to say about this Worst Food Invention. 

1,480 calories
56 g fat
(24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,280 mg sodium
188 g carbs

Here’s the breakdown: The noodles here contribute 200 calories, the sauce and toppings another 440. And finally, the bread bowl itself contributes a staggering 840 calories and 138 grams of carbohydrates. It’s like eating 12 slices of Pepperidge Farm White Sandwich Bread alongside your pasta dish, and all of those calories are the kind that spike your blood sugar and force your body to store away more fat. We used to harp on Panera’s Sourdough Soup Bowl, but it looks tame next to the Domino’s disaster.

Read more about the top 20 offenders.