ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Allright,timetocomeclean.Despitethefactwehavefivehostswhoknowmoreaboutcookingthana
canaryknowsaboutcats,thedemandsofproducingafive-day-a-weekcookingshowareformidable.From
theverybeginning,ourstarshavereliedonawonderfulteamofyoungmenandwomenwhoarethefood
heartofTheChew.Theirkitchenisabouttwentyfeetfromtheset,tuckedawaybehindthestaging
equipment,oozingdelicioussmellsandcreativefervorfromtheearlymorninghours.
Aftereachshow,ourhoststalktoAshleyArcher,theseniorproducer,aboutwhattheywanttocookthe
followingday.AshleythentakestherecipetoherteamofkitchenJedi,KevinMendlin,HughJernigan,
JackieRothong,LaurenPalmeri,IanMcNulty,andDevanDror,whothenbegintoputthefoodsideofthe
showtogether.
Itistheirjobtomakesureeveryrecipeistested,priced,andthenartfullypresentedforstillshotsand
beauties—longbeforeweevenwarmupthestudiolights.
Allrestaurantsliveordiebythespeedandefficiencyofthelinecook.Allcookingshowsliveordiebythe
skillandspeedoftheirculinaryteam.Theysetthepace,firetheimagination,createbeautyforthe
audience,andmakesureeveryingredientisexactlywhereitneedstobeatexactlytherighttime.
Theskill,fun,andconfidenceofourhostsaresupportedbytheverysamevibescomingfromthekitchen.
Sobeforewedopublishonemorepageletmesaythankyou.Ilovewhatyoudo,andsodoallourviewers.
—GordonElliott,ExecutiveProducer
CONTENTS
HowtoUseThisBookAcknowledgments
IntroductionbyGordonElliott
ALL-AMERICANCLASSICSGameDay
FourthofJulyLaborDayPicnic
HAPPYHOLIDAYS!Halloween
ThanksgivingChristmasHanukkah
Valentine’sDayEaster
Mother’sDay
MILESTONES
ShowerWedding
AnniversaryParty
BIGBASHAwardsNight
ElegantDinnerPartyNewYear’sEve
PartyPlaylistsCredits
INTRODUCTION
AcoupleofyearsagoIwatchedClintonKellyexplainwhyhelovedtoentertainandcelebratesomuch.“I
lovemyfriendsandfamily,butIfeellikeweneverhavethetimetojusthangoutanymore,weareallso
busy.SowhenIdoseethemIwanttoshowhowmuchIcarebyallthelittlethingsIdotopreparethe
meal.”
IwatchedMichael,Mario,Carla,Daphne,andthestudioaudiencesmileinrecognitionofthistruth.Weall
understoodit’sourverypersonal,verypersonalizedgifttopeoplewecarefor.Nomattertheevent,weare
reallycelebratingourfriendships.
Sowhenitcametimetomakeanewbook,wewantedtoshowyousomebeautifuldishesthatwillknock
yourlovedones’socksoffbutnotleaveyouajoylessstresscasebytheendofthemeal.Thesearethe
easiest,tastiest,mostspectacularcelebratorymealsourfivefabuloushostshaveintheirrepertoires.
Wehopeitwillinspireyoutoturnamealintoacelebration.
—GordonElliott,ExecutiveProducer
ALL-AMERICANCLASSICS
We’reluckyenoughtohaveseveralholidaysandtraditionsthatareuniquelyAmericanandsupremelyfun.Andassociatedwithdeliciousfood,ofcourse.WhatcouldbemoreAmericanthancelebratingholidaysthatremindushowournationwasbuilt,andbig-gamedaysthatbringustogetherdespiteourdifferingteamloyalties?HereatTheChewwe’vecreatedsomanymemorabletraditionsandrecipesthatperfectlyreflecttheseall-Americanfestivitiesthatwedecidedtoputthemalltogetherandsharethemasagroup.Eat,drink,andbevery,verymerry!
GAMEDAY
FOURTHOFJULY
LABORDAYPICNIC
GAMEDAYSlamDunkPunch
PotatoNachos
It’saWingThing
GreenChili
Ten-LayerBar
ChocolateWalnutCookies
SLAMDUNKPUNCHServes:12to14 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes InactiveCookTime:10to15minutesManysportsfansprefertodrinkbeerduringthebiggame,butoncethey’vetriedthispoint-scoringpunch,they’llbesingingitspraisesallthewaytotheendzone!Thispunchtakesthebasicprinciplesofatequilasunrise(tequilaandorangejuice)andmakesthemspecialbybringingtheorangeflavorintothepicture
threedifferentways.
1/2gallonorangesherbet6ouncesfrozenorangejuiceconcentrate,optional2litersgingerale2cupstequila
1cuporangeliqueur
Orangeslices,forgarnish1.Placethesherbetandfrozenorangejuiceconcentrateinapunchbowl.Allowtothawfor10to15minutes.
2.Stirinthegingerale,tequila,andorangeliqueur.3.Garnishwithorangeslicesandserve.
CLINTON:Bytheway,it’snotpronounced“sher-BERT,”it’s“sherBET.”Trustme,it’sfancierthatway!
NFLplayersorchilijudges?VictorCruz,JessePalmer,andJeromeBettistellTheChewcrewhowtheyliketochowdownongameday.
POTATONACHOSServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:20to25minutes Whystick
withtortillachipswhenyou’remakingnachos?Whosaysyoucan’texperiment?What’sstoppingyoufromgettingalittleinventive?Nothing!Tomakethesenachos,wereplaceclassictortillachipswithhomemadepotatochipsandthenupgradethecheesesituationbyreplacingcheddarwithbluecheese.Thesenachosarejustascrunchy,cheesy,messy,andaddictiveasever,butwithalittlesophisticatedtwist.Cocktailparty
food,anyone?
FORTHEPOTATOES:3QUARTSVEGETABLEOIL
3Idahopotatoes
Salt,totasteFORTHEBLUECHEESEDIP:2tablespoonsbutter
2tablespoonsflour
11/4cupsmilk,heated1cupbluecheese,crumbledSaltandpepper,totaste2scallions,thinlyslicedPinchofchiliflakes,optionalMaltvinegar,optionalTOMAKETHEPOTATOES:1.Heatthevegetableoilinalargeheavy-bottomedpotto325°F.Itshouldcomehalfwayupthesidesofthepot.
2.Slicethepotatoesthickerthananaveragepotatochip,approximatelya1/4-inchthick.Soakthepotatoslicesinicewatertoremoveexcessstarch.3.Taketheslicesoutofthewater,rinse,anddryonpapertowels.Makesuretheyaredrybeforetransferringtotheoil.
4.Frytheslicedpotatoesinsmallbatches,cookinguntilfork-tender,about8minutesperbatch.Removefromtheoilwithastrainerandsetaside.5.Turntheheatupundertheoiluntilthetemperaturereaches360°F.6.Refrythepotatoesuntilgoldenbrown,crunchyontheedges,andslightlytenderinthecenter;about5minutesperbatch.7.Usingastrainer,removefromoilandplaceonapapertowel–linedplate.Seasonimmediatelywithsalt.
TOMAKETHEBLUECHEESEDIP:8.Inamedium-sizedpot,meltthebutterandwhiskintheflour.Cookfor3to4minutesovermediumheatuntilthick.
9.Ladleinthemilkandkeepwhisking.Bringtoaboilandthenreducetheheattosimmerfor2to3minutes,untilcreamy.Removefromheat.10.Foldthebluecheeseintothesauceandadjustseasoningwithsaltandpepper.11.Garnishthedipwiththinlyslicedscallions,andchiliflakesifdesired.Servewithpotatochipsandmaltvinegar.
IT’SAWINGTHINGHEREARETHREEGREATTAKESONWINGS,BECAUSELET’SFACEIT…YOUCANNEVERHAVEENOUGHWINGSONGAME
DAY.BUTYOU’VEGOTTAMIXITUPORYOURTASTEBUDSMIGHTGETBORED.CARLA,DAPHNE,ANDMARIOAREBRINGINGITWITH
THESEDISTINCTIDEASONHOWTOMAKEYOURWINGSSING.
CARLA:Ifthere’sonefoodthatshouts“Touchdown!”it’schickenwings.Oneofthegreatthingsaboutwingsisthattherearesomanydifferentwaystomakethemflavorfulandunique;thepossibilitiesareendless!Everyonecanhavehisorherspecialrecipethatbecomesasignaturedish.IlovemyNashville,Tennessee–inspiredhotwings.Alittleheatandalittlesweetmakethemirresistible.
DAPHNE:Whymesswiththeoriginal?Classicbuffalowingsarerightupmyalley.They’reeasytomake(fewerthanfiveingredients!),they’refried
(evenifyou’reeatinghealthyyoucanalwaysgiveyourselfatreat),andthey’rejustsodarneddelicious.
MARIO:ThesauceforthesewingsistheultimateinclassicFilipinoflavors.ThebasicsoftheFilipinopantry(fishsauce,soysauce,canesugarvinegar)areallhere,alongwiththefreshnessofcilantroandthespiceofchilies.Allthecontrastsinflavorareperfectandperfectlyaddictive.
BASICWINGRECIPEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:20to25minutes
FORTHEWINGS:2TO4CUPSVEGETABLEOIL,FORFRYING
3poundschickenwings
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHEWINGS:1.Preheatyourovento350°F.
2.PlacealargeDutchovenovermedium-highheatandaddvegetableoil.Usingadeep-frythermometertomonitorthetemperature,heattheoilto360°F.3.Spreadthewingsoutonabakingtrayandseasonliberallywithsaltandpepper.Bakefor15to20minutes,untiljustcookedthrough.4.Removefromtheovenandletcoolslightly.Inthemeantime,preparewingsauceofchoice.5.Whenyouroilhasreached360°Faddwingstooilanddeep-fryuntilgoldenandcrispy,workinginbatches,about5minutesperbatch.Drainthefriedwingsonpapertowel–linedplatesandseasonthemwithsalt.6.Placethewingsinabowlandpourpreparedsauceoverthetop,mixingtoevenlycoatallofthewings.7.Servethehotwingswithyourfavoriteaccompaniments.
FORCARLA’SSPICEDOIL:3TABLESPOONSVEGETABLEOIL2TABLESPOONSCAYENNEPEPPER1TEASPOONPAPRIKA2TEASPOONSREDPEPPERFLAKES
2teaspoonssalt
1/2teaspoongarlicpowder
1teaspoonsugar
1.Heatoilinasmallsaucepanovermediumheatuntilsimmering.2.Addthecayenne,paprika,redpepperflakes,salt,garlicpowder,andsugar.Cookuntilfragrant,about30seconds.3.Transfertoalargebowlandcoatthehot,friedwings.
CARLA:Iftimeisafactor,youcanbakethewingsthedaybeforeandfrythemonthedayoftheparty.
FORDAPHNE’SMAPLEBUFFALOSAUCE:1/4cupmaplesyrup
1cuphotsauce
1/2cupbutter
2teaspoonssalt
1.Combinethemaplesyrup,hotsauce,butter,andsaltinasmallsaucepan.2.Bringtoasimmerandstirtomeltthebutterandcombinetheingredients.3.Transfertoalargebowlandcoatthehot,friedwings.
FORMARIO’SADOBOSAUCE:
2tablespoonscanesugarvinegar
1tablespooncoconutbalsamicvinegar,optional2teaspoonsfishsauce
2tablespoonssoysauce
2serranochilies,chopped1bunchscallions,chopped
3tablespoonsbrownsugar
1/4cupbasilleaves,chopped1/4cupcilantroleaves,chopped1.Combinethevinegars,fishsauce,soysauce,serranopeppers,scallions,brownsugar,basil,andcilantro,whiskingtogetherinalargebowluntilfullycombined.
2.Tossthewingstocoatandserve.
MARIO:Ifyoudon’thavecanesugarvinegar,youcaninsteadmixhoneyandredwinevinegar.
GREENCHILIServes:10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:1to11/2hours Whenmost
peoplethinkofchili,theythinkoftheclassicmixofmeat,beans,andspicyredsauce(shreddedcheeseandchoppedonionoptional).Well,thinkagain.InNewMexico,whenyouorderchiliyou’vegottabeclearifyouwantredorgreen.Ifyougogreen,you’regonnagetaversionofthischili;ithasnobeans,butthere’sporkandgreenchiliesgalore.Redandgreenchiliesareactuallythesamevegetable.Thedifferenceiswhen
youpickthem.Greenmeansearlyandredmeanslater;thegreenaremilderandcrazydelicious.Stopreadingandstartcooking!
3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
2poundsbonelessporkshoulder,cutintoone-inchcubesSaltandpepper,totaste
1yellowonion,chopped3garliccloves,minced3freshjalapeños,chopped1/4cupfinewhitecornmeal1,28-ouncecanSanMarzanotomatoes,finelychoppedwithjuices1,15-ouncecanhominy,drained
2cupshatchgreenchilies,roasted,peeled,andchopped2chipotlechiliesinadobo,roughlychopped
3cupschickenstock
1/2cupcilantro,leavespicked,forgarnish1lime,cutintowedges,forgarnish
1/2cupfinelychoppedwhiteonion,forgarnish10corntortillas,to
serve
1.Heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheatina4-quartDutchovenwithacover.2.Addtheporkinsmallbatchesandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Cookuntillightlybrowned,about4minutes,andthenremovefromthepan.Setaside.3.Addtheonion,garlic,andjalapeñostotheDutchovenandsautéfor3minutesuntilsoftandtranslucent.Addthefinecornmeal,andstirfor1to2minutes.Oncecombined,addthetomatoes,hominy,greenchilies,andchipotlechilies,stirringtoincorporatetheingredients.4.Addthechickenstock,thenthesearedpork.Lowertheheat,andcoverthepot.Simmerfor1to11/2hours,untilthemeatistender.5.Garnishwithcilantro,lime,andfinelychoppedwhiteonion.Servewithfreshcorntortillas.
AlongwithregularguestcohostCurtisStone,Clinton,Carla,Daphne,andMichaeldiscusstheirMVPs:MostValuablePlates.
TEN-LAYERBARServes:12 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:8to10minutes
InactiveCookTime:1hour OscarWilde,oneofthemostbrilliantwritersofalltime,said,“Nothingsucceedslikeexcess”;andwe’renotgoingtoargue!Soforgetallotherdessertbarsthatclaimtobe
decadentwiththeirthree,seven,oreightlayers.We’rebringingoutthebiggunswiththisten-layerbar.Chocolate,peanutbutter,cookies,andchocolate-hazelnutspreadarejustthebeginning.Areyoureadyfora
countdowntoareallyWildebar?Tenlayers…ninelayers…eightlayers…
2cupsgrahamcrackercrumbs
1/2cupmeltedbutter1cupchocolate-hazelnutspread2cupstoastedchoppedpecans2cupscrumbledvanillawafercookies2cupscrumbledsaltedpretzels
1cupchunkypeanutbutter
2cupscrumbledcrispychocolatechipcookies14ouncessweetenedcondensedmilk
2cupscrushedpotatochips
1cupsemisweetchocolatechips,melted1.Preheatovento350°F.Greasea9-x13-inchbakingdish.
2.Inafoodprocessorfittedwithablade,pulsethegrahamcrackercrumbsandthebutteruntilcombined.Pressthegrahamcrackermixtureintothebottomofthegreasedpan.Bakethecrustuntilgoldenbrown,8to10minutes.Letcool.
3.Warmthechocolate-hazelnutspreadforeasypouring.Drizzleoverthecrustandspreadintoanevenlayer.Sprinklepecansevenlyoverthechocolate-hazelnutspread.4.Continuewithremainingingredients,endingwiththepotatochips,evenlydistributingtocreatedefinedlayers.Finishbydrizzlingmeltedsemisweetchocolateoverthecrushedpotatochips.5.Placeintherefrigeratortochillfor1hour.Cutinto11/2-x3-inchbars.
DAPHNE:Whenyou’readdingasauceorspreadtoarecipe,itreallyhelpstoputitinaheat-resistantglassjarandheatitinapotofhotwater,oreventhrowitinthemicrowave.Thenit’ssoeasytopour!
CHOCOLATEWALNUTCOOKIESServes:24 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:7to8minutes
InactiveCookTime:30minutes Sometimeswhenitcomestosweets,thesimplestrecipesarethebest.Thesecookiesareeasytomake,classicallydelicious,andthereforeabsurdlycomforting,particularlywithaglassofcoldmilk.Theadditionofalittlebitofcinnamontotherecipebeautifullyoffsetsthewalnutsandbrownsugar;don’tbesurprisedifyou’resneakingtothekitchenlateatnightforjustonemorebeforebed!
21/4cupsall-purposeflour1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon8ouncescold,unsaltedbutter,divided3/4cupgranulatedsugar3/4cuplightbrownsugar2largeeggs1teaspoonvanillaextract
2cupsminichocolatechips
2cupswalnuts,toastedandroughlychopped1.Preheattheovento350°Fandlineasheetpanwithparchmentpaper.
2.Combinetheflour,bakingsoda,salt,andcinnamoninasmallbowlandwhisktogether.Setaside.3.Melt2ouncesofbutterinamicrowaveabledish.Setaside.4.Cutremainingbutterintotablespoon-sizedpieces.Inthebowlofastandingmixer,creambutterandbothsugarsuntilthebutterisincorporated.Donotovermix!5.Addintheeggsandvanilla,andmixuntilincorporated.Withthemixeronlowspeed,addinthemeltedbutter,thengraduallyaddtheflourmixture.Stirinthechocolatechipsandwalnuts.6.Placethedoughina1-gallonzip-topbagandrolloutintoaneven
square,aboutaninchthick.Refrigeratethedoughuntilfirm,about30minutes.7.Removethedoughfromtheplasticbagandcutthedoughinto1-inchsquares.Placethepiecestwoinchesapartonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.8.Bakefor7to8minutesoruntilthecookiesareslightlybrownaroundtheedges.Coolslightlyonarack.Servewarm.
CARLA:Ifyou’regoingtoapotluckandhavepermissiontousetheoven,don’tbotherbakingcookiesathome.Justtakeyourdoughtotheparty,throwthosecookiesintheoven,andserveupawarmtreat!
FOURTHOFJULYKentuckyBuck
LoadedVeggieDawgs
BloodyMarySliders
CornAppleSalad
PotatoSalad
GrilledBananaBoat
KeyLimePiePops
Dip-DyeNapkins
BLOODYMARYSLIDERSServes:Makes12sliders SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:4to6minutesTheseburgersareinspiredbymyfavoriteSundaymorning(andafternoon)drink.Whodoesn’tlovea
SundaybrunchwithaBloodyMary?ButIalsoloveburgers,andina“chocolatepluspeanutbutteristwicetheyum”kindofmove,Idecidedthatthesetwogreatthingsbelongtogether.ThinkaboutwhatgoesinaBloodyMary(tomatojuice,Worcestershiresauce,horseradish...);theseingredientsarereminiscentofalotofcondimentswenormallyputontopofourburgers.Ijustuptheanteonmysliders,gettingallthosegreat
flavorsrightinthemix!
21/4poundsgroundbeef(80percentlean)3tablespoonsWorcestershiresauce1tablespoongroundceleryseeds
1tablespoonfreshlygroundblackpepper
Koshersalt,totaste
1cupgratedsharpcheddarcheese
1/2cupcreamcheese,softened1tablespoonDijonmustard
1tablespoonpreparedhorseradish
Extra-virginoliveoil,forgrilling1/2cupketchup
1teaspoonhotsauce
Potatosliderrolls,toserveOlives,toserveMayonnaise,toserve
Pickles,toserve1.Inalargebowl,mixtogetherthebeef,Worcestershiresauce,groundceleryseeds,pepper,andsalt,butdonotoverwork.Inamediumbowl,combinethetwocheeses,mustard,andhorseradish.Portionthemeatinto12,3-ounceballs.Pressflatandplaceaheapingtablespoonofthecheesemixtureinthecenter.Bringuptheedgesofthemeattocompletelycoverthecheeseandflattenslightlytoformathickstuffedpatty.Repeatwiththeremainingmeatandfilling.
2.Heatagriddleornonstickpanovermedium-highheat.Drizzlethepattieswitholiveoilandplacethemonthegrill.Cookfor2to3minutesonthefirstsideandfliptocookfor2to3moreminutesonthesecondside.Removefromthegrillandserveonapotatosliderroll.Skewerwithatoothpickandolive.3.Servewithanassortmentofcondiments.Tomakespicyketchup,combine1/2cupketchupwith1teaspoonhotsauce.
MARIO:Ithinkagriddleisthebestwaytocookahamburger.Ilovetheeffectofacharcoalgrill,butagriddlegivesitthatcrispycrust.
POTATOSALADServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:15to20minutes Bacon
shouldn’tbeaneverydayindulgence,butforspecialoccasions,itdefinitelyupsthedeliciousfactorofanydish.Thispotatosaladcombinesthesmokylushnessofbaconwiththecoolcreaminessofthesidedishweallknowandlove.Butthenitreallysingswithaspicykickfromthecomboofmustardandscallions,andtanginessfromredwinevinegar.Whenyouputthisonthetable,thepotatosaladconnoisseursinyour
crowdwillbowdown.Youcan’tdobetterthanthis.
21/2poundsbabyYukonGoldpotatoes,skinon1/4poundbacon,cookedandcrumbled1/2cupmayonnaise2tablespoonswhole-grainmustard2tablespoonsredwinevinegar
1teaspoonsugar
4scallions,slicedonabiasSaltandpepper,totaste1.Placepotatoesinapot,coverwithcoldwater,seasonwithagenerouspinchofsalt,andbringtoaboil.Cookpotatoesuntilfork-tender,15to20minutes.
2.Drainpotatoesandsliceinhalf.3.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthebacon,mayonnaise,mustard,vinegar,sugar,scallions,andapinchofsaltandpepper.Addthepotatoestothedressingandtosseverythingtocoat.Adjustseasoningtotastebeforeserving.
ChefMingTsaijoinsthehostsastheycookuptheirfavoritepatrioticplates.
GRILLEDBANANABOATServes:2 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Summertimemeansdifferentthingsfordifferentfolks,buteveryoneseemstohavefondmemoriesofcampfires.
Campfiresusuallyconjureupthoughtsofhotdogs,potatoesinaluminumfoil,and,ofcourse,s’mores.Thisrecipeisanewonetoaddtoyouroutdoorrepertoire.It’sbasicallyanewtwistonabananasplit;withwarm
grilledfruitandcoldicecreamgivingtheperfectcontrast…whowouldn’tloveit?
1/2poundcherries,pitted,plustwocherriesforgarnish
3tablespoonssugar
Juiceandzestof1lemon
1tablespooncornstarch
1banana,splitinhalflengthwise,peelonVegetableoil,forgrillingVanillaicecream,toserveChocolatesauce,toserveWhippedcream,toserveCrushedpeanuts,toserve1.Preheatagasorstovetopgrilltomedium-high.
2.Inamediumbowl,combinethepittedcherries,sugar,lemonjuiceandzest,andcornstarch.Transfermixturetoalargepieceofaluminumfoilandfolduptoformapacket.Grillthepacketonalow-heatsectionofthegrilluntilthecherrieshavebrokendownandformedasauce,10to15minutes.3.Brushthebananahalveswithvegetableoilandplace,skin-sidedown,onthegrillfor2minutes.4.Removetoplate.Topbananahalveswithicecream,chocolate
sauce,whippedcream,nuts,adrizzleofthecherrysauce,andremaining2cherries.
KEYLIMEPIEPOPSServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes InactivePrepTime:2hours IfirstdiscoveredkeylimepiewhenIwasonthebeachinFlorida.It’ssodeliciousbut,let’sfaceit,notthehealthiestthingonearth.WhenI’minthemoodforkeylimepie,Iwhipoutthisfamily-friendlyrecipe.Thewholeshebang
comesinataneconomicalbuckapopandisunder140caloriesperserving.Andifyou’refeelinginnovative,youcanuseitatadinnerpartyasapalatecleanserinsteadoftheusualsorbet.Sorefreshing!
3tablespoonshoney
3cupsplainGreekyogurt
Zestof3keylimes,divided1/3cupkeylimejuice
1tablespoonvanillaextract
1cupcrushedgrahamcrackers,dividedSPECIALEQUIPMENT:8,3-ouncepapercups
8ice-popsticks
1.Combinethehoney,yogurt,zestof2limes,limejuice,vanillaextract,and1/2cupofcrushedgrahamcrackersinthebowlofanelectricmixer.2.Beatatmedium-highspeeduntilsmoothandcreamy.3.Inasmallbowl,combinethezestof1limeand1/2cupcrushedgrahamcrackers,anddivideevenlyamong8papercups.
4.Divideyogurtmixtureequallyamongcups,sothateachisaboutthree-quartersfull.Insertice-popsticks.5.Freezeforatleast2hours,untilset.Removefromthefreezerandremovethepapercups.Serveimmediately.
DAPHNE:Theportionsizeofthesepopsisperfectforkids,andthey’reahealthyalternativetoothersugarytreats.
DIP-DYENAPKINS
Whenwethinkoftie-dye,wethinkofoldclothesfromthesixtiesandafewfashionmistakesthathavepoppedupsincethen.Butdip-dyeingisanewer,fresherwaytogetyournapkins(oranyotherfabricyoumaywanttoworkwith)tobecomethelifeoftheparty.Pooroldtie-dye,it’sbecometheposterchildforfashionfailure.Dip-dyeingisyournewwaytocreateatablethatbroadcastsjusthowfashion-forwardyoureallyare.
Whiteclothnapkinsortablerunner(shouldbeatleast50percentcotton)LiquidfabricdyeAheatproofcontainer,approximatelytheheightofyourfoldedfabricAyardstickorwoodendowelSalt,about1cupRubbergloves1.Fillthecontaineraboutone-thirdorhalfwaywithhotwater,dependingonhowhighyouwantthedyetogo.
2.Addthefabricdyetothewater.Followthepackageinstructions,butforlightercolors,uselessdye.Remember,thematerialwilldrylighterthanitappearswhenwet.3.Stirthesaltintothehotwater.Thesalthelpsthedyeadheretothefabric.4.Dampenyourfabricunderthetap,thendrapeovertheyardstick.5.Balancetheyardstickontheedgesofthecontainersothebottomofthefabricissubmergedinliquid.6.Allowthefabrictosoakinthedyeuntilyouhaveachievedyourdesiredresults.Thelongeritsoaks,thedarkerthecolorwillbe.For
anombréeffect,graduallyaddwatereveryfewminutestodilutethedyeandraisethewaterlevel.
ShownwiththeDip-DyeNapkinisDaphne’sCornAppleSalad.
LABORDAYPICNICSparklingBasilLemonade
GiantItalianHero
SweetPotatoChips
Three-BeanSalad
BlueberryPuckerBars
Daphne’sDarnThoseBugs
SPARKLINGBASILLEMONADEServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Thissparklinglemonadeisdoublyrefreshing:it’sgotthethirst-quenchingqualitiesoflemonsandtheherbalfreshnessofbasil.Addthekickofvodkatothemixandyou’vegottheultimatesummertimecocktail.Ifyou’refeeling
likeateetotaler,leaveouttheliquorandpouroverice.Nowkickback,relax,andsipaway.
FORTHEBASILSIMPLESYRUP:1CUPWATER
1cupsugar
1/4cuppackedbasilleavesFORTHESPARKLINGLEMONADE:4cupsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice8ouncesvodka
6ouncesbasilsimplesyrup
Sodawater,tofinishTOMAKETHEBASILSIMPLESYRUP:1.Bringwaterandsugartoaboilandstiruntilsugarhasdissolved,about8minutes.Removefromheatandaddbasilleaves.Allowtosteepuntilsyrupisroomtemperature.Removebasilleavesandchillsyrupinthefridgeuntilreadytouse.
TOMAKETHESPARKLINGLEMONADE:2.Stirtogetherthelemonjuice,vodka,andsimplesyrup.Serveovericeandtopoffwithsodawater.
DAPHNE:Iusemasonjarsallsummerlong.Ilovethem.Theyaregoodforhotandcolddrinks.
CLINTON:Masonjarsareawesome.Theyautomaticallygiveyouthatpicnicfeel.
SWEETPOTATOCHIPSServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:1to11/2hours It’snosecretthatbakingpotatochipsisahealthierwaytoprepareacrunchysnack.Butthesebakedchipsdohavealittlesecret.Cinnamonandsaltaretheunlikelycombinationthatmakesthesesweetpotatochipsevensweeterandmoresavorythantheusualvariety.Theseareaperfectpairingforsandwiches,salads,orsoups.
2largesweetpotatoes
1–2teaspoonscinnamon
2tablespoonsoliveoil
Salt,totaste1.Preheatovento250°F.2.Scrubthepotatoesunderrunningwateruntilclean.3.Usingamandolineoraknife,slicethepotatoeslengthwiseintothinslices,about1/8-inchthick.4.Inalargebowl,tossslicedpotatoeswitholiveoilandsprinklewithcinnamonandsalt.5.Layoutonparchment-linedsheettraysandcookfor1to11/2hours,flippinghalfwaythroughthecookingprocess.6.Removefromtheovenoncecrispandslightlygoldenbrown.Seasonwithadditionalsaltifdesired.
DAPHNE:Waituntilyouhearthecaloriedifference.Foracupofthesechips,it’slessthan100calories.Foracupofpotatochips,it’s200calories.
THREE-BEANSALADServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:10minutes Isitevenpossibleto
haveapicnicwithoutathree-beansalad?Ofcoursenot!Three-beansaladsareaperennialfavoriteforalotofgoodreasons:theytravelwell,thebeanssoakupthedressingandbecomeevenmorescrumptiousthe
longertheymarinate,they’refullofproteinandgoodforyou…thelistgoeson.ThisparticularsaladbringsalittlebitofthesouthofFrancetoyourtablebyaddingapistoutothedressing.Theflavorsarefresh,
bright,andgorgeouslyfragrant.Whatmorecouldyouaskfor?
FORTHEPISTOU:
1bunchparsley
1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1garlicclove,finelymincedSaltandfreshlygroundpepper,totasteZestof1lemon
FORTHESALAD:
2tablespoonsoliveoil
1redonion,smalldice2ribscelery,smalldice,dividedSalt,totaste2garliccloves,minced1,14-ouncecansmallredkidneybeans,drainedandrinsed1,14-ouncecanblackbeans,drainedandrinsed1,14-ouncecancannellinibeans,drainedandrinsedFreshlygroundblackpepper,
totaste1/4cuppistouChilioil,tofinish
TOMAKETHEPISTOU:1.Combinetheingredientsinafoodprocessorandpulseuntilslightlychunky.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.
TOMAKETHESALAD:2.Inalargesautépan,heatoliveoil.Addtheonionandhalfoftheceleryandseasonwithsalt.Sautéuntiljustsoft,about3minutes.
3.Addthegarlicandremainingcelery,cookinguntilfragrant.Stirinbeanstowarmthrough.4.Removefromheatandtransfertoabowl.Addthepistouandtosseverythingtocoat.Seasontotastewithsaltandfreshlygroundpepper.Finishwiththechilioil.
BLUEBERRYPUCKERBARSServes:9 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:40minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Whatgoestogetherjustaswellasstrawberriesandcream,ifnotbetter?Blueberriesandlemon!Whenblueberriesareinseason(whichisthecasearoundLaborDaysoyoubettermakethesebarsforyourlate-summerpicnic),thereisnoexcusenottomakethese!Youcan’thelpbutpuckerupwithallthedifferentwaysthatlemon
showsupinthesebars…sogobblethemupandsendsummeroffwithakiss.
FORTHEBLUEBERRYPUCKERBARS:
2cupsself-risingflour
1cupgranulatedsugar,dividedPinchofsaltZestandjuiceof1lemon1largeeggyolkwhiskedwith1tablespoonwater10tablespoonscoldbutter,cubed,plusmoreforgreasingthepan
1tablespooncornstarch
3cupsblueberries,freshorfrozenFORTHELEMONCREAM:1/2cupheavycream
1tablespoongranulatedsugar
1/4cuplemoncurdTOMAKETHEBLUEBERRYPUCKERBARS:1.Preheatovento350°F.Greasea9-x9-inchbakingdishwithbutter.
2.Whisktogethertheflour,2/3cupsugar,salt,andlemonzestinalargebowl.Stirintheeggyolkmixture.Workingwithyourhands,
blendinthecubedbutter.3.Pressallbut11/2cupsofthemixtureintothebottomofthepreparedbakingdish.4.Inamediumbowl,tosstogethertheblueberries,lemonjuice,remainingsugar,andcornstarch.Pourmixtureoverthecrust.Crumbletheremainingflourmixtureovertheblueberries.5.Bakefor35to40minutesoruntiltoppingisgoldenandblueberriesarecookeddown.6.Removefromovenandallowtocooltoroomtemperaturebeforeservingwithadollopoflemoncream.
TOMAKETHELEMONCREAM:7.Withanelectricmixer,whipheavycreamandsugaronhighspeedtomedium-stiffpeaks.Foldinthecurdandserve.
DAPHNE’SDARNTHOSEBUGSLet’sgetreal:bugsmightbecutewhentheypopupincartoonsandmovies,butwhentheypopuponyouthey’remuchlessadorable.Here’safabulousnontoxicwaytokeepthebugsatbaywhileyou’reouthavingagoodtime.Andthebestpartofmyall-naturalbugspray?Itmakesyousmellgreat,notlikeachemistrylab.Bugsbegone!
1cupdistilledwater1stemfreshcitronella3tablespoonsdriedlavender1tablespoonwholecloves4tablespoonsdriedpeppermint
1cuprubbingalcohol
1.Bringthedistilledwatertoaboilinasmallsaucepan.Assoonasit’ssimmering,crushthecitronellainyourfingersandaddit,alongwiththelavender,cloves,andmint,tothewater.2.Removefromheatandcover.Allowtocoolcompletely.3.Addtherubbingalcohol.Pourthemixturethroughastrainerlinedwithacoffeefilterintoaspraybottle.4.Storeinacoolplaceforuptothreemonths.
MICHAEL:Here’safunfactforallyouentomologistsoutthere:thesmellofplantsinthemintfamilyisactuallyrepulsivetobugs.Weloveit,butbugshateit!
HAPPYHOLIDAYS!It’simpossibletohearthewordholidaywithoutthinkingoffood.WhatisThanksgivingwithoutaturkey?Christmaswithoutcookies?Easterwithoutchocolateeggs?Hanukkahwithoutlatkes?Halloweenwithoutcandycorn?Okay,yougetthepoint.Everyfamilyhasdifferenttraditionsandmenusfortheirholidaycelebrations,buttheuniversalingredientsaregoodfoodandpeopleyoulove.
AtTheChewwehaveourowntight-knitfamily,andconsequently,ourownrecipesformerrymaking.Andnow,inthespiritofgiving,wearegoingtosharethoserecipeswithyou.Whatfollowsareoursuggestionsforhowtomakethemostofourfavoriteholidaysbycreatingexcellentfood,ambience,andmemories.
HALLOWEEN
THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS
HANUKKAH
VALENTINE’SDAY
EASTER
MOTHER’SDAY
HALLOWEENPsychorita
ChickenDiablo
TrickorTreatMacandCheese
CaramelApples
CandySurpriseCupcakes
PsylliumSlime
CHICKENDIABLOServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Thedevilisinthedetailswiththisdiabolicallydelectabledish.Ifyouleaveoutthejalapeñopepper,you’vegotatastydinnerthatmayormaynotliveoninyourfamily’scollectivememory.Throwthatjalapeñointhereandyou’vegotDiablo!It’sspicy,extraflavorful,and(admitit)funtosay.Ifyou’rehavingaHalloweenpartyandarelookingfortherightmealtoservebeforeyouhitthestreetslookingforcandy,thisistheone.
Whetheryouwearyourangelordevilcostumeisentirelyuptoyou.
1/4cupoliveoil6,4-ouncebonelessskin-onchickenthighs,poundedtoa1/4-inchthicknessKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper
2garliccloves,sliced
1redbellpepper,stemandseedsremoved,thinlysliced1jalapeño,stemandseedsremoved,slicedintorings,optional1,14-ouncecancrushedSanMarzanotomatoes
2tablespoonscapers,rinsedanddrained
1/2cupfreshflat-leafparsleyleaves,roughlychopped1.PlaceaDutchovenordeepcast-ironskilletovermedium-highheat.Addtheoliveoiltothepreheatedpan.Seasonbothsidesofthechickenwithsaltandpepper.Putthechickenskin-sidedowninthepanandcookuntilgoldenbrown,2to3minutes.Flipthechickenandcookforanother2minutes.Addthegarlic,bellpepper,jalapeño,andapinchofsalt,andcookforanother2to3minutes.
2.Add1/2cupwater,scrapingwithawoodenspoontoincorporatethebrownedbitsonthebottomofthepan.Cookuntiltheliquidisreducedbyhalf,another3minutes.Addthetomatoesandcapers,coverthepan,andcookfor5moreminutes.3.Removethepanfromtheheatandstirintheparsley.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning,addingsaltandpepperasneeded.Serveimmediately.
TRICKORTREATMACANDCHEESEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:15to20minutes Fall,andconsequentlyHalloween,bringswithitahostofveggiesthatarejustplaingood.They’regoodforyou,theytastegood,andtheylookgood.Butwhatifyou’renotaveggieperson?Whatdoyoudowithallthatfallhastoofferinthewayofsquash(likebutternutorevenpumpkin),kale,andallthoseexcellentroot
vegetables?That’saneasyone.Addcheese,bacon,andpasta:theholytrinityofawesome.WhatyouwindupwithisTrickorTreatMacandCheese;itmayseemlikeatrick,buttakeonebiteandyoucan’tdenyit’s
atreat.
2tablespoonssalt
1poundrigatoni
1poundbacon,diced
3tablespoonsbutter
1onion,diced1butternutsquash,peeledanddiced2cupsblackkale,de-ribbedandchopped2clovesgarlic,minced
3tablespoonsflour
3cupsmilk
1/3cuphalf-and-half
1cupunsweetenedpumpkinpuree
11/2cupsGruyèrecheese1teaspoonnutmeg,freshlygrated1/2cupmascarpone1–2tablespoonschipotlepowder,optionalKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
2cupsbreadcrumbs
1/4cupparsley,chopped
1.Bring6quartsofwatertoaboilinalargepot.Addsaltandpasta.Cooktherigatoniinboilingwater3minuteslessthanthepackageinstructs.Drain,thensetaside.2.InaDutchoven,overmediumheat,cookthebaconuntilcrisp.Addthebutterandonionsandcookuntiltranslucent.Addthebutternutsquash,kale,andgarlicandcookabout6moreminutesuntilkalehaswilted.Addtheflourandstirtomakearoux.Cookfor2moreminutes,stirringconstantly.Slowlypourinthemilkandhalf-and-halfandbringthemixturetosimmer.Stirinthepumpkinpuree.Cookgentlyuntilthemixturethickens,4to5minutes.Add1cupoftheGruyèreandthenutmeg,andstiruntilallofthecheeseismelted.Addthemascarponeandmixuntilmeltedandcombined.Stirinthechipotleandaddthecookedrigatoni.Tosspastauntilitiswellmixed.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.3.SituatetoprackinovensothatonceDutchovenisplacedinside,thetopwillbeaboutsixinchesfromtheheatingsource.Preheattheoventobroil.Sprinklethebreadcrumbsoverthecasserole.Broilforabout1minute,oruntilthetoppingiscrunchyandgolden.4.Garnishwithparsleyandservehot.
THANKSGIVINGCiderSangria
CrispyShallotGreenBeanCasserole
TurkeyGravy
TurkeywithGrapefruitandTapenade
WildRiceStuffing
StuffedAcornSquash
PumpkinPecanPie
LeftoverTurkeySoup
GlitterPumpkinTeaLightCandleholders
CIDERSANGRIA SERVES:4TO6 SKILLLEVEL:EASY
PREPTIME:15MINUTES THEAPPLEISAMAJESTICFRUIT.TAKEAMOMENTTO
REFLECT…APPLESAREPRETTYENOUGHTOBEUSEDASCENTERPIECES,THEYTASTEGREATRIGHTOFFTHETREE,THEYMAKETHEBESTBAKEDGOODS,ANDTHEYCANBEMADEINTOGREATBOOZE.HARDAPPLECIDERANDAPPLEBRANDY(ALSOKNOWNASCALVADOS)ARETRULYINTHECATEGORYOFNECTAROFTHEGODS.WITHTHATINMIND,IFYOUMIXYOURCIDERANDBRANDYWITHAFEWOTHERKEYINGREDIENTS,IT’SAPRETTYSAFEBETYOU’REGOINGTOCOMEUPWITHSOMETHINGOUTOF
THISWORLD!
2greenorredapples,cored,quartered,andthinlysliced1navelorange,quarteredandthinlyslicedcrosswise1cupapplejuice,chilled
2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice
2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice
1/4cupapplebrandy1,22-ouncebottlehardapplecider,chilledIce1.Inapitcher,combinetheappleswiththeorange,applejuice,lemonjuice,andbrandy.
2.Beforeserving,addthehardcider.Serveintallglasseswithice.
MARIO:ThankstoClinton,I’mmakingbetter,tastier,andmoreinterestingcocktails.Easiestwaytolivenupaparty!
CRISPYSHALLOTGREENBEANCASSEROLEServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:25to30minutes It’salwaysfuntotakeaclassicandmakeityourown.Greenbeancasseroleisoneofthosetried-and-truefavoritesthatshowupatThanksgiving,Christmas,potlucks,younameit.ButIthinkit’stimeforgoodol’greenbeancasseroletogetanewleaseonlife.Insteadofusingcannedfriedonions,I’vegothomemadecrispy
shallots,whicharemuchmoreflavorfulthantheready-madeonionsweknowsowell.Andmygreenbeansevengetalittlespatreatmentoftheirown—theysoakinabathofseasonedwaterthatplumpsthemupandmakesthemworthyoftheirshallot-yfriends.Watchyourguests’faceswhentheytakeabiteofthisbeauty;
they’llbeexpectingtheusualbutwillgettheWOW!
3cupsvegetableoil
Salt,totaste4shallots,1choppedand3thinlysliced,divided11/2cupsbuttermilk1cup,plus2tablespoonsflour,divided1/2teaspooncayennepepper11/2poundsgreenbeans,endstrimmed
3tablespoonsbutter
2garliccloves,thinlysliced1cupchickenstock
1cuphalf-and-half
Freshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
2cupsfreshlygratedParmesan
1.Preheatovento375°F.Heatthevegetableoilinalarge,high-sided
cast-ironskillet.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboilandseasonliberallywithsalt.Placethethinlyslicedshallotsinamediumbowlandpourthebuttermilkoverthem.Tosstheshallotstoseparatethepiecesandcompletelycoat.2.Inanotherbowlorshallowdish,whisktogether1cupofflourandthecayennejustuntilcombined.Removesomeshallotsfromthebuttermilkanddredgeintheseasonedflourmixture.Shakeoffanyexcessflourandgentlyplaceintheheatedoil.Fryuntilgoldenandcrispy,about1minute.Usingaheatproofslottedspoon,removetheshallotstoapapertowel–linedplate.Frytheremainingslicedshallotsinbatches.Seasonwithsalttotaste.3.Preparealargebowlwithwaterandicealongwithastrainer.Cookthegreenbeansintheboilingwaterfor1minute;thenremoveandimmediatelyplungeintotheicebath.Allowbeanstocoolcompletely,thenremovetoapapertowel–linedplatetodry.4.Whilethebeansarecoolinganddrying,meltthebutterinasautépanovermediumheat.Addthechoppedshallotandseasonwithsalt.Cookuntilsoft,about3minutes,thenaddgarlicandcookjustuntilfragrant,anotherminute.Sprinkleremaining2tablespoonsofflourintothepanandstirtocoatshallotsandgarlic.Slowlywhiskinthechickenstock,whiskingoutanylumps.Whiskinthehalf-and-halfandseasontotastewithsaltandpepper.Simmerfor2minutesorjustuntilthickened.Stirinthecheeseandremovefromheat.5.Combinethebeansandonionsauceina9-x9-inchcasseroledishandbakefor20to25minutes.Theliquidshouldreduceandthicken.Removefromtheovenandtopwithcrispyshallots.Coolslightlybeforeserving.
CARLA:EveryseasonIlookforwardtoThanksgivingontheshow,becausealloftheotherhostshavefunsidesandholidaydishesthatIdroolover.
TURKEYWITHGRAPEFRUITANDTAPENADEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:31/2to4hours InactiveCookTime:12hours ThesecrettoatenderbirdisastepthatmanyThanksgivinghosts
overlook:brining.You’vegottabrineyourbirdifyouwantthemeattobeflavorfulandmoist.Thereareafewdifferenttakesonwhichbrineisthebest,soI’vesharedtheoneIthinkisthehands-downwinner.Butifyouwanttoinfuseevenmoreflavorintoaturkeyoranybirdyou’reroasting,spreadingtastyconcoctionsbetweenthemeatandtheskindoesthetrick.I’vegonewithaMediterraneanoption:richolivetapenade,whichisoffsetbythebrightcitrusofthegrapefruitmakingacameoappearanceintheturkeywhileit
roasts.Perfezione!
1gallonwater1cupsalt2cupshoney
1gallonicewater
1,12-to15-poundturkey1/2cupblackolivetapenade1/4cupoliveoilZestof2oranges1onion,chopped
1bunchscallions
1grapefruit,peeledandchopped1.Inalargestockpotoverhighheat,combinethewater,salt,andhoney.Bringtoaboil,andstirfrequentlytobesuresaltisdissolved.Removefromheat,andletcooltoroomtemperature.Whenthemixtureiscool,pouritintoaclean5-gallonbucket.Stirintheicewater.
2.Placetheturkey,“headfirst,”intothebrine.Makesurethatthecavitygetsfilled.Placethebucketintherefrigeratorovernight,butnolongerthan12hours.Removetheturkeyandcarefullydrainofftheexcessbrineandpatdry.Discardtheexcessbrine.Preheatthe
ovento425°F.Placeanovenrackinthelowerthirdoftheoven.Settheturkeyinaroastingpanfittedwitharack.3.Inasmallbowl,mixtogetherthetapenade,oliveoil,andorangezest.Takeyourhandandloosentheskinfromthebreast.Usingasiliconespatula,spreadthetapenademixtureundertheskinoftheturkey.Stufftheonion,scallions,andgrapefruitintothecavityoftheturkey.Drizzleoliveoilallovertheturkeyandplaceintheoven.4.Cookforabout30minutes,andthenreducetheoventemperatureto325°F.Continuecookinguntilathermometerreads165°Fwheninsertedintothethickestpartofthethigh,3to31/2hours.Lettheturkeyrestfor20to30minutesbeforecarving.
WILDRICESTUFFINGServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:45minutes Ifyou’reusedto
boxed-stuffingmixes,getreadytohaveyourmindblown.Thisstuffingrecipecombinesseveraltextures(thesoftnessofthebread,thecrunchinessofthewildrice,themeatinessofthesausage)andflavors(thenuttinessoftherice,thesweetnessofthesausage,andthesavorytasteoftheveggiesandherbs)thatjust
belongtogether.Ipromise,onceyoumakethisstuffing(whichisreallyeasytomake,sodon’tbeintimidated),you’llbethinkingoutsidetheboxeveryThanksgiving.
3tablespoonsoliveoil
1poundsweetItaliansausage,outofcasingandcrumbled1largewhiteonion,smalldice1cupcarrots,smalldice1cupcelery,smalldiceSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
2tablespoonsthymeleaves
8cupsday-oldwhitebread,cutinto1/2-inchcubes;toastedifnotstale1/2cupbutter,melted3cupsrawwildrice,cookedaccordingtopackageinstructions1egg
2cupschickenstock
1.Preheatovento375°F.Placeaheavy-bottomedsautépanovermedium-highheat.Oncehot,addoliveoilandsausage.Brownthesausageevenly,thenremovewithaslottedspoontoasmallbowl.Addtheonion,carrots,andcelerytothepan.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandcookuntilthevegetablesarejusttender,3to4minutes.
Addmoreoliveoiltothepanifitseemsdry.Stirinthethymeoncethevegetablesarecooked.2.Inalargebowl,tosstheday-oldbreadwiththemeltedbutter.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Addthewildriceandcookedsausageandtosstocombine.Addthesautéedvegetablesandtossagain.Inaseparatemediumbowl,lightlybeattheegg.Slowlywhiskinthechickenstock,andoncecombined,pourtheeggmixtureoverthebreadmixture.Tosswithyourhandstothoroughlycombine.3.Transferstuffingtoagreased9-x13-inchbakingdish.Bakeinpreheatedovenfor20to30minutes,oruntilthestuffingisgoldenbrownandcrunchyontop.Servewarmoratroomtemperature.
DAPHNE:WhenIthrowaparty,ItrytoadoptCarla’sattitudethattherearenomistakes.You’vegottarollwithwhathappensandmakesuretohavefunnomatterwhat!
STUFFEDACORNSQUASHServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:1hour,10minutes What’ssavoryandsweet,chock-fullofnutritiousgoodies,andafillinglow-fatadditiontotheThanksgivingmenu?Mystuffedacornsquash,ofcourse.Thesegorgeoussquashareburstingwithcolorandcanbeservedasasideforthewholecrowd,oramaindishforthevegetariansinthehouse.Stuffedacornsquashisafeastfortheeyesaswellasthetastebuds,whichis,Ithink,howweshouldalwaysapproachpreparingourfood.
Thisdishisaperfectexampleofbringingallfivesensestobearwhenyou’recooking:itlooksgreat,smellswonderful,hasvariedtextures,tastesamazing,andthemomentyourgueststaketheirfirstbites,you’llhear
themallsay,“Mmmmm!”
4ouncesdriedshiitakemushrooms
2cupslow-sodiumvegetablestock
6acornsquash,halvedlengthwiseandseeded5tablespoonsbutter,divided1/2cupmaplesyrup1largeredonion,dicedSalt,totaste2carrots,peeledanddiced1celeryroot,peeledanddicedFreshlygroundblackpepper
1tablespoonthymeleaves
1cupwhole-wheatbreadcroutons,samesizeasdicedvegetables2tartapples,peeled,cored,anddiced1/2cupwalnuts,toastedandchopped1/4cupdriedcranberries1.Preheatovento350°F.Placethemushroomsandvegetablestockinasaucepotovermedium-highheatandbringtoasimmer.Steepthemushroomsuntiltheliquidhasbeenreducedbyhalf.Removefromheat.Strainoutthemushroomsandchoproughly.Reservethestock.
2.Cutoffasmallpartofthebackofeachacornsquashhalfsoitsitsflatonaparchment-linedbakingsheet,withthehollowinteriorfacingup.Heat3tablespoonsbutterandmaplesyruptogetherinasmallpotjustuntilbuttermelts.Stirandbrushoverthefleshofthesquash.3.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheatwithremaining2tablespoonsofbutter.Sautétheonionsfor2minutes,seasoningwithsalt.Addthecarrotsandceleryrootandcookuntilsoftened,about3minutes.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,andaddthethymeleaves.4.Pourthevegetablemixtureintoalargebowlandtosswithcroutons,apples,walnuts,andcranberries.Addthemushroomsandstock,stirringtoensureliquidisabsorbedbythecroutons.5.Dividethemixtureamongthehollowsoftheacornsquashhalves,moundingbutnotoverflowing.Coverwithfoil.Bakefor45minutes,removefoil,andcontinuetocookfor15minutes,oruntilthesquashisfork-tender.Servewarm.
PUMPKINPECANPIEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:50to60minutes
InactivePrepTime:30minutes YouknowhowattheendoftheThanksgivingfeast,you’resittingback,maybesecretlyunbuttoningthetopbuttonofyourpantsandwishingyou’dgonewithelastic,andthen
someonepullsoutawholebunchofpies?Thatisascarymoment.Becauseyouknowyouwantsome,butyou’renotgoingtobeabletohavemorethanjustoneslicewithoutpopping.Whichdoyouchoose?Classicpumpkinorclassicpecan?Whatdoyoudo!?Noproblem!Goforthispiethatbringsbothofthosefavoritestogetherandcallitaday.Thepumpkinpielendsitstaste,body,andvolume,andthepecanpie,withits
sweetnessandspice,deliverstheBOOMBOOMBOOM!Missionaccomplished.
FORTHEPIECRUST:
1tablespoonsugar
1/2teaspoonsalt1/3cupwater1cupcold,unsaltedbutter,cutinto1/2-inchpieces21/4cupsflour(plusmoreforrolling)FORTHEFILLING:2tablespoonsbutter,softened1/2cupgranulatedsugar3eggs,lightlybeaten
1tablespoonwhitevinegar
1/2teaspoonsalt1teaspoonvanillaextract
1cupdarkcornsyrup
11/2cupspecans,chopped1/4cuppumpkinpureeWhippedcream,forgarnishCinnamonsugar,forgarnishTOMAKETHE
PIECRUST:1.Inasmallbowl,combinesugar,salt,andwater.Refrigerateuntilverycold,about15minutes.Duringthattime,refrigeratebutterandflour.
2.Combinethecoldbutterandflourinthebowlofafoodprocessor.Pulseuntilthebutterandflourresemblewetsand,about3minutes.Addthewatermixtureallatonceandpulseuntilthemixturejustcomestogether.3.Dividethedoughinhalfandverygentlypateachhalfintoaround1-inch-thickdisk.Wrapeachtightlyinplasticwrapandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour,beforerolling.Youcanrefrigeratethedisksforuptoonedayorfreezeforuptothreemonths.4.Preheatovento350°F.Rolloutthepiedoughto1/8-inchthicknessandtransferintoa9-inchpieplate,allowingtheexcesstodrapeovertheedge.Foldovertheedgesandcrimp,thentrimanyremainingexcess.Covercrustwithparchmentpaperandpourinbakingbeansorweights.Bakefor10to12minutes,oruntilcrustislightgold.
TOMAKETHEFILLING:5.Meanwhile,inthebowlofanelectricmixer,creamthebutterandsugar,thenaddthebeateneggs,vinegar,salt,vanilla,andcornsyrup.Stirinthepecansandpumpkinpuree.
6.Pourthefillingintothepreparedpiecrust.Placethepieonabakingsheet.Bakeonthecenterrackoftheovenfor40to50minutesoruntilset.Coolcompletelyonawirerack.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandcinnamonsugar.
LEFTOVERTURKEYSOUPServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20to25minutes CookTime:1hour,15minutes
Thanksgivingisoverandwhatdoyouhaveleft?Amongthefondmemoriesanddishesthatprobablystillneedcleaning,you’relikelytohaveabunchofleftoverturkey,aswellasthebones(let’snotsaycarcass…sounappetizing).Thegoodnewsisthatyouhavethemakingsforafabuloussoupthatsavesyoufromeatingturkeysandwichesforthenextmonth.Leftoverturkeysoupiseasytomake,freezeswell,andisa
warmingmealthat’sdeliciousanddelightfultohaveonhandasthedaysgetcolder.
11/2poundsleftovercookedturkeybonesWaterSalt,totaste3tablespoonsoliveoil,plusmorefordrizzling2carrots,smallchop1yellowonion,smallchop1/2bunchkale,cutintoribbonsFreshlygroundpepper,totaste
1packageeggnoodles
1baguette,thinlyslicedonbias1/2cupfreshlygratedParmesan,plusmoreforgarnish
3cupsleftovershreddedturkey
1.Preheatoventobroil.Placetheturkeybonesinastockpotandcoverwithwaterby2inches.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer,cookingfor1hour.Seasonwithsalttotaste.Removethebonesandstrainthemixture,discardingsolids.2.Inalargesautépanovermediumheat,heatoilandsautéthecarrots,onion,andkalefor2to3minutes.Thevegetablesshouldnotbeoverlysoft.Seasontotastewithsaltandpepper.Removefrom
heatandsetaside.3.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboilandseasonwithsalt.Cooktheeggnoodles2minutesshortofthepackageinstructions.Drain.4.Placetheslicedbreadonabakingsheetanddrizzlewitholiveoilandsprinklewith1/3cupParmesan.Broilfor2minutesjustuntilcheesehasmeltedslightly.Dividethevegetablemixtureandnoodlesamongfourbowls.Topwiththeshreddedturkey.LadletheturkeystockintoeachbowlandtopwithcrostiniandfreshlygratedParmesan.
GLITTERPUMPKINTEALIGHTCANDLEHOLDERS
ThearrivalofThanksgivingmightmeanthatHalloweenisover,butitdoesn’tmeanthatyouhavetoputyourpumpkin-decoratingskillsonholduntilnextOctober.Little,teenypumpkins(oranyothersmallgourds)canbewhittledawayandsparkleduptododoubledutyasbothtableornamentsandfunctionalcandleholders.Afteryoufinishdrillingandcarving,getthekidsoutoftheirrooms,withallsmartphonesputaway,andhaveafamilyfree-for-allwithglitterandglue.Cheap,fun,andglitzy…whatmorecouldyouwantinacandleholder?
PumpkinsElectricdrillwitha11/2-inchholesawattachment(ormalletandbiscuitcutter)PetroleumjellyNewspaperCraftglueBristlebrushGlitterTealight1.Clearaworkspaceandcoverwithnewspaper.Cleantheexteriorofthepumpkin.Forlargerpumpkins,removeasmuchofthestemasyoucanusingaknifeorsaw.
2.Centertheholesawovertheremainderofthestemanddrilldownintothepumpkin,butdon’tpushthrough.Letthetooldotheworkandthenpullbackthedrill(thisshouldtakeafewseconds).Youcanalsouseamalletandabiscuitcuttertocreatethehole.Onceyou’vedrilledintothetopofthepumpkin,scoopoutorremovethecircularpiece.Theholeyou’vecreatedshouldbejusttherightsizeforatealighttofitsnuglyinside.Iftheholeistoolarge,youcanuseasmallpieceoffoilasagaskettopreventthetealightfromfallingintothecavityofthepumpkin.
3.Tokeepthepumpkinfromrottingtooquickly,rubpetroleumjellyaroundtheinsideedgeofthehole.4.Brushtheoutsideofthepumpkinwithcraftglueusingabristlebrush,ensuringthatthepumpkiniscompletelycoatedwithglue,butnotdripping.Withlargerpumpkins,itmayhelptoworkinsections,whilesmallerpumpkinscanbedoneallatonce.5.Pourglitteroverthewetglue.Moveandtiltthepumpkintocatchalltheglitter.Continueuntilthesurfaceisevenlycovered.6.Allowtositforafewhours.Ifthereareanybarespotsoncedry,repeatsteps4and5untilyouhavereachedyourdesiredresults.7.Onceallglitterisdry,placeatealightinthecenterholeandenjoythesparkle!
CHRISTMASMistletoeBellini
FennelPomegranateCrostini
RoastedPorkLoinwithCranberries
SautéedCipolliniOnions
SpicyBroccoliandCauliflowerGratin
KingofGreensSalad
StickyToffeePudding
RumBalls
HotCocoaMix
MISTLETOEBELLINI SERVES:1 SKILLLEVEL:EASY
PREPTIME:10MINUTES ATRADITIONALBELLINIISATANTALIZINGMIXOFPROSECCOANDPEACHPUREE,ANDORIGINALLYHAILSFROMHARRY’SBARINVENICE,ITALY.WHATWE’VEDONEISTAKENTHEPRINCIPLEOFA
BELLINI(PUREEDFRUITANDSPARKLINGWINE)ANDGIVENITACHRISTMASTWISTBYMAKINGITMISTLETOERED.THESPRIGOFTHYMEADDSTHATLITTLEBITOFHERBALGREENERYTHATHELPSTOEVOKETHELOOKOFMISTLETOE.NONEEDTOGOALLTHEWAYTOVENICETOSIPIN
SPLENDOR!
1ouncefreshorfrozenraspberries
1ounceraspberryliqueur
4ouncessparklingroséThymesprig1.Blendraspberriesinfoodprocessortocreatetheberrypuree.Strainthroughfine-meshsievetoremoveseeds.
2.Combinepuree,liqueur,andsparklingroséincocktailshakerwithice.Gentlyrollcontentsfromoneendofshakertotheotherthreetimes.3.Strainintochilledchampagneflute.Garnishwithasprigofthyme.
CLINTON:Therosycolorofthiscocktaillendsitselftoallsortsofothereventsandholidaysaswell.IfplainoldchampagnefeelstiredonValentine’sDay,trywhippingupabatchofthesecocktails.Insteadofcallingthem“MistletoeBellinis,”whynot“BelovedBellinis”?
FENNELPOMEGRANATECROSTINISERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:EASY
PREPTIME:15MINUTES COOKTIME:10MINUTES SOMANY
CHRISTMASGOODIESCANBEALITTLEONTHEHEAVYSIDE.WHICHIS,OFCOURSE,PARTOF
WHYTHEY’RESODELICIOUS!BUTADISHWITHHEALTHYINGREDIENTSTHATISGORGEOUSTOLOOKATANDTASTESJUSTASGORGEOUSCANHAPPILYCOEXISTONYOURCHRISTMASFEASTTABLE.THELIGHTGREENFENNELANDRUBYPOMEGRANATESEEDSECHOTHETRADITIONAL
COLORSOFTHISHOLIDAYANDWILL,WETHINK,BECOMEASTAPLEFORALLYOUR
DINNERPARTIES.
1baguette,slicedintohalf-inchpieces2clovesgarlic,peeled
3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
Juiceandzestof2lemons
1teaspoonhotredpepperflakes
1teaspoonhotredpepperflakes
1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andslicedintorings1bulbfennel,coreremoved,shavedpaperthin2ouncesPecorinopepato,shavedorgrated1/4cuppomegranateseedsSaltandfreshlygroundpepper,totaste1.Toastthecrostinionasheettrayina400°Fovenuntilgoldenbrown,about10minutes.Removefromtheovenandrubeachcrostiniwithgarlic.
2.Inalargebowl,combinetheoliveoil,lemonjuiceandzest,hotredpepperflakes,jalapeño,fennel,Pecorino,andpomegranateseedsandtosseverythingtocoat.Seasonwithsaltandfreshlygroundpepper.Moundoneachcrostiniandserve.
SAUTÉEDCIPOLLINIONIONSServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:18to20minutes Wearemakingcipollinionionsthreeways:simple;special,withrobiolinacheese;andspectacular,withamountainof
shavedtruffles.Asforeignascipollinionionsmaysound,they’renot.They’rejustlittleonions;youcouldjustaseasilysubpearlonionsforthem.Youcanevenusefrozenpearlonions—nobigdeal.Withallthatsaid,ifyoucanfindcipollinionions,you’llfindthattheygiveyoualittlebitmoreresistanceandalittlebit
moresweetness.
SIMPLE:OLIVEOIL2POUNDSCIPOLLINIONIONS,PEELEDWITHROOTSTRIMMEDSALT,TOTASTE1TABLESPOONSUGAR3TABLESPOONSUNSALTEDBUTTER
2tablespoonsfreshthymeleaves
1/3cupsherry1/4cupheavycreamSPECIAL:1/2cuprobiolinaorcreamcheese1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesanSPECTACULAR:Blackorwhitetruffles,shavedTOMAKEITSIMPLE:1.Heatalargeskilletovermedium-highheatwithafewtablespoonsofoliveoil.Addonions,andseasonwithsalt.Sprinkletheonionsalloverwithsugar.Cook,undisturbedfor1minute,andthenaddthebutter,continuingtocookuntiltheonionsbegintodevelopdeepcaramelization,5to8minutes.Fliptheonions,andcookfor1minute,andthenaddthethyme,followedbythesherry.Cookfor10minutesuntilsherryhasreducedby90percent.Removefromheatandstirinthecream.Adjustseasoningtotaste.
TOMAKEITSPECIAL:2.StirintherobiolinaandParmesan.
TOMAKEITSPECTACULAR:3.Shavetrufflesovertheonions,andthensprinklethetruffleswithsalt.
MARIO:Whatyou’relookingforinaperfectlycookedonionisafirm,aldentetexture.It’sverymuchlikepasta.So,youwanttocookyouronionsallthewaythrough,butnotuntilthey’remushy.
SPICYBROCCOLIANDCAULIFLOWERGRATIN
Serves:10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:40to45minutes YourChristmastablewillbesohappyifyouhavethissidedishsnugglinguptoyourturkey,ham,orwhateverthemain
attractionhappenstobe.Notone,nottwo,butthreecheesesandacrunchybread-crumbtoppingmakethisgratinthecomfortfoodtoendallcomfortfoods.Butbeforeyougettoocomfortable,redchiliflakesadda
kickthatwillhaveyouupfromyourchairlookingforanotherserving.
3tablespoonsoliveoil
1mediumyellowonion,dicedSalt,totaste
1tablespoonchilipowder
1/2cupunsaltedbutter,divided,plusmoreasneeded4tablespoonsall-purposeflour1cupmilk
1cupheavycream
1/2poundGruyèrecheese,shredded1/2poundcheddarcheese,shredded1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesan2cupsbroccoliflorets
2cupscauliflowerflorets
11/2cupspankobreadcrumbsFreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteRedchiliflakes1.Preheatovento400°F.Inamediumsautépan,
heatoliveoilovermediumheat.Sautétheonionsuntiltranslucent,about3minutes.Seasonwithsaltandchilipowder.Removefromheatandsetaside.
2.Melt4tablespoonsofbutterwithflourinasaucepotovermediumheat.Stirtogethertoformadrypasteandcookfor2minutes.Slowlywhiskinthemilkandcream.Cookovermediumheatfor5minutesoruntilslightlythickened.Removethesaucefromtheheat,andstirinthecheesesuntilmelted.Addthecookedonionsandadjustseasoningtotaste.3.Tossthebroccoliandcauliflowerina9-x13-inchbakingdish,makingsurevegetablesaremixedevenly.Pourthecheesesauceevenlyoverthevegetables.Inalargebowl,tosstogetherthebreadcrumbsandasplashofoliveoiluntilbreadisevenlycoated.Seasonwiththechiliflakes,salt,andpepper.4.Topthevegetablemixwiththebreadcrumbsandbakefor30to35minutesoruntiltoppingisrichgoldincolor.Removefromovenandallowtocoolfor5to10minutesbeforeserving.
MarioandCarlasharetheirfavoritewintrymenuswithLennyVenito.
KINGOFGREENSSALADServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes “TheKingofKingssalvationbrings,”orsosaysthetraditionalChristmascarol“WhatChildIsThis?”Inkeepingwiththespiritoftheholiday,webringyouthe“KingofGreens.”TheKingofGreensSaladistheultimateinhealthyanddeliciouseating.Someof
youmaythinkthatkaleistoofibroustoeatrawinasalad,butit’snottrue!Allyou’vegottodoisgiveitagoodmassagewiththedressingtobreakthefibersdown.Thatmassagenotonlygivesthekalealovely
texture,butitalsohelpsthekingofgreenstoabsorbthedressing.Makefriendswithkale!
1largebunchblackkale,leavestornintobite-sizedpiecesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupoliveoilZestandjuiceof1–2lemons1/3cupcurrants1/3cuppinenuts,toasted1/4cupPecorino,grated
1teaspoonredchiliflakes,optional
1.Addthekaletoalargemixingbowl,seasonwithsaltandpepper,anddrizzlewitholiveoil.Massagewithyourhandsmakingsuretocoatthekalewithoilandbegintobreakdownthecellstructure.2.Gratethezestandsqueezethejuiceofthelemonsoverthemassagedkale.Addthecurrants,toastedpinenuts,andPecorinoandtosstocombine.Servewithapinchofredchiliflakes,ifdesired.
DAPHNE:Kisforkale.It’salsoforvitaminK.Allgreenvegetablesarerichinvitaminsandmineralsandhaveprovenanti-inflammatoryproperties.
RUMBALLSServes:24 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30to45minutes CookTime:10minutes LookingforatraditionalChristmastreat?Looknofurtherthantheclassicrumball!Let’sfaceit,ifyouaddrumto
chocolateandbutterit’sprettyhardtogowrong.TheadditionofalittlesalttooffsetthesweetnessoftheseconfectionsiswhattakesthemfromgreattoGREAT!Andifyouhaveahankeringforanotherliquor,gorightaheadandmakethechange.Ifbourbonisyourthing,swapitinfortherum.Oruseredandgreen
sprinklestodecoratethem.Makethisrecipeyourown!
1/4cupdarkrum6ouncessemisweetchocolate,chopped
4tablespoonsbutter
1/4cupwalnuts,toastedandfinelychopped11/2cupspowderedsugarSalt,totasteWhitesprinkles,fordecorating1.Heattheruminasmallskilletovermediumheatuntilreducedbyhalf.Setaside.
2.Setaheatproofbowloverapotofgentlysimmeringwater,makingsurethatthebowldoesnottouchthesurfaceofthewater.Addchocolateandbuttertothebowlandmelt,stirringtocombine.3.Removefromheatandstirinthewalnuts,rum,powderedsugar,andsaltuntilfullyincorporated.Allowmixturetocooltoroomtemperature.Thiscanalsobepreparedafewdaysinadvanceandstored,coveredinthefridge.4.Portiondoughintoone-inchballsandrollinsprinkles.Chillinanairtightcontaineruntilreadytoserve.
HOTCOCOAMIXChristmascomesduringtheseasonofgiving,sowhenyouaregoingtoaChristmaspartyorafamilygathering,it’salwaysnicetobringagiftwithyou.Especiallyahomemadeone!Thishotcocoamixissimpletoputtogether,andyoucanmakeabigbatchtogivetoallyourlovedones!Simplypouritintoglassjars,makelittledirectioncardsthatsay“Combine2tablespoonsofmixwithhotmilk,”punchaholeinthecornerofeachcard,andtiearoundtheneckofthejarwithfestivecoloredribbons!Ho!Ho!Ho!OrshouldIsay,“Cocoa-oh!”
1cupcocoapowder2teaspoonsgroundcardamom2teaspoonsgroundchipotlepowder
2teaspoonsgroundcinnamon
3tablespoonssemisweetchocolatechips,chopped1/2cupsugarGlassjarwithlidBlankindexcardorgifttagHolepuncherFestiveribbon
1.Mixingredientsthoroughlyandtransfertoajar.Topwithlid.2.Onablankindexcardorgifttag,write,“Toprepare,mix2tablespoonsofthemixinto8ounceshotmilk.”Punchaholeinthecorneroftheindexcardandthreadontoapieceofribbonroughlyafootlong.Tieribboninabowaroundtheneckofthejar.
HANUKKAHChickenLiverPâté
BrisketwithPearlOnionsandPotatoes
BeetandPotatoPancakes
Kugel
PotatoDoughnuts
HomemadeHanukkahGelt
CHICKENLIVERPÂTÉServes:5 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:15minutes SinceHanukkahistheFestivalofLights,let’sshedsomelightonthetopicofchoppedliver.ItisatraditionalJewishdish,butlet’s
faceit:itdoesn’tsoundallthatfancy.Infact,it’sanexpressionusedbyapersonwhoisfeelingunderappreciated:“WhatamI?Choppedliver?”Withthisrecipe,wearetakingahintfromthefabulousFrenchandwhippingtheclassicholidaydishintoanon-dairypâté.Enjoyitoncrackers,withtoast,orjust
eatitwithaspoon!
2tablespoonsoliveoil
1/2cupfinelychoppedyellowonion1clovegarlic,minced1cupchickenlivers,finelychopped2teaspoonschoppedparsley
2teaspoonschoppedsage
1/4cupsherry1/2teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonpepper1.Heattheoliveoilovermediumheatinamedium-sizedskillet.Addtheonionandsautéuntiltranslucent.Addthegarlic,chickenlivers,parsley,andsage.Stiruntiltheliveriscookedthrough,about10minutes.
2.Increasetheheattohigh,addthesherry,andcookfor3moreminutes.Addsaltandpepper.3.Removefromtheheatandpulseinafoodprocessoruntilblended.Thefinalmixtureshouldbealittlechunky.Chillandservewithcrostiniorcrackers.
CLINTON:I’vepickedupsomuchfromalloftheotherhosts.It’snotjust
onerecipebutthespiritwithwhichtheycookthat’sreallyaffectedme.
BRISKETWITHPEARLONIONSANDPOTATOES
Serves:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:21/2to3hours BrisketisaJewishholidayclassic,handsdown.Youthink“Hanukkah,”youthink“brisket.”Youthink“Passover,”you
think“brisket.”Theexcitemententersthepicturewhenyoudecidehowyou’regoingtoprepareit.Everyoneswearsthattheirbubbe’sbrisketisthebest.Thatmaybe;I’mnotgoingtoarguewithanyone’s
bubbe.ButIthinkthisbrisketcouldverywellgivethosegrandesdamesarunfortheirgelt.
4-to5-poundbrisketSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper
3tablespoonsoliveoil
1/2poundpearlonions1tablespoontomatopaste8clovesgarlic
1bayleaf
4sprigsrosemary,tiedinabundle6carrots,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks6parsnips,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks2poundsYukonGoldpotatoes
2tablespoonsflour1cupredwine
3cupsbeefstock
Freshhorseradish,togarnish,optional1.Preheatovento300°F.
Seasonthebrisketgenerouslywithsaltandpepper.HeatalargeDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addoliveoilandsearthebrisketdeeplyonallsides,about5minutesperside.Removetoaplate.
2.Addtheonionstotheremaininghotoilandcookfor2minutes.Addthetomatopasteandcookuntilitbeginstoturnarustycolor,thenaddthegarlic,bayleaf,androsemary.Addthevegetablesandflourandtosswithawoodenspoontolightlycoatthevegetablesintheflourandtomatomixture.Addthewinetodeglazethepan,scrapingthebrownbitsoffofthebottomofthepanwithawoodenspoonasmuchaspossible.Addthebrisketbacktothepanandaddstocktocomeonethirdofthewayupthesideofthepan.3.Coverandtransfertoovenandcook2to3hours,untilmeatisverytender.Garnishwithfreshlygratedhorseradish.
BEETANDPOTATOPANCAKESServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:4to8minutes Potatopancakes,orlatkes,areaHanukkahstaple.Normally,they’reservedwithachoiceofsavoryorsweetcondiments;in
otherwords,applesauceorsourcream.Thesepotatopancakesarealittlefancierbutdon’trequireanymoreworkandarejustasdelicious,ifnotmoreso,thantheoriginal.Theadditionofbeetsaddsanunexpectedsplashofcoloronyourplateaswellasalittlesweetnesstothepancake;andwegiveadashofchutzpahtothetraditionalsourcreamgarnishbyaddinghorseradish.Thehorseradishisaperfectfoiltothesweetbeets
andgoesperfectlywithbeef,whichalsousuallyshowsupontheHanukkahtable.
FORTHELATKES:
2largeredbeets,peeled1mediumyellowonion
1egg
2mediumrussetpotatoes,peeled1/4teaspoonbakingpowder2tablespoonsflour
1teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper4tablespoonsbutteroroliveoil,plusmoreasneeded2scallions,chopped,plusmoreforgarnishFORTHEHORSERADISHSOURCREAM:
1cupsourcream
2tablespoonsfreshlygratedhorseradish,plusmoreforgarnish2teaspoonsDijonmustard
1tablespoonchoppedscallions
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHELATKES:1.Gratethebeetsandonionsontoacleankitchentowel.Wringouttheexcessliquidandplaceinalargemixingbowl.Cracktheeggintothebowl.Rinsethegraterandthengratethepotatoesontoacleankitchentowel.Wringouttheexcessliquidandplaceinthebowlwiththebeetsandonions.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthebakingpowder,flour,salt,andpepper.Addtheflourmixturetothebeetmixtureandstirtoincorporate.
2.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheatandmeltbutteruntilthefoamsubsides.Usingatablespoon,spoonthebeetmixtureintothepan,makingsurenottoovercrowd.Usingthebackofthespoon,pressthemixtureinthepantoflattenslightly.Cookfor2minutesoruntilcrispyonthefirstsideandthenfliptocontinuecooking.Oncecrispyonbothsides,removetoapapertowel–linedplate.Continuetocooktheremainingbeetmix,cleaningthepantoremoveburntbitsandaddingbutteroroilasneeded.3.Servethepancakeswithadollopofthehorseradishsourcreamandasprinklingofscallionsandmorefreshlygratedhorseradish.
TOMAKETHEHORSERADISHSOURCREAM:4.Mixtogethertheingredientsinabowlandadjustseasoningtotaste.
KUGELServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:45to60minutes Kugelisa
littlebitliketheTalmud.Itraisesmorequestionsthanitanswers.Isitapudding?Notreally.Isitacasserole?Notsomuch.Isitsweet?Umm…sortof.Isitsavory?Uhhh…kinda.Okay,enoughwiththe
questions.Here’swhatwecansayaboutkugel:it’shardtofindsomeonewhodoesn’tlikeit,andifyou’rehungryinthemiddleofthenight,thisistheperfectthingtosnackonrightoutoftherefrigerator.
4matzocrackers
1/2cupwater
1cupsherry
3/4cupgoldenraisins
6eggs
1/2cupmaplesyrup1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspooncinnamon3/4cupalmonds,crushed2GrannySmithapples,shredded
4tablespoonsmeltedbutter
1/2cuporangejuice
1cupapricotjam
1.Preheatovento350°F.Soakthematzocrackersinwaterfor10minutes.Removefromthewaterwithaslottedspoonandallowanyexcessmoisturetodripoff.Setaside.2.Inasmallsaucepanovermediumheat,addthesherryandraisins.Cookfor3to5minutesuntiltheraisinshaveabsorbedthewineandbecomeplump.Whentheraisinsareplump,removefromthesherrywithaslottedspoonandsetaside.3.Whisktogetherthematzoandtheeggsinalargebowl.Addthemaplesyrup,salt,cinnamon,andalmonds.Foldintheapples,raisins,meltedbutter,andorangejuice.Pourintoagreased9-x9-inchbakingdish.Cook,coveredwithfoil,for35to45minutesuntiljustset.Removethepanfromtheovenandspreadapricotjamontop.Returntooven,uncovered,andcookforanother10to15minutes.
MICHAEL:Kugelisspecialnotonlybecauseit’ssoaddictivelygood,butitdoesdoubleduty.It’saclassicHanukkah,Passover,andSabbathdish,anditisatraditionaleverydayfoodinRomania.Thisputskugelinthegoodcompanyofstuffedcabbageandgoulash.
POTATODOUGHNUTSServes:10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:50minutes
InactiveCookTime:1hour Makenomistake—we’renotsayingthatHanukkahfareisparticularlylightandhealthy.Butwhocares?Ithappensonceayear,soifyousubscribetothenotionof“allthingsin
moderation,”you’reingoodshape.Thesepotatodoughnutsaretenderascanbeandflavoredwithalittlekickofvermouthandorange.Delectableandirresistible,theydisappearfasterthanyoucansaymenorah!
1/2poundrussetpotatoes,peeledandcutintochunks1/2cupwholemilk2teaspoonsactivedryyeast
2largeeggs
31/2–4cupsall-purposeflour(orasneeded)11/2teaspoonssalt
2tablespoonssugar
1/4cupextra-virginoliveoil(plus4cupsfordeep-frying)
2tablespoonssweetredvermouth
Gratedzestandjuiceof1orangeGranulatedsugar,fordusting1.Placethepotatoesinalargepot,coverwithwater,andbringtoaboil.Boilgentlyuntiltender.Drainandpassthroughafoodmillorricerintoalargebowl.Letcool.
2.Meanwhile,inasmallsaucepan,heatthemilkoverlowheatjustuntilwarm.Removefromtheheat,sprinkletheyeastintothemilk,andletsitfor15minutes,oruntilfoamy.Addtheeggs,flour,salt,
sugar,1/4cupoliveoil,vermouth,andorangezestandjuicetothepotatoesandmixwelltocombine.Addtheyeastmixtureandkneadwell,addingalittlemoreflourifnecessaryifthedoughisverysticky.Coverandletthedoughriseinawarmplacefor1hour,oruntildoubled.3.Dividethedoughintofourequalpieces.Rolleachoneintoa11/2-inchthickrope.Cuteachoneinto5-inchlengthsandformintorings.Placethedoughnutsonawell-oiledbakingsheet,coverwithatowel,andletrisefor45minutes,oruntildoubled.4.Inadeeppot,heattheremaining4cupsoliveoilto340°F.Workinginbatches,frythedoughnutsuntilgoldenbrown,about5minutesperbatch.Removewithaslottedspoonanddrainonaplatelinedwithpapertowels.Sprinklegenerouslywithgranulatedsugarwhilehotandservewarm.
MARIO:Ifyoureallywanttostayawayfromfriedfoods,youcanbakethesedoughnuts.Theywon’tbeascrispy,butthatdoesn’tmatter;they’llstillbesweetlysatisfying.
HOMEMADEHANUKKAHGELTDreidel,dreidel,dreidel,Imadeyououtofclay…andthenIletyoudryandspunyoulikeatoptodoalittlehomegrowngambling!Neverfear,thisisn’tthekindofgamblingtogetworriedabout.Nomoneychangeshands,unlessyoucountchocolateswrappedinfoilasmoney.Ifso,you’remykindofperson.Here’showyoudoit:
2cupsdarkchocolatechips
1/2teaspoonvanillaextractAluminumfoil
2mini-muffintins
1.Setaheatproofbowloverapotofgentlysimmeringwater,makingsurethatthebowldoesnottouchthesurfaceofthewater.Addthechocolatechipsandthevanillaextract,stirringconstantlyuntilchipsarecompletelymelted,about5minutes.2.Transferthechocolatetoapitcher.Pourchocolateintothewellsofmini-muffintinssothatchocolateisabout1/8-inchdeepinthebottomofeachwell.3.Placethemini-muffintinsinthefridge,andallowthegelttohardenforatleast1hour.Oncechilled,wrapinfoilifdesired,orstoreinanairtightcontainer.
VALENTINE’SDAYGinFizz
CurriedButternutSquashSoup
ScallopswithSlow-RoastedCauliflowerSteak
CoqauVin
GlazedGingersnaps
EspressoCrèmeBrûlée
CURRIEDBUTTERNUTSQUASHSOUPServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:25minutes WhycurriedbutternutsquashsoupforValentine’sDay,youask?Whynotaredsoup,likeborschtortomato,togowiththeusualred-and-whitetheme?Getreadyforgreatness:becausecurryisknowntobeanaphrodisiacandmood
enhancer.Youreadthatright.Thespicyheatincurryreleasesendorphins,thefeel-goodchemical,inyourbody,andtheotheringredientsarebelievedtogetyouheatedupinotherways.Ginger,garlic,cardamom,andginsengallmakeappearancesinmostcurriesandareresponsibleforgettingyourmotorrunning.Why
areyoustillreadingthis?Startmakingsoup!
2tablespoonsoliveoil
2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,divided4cupsbutternutsquash,peeled,seeded,andcutinto1/2-inchcubes1smallyellowonion,diced
Pinchsalt,plusmoretotaste1,2-inchpieceginger,peeledandfinelygrated2teaspoonscurrypowderorcurrypaste1,15-ouncecancoconutmilk
1cupwater
Freshlygroundblackpepper,totasteCilantroleaves,forgarnishLimewedges,forgarnishPlainGreekyogurt,forgarnishToastedbutternutsquashseeds,forgarnish1.Preheatovento350°F.InaDutchoven,heattheoliveoilandbutterovermedium-highheat.Addthebutternutsquash,onion,andagenerouspinchofsalt,andsautéuntilsoftened.Addthegingerandthecurrypowder
orpasteandcookuntilveryfragrant,aboutaminute.Addthecoconutmilkandwater,andbringtoasimmer.(Donotoverheat.Boilingwillcausethecoconutmilktobreakdown.)Cookfor15minutestoallowflavorstocometogether.
2.Useblendertopureethesoupuntilcompletelysmooth.Checkseasonings,adjustingwithsaltandpepper.Ladlethesoupintobowls.Garnishwithcroutons,cilantro,limewedges,yogurt,andtoastedseeds.
OnValentine’sDay,countrymusicgroupLittleBigTown(JimiWestbrook,KarenFairchild,KimberlySchlapman,andPhilipSweet)haveaheart-to-heartwiththeChewcrew.
SCALLOPSWITHSLOW-ROASTEDCAULIFLOWERSTEAK
Serves:4to6 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:10minutes Surfandturf,whileaniceidea,canbealittleoverwhelmingbothforyourstomachandyourwallet.Thistakeontheclassicmarriageactuallyinvolves“steak”madewithcauliflower!Itisjustastemptingastheoriginalbutnowherenearthecost.Andyouwon’tpaythepricewithyourwaistlineeither.Ifyoulovescallops,givethisatry;youprobablydon’talreadyknowhowperfectlymatchedcauliflowerandscallopsare,butyou’ll
besettingthemuponadateagainaftereatingthisdish.
6tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil,divided1smallheadcauliflower,cutinto1/2-inch-thickslicesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
1teaspoonmincedwhiteanchovy
2tablespoonscapers,rinsed1smallshallot,minced1garlicclove,minced
1tablespoonhoney
Juiceandzestof1lemonJuiceandzestof1orange1poundseascallops,approximately16
1/4cuppinenuts,toasted1/4cupfreshparsley,leavesonly1.Preheatbroilertohighwitharackpositioned6inchesbelowheat.Inalargesautépanovermedium-highheat,add1tablespoonofoliveoil.Onceveryhot,arrangethecauliflowerinthepanandsautéuntilitbeginstocaramelize,aboutaminute.Season
generouslywithsaltandpepper.Transferthepantotheovenunderthebroilerandcookuntilbrownedonthetop,4to5minutes,beingmindfulnottoburn.Removefromovenandsetaside.
2.Inamediumbowl,combinetheanchovy,capers,shallot,garlic,honey,andlemonandorangejuicesandzest.Whiskin3tablespoonsofoliveoilandseasonwithsaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper.Setaside.3.Placealargesautépanoverhighheat.Removethesmallsidemusclefromthescallopsandpatthemdrywithpapertowels.Seasononbothsideswithsalt.Whenthepanishot,add2tablespoonsofoliveoilandaddthescallops,withenoughspaceinbetweentoallowbrowning.Searwithoutmovingthemforabout1minuteto90secondsonthefirstside.Thereshouldbeagolden-browncrust,whilethescallopisstilltranslucentthroughout.Turntheheatoffandflipscallops.Letthescallopssitinthepanwhileyouplatethecauliflower.4.Toserve,arrangecauliflowerandscallopsonplatesoraplatter.Drizzlewiththevinaigretteandgarnishwithpinenutsandparsley.
COQAUVINServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:1hour,45minutes
Valentine’sDayisaboutlove,andwhoknowsmoreaboutlovethantheFrench?Well,maybeItalians,butIwon’tquibbletoday.InhonorofthedayofloveandthepeoplewhoinventedtheFrenchkiss,youcan’tgowrongmakingcoqauvintosharewithyoursweetheart.It’stheperfectdishforValentine’sDaybecause
oncealltheingredientsgointhepot,you’vegottwohourstodressup(ordown)atyourleisurebeforeyourguestofhonorarrives.Whenthecoqauvinhitsthetableandyouhearyourhoneyrepeatingtheword
“love”alot,youcanbesureit’smeantbothforyouandthisincredibledish.
3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
6ouncespancetta(1/2-inchdice)1,4-poundchicken,cutinto8pieces;wingsandbackreservedforstockSalt2carrots,smalldice2celeryribs,smalldice5cipollinionionsorpearlonions,trimmed3garliccloves,thinlysliced1cupcreminiorbuttonmushrooms,halvedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
3tablespoonstomatopaste
Flour,fordusting
1cupchickenstock
4cupsredwine,reducedto3cups;preferablycabernetormerlot6freshthymesprigs
6freshparsleysprigs
1.HeatoliveoilinalargeDutchovenovermediumheat.Addthepancettaandcookuntilbrownedonallsides.Removefrompan.Addthechickeninbatchesandbrownonallsides,startingskin-sidedown,untilgolden.Removetoaplate.2.Addthecarrots,celery,onion,garlic,andmushroomstothepanandsautéuntilsoftenedslightly,about5minutes,seasoningwithsaltandpepper.Addthetomatopasteandcookuntildarkrustincolor.Sprinklein1to2tablespoonsofflourjusttocoatvegetables.3.Pourinthechickenstockandreducedwine.Tietheherbsintoabundlewithkitchentwineandaddtopotalongwiththebrownedchickenandpancetta.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer.Coverandcookfor11/2hours.Servewarmovermashedpotatoesorbutterednoodles.
MARIO:Theliquidusedtobraisethechickencanbeusedforanykindofmeat.Letyourimaginationrunwild!Orifyou’vegotacutofmeatanddon’tknowwhatyou’regoingtodowithit,rememberthisclassicthatwon’tletyoudown.
ESPRESSOCRÈMEBRÛLÉEServes:4 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:20to25minutes
InactiveCookTime:30minutes Ah,love.Itmakesussaycrazythingsanddoevencrazierstuff.Andwhydoesthathappen?Becauseweloseourdamnedfoolminds,that’swhy!Andhowdowedescribehowwefeelwhenwe’recrazyinlove?Wesaythatwearefeverish,ourheartsareaflame,orthattheobjectofouraffectionhassetusonfire.Ifthat’showyou’refeeling,showyourhoneysomesweetlovebyservingupthisespressocrèmebrûlée.Heorshewillgetthehint;inFrench,brûléemeans“setonfire.”Case
closed!
1cupheavycream
1/2cupwholemilk2tablespoonscoarselygroundespressobeans
2teaspoonsinstantespressopowder
1vanillabean,split6eggyolks
6tablespoonsgranulatedsugar
1/4teaspoonsalt1/4cupraw(turbinado)sugar1.Ina3-quartpotcombineheavycream,wholemilk,espressobeans,espressopowder,andvanillabean.Heatovermediumheatuntilthemixturestartstoboil,thenimmediatelyremovefromheat.Setasideandletsteepfor5minutes.Stirandstrainthroughafine-meshstrainer.Inaseparatebowl,whisktogethertheeggyolks,sugar,andsaltuntillemonyellow.Slowlydrizzlethehotmilkmixtureintotheeggmixtureandstirquicklyuntilcombinedand
sugarisdissolved.Pourthemixtureintofour,8-ounceramekins.2.Preheatovento425°F.Placeakitchentowelinthebottomofaroastingpan,andthenplacetheramekinsinthepan.Placethepanintheovenandpourhotwaterhalfwayupthesidesoftheramekins.Bakefor20to25minutes,untilcustardjigglesorisjustset.Removefrompanandrefrigeratefor2hours.3.Whenreadytoserve,letcustardssitatleast30minutesatroomtemperature,thendusttopsofcustardwith1teaspoonraw(turbinado)sugar.Placeunderbroilerfor2to3minutesoruseakitchentorchtobrown.Becarefulnottoburnthetops.
EASTERMoscowMule
ChickpeaBruschettawithSpringVegetableSalad
GrilledButterfliedLegofLambwithMintPesto
BraisedScallionsandPotatoes
ClassicCarrotCakewithWhippedCreamCheeseFrosting
Silk-DyedEggs
MOSCOWMULEServes:1 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes WhatcanwesayaboutaMoscowmule?The
ingredientsareprettystraightforward.Frankly,you’vegottalovearecipethatonlyhasthreeingredients,right?Soduringthethreesecondsthatittakestoputthiscocktailtogether,rememberthatthistastydrink
cangodownlikesoda,butdrinkitslowly;allthat(Moscow)vodkagivesitakicklikeamule!
1/2ouncelimejuice2ouncesvodka
4to6ouncesgingerbeer
1.Pourthelimejuiceintoacollinsglass.Addicecubes,thenaddthevodka.2.Filltherestoftheglasswithgingerbeer.
MICHAEL:IhavenoideahowtheGreekcalendarworks.AllIknowisthatwhenIwasakiditwasgreatbecauseIgottocelebrateEastertwice!
BRAISEDSCALLIONSANDPOTATOESServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:30minutes Thissidedishisthe
perfectaccompanimenttoanEasterfeast.Notonlydoesitcomplementthetraditionallegoflambbeautifully,butitisbeautifulonitsown.Thelightgreenofthescallionsechoesnewspringshootscoming
upfromtheground,promisingwarmerdaysandfreshblooms.
4tablespoonsbutter,sliced
2poundstinyYukonGoldpotatoes,cutinhalf
1garlicclove,cutintothickslices
2bunchesscallions,rootsandgreenstrimmed;cutinto2-inchlengths1lemon,cutaroundthecoreinto4piecesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
1cupVinSantoorwhitewine
1/2cupwaterExtra-virginoliveoil,fordrizzling1.Placeaheavy-bottomedpotovermedium-highheatandaddthebutter.Tossinthepotatoes,garlic,scallions,andlemonwedgesandseasongenerouslywithsaltandpepper.AddtheVinSantoandwater,bringtoasimmer,andcoverthepotwithalid.
2.Cookatagentlesimmerfor30minutes,oruntilthepotatoesarefork-tender.Tasteandadjustseasoning.Servewithadrizzleofoliveoil.
ShownwiththeBraisedScallionsandPotatoesisMario’sGrilledButterfliedLegofLambwithMintPesto.
MARIO:Easteristhemajorreligiousholiday,whichmeansit’sthemostsacred—andthemostdelicious.
SILK-DYEDEGGS
MakingEastereggsisoneofthebestpartsoftheholiday(nexttodoinganEasteregghunt,eatingchocolatefromEasterbaskets,hangingoutwiththeEasterbunny…butIdigress).Silk-dyedeggsareawaytogetbeautifulpatternsandcolorsfromoldsilktiesorscarvesthataren’tgoingtobewornagain,butdon’thavetogotowaste.Theprocessformakingtheseeggsissimple,buttheresultslooklikemagic.Sortoflikepullinga(Easter)rabbitoutofahat.
Eggs100%silkscarvesortiesWhitecottonsocksorotherlight-coloredcottonclothRubberbandsWhitevinegar1.Hard-boiloremptytheeggs.Toempty,pokeaholeinthetopandbottomofeachegganduseasmallstrawtoblowouttheyolkandwhite.Rinseitoutandletitdry.(Emptiedeggscanbekeptformuchlongerperiodsoftime.)2.Ifyouareusingties,deconstructthembysnippingthestitchingandremovingthelininguntilyouareleftwithonlythesilk.Cutthesilkintopieceslargeenoughtowraparoundyoureggs,plusalittleextratotieoff.
3.Tightlywrapeachegginascarfortiewiththesilkflatagainsttheegg’ssurface.Secureinplacewitharubberband.4.Wrapthecoveredegginasockorothercottonclothandsecurewitharubberband.5.Add1cupofvinegartoapotofgentlyboilingwater.Youwantabout1teaspoonofvinegarforeveryhalfcupofwater.Besuretouseanenamel,glass,orothernonreactivepot.
6.Droptheeggsintothewaterandletsitatagentleboilfor20minutes.Ifthey’reblowneggs,fillthemwithwaterbeforehandsotheywillsink.7.Removetheeggsfromtheboilingwaterandallowthemtocoolcompletely.8.Unwrapthemandcheckoutyourcreation!
CLINTON:InFranceabunnydoesnotvisitthechildrenduringEaster.Instead,aflyingbellwithwingszoomsinfromRomeandbringsthemchocolateandeggsonEastermorning.
MOTHER’SDAYPerfectMom-osa
FriséeSaladwithCandiedBacon
BananasFosterCrepes
FruitSalad
Kid-FriendlyCroissants
PressedFlowerCards
PERFECTMOM-OSA SERVES:6TO8 SKILLLEVEL:EASY PREPTIME:5MINUTESMIMOSASHAVEBECOMEASTAPLEOFFANCYBREAKFASTSORBRUNCHES.ANDWHYNOT?THEADDITIONOFFRESH-SQUEEZEDOJTOSPARKLINGWINEISREFRESHINGAND
DELICIOUS,PLUSTHEORANGEJUICEMAKESITFEELALITTLEBREAKFAST-Y.TOGETAFRESHTAKEONAMIMOSA,THETRICKISFINDINGTHE
RIGHTEXTRAINGREDIENTTHATWILLELEVATETHECOCKTAILWITHOUTROBBINGITOFWHATMAKESITACLASSIC.ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURDOESTHETRICK.ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURISBECOMINGMOREANDMOREPOPULARACROSSTHECOUNTRYAND,OF
COURSE,INCREASINGLYEASIERTOFIND.WITHFLORAL,HONEYED,ANDFRUITYNOTES,ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURADDSDEPTH,SOPHISTICATION,ANDPERFUMETOTHE
MIMOSA.SOLET’SCALLITTHEMOM-OSAFORALLTHOSESOPHISTICATEDLADIESWELOVE!
1bottleproseccoorsparklingwine,chilled4ouncesfreshlysqueezedorangejuice,chilled
4ounceselderflowerliqueur,divided
Dividetheorangejuiceandelderflowerliqueurbetweeneachofthechampagneflutes,andtopwithproseccoorsparklingwine.Enjoy!
DAPHNE:Mymamaalwayssaid,“Havestandards,notexpectations.”Becauseforher,standardsarethingsyouholdforyourselfandexpectationsarethingsthatyouputonotherpeople,andyoucan’tcontrolotherpeoplesoyousetyourselfupfordisappointment.It’sreallycoolanditactuallyworks.
Daphne’smother,Lisa,receivesflowersfromherdaughteronMother’sDay.
FRUITSALADServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes Fruitsaladisonlyasgood(andnutritious)asthefruityouputinit.Seemssimple,right?Butthinkofhowmanysadfruitsaladsyou’vebeenpresentedwithovertheyears.Whothoughtthatafewcubedapplesandorangesliceswasanacceptableinterpretationofwhatcouldbethestarofanybrunch?Thisfruitsaladisspectacularbecausethefruitchosenforitissweet,tart,soft,andtoothsome,withvibrantcolorsthatcomplementeachothergorgeously.Butafruitsalad
withoutalittledressingisstill,well,naked!Inthiscase,we’reusinghoney,limejuice,andthyme,withanoptionalsplashofprosecco.Ifyouandyourgueststhinkyouaren’t“fruitsaladpeople,”guessagain!
3freestonepeaches,slicedandpitsremoved3plums,slicedandpitsremoved3nectarines,slicedandpitsremoved1pintblackberries
1pintraspberries
Juiceandzestof2limes1vanillabean
2tablespoonshoney
2sprigsofthyme,leavesonly1tablespoonmint,leavesonlyandchoppedWhippedcream1/2bottleprosecco,optional
1.Combineallofthefruitinalargebowl.Squeezelimejuiceoverthefruit,thenscrapevanillabeanintothebowl.Addlimezest,honey,andthymetofruit.Foldeverythingtogetherandallowtheflavorstomarry.Foldthemintintothewhippedcream.
2.Toserve,putfruitsaladinawineglass.Topeachglasswithwhippedcream,andfillwithproseccoifyou’dlike.
Michaelcooksforhismom,Angel,inhonorofMother’sDay.
KID-FRIENDLYCROISSANTSServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy CookTime:25to30minutes Croissantsareatreatthatwerarely
thinkofmakingathomebecausemakingallthatpuffpastryistime-consumingand,ifyou’renotabaker,hardtodo!Thesolution,ofcourse,liesinalltheprepackagedpuffpastrythat’sonthemarket.Butifyouuseittomakeplaincroissants,theyhavethetendencytomakeyoufeellikeyoucoulddobetter.This
recipeistheperfectcompromise.Theadditionofsweettreats(inthiscasechocolateandalmonds)makesforcroissantsthatcouldhavecomefromaFrenchbakery.Thebeautyofthesebakedgoodiesisnotonlyintheflavorbutinthefactthatthey’resoeasytomake.Thewholefamilycangetinvolved,whichisalovely
waytoprepareforMom’sspecialday.
1/2packagefrozenpuffpastry,thawed1/2cupdarkchocolate,chopped1/2cupalmondpaste
1eggwhiskedwith2tablespoonswater
1/4cupslicedalmondsConfectioners’sugar,todust1.Preheatovento375°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Gentlylaypuffpastryoutonflatsurface.Cutintothreeequalrectangles.Cuteachrectangleintotwotrianglesbycuttingdiagonallylengthwise.
2.Placeaboutateaspoonofchocolateandalmondpasteinthecenterofthelargeendofthetrianglepieces.Looselyrolltowardthesmallend.Pinchtheendsandbringthemintoalmosttouch.3.Placeonthebakingsheet,brushwiththeeggwash,andsprinklewithafewalmondslices.Bake25to30minutes,oruntilthepastryispuffedandgolden.Sprinklewithpowderedsugartoserve.
DAPHNE:Ifyoulikethesecroissants,youwillmostlikelyfallinlovewith
marzipan(particularlythechocolate-coveredvariety).Ifyouhaven’tencountereditbefore,it’sanalmond-basedcandythat’ssowidelybeloved,Iran,Germany,Italy,andSpainallclaimtobethecountryofitsorigin.Onceyoutakeabite,youwon’tcaresomuchwhenceithailssomuchaswhereyoucangetmore.
PRESSEDFLOWERCARDS
Howmanytimeshaveweheardourmoms(andotherlovedones)saythatgettingahomemadegiftiswonderfulbecauseit’ssopersonalandshowslovingeffortonthepartofthegiftgiver?Let’sjustsay,“Alot.”Here’sawaytomakeone-of-a-kindgiftcardsthataresobeautifultheyaregiftsallontheirown.Thisisanothercraftprojectthatyoucangetthekidsinon;itrequiresadelicatetouchattheend,butgettingthemtochoosetheflowersandpressthemistonsoffun.
DinnerplatesCorrugatedcardboardCoffeefiltersPaperFlowers,preferablypansiesorsimilarMicrowavePaintbrushClear-dryingcraftglue1.Turnaplateupsidedown,thencutcardboardtofitinsidetherimoftheplate.Ontopofthat,stack2to3coffeefiltersandapieceofpaper.
2.Snipthefloweroffofitsstemandflattennicelyontoyourpaper.Thenstackontopofthefloweranotherpieceofpaper,2to3coffeefilters,apieceofcardboardfittedtotherimoftheplate,andasecondplate,rightsideup.3.Placestackedmaterialsinthemicrowavefor40secondsifdryingjusttheblooms.(Ifyouwouldliketodrythestems,itwilltakeaboutaminute.)4.Usingclearglue,gentlyadheretheflowertoacard.Begentle,it’sdelicate!Youmaywanttousetweezerstoplaceyourflowers.Coverwithathincoatofgluetosealandallowtodry.
ShownwiththePressedFlowerCardsareMario’sBananasFosterCrepes.
Clintonembraceshisnumberonefan—andmom—Terri.
MILESTONES
Therearecertaineventsinourlivesthatarecauseforpull-out-all-the-stopscelebrations.Why?Becausethey’reaboutlove:thelovebetweentwopeoplewhohavedecidedtospendtherestoftheirlivestogether,loveforababyabouttomakehisorherdebutintheworld,andlovesharedbyacouplethathasstoodthetestoftime.Weddings,showers,andanniversariesarespecialoccasionsthatareasvariedasthepeoplewhocelebratethem.Butthere’sonethingthatthemostgrandioseweddingandthemostdown-homebabyshowerhaveincommon:foodanddrinks!Amongthefiveofus,we’vecelebratedenoughmilestonestoknowwhatrecipeswillmaketheperfectmenuforeverygathering,whetherit’syourfirstoryourfiftieth.SogetreadytowhipupsomeappetizersthatwillhaveyourstodgyAuntMargaretandyourhippiecousinSunshinebondinginnotime!
SHOWER
WEDDING
ANNIVERSARYPARTY
SHOWERMintedWatermelonandCucumberPunch
SausageandSwissChardFrittata
BabyCucumberSandwiches
BabyChickenSaladPuffs
ChocolateTruffles
BananaBreadPudding
CitrusSaltScrub
SAUSAGEANDSWISSCHARDFRITTATASERVES:6TO8 SKILLLEVEL:EASY
PREPTIME:10MINUTES COOKTIME:20TO25MINUTES
CELEBRATING,WHETHERIT’SFORANUPCOMINGWEDDINGORABABYONTHEWAY,CANWORKUPQUITETHEAPPETITE.THAT’SWHYYOUNEEDAFILLING,CROWD-PLEASINGSOURCEOFSUSTENANCETOSERVEYOUR
SHOWERGUESTS.SAUSAGE,EGG,ANDCHEESEAREANO-FAILBREAKFASTCOMBINATION.BUTADDSOMECRUNCHYGREENSANDYOU’RE
REALLYINBUSINESS.THETERRIFICTEXTUREOFSWISSCHARDISWHATTAKESTHIS
FRITTATATOTHENEXTLEVEL,SOTHEKEYISNOTTOCOOKITDOWNTOOMUCH.KEEPTHATHEALTHYCRUNCHINTHEGAME!THROWINSOMEONIONSANDTOPITOFFWITHTHEDELICIOUS,SALTY,LACTICLOVETHATIS
PECORINOROMANOCHEESEANDYOU’VEGOTASOLIDSPINONABREAKFASTCLASSIC.
2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
1poundspicyItaliansausage,removedfromcasing1redonion,thinlysliced2bunchesSwisschard,chiffonade,thinlysliced3clovesgarlic,minced
8eggs
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2cupfreshlygratedPecorino1.Preheatovento350°F.Inalargenonstick,ovenproofpanovermedium-highheat,addtheoliveoil.Addthesausage,andcookuntilcrisp,about8minutes,breakingitupasitcooks.Addtheredonionandchard,thencook2moreminutes.Cracktheeggsintoalargebowl,addthegarlic,andwhisktogether.Transfersautépancontentstobowlwiththeeggmixture,andstirtomixeverything.Seasongenerouslywithsaltandpepper.
2.Transferbacktoovenproofpanandstirwithaspatulatomakesureitdoesn’tstick.Placeintheovenandcookuntilset,about15minutes.ThensprinklewithPecorinoandcoolforabout5minutesbeforeserving.
MARIO:Icravesalty,spicystuff.I’llgetarawjalapeñooutofthefridge,smearalittlecreamcheeseonit,thensprinkleitwithkoshersaltand,ontopofthat,addchipotleTabascosauce.Thatscratchesmyitch.
BABYCUCUMBERSANDWICHESServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes Whenyou’recelebratingababyonthe
way,you’vegottathink“adorable.”Thesedaintycucumbersandwichestotallyfitthebill!Ablendofgoatcheese,creamcheese,andbuttercomplementsthatcoolcucumbercrunchtoperfection.Thebestthing
aboutthisclassicappetizerisitbringsacasualelegancetothetableforanincrediblylowcost.Ofcourse,there’salsothefactthatthesearejustabouttheeasiestthingsyoucanwhipupforaparty.Imean,comeon.
Youcanhandleasandwich,right?
8ouncesgoatcheese,roomtemperature4ouncescreamcheese,roomtemperature4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,roomtemperature1garlicclove,minced
3tablespoonsgratedParmesan
3tablespoonsfreshdill,minced1tablespoonparsley,mincedPinchsalt1/4teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper
10slicespumpernickelbread
6Persiancucumbers(washedandthinlysliced)1.Inastandingmixer,mixthegoatcheese,creamcheese,butter,andmincedgarlic.AddtheParmesan,dill,parsley,salt,andpepper;combinewell.Packthemixtureintoanairtightcontainer,andstoreintherefrigerator.Toserve,bringtoroomtemperaturebeforespreadingonsandwiches.
2.Placethethinlyslicedcucumbersonacleankitchentowelorpapertoweltoremoveexcessmoisture.Smearalayerofgoatcheesespread
ononesideofeachpieceofbread.Shinglethecucumbersoverhalfoftheslices.Topwithremainingslicesofbread,cheese-sidedown.Trimthecrustfromthesandwichesandcuteachsandwichintofourpieces.Servechilledoratroomtemperature.
ShownwiththeBabyCucumberSandwichesareClinton’sBabyChickenSaladPuffs.
CARLA:Ithinkwomen’scravingsaredifferentfrommen’scravings.Menmaythink,“Oh,Ikindofwantthat.”Womencraveit.Wewantit.Weneedit.
CITRUSSALTSCRUB
Whenyouthrowashower,youwanttosendyourguestshomewithafavorthatwillhavethemoohingandaahinglongafterthepartyisover.Thiscitrussaltscrubfitsthebillperfectly!Thezestyfragrancewakesupthesenseswhilethesimple,all-naturalingredientswillleaveyoufeelingscrubbed,polished,andreadytofacetheday.Allyouneedissomesalt,coconutoil,andthezestofyourfavoritecitrusfruit.Anddon’tthinkyouhavetochoosejustone!Tryalemon-limeblendorthrowthemallintothemixfortheultimatearomaticpick-me-up.
1/2cupcoconutoil(oralmond,olive,orvegetableoil)1/2cupseasalt11/2teaspoonscitruszest(lemon,lime,orange,grapefruit,oracombination)TOMAKETHESCRUB:
1.Placecoconutoilinalargebowlandmicrowaveatintervalsof10secondsuntilcompletelymelted.(Ifusingalmond,olive,orvegetableoil,itwillalreadybeliquid.)Oncetheoilisliquid,addseasaltandcitruszest.Makesuretonotallowanywaternearthebowlaswaterwilldissolvethesalt.2.Pourmixtureintoairtightcontainers.Decoratewithnamesornotesforguests.3.Storeinacool,dryplace.
TOUSETHESCRUB:
Whileintheshower,mixtheingredientswithyourfingertips.Applythebodyscrubwithhandsorsoftwashcloth.Rinsethemixtureoff
completely.
WEDDINGLoveDrunkPunch
HamCroquettes
TunaTartare
StripedBassinCartoccio
AristaallaPorchetta
CheeseTartwithMarinatedTomatoZucchiniSalad
MiniBakedAlaska
LemonCardamomCookieWeddingGifts
HAMCROQUETTESServes:30 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:35to40minutes
InactiveCookTime:2hours Whenyouhaveguestscomingfrommanydifferentplaces,backgrounds,andwalksoflife,there’sjustnothingthatwillbringthemtogetherlikeagoodold-fashionedcomfortfood.Hamcroquettesarecrunchyontheoutside,creamyontheinside,andfullofclassic,dependableflavorsthatwarmyourheartuprightalongwithyourstomach.It’scheesy,buthey,soarethesecroquettes.Servethemduringthecocktailhourofyourweddingcelebrationandwatchthebride’sshyauntandthegroom’scrazy
unclebondovertheircommonloveofgoodfood.
4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter1/4cupoliveoil3/4cupflour,plusmoreforbreading
4cupswholemilk
21/2teaspoonssalt,plusmoretotaste
1teaspoonfreshlygratednutmeg
Freshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1cupManchegocheese,finelyshredded1cupcookedham,finelychoppedOilforfrying(vegetableorpeanut)6eggs,beaten
2cupspankobreadcrumbs
1.Placeaheavy-bottomedenameledpotovermediumheat.Whenthepotishot,addthebutterandoliveoil.Cook,stirringoccasionally,for2to3minutes.Next,whiskin3/4cupflour.When
alloftheflourhasabsorbed,slowlywhiskin1cupofthemilk.Whiskuntilnomorelumpsappear,thenwhiskintherestofthemilk.Seasonwithsalt,nutmeg,andpepper.Bringthemilktoagentleboilwhilewhisking,thenreducetheheattolow.Cook,stirringfrequently,for30minutes.Nextmixinthecheeseandstiruntilcompletelymelted.Mixintheham,thenpourthemixintoa9-x13-inchpanandchillthoroughly,about2hours.2.FillalargeDutchovenhalfwayupwithoilandheatoilto360°F.Whiletheoilisheating,formyourcroquettes.Usinga1-tablespoonmeasuringspoon,scoopoutthechilledmixtureintoballs.Withflouredhands,rollthem,andthenplaceonabakingsheetorplatewhileyoufinishtherest.Theycanbekeptintherefrigeratoratthispointuntilreadytobreadandfry.3.Setupabreadingstationwithflour,eggs,andbreadcrumbsinseparateshallowdishes.Dredgetheballsintheflour,thenthebeatenegg,andthenthebreadcrumbs,shakingoffanyexcess.Dropintotheheatedoilandfryfor1to2minutesperside,movingthemarounduntilcompletelygoldenbrown.Removefromtheoilwithaslottedspoontoapapertowel–linedplateandseasonlightlywithsalt.Coolforafewminutesbeforeserving.
TUNATARTAREServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:12to15minutes Aftera
weddingceremonyisover,guestsaresuretobehankeringforabitetoeat.Soit’simportanttohavelight-yet-satisfyingappetizersawaitingthematthereception.Thisrecipeeasilymeetsthosecriteria,plusit’sabitmoreexoticthanthetypicalchipsanddip.Butwhenitcomestotunatartare,there’snomessingaround:gettheetothefishstoreandgrabapieceofsushi-gradetuna.Thengetreadytoutilizesomeofthebest
flavorsofJapanesecuisinewithalittlebitofginger,alittlebitofsesame,and,ofcourse,akickofwasabi.It’sallaboutfreshnesswiththisdish,soholdoffonmixingeverythingtogetheruntilyourguestshavetheir
wontonchipspoised.Ready,set,dip!
FORTHETUNATARTARE:1POUNDSUSHI-QUALITYTUNA,SMALLDICE1AVOCADO,DICED1/8CUPCANOLAOIL1/2TEASPOONPEELEDANDFINELYGRATEDGINGER1TEASPOONFINELYCHOPPEDJALAPEÑO
1teaspoonwasabipowder
1scallion,greenandwhiteparts,finelydicedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteWontonchips,toserveFORTHEWONTONCHIPS:
18squarewontonwrappers
VegetableoilsprayormeltedbutterSeasalt1/2teaspoonblacksesameseeds1/2teaspoonwhitesesameseedsTOMAKETHETUNATARTARE:1.Placethedicedtunaintoabowlandplacethatbowloveranadditionalbowlfilledwithicetokeepthetunacold.Coverthetunawithplasticandkeepinthefridgeuntilready
toserve.2.Inaseparatebowl,combinetheavocado,oil,ginger,jalapeño,wasabipowder,andscallion.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandfoldinthechilledtuna.
TOMAKETHEWONTONCHIPS:3.Preheatovento350°F.Cutthewontonwrappersinhalfdiagonally,andarrangethemonacookiesheet.
4.Spraywithvegetableoilorbrushlightlywithmeltedbutter.Topwithseasaltandsesameseeds.5.Bakefor12to15minutesuntilgoldenbrownandcrisp.Allowthechipstocometoroomtemperature.6.Arrangethewontonchipsonaplatterandplaceaheapingtablespoonofthetunamixtureinthecenterofeachchip.Serveimmediately.
STRIPEDBASSINCARTOCCIOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:12to14minutes Whenpeople
receiveweddinginvitations,theyaresometimesaskedtochooseanentréeontheirRSVPcards.Checkone:beef,chicken,orfish.Well,thisstripedbasswillhaveeveryonewishingtheyhadcheckedthefishbox!Cartoccioisjustthenameforthesimpletechniqueofbakingthingsinparchmentpaper.Itholdsyourfish
andvegetablestogetherandsteamsthematthesametime.Betteryet,itgivesthedishabeautifulpresentationthat’sasinexpensiveasitisimpressive.Ifseabassisn’tyourthing,noproblem.Gotoyour
localfishmongerorseafoodmarketandpickupwhateverfishyoulike.
4,6-ouncefilletsofwildstripedbassSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1smallyellowsquash,julienned2carrots,peeledandjulienned1bulbfreshfennel,julienned10leavesSwisschard,trimmedandchiffonade
4branchesfreshoregano
1bunchItalianparsley,choppedto1/4cupyield12Gaetaolives
1cupwhitewine
1/4cupextra-virginoliveoil1.Preheattheovento450°F.Cutfourpiecesofparchmentinto12-inchsquares.Seasoneachpieceoffishwithsaltandpepper.Mixthevegetablesinabowlandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Dividethemixedvegetablesevenlyamongthecentersofthefourpiecesofpaper.
2.Place1fishfilletoverthevegetablesand1branchoforeganooverthefillet.Dividetheparsley,olives,andwineevenlyoverthefishfilletsandaddagenerousdrizzleofoliveoil.Foldupeachpacketand
sealtheedgesbyfoldingthemoverseveraltimes.3.Bakeintheovenfor12to14minutes,andservehot.Watchoutforthesteamthatwillblastfromthehotpacketonceopened.
ARISTAALLAPORCHETTA SERVES:16 SKILLLEVEL:MODERATE PREPTIME:30MINUTES
COOKTIME:1HOUR,25MINUTES NOONESPEAKSTHELANGUAGEOFLOVEQUITELIKETHEITALIANSDO.SOI’MABOUTTOSHOWYOUONEOFMYFAVORITECELEBRATORYDISHES.IT’SHEARTY,IT’SDELICIOUS,ANDITHASTHEADDEDBONUSOFTHEFACTTHATYOUCANSERVEITUPATROOMTEMPERATURE.ARISTAALLAPORCHETTAISPERFECTFORAMAIN
COURSENOTONLYATAWEDDING,BUTATAQUIETDINNERWITHALOVEDONEASWELL.
AFTERALL,ARISTAMEANS“THEVERYBEST”INTHETUSCANDIALECT!
1,4-poundbonelessporkloinroast,butterfliedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1mediumonion,thinlysliced1fennelbulb,trimmed,frondsreservedandchopped,bulbthinlysliced2poundsgroundporkshoulder2tablespoonsfennelseeds
2tablespoonschoppedfreshrosemary
6clovesgarlic,thinlysliced
1cupfreshbreadcrumbs
2largeeggs,lightlybeaten4redonions,cutinhalf1lemon,halved1.Laytheporkloinflatandsprinklewithsaltandpepper.Setaside.Ina10-to12-inchsautépan,heat1/4cupoftheoliveoilovermedium-highheatuntilitbeginstosmoke.Addtheslicedonionandfennelbulbandsautéuntilsoftenedandlightlybrowned,about10minutes.Addthegroundpork,fennelseeds,rosemary,garlic,and2tablespoonspepper,andcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheporkisnolongerpink,about10minutes.Transfertoabowlandallowtocool.Preheattheovento425°F.
2.Addallbut1tablespoonofthefennelfronds,thebreadcrumbs,andeggstotheporkmixtureandmixgently.Spreadthemixtureovertheporkloin.Rollitup,startingfromalongside,likeajellyroll,andtiewithbutcher’stwine.Placetheredonionsinaroastingpanandsettheporkontop.Roastfor1hourand15minutes,oruntiltheinternaltemperatureis135°F.Removeandletrestfor10minutes.3.Slicetheporkintoone-inch-thickpieces.Servedrizzledwiththeremaining1/4cupoliveoilandagoodsqueezeoflemon,garnishedwiththereservedfennelfronds,andwiththeonionsontheside.
MARIO:Youmaynotthinkthatgarlicwouldberightforaromanticweddingdinner,butaslongasyoueatthesameamountofgarlicasthepersonthatyou’regoingtokiss,you’llbefine.
CHEESETARTWITHMARINATEDTOMATOZUCCHINISALAD
Serves:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:30to35minutes InactiveCookTime:1hour Whenservingappetizersatawedding,it’sgoodtohavesomestationary
itemsthatguestscandevouratwill,andalsotohavesomefoodpassedbutler-style.Thisbakedtart,whichcombinesasavorycrust,acheesyfilling,andasuper-simpletomatozucchinisalad,canbecutupintobite-sizedpiecesanddoledouttoguests.Besuretomakeenough,becauseyourfriendsandfamilywillflockto
theserverswhopassoutthisamazinghorsd’oeuvre!
FORTHETOMATOZUCCHINISALAD:1CUPCHERRYTOMATOES,CUTINHALF
1/2cupzucchini,slicedalongfulllengthintothinstrips1/2teaspoonredchiliflakes
1garlicclove,smashed3tablespoonsredwinevinegar
2tablespoonsoliveoil
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupbasilleaves,torn
FORTHETART:
1sheetpuffpastry,thawed2tablespoonsbutter,melted1egg,beaten1/2cupricotta,roomtemperature
1/2cupgoatcheese,roomtemperature1/4cupParmesan,gratedZestof1lemon1tablespoonchives,finelychopped1tablespoontarragon,leavesfinelychopped1tablespoonparsley,finelychopped
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHETOMATOZUCCHINISALAD:1.Combinethetomatoes,zucchini,chiliflakes,smashedgarlic,redwinevinegar,andoliveoilinamedium-sizedbowl.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandthensetasidetomarinateatroomtemperaturefor1hour.
TOMAKETHETART:
2.Preheattheovento350°F.Laythepuffpastryonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Withaparingknife,lightlytracea1-inchborderaroundthepuffpastry;then,withafork,dock(orpokeholes)allovertheinsiderectangle.Brushtheedgesofthepuffpastrywithmeltedbutter.Placeintheovenandcookfor10minutes.Theedgesthatwerenotdockedshouldpuffupandcreateafree-formtartshell.Removefromtheovenandletcoolslightly.3.Inamediumbowl,combinetheegg,ricotta,goatcheese,Parmesan,lemonzest,andherbs.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandstirtocombineevenly.Tasteandadjustseasoningifnecessary.Spoonthecheesemixtureintothecenterofthetartandsmearwithaspatulatofillintheedges.Bakethetartfor15to20minutes,oruntilthecheeseismeltedandthetartisgolden.Removefromtheovenandletcool.4.Rightbeforeserving,removethegarlicfromthetomatomixture.Strainthemixtureandthentosswiththebasilleaves.Reseasonwithsaltandpepper.Topthecheesetartwiththetomatozucchinisalad,cutintopieces,andserve.
MINIBAKEDALASKA SERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:DIFFICULT PREPTIME:30MINUTES
COOKTIME:15TO20MINUTES INACTIVEPREPTIME:30MINUTESTO1
HOURATMOSTWEDDINGS,THEDESSERTOPTIONISAFOREGONECONCLUSION:WEDDINGCAKE.BUTITDOESN’THAVETOBETHATWAY!OTHERSWEETSCANBESERVEDINPLACEOF,ORINADDITIONTO,THECAKE.BECAUSELET’SBEHONEST:YOUCANNEVERHAVETOOMUCHDESSERT!BAKEDALASKAISAFIVE-STARDESSERTTHATPROVESLOOKINGFANCYDOESN’THAVETOBEEXPENSIVE.WE’RE
MAKINGOURVERSIONSMALLANDCUTE,ANDTHERE’SSOMETHINGABOUTTAKINGOUR
LARGESTSTATEANDMAKINGITITTY-BITTYTHATTICKLESME.BUTMAKESUREYOU’VE
GOTYOURTIMINGRIGHT:THESEBABIESHAVE
TOBEFIREDUPJUSTMOMENTSBEFORESERVINGORTHELITTLEALASKASWILLBEGIN
TOMELT!
FORTHEPECANSHORTBREADCOOKIES:
1cupflour
1/4cupsugar1/4teaspoonsalt1tablespoontoastedpecans,veryfinelyground1/2cupunsaltedbutter,chilled3/4teaspoonvanillaTOASSEMBLE:
1pintchocolatesorbet
1/4cuporangeliqueurFORTHEMERINGUE:
8eggwhites
1/8teaspoonsalt1/2teaspooncreamoftartar2cupssuperfinesugar1teaspoonvanilla
1tablespoonorangezest
TOMAKETHEPECANSHORTBREADCOOKIES:1.Whisktheflour,sugar,salt,andgroundpecansinamediumbowltoblend.Addbutterandvanilla.Crumbletogetherwithfingersuntilthedoughresemblespeas.Formthedoughintoadiskandchillfor10minutes.
2.Preheatovento350°F.Rolloutdoughtoabout1/4-inchthickness.Cutoutcookiesusinga2-inchcircularcookiecutter.Placeonabakingsheetabout1inchapart.Bakefor15to20minutesuntilpale
gold.Allowtocool.
TOASSEMBLE:3.Usinga4-ounceicecreamscoop,scoopchocolatesorbetontoeachofthecookies.Transfertothefreezersothatthesorbethardens.
TOMAKETHEMERINGUE:4.Usinganelectricmixerfittedwithwhiskattachment,beattheeggwhitesandsaltonlowspeeduntilfoamy.Addthecreamoftartarandbeatonmediumspeeduntilsoftpeaksform.Beatingconstantly,addthesuperfinesugarinaslow,steadystream.Addthevanillaandzestandbeatonhighspeeduntiltheeggwhitesareverystiff.Scrapeintoapastrybagandimmediatelypipethemeringue,startingatthebaseofthesorbet,inacirclearoundthecookie.Continuetopipeinaspiralpatternuntilyoureachthetop.
5.Sprinkleafewdropsoforangeliqueurontoeachdollopofmeringueandthenlightthealcoholonfire.Itwillcookthemeringuejustenough,whilenotmeltingthesorbet.Serveimmediately.
ANNIVERSARYPARTYStrawberry-SageLemonade
SpinachArtichokeDip
OrecchiettewithRomanoBeans
Italian-StyleHam
CaramelizedCarrotswithQuinoa
CoconutLayerCake
SPINACHARTICHOKEDIPServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:20minutes Whetherit’syourfifthoryourfiftieth,youranniversarydeservestobecelebratedwithsomemouthwateringfood.AndIthinkit’swrittensomewherethatnocelebrationiscompletewithoutareallydelectabledip.Here’sonethat’soh,sodelicious,yourguestswillbefightingforthelastscoop.Plus,it’sgotspinachandartichokes.That’shealthy
stuff!
1/3cupmayonnaise1/3cupcreamcheese1/4cupsourcream
1cupfreshlygratedParmesan
1cupchoppedmarinatedartichokes,drainedandrinsed2cupschoppedfrozenspinach,thawedanddrained
2tablespoonsroastedgarlic
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTortillachips,toserve1.Preheatovento375°F.Inalargemixingbowl,stirtogetherallingredientsandseasontotaste.Transfertoa4-cupramekin.Bakefor20minutesoruntilbubblingandslightlygoldenontop.
2.Servewarmwithtortillachips.
CLINTON:Ifyouarecookingforalargecrowd,youcanmakethisintwo,2-cupramekins.Keeponewarmintheovenwhileyourguestseattheotherandyou’llalwayshavehotdip.
ORECCHIETTEWITHROMANOBEANSServes:6 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:1hour CookTime:10minutes Saybuongiornoto
anotheroneofmyfavoriteclassicItalianmeals,orecchiettewithRomanobeans.ThiswonderfulpastadishhailsfromthePugliaregionofsouthernItaly,wheretheoliveoil–andvegetable-basedcultureproducessomeofmyfavoritefoodsintheworld.ThesaucecallsforRomanobeans,butifyoucan’tfindthose,anywaxygreenbeanwilldo.Infact,thedishisallaboutmakingdowithwhatyouhave,whichiswhythereare
noeggsinthedough.
FORTHEORECCHIETTE:2CUPSSEMOLINAFLOUR
2cupsall-purposeflour
1–11/4cupstepidwaterFORTHESAUCE:
4tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
1poundRomanobeans,endsremoved,andcutinto1/2-inchpieces1/2stalkcelery,thinlysliced2serranochilies,thinlysliced1onion,cutinto1/2-inchdiceSalt,totaste
1teaspoonredpepperflakes
1/2cupfreshlygratedcaciocavallocheese(plusmoreforgarnish)TOMAKETHEORECCHIETTE:1.Combinebothfloursinamoundinthecenterofalargewoodencuttingboard.Makeawellinthecenteroftheflourandaddwateralittleatatime,stirringwithyourhandsuntildoughisformed.Asyouincorporatethe
water,keeppushingtheflouruptoretainthewellshape(donotworryifitlooksmessy).Thedoughwillcometogetherwhenabouthalfoftheflourisincorporated.Youmayneedmoreorlesswater,dependingonthehumidityinyourkitchen.Youcanalsomakethisinafoodprocessor.
2.Startkneadingthedoughwithbothhands,primarilyusingthepalmsofyourhands.Oncethedoughisacohesivemass,removethedoughfromtheboardandscrapeupanyleftoverdrybits.Lightlyflourtheboardandcontinuekneadingfor3moreminutes.Thedoughshouldbeelasticandalittlesticky.Continuetokneadforanother3minutes,rememberingtodustyourboardwithflourwhennecessary.Wrapthedoughinplasticwrapandsetasidefor10minutesatroomtemperature.3.Rolldoughintolongdowels3to4inchesthick.Cutintoflatdisks1/4-to1/2-inchthick.Presscenterofeachdiskwiththumbtoformsaucer-shapedpastaandsetasideuntilreadytocook.Bringalargepotofwatertoarollingboilandseasonverygenerouslywithsaltuntilittasteslikethesea.Cookthefreshorecchiettefor2to3minutesoruntilaldente.Drain.
TOMAKETHESAUCE:4.Inalargeskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat;thenaddthebeans,celery,andchiliestothepanandletthemsit.Cookfor2minutes,thenlaytheonionsontopanddonotdisturbthepan.After2moreminutes,tosstheingredientsinthepanandseasonwithsaltandredpepperflakes.Sautéfor2to3moreminutes.Thenaddthepasta,andaladleortwoofpastawater.Addthefreshcaciocavallocheeseandserve.
CARAMELIZEDCARROTSWITHQUINOAServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:25minutes Whenyou’recookingtoentertain,it’seasytorunoutofovenspace.Buthere’sadishthatstaysoutoftheway.Allyouneedtowhipupthisquinoadishisthestovetop,andthingsreallystartgettinggoodwhenyoucaramelizethose
carrots.Adashofcuminaddssomeearthyflavor,andonceyoutopitalloffwithvinaigrette,you’vegotagorgeous,healthydishmadewithoneofmyfavoritegrainsontheplanet!
FORTHEDRESSING:
Juiceofhalfanorange2tablespoonsredwinevinegar1tablespoonDijonmustard
1tablespoonrealmaplesyrup
1/2cupoliveoilSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupdriedcherries
FORTHEQUINOA:
2poundscarrots,peeledandcutatbiasinto1/2-inchpieces
2tablespoonsoliveoil
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon
1teaspoongroundcumin
1/4teaspoongroundcoriander1cupdryredquinoa,cookedtopackageinstructions2scallions,slicedonbias,forgarnish1/4cupgoatcheese,crumbled,forgarnishToastedpumpkinseeds,forgarnish
TOMAKETHEDRESSING:1.Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheorangejuice,redwinevinegar,Dijonmustard,andmaplesyrup.Whiskintheoliveoilinasteadystream.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.Addthedriedcherriesandallowthemtoplumpwhileyoupreparethecarrotsandquinoa.
TOMAKETHEQUINOA:2.Heatacast-ironskilletovermedium-highheat.Placethecarrotsinalargebowl,tosswitholiveoil,andthenpourintocast-ironpan.Cookthecarrotsundisturbedfor2minutes,allowingthemtocaramelize.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Cookfor10minutesandthenaddthecinnamon,cumin,andcoriander.Combineuntilfragrant.Lowerheattolowandcookuntilcarrotsaretender.
3.Addcookedcarrotsandquinoatothebowlcontainingthevinaigrette.Tosstocoat,andthentopwithscallions,crumbledgoatcheese,andtoastedpumpkinseeds.Servewarm.
DAPHNE:Havingpeopleovershouldbefun.Youneedtokeepitsimpleandgiveyourselfacoupleofeasystrategies.It’saparty.
BIGBASH
Whenit’stimetopulloutallthestopsandcelebratelikeyoureallymeanit,you’reprobablyabouttothrowa“BigBash.”TheBigBashcantakeseveraldifferentforms,buttheyallhaveonethingincommon:theyallsharethespiritof“Gobigorgohome!”Now,thatdoesn’tmeanyouhavetohaveapartywithmorepeoplethanyourspacecanreasonablyhold,butitdoesmeanthatyou’regoingtodressup,askyourgueststodothesame,andmakeafewhorsd’oeuvres,sides,andentréesthatarenotpartofyoureverydayrepertoire.TheBigBashistheultimateineat,drink,andbemerry.Anddance,ifyouaresoinclined.Thesecocktailsanddelectableedibleswillhelpyougetyourpartystartedright.
AWARDSNIGHT
ELEGANTDINNERPARTY
NEWYEAR'SEVE
AWARDSNIGHTOscar-rita
CauliflowerFritters
OystersRockefeller
BeefSkewerswithCilantroPesto
SpicyPorkMeatballLettuceCups
ChocolateMoussewithTuile
MiniCannoli
OSCAR-RITAServes:2 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes
Awardsnightsjustscream“cocktailparty!”There’snowaytowatchtheOscars,Tonys,Emmys,Grammys,orIndependentSpiritAwardswhileyou’reeatingasit-downdinner!Soifyou’rehavingacocktailparty,you’vegottostartwiththerightcocktail.We’vealreadyintroducedyoutothePsychoritaforHalloween;nowI’dlikeyoutomeettheOscar-rita.(WhoisthisRitaperson?)TheOscar-ritafeaturesthetequilaofamargaritawiththegoldenhueofpineapplejuice.Justholdyourglassinfrontofyouandyou’llfeellikeyou’reholdinganawardofyourown.Andyoukindofare.
3tablespoonsfreshmintleaves
1/4cupsilvertequila1/4cuppineapplejuice
3tablespoonslimejuice
Seltzer,totopoff
Muddlethemintinamixingglass.Addthetequila,pineapplejuice,andlimejuice,andstirtomix.Pourovericeinamargaritaglassandtopoffwithseltzer.
CLINTON:Don’taskyourgueststobringtheirownalcohol.Ifyou’reonabudget,youcanmakeyouralcoholgoalongwaybymixingasignaturecocktaillikeapunch.Andyoucanpickupabunchofveryinexpensivewinestoserveoncethegoodstuffisgone.Yourguestswon’tevenknowthedifference.
OYSTERSROCKEFELLERServes:8 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Ifyouwantyourpartytobealittlefancy,oneoftheobviouschoicesistoserveoysters.Oystersalwaysseemtocomeouttoplaywhenaluxuriousfeastisbeingputtogether.Anotherwaytomakeyourpartyfancyistodropafewfamousnamesintotheconversation.Whocaresifthenamesyou’redroppingareofindustrygiantswhohaven’tbeenaroundforoveracentury?Inthiscountry,Rockefellerstillmeansclassy!Ifyouput“oyster”nextto“Rockefeller,”you’reservingupsomedouble-barreledelegance.ThegoodnewsisthatoystersRockefelleralsohappenstobeinsanelygoodeating.Andthey’resorich(callingMr.Rockefeller
again!),justafewgoaverylongway.
3tablespoonsbutter
1smallonion,finelychoppedSalt,totaste1garlicclove,minced
4cupsfreshspinach
2teaspoonsanise-flavoredliquor,optional1/2cuppankobreadcrumbs
1/3cupgratedParmesanHotsauce,totasteFreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste16largeoysters,shuckedandchilledinhalfshellRocksalt,tolinebakingsheet1.Preheatovento400°F.
2.Meltthebutterinasautépanovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandseasonwithsalt.Cookfor2to3minutes,oruntiltranslucent.Addthegarlicandcookuntilfragrant.Addthespinachandtossto
combinewithonions.Drizzletheaniseliquoroverspinachandcookuntilwilted.Removepanfromheatandstirinbreadcrumbs,Parmesan,andhotsauce.Adjustseasoningtotaste.3.Placeaheapingtablespoonofspinachmixtureontopofeachoysterandarrangeonabakingsheetlinedwithrocksalt.Bakefor6to8minutesoruntillightgoldontop.Servewarmwithaglassofcoldchampagne.
BEEFSKEWERSWITHCILANTROPESTOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:5to8minutes
InactivePrepTime:30minutes Thesebeefskewersaregreatforadinnerpartyoracocktailparty,whateversuitsyoubest.Theyarestandoutsbecausethey’rebothdeliciousandversatile.Themarinatedbeefcanstayonitsskewerstobeservedwithriceforasit-downmeal(ifyoudon’tmindmissingthat
middleportionoftheawardsshowwhentheygiveawayalltherandomhonors).Or,youcantakethecubesofbeefofftheskewers,stickcocktailpicksinthem,andservethemasindividualbites(ifyouabsolutely
havetoseethelifetimeachievementpresentationvariousawardsshowsinterject).
8woodorbambooskewers2tablespoonsoliveoil
1teaspooncorianderseeds
1/2teaspooncrushedredpepperflakes1poundbeefsirloin,cutinto1-inchcubesKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
2cupsfreshcilantroleaves
2garliccloves,roughlychopped1/4cuproughlychopped,toastedhazelnuts1/2cupParmesan1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1.Preheatagrillorgrillpantomedium-highheat.Ifusingagrill,soaktheskewersincoldwaterfor30minutes.
2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogethertheoliveoil,coriander,andredpepperflakes.Seasonthebeefwithsaltandblackpepper.Addthebeefpiecestothemarinadeandtosstocoat.Dividethebeefintoeightportionsandthreadthemeatontoeachoftheeightskewers.3.Putthebeefskewersonthegrill,cover,andcookfor3minutes.
Flipthebeefandcookuntilthemeatiswellcaramelized,about2minutes.4.Meanwhile,inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecilantro,garlic,hazelnuts,Parmesan,andextra-virginoliveoil.Processuntilsmooth.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning,addingsaltasneeded.5.Removetheskewersfromthegrillandputonaplatter.Drizzlewithsomeofthecilantropestoandservetherestonthesideasadippingsauce.Serveimmediately.
SPICYPORKMEATBALLLETTUCECUPSServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:8to10minutes Don’tyoujusthateitwhenyouhavetogetupinthemiddleofyourfavoriteactor’sacceptancespeechtogowashgreaseoffyourhands?Gottalovepartyfarethatyoucanjustpopinyourmouthwithnomessleftbehind.What’sevenbetterisifyourcocktailbitecomesinawrapperyoucaneat.Soitiswiththesemeatballsinlettucecups.Themeatballscomepackedwithflavor,thankstoallthearomatics,spices,andsaucesthatgointhemix.Andthelettucecupscoolallthatheatdownalittleandkeepyourhandsclean.Mouthwatering,
pleasingtotheeye,andtidy.Perfect.
FORTHESPICYPORKMEATBALLS:1/2CUPDAY-OLDBREAD,FINELYCHOPPEDORTORN1/2CUPWHOLEMILK
1poundgroundpork
1/2cuponion,minced2clovesgarlic,minced1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andminced1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1teaspoonfishsauce,optionalZestof1orangeSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteFlour,fordredgingCanolaoil,forpanfryingFORTHELETTUCECUPS:1headBibblettuce,leavesseparated1Englishcucumber,juliennedorcutinto2-inchstrips4radishes,sliced1/2cupshreddedcarrots1/4cupmintleaves,torn1/4cupcilantroleaves,picked1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andslicedintorings1lime,cutinwedgesTOMAKETHEMEATBALLS:1.Inasmallbowl,soakthebreadinthemilk.
2.Inthemeantime,inalargemixingbowlcombinepork,onion,
garlic,jalapeño,coriander,fishsauce,andorangezest.Seasonwellwithsaltandpepper.Allowtheexcessmilktodripoffthebreadandaddittothemeatmixture,discardingtheremainingmilk.Mixwell,thenformintogolfball–sizedmeatballs.3.Heatalargesautépanovermedium-highheat.Whenthepanishot,addenoughcanolaoiltocome1inchupthesidesofthepan.Dredgethemeatballsintheflour,shakingoffanyexcess,thenplacetheminthepan.Brownonallsidesuntilcookedthrough,8to10minutes.Thenremovetopapertowelsandassembleyourlettucecups.
TOASSEMBLETHELETTUCECUPS:4.Choosethebiggerouterleavesoflettuce.Placetwomeatballsineachfollowedbyapieceofcucumber,someradishes,carrot,mint,andcilantro;thentopwithjalapeño.Garnishwithlimewedges.
MICHAEL:It’snottheOscars,butattheJamesBeardAwards—thetimethatIwon—thefirstthingIsaidwhenIwalkeduptherewas,“I’dliketothankLiz.”AndthenIfiguredanythingelsethathappensafterthatisfine.Thankthewifefirst,always.
MINICANNOLI SERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:EASY
PREPTIME:15MINUTES INACTIVECOOKTIME:2TO4HOURS CARLA:ANDTHEAWARDGOESTO…MINIDESSERTS.WHY?BECAUSEYOUDON’THAVETOSHARE!THESEMINICANNOLIAREJUSTLIKETHEBIGGUYS,BUTTHEYMAKEUPFORBEINGTEENYTINYBYPACKINGANEXTRAPUNCHINTHE
FILLING.PISTACHIOS,CHERRIES,ANDLIMONCELLOMAKEYOURTASTEBUDSSTANDUPANDSAY,“HELLO!”WHENYOULAUNCHONEOFTHESEMINISINTOYOURMOUTH.
DAPHNE:Somedessertsmightclaimthatit’sanhonorjusttobenominated,buttakeonetasteofmyminicannoliandyou’llknowtheyarewinners.I’veaddedcocoapowderandafewothersurprisestothestandardcannolifillingsonoonehastochoosebetweenthisItalianclassicandachocolatetreat.Unlessyouwantboth…thengorightahead!
FORTHECANNOLIFILLINGBASE:
2cupsricotta
2cupsricotta
1cupmascarpone,roomtemperature3/4cupconfectioners’sugar,plusmoreforgarnish1/4teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonvanilla
FORCARLA’SCANNOLIFILLING:1/4CUPLIMONCELLO1/2CUPDRIEDCHERRIES,CHOPPED1/2CUPPISTACHIOS,PLUSMOREFORGARNISH1LEMON,ZESTEDCONFECTIONERS’SUGARFORDAPHNE’SCANNOLIFILLING:1/4CUPUNSWEETENEDCOCOAPOWDER1/2CUPHAZELNUTS,TOASTED1/2CUPCOCONUT,TOASTEDCONFECTIONERS’SUGAR1/3CUPMINICHOCOLATECHIPS,FORGARNISHFORASSEMBLY:
24store-boughtminicannolishells
TOMAKETHECANNOLIFILLINGBASE:1.Setthericottaoverafine-meshstrainerandallowtodrainfor2to4hours.
2.Inalargebowl,mixtogetherthestrainedricotta,mascarpone,sugar,salt,andvanilla.Stiruntilsmooth.
TOMAKECARLA’SCANNOLI:3.Inasmallbowl,combinethelimoncellowiththechoppedcherries.Allowtorehydratefor10minutes,thendrain.
4.Foldthepistachios,cherries,andlemonzestintothefillingbase.Placethecannolifillinginalargepipingbag.Pipethefillingintotheminicannolishells.Sprinklewithconfectioners’sugar,garnishwithchoppedpistachios,andserve.
TOMAKEDAPHNE’SCANNOLI:3.Foldthecocoapowder,hazelnuts,andcoconutintothefillingbase.Placethecannolifilling
inalargepipingbag.Pipethefillingintominicannolishells.
4.Sprinklewithconfectioners’sugar,garnishwithminichocolatechips,andserve.
CARLA:IdidtheaterfromwhenIwastwelveuntilIwasseventeen,andstill,tothisveryday,havedreamsofbeingonthestageorthescreen.
ELEGANTDINNERPARTYSazerac
Leek,Parsnip,andCarrotAgnolottiinBrodo
RedCabbageandAppleSalad
BeefWellington
BrownButterMash
CitrusUpside-DownCake
Drip-DyeCoasters
LEEK,PARSNIP,ANDCARROTAGNOLOTTIINBRODO
Serves:8 SkillLevel:Difficult PrepTime:1hour CookTime:20to25minutes HailingfromthePiedmontregionofItaly,agnolottiisaclassicdishverysimilartoravioli.Agnolottiaretraditionallystuffedwithamixtureofmeatandvegetables,butthisversionusesonlyvegetables(yetiseverybitastasty).The
vegetablesusedareavailableallyearround,sothiswarmingappetizerormaincoursecanbeservedwheneverthemoodstrikesyou.
3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
2mediumcarrots,peeledandslicedinto1/4-inchcoins1parsnip,peeledandcutinto1/4-inchpiecesSalt,totaste1leek,cutinhalflengthwise,thinlysliced,andrinsedthoroughly(withtoughgreensdiscarded)1/3cupricotta,drained1/3cupgratedItalianFontina1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesan1/4cupItalianparsley,chopped,plusmoreforgarnish1tablespoonfreshthymeleaves,chopped1/4teaspoonfreshlygratednutmegFreshlygroundblackpepper
6cupschickenstock
11/2poundsfreshpastasheets1.Heatoliveoilinalargepanovermedium-highheat.Sautéthecarrotsandparsnips,seasoningwithsalt,for2minutes.Tossintheleeksandcookuntiltranslucent,about3minutes.Removefromheatandtransfertoafoodprocessor.Pureeuntilsmooth.Setasidetocooltoroomtemperature.Oncethevegetablemixtureiscool,stirinthe
cheeses,herbs,andspices.Adjustseasoningtotaste.2.HeatthestockinaDutchovenovermediumheat.Laythepastasheetsonacuttingboard,cuttingintotwo,2-x3-inchrectangles.Placeatablespoonoffillinginthecenterofeachrectangle.Brushtheedgesofthedoughwithwater,thenfoldinhalf.Presstheedgestoseal,pushingoutanyairpockets.Youshouldendupwithsmallrectanglesofagnolotti.3.Placetheagnolottiinboilingstockandcookfor3to4minutes,oruntilpastaiscookedtoaldente.Useaslottedspoontoportionouttheagnolottiintobowls.Ladlebrothovertopandgarnishwithparsley.
MARIO:Reducethestressofyourparty.Youshoulddodishesthatdon’tneedalotoflast-minuteattention.Dothingsthatcansitforhalfanhourandwillnotbewrecked.Youdon’tneedtopainttheplateswiththesaucestomakeitfeellikeaparty.
REDCABBAGEANDAPPLESALADServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes Thissaladhasitall:wildlyhealthyingredients,greatcrunchytexture,andasweet-and-sourdressingthatwillmakeevenyourpickiesteatersdigintoaservingofcabbagewithgusto.AtTheChewwealwayshaveoureyeonmakingourfoodbeautiful,tasty,andcost-effective.Theingredientsinthissaladhitallourcriteria.Wehopeyouandyourdinnerguestslove
thisagrodolce(Italianforsweet-and-sour)andveryversatilesidedishorappetizerasmuchaswedo.
1/2cupgoldenraisins1/3cupapplecidervinegarJuiceandzestof1orange,divided
1tablespoonbrownmustard
1/4cupoliveoilSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2headredcabbage,thinlysliced2redbeets,scrubbedcleanandgrated1largeGrannySmithapple,julienned1/2redonion,verythinlysliced1/3cuppumpkinseeds,toasted1.Soaktheraisinsinthevinegarandthejuicefromhalftheorangefor10minutes.Strainandaddthesoakingliquidtoalargebowl.Whiskintheorangezest,juicefromtheotherhalfoftheorange,mustard,andoliveoil.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandadjusttotaste.
2.Addthecabbage,beets,apple,onion,andgoldenraisins.Tosstocoatandthentaste,adjustingseasoningifnecessary.Serve,toppedwithtoastedpumpkinseeds.
DAPHNE:Planyourpartyinstages.Havesomethingintheovenandhavesomethingthatisservedcoldsoyou’renotstandingbythestove,hoveringandstressingyourselfout.
BEEFWELLINGTONServes:10 SkillLevel:Difficult PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:1hour,15minutes ThankstoPBSandtheBBC,whenwethink“elegantdinnerparty,”oneofthethingswethinkofis“Britishupper
crust.”Followingthatlogic,therecan’tbeanydishmoresuitedtoanelegantdinnerpartythanbeefWellington,supposedlynamedaftertheFirstDukeofWellington.Asidefromspeciousassociationslikethatone,thisisindeedafamouslypopularmaincourseforfancydinnerparties.Theingredientsandtastearesoverydecadent,andwhenassembledwithcarebeforegoingintheoven,abeefWellingtoncanlookveryimpressivewhenitarrivesatthetable.Thisisaparticularlyrichofferingwhereasmallservingcango
alongway,sodon’tbenervousaboutservingthinnerslicestostart.
3-poundbeeftenderloin,fattrimmedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil
4tablespoonsbutter,divided2shallots,minced2garliccloves,minced11/2poundsbuttonmushrooms,minced3freshthymesprigs,leavespulled2sheetsfrozenpuffpastry,thawed1/3cupEnglishmustard
1egg,plus1tablespoonofwater,whisked1/4cupredwine1/2cupbeefstock1tablespooncrèmefraîche
1.Preheattheovento425°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Removesteakfromthefridgeandletcometoroomtemperature,about30minutesbeforeyou’rereadytocookit.2.Seasonsteakwithagenerousamountofsaltandpepper.Heata
largesautépanovermedium-highheat.Addoliveoiltothepanandsearmeatonallsidesuntilgoldenbrown,about10minutes.Draintheexcessfatfromthepan.3.Heatanotherlargesautépanovermedium-highheatandadd3tablespoonsofthebutter.Oncethebutterismeltedandfoamy,addtheshallotsandapinchofsaltandcookfor2to3minutes,untilsoftened.Addthegarlicandcookjustuntilfragrant,about1minute.Addthemushroomsandthyme,seasonwithsaltandpepper,andtosstoincorporate.Sautéfor5minutes,stirringoccasionally,untilthemushroomsarecookedandthereislittlemoistureremaininginthepan.Removefromheatandallowtocool.4.Rolloutthepastryonalightlyflouredsurfaceto3to4incheslongerand5to6incheswiderthanthetenderloin.Brushwiththemustardandspreadthecooledmushroommixtureonthepastry,leavinga1-inchborder.Placethetenderloininthecenterofthepastry.Foldthedougharoundthebeeftocovercompletelyandsealbypressinggently.Transfertothepreparedbakingsheet,seam-sidedown.Brushwiththeeggwashandseasonwithsalt.Bakefor30to35minutes,untilthepastryisanicegoldenbrownandtheinternaltemperaturereaches125°Fto130°Fformedium-rare.Removefrompanandallowtorestfor10to15minutesbeforeslicing.5.Returntheoriginalsautépantothestoveandsetovermediumheat.Oncehot,deglazewithredwine,scrapingupthecrispybitswithawoodenspoon.Whiskbeefstock,remainingbutter,andthecrèmefraîchejustuntilwarmandemulsified.Adjusttheseasoningtotasteandserveoverslicedtenderloin.
CLINTON:Adultpartiesshouldberelaxed,socialaffairs.Chancesarenotallofyourguestswanttoplayagame.Ifyouwant,youcansetoutafewconversation-startingpartygamesforpeopletopursueattheirleisure.
BROWNBUTTERMASHServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Butterisareallyversatileingredient.It’sessentialtobaking,makesjustabouteverythingittouchescreamyand
addictivelygood,andevenactsasathickenerforsaucesandstews.Anotherthingitdoesisaddflavor.Weallknowwhatregularbuttertasteslike(weloveitmeltedoverbakedpotatoes,popcorn,andlobstertonameafewoftheusualsuspects),butitsflavorcanbechangedwithnothingmorethanheat.Whenyou
brownbutterinapan,ittakesonanuttinessthataddsdepthtowhateveritgoesinto.Withoutchangingtheingredientsforregularmashedpotatoes,browningthebuttermakesawholenewrecipe.
2poundsRussetpotatoes,peeledandcutinto2-inchcubesKoshersalt
1cupunsaltedbutter,cutintotablespoon-sizedpieces
1.Placepotatoesintoalargepotandfillwithenoughcoldwatertocover.Seasonwithalargepinchofkoshersaltandbringtoaboil.Reduceheattoasimmerandcookfor25minutes,untilpotatoesareverytender.Drainandreturntopot.2.Inaheavy-bottomedskillet,heat1/2cupbutterovermediumheatuntilitfoamsandsubsides.Whiskasitcooksandbrownbitsbegintoform.Removefromheatimmediatelywhenbutterhasbrownedandtakenanuttyflavor,beingmindfulnottoburn.3.Usingapotatomasher,mashthepotatoesalongwiththebrownedbutterandremaining1/2cupbutter.Oncesmooth,serve.
CITRUSUPSIDE-DOWNCAKEServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:40minutes Thisdessertisano-
brainer.It’ssogorgeousthatwhenyoubringittothetableeveryonewillgo,“Oooh!Aaah!Wheredidyougetthat?”Andyou’llsay,“Myownkitchen,thankyouverymuch!”Noneedtorevealthatit’sactually
prettyeasytomake.Thisisanewtakeontheclassicpineappleupside-downcake,usingbloodorangesandlemonsinsteadofpineappleformorevividandcontrastingcoloraswellasabright,freshflavorinsteadof
theusuallyoverwhelmingsweetnessoftheoriginal.
1cup,plus3tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,atroomtemperature,divided2/3cuppackedlightbrownsugar2Meyerlemons,1juicedand1whole
3bloodoranges
11/2cupsall-purposeflour11/2teaspoonsbakingpowder1teaspoonsalt
1cupsugar
4largeeggs,atroomtemperature1/3cupsourcream
2teaspoonsvanillaextract
Softwhippedcream,forgarnishPowderedsugar,forgarnish1.Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea9-inch-roundcakepan.Inasmallsaucepanovermediumheat,melt3tablespoonsofbutter.Addthebrownsugarandlemonjuiceandstiruntileverythingis
dissolved,2to3minutes.Scrapethismixtureintothebottomofthepreparedpan.
2.Gratea1/2teaspoonofzestfromthelemonanda1/2teaspoonofzestfromoneoftheorangesandsetaside;thensliceoffthetopsandbottomsofallfourpiecesoffruit.Placethefruitonaclean,flatsurface,andsliceawaytherindandpith,toptobottom,followingthecurveofthefruit.Sliceeachfruitcrosswiseinto1/4-inch-thickwheels;discardanyseeds.Arrangewheelsontopofbrownsugarmixtureinasingle,tightlayer.Usethebloodorangeslicesontheoutsiderimandthelemonwheelsontheinnercircle.3.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthecitruszest,flour,bakingpowder,andsalt.Inaseparatebowl,whisktogether1cupofbutterandthesugar.Beatintheeggs,oneatatime,thenbeatinthesourcreamandvanilla.Stirintheflourmixture.4.Pourthebatteroverthefruitinthecakepan.Transfertotheovenandbakeuntilthecakeisgoldenbrownandatoothpickinsertedintothecentercomesoutclean,about40minutes.5.Letrestinthecakepanforabout10minutes.Thenrunaknifearoundtheedgesandinvertthecakeontoaplatter.Coolcompletelybeforeserving.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandpowderedsugar.
DRIP-DYECOASTERS
Ifyouhaveeventheremotestsenseofgoodmanners,youknowthatyouneverputacolddrinkdownonanysurfacewithoutacoaster.Doyouwanttobetheguestatsomeone’shousewholeavesringsonGreat-AuntBertha’sChippendaleteatable?Didn’tthinkso!Soifyou’rerackingyourbrainfortheperfecthostessgiftwhenyou’regoingtoanelegantdinnerparty,givetheseatry.ThetechniqueletsyouchannelalittlebitofyourinnerJacksonPollock(ifyou’vegotalittleinnerJacksonPollock,it’sprobablybestforyoutolethimoutanyway)andbethemostgraciousguestontheinvitationlist.
PapertowelsRubbingalcoholWhitetiles(4x4inchesforcoasters,6x6inchesfortrivets)Alcoholink
Self-adhesivefeltpadsAcrylicpaint,optionalClearsealingorfinishingspray1.Saturateapapertowelwithrubbingalcohol.Rubyourtiletoclean,leavingalayerofrubbingalcoholonthesurfaceofthetile.
2.Whilethealcoholisstillwet,begindroppinginkonthetile.Theinkwillspreadfromthepointofcontactdependingonhowmuchalcoholisonthetile.Useyourimaginationtomixcolorsandcreatedesigns!3.Ifyouwouldlike,youcanpainttheedgeswithacrylicpaintforacleanlook.
4.Allowtodrycompletelyandcoatwiththesealingspraytosetcolors.Placetheself-adhesivefeltpadsonthebottomofthecoasterstokeepfromslippingorfromscratchingsurfaces.
ShownwiththeDrip-DyeCoasterisClinton’sBloodOrangePartyPunch.
NEWYEAR’SEVEBloodOrangePartyPunch
BraisedLeekswithOliveOilVinaigrette
SpanishShrimpRomesco
BBQLambChops
ChickenandChorizoPaella
Tejeringos
BLOODORANGEPARTYPUNCHServes:18to20 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:10minutes InactiveCookTime:12hours
Whenyou’reservingalotofpeople,it’snofunifyou’vegottoplaybartenderandspendthewholenightmixingdrinks.Andwhenit’sNewYear’sEveandyoureallywanttobekickingupyourheels,gettingtrappedbehindthebaristheworst.Fearnot!Thereisasolutiontothisdilemma;allyou’vegottodoiswhipupabigbowlofpunch(andkeepthatbowlfull!),andeveryonecanservehimorherself.Including
you!
FORTHEBLOODORANGE–INFUSEDVODKA:
1bottlevodka
Peelof4bloodoranges,stripspeeledwithapeelerFORTHEPUNCH:8cupsbloodorangejuice
1cuplimejuice
3cupsbloodorange–infusedvodka
8cupsgingerale
Limewedges,togarnishTOMAKETHEBLOODORANGE–INFUSEDVODKA:1.Combinethevodkaandthebloodorangepeelinalargemasonjarorothercleanjarfittedwithalid.Placeinthefridgeandinfuseovernight.
TOMAKETHEPUNCH:2.Combinethebloodorangejuice,lime
juice,andvodkawithiceinalargepunchbowl.Mixwell.Addthegingeraleandgarnishwithlimewedgesbeforeserving.
CARLA:Idon’tmakeNewYear’sresolutions.Ialwaystrytofeelpresent.Listeningisabigpartofbeingpresent.
ClintongetsafewpointersfromflairbartenderChrisCardone.
BRAISEDLEEKSWITHOLIVEOILVINAIGRETTE
Serves:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25to30minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Here’sanotherclassicwithatwist.Leeksdressedwithvinaigretteappearinseveraldifferentkindsof
Mediterraneancuisine.WhatI’vedonetomakethisdistinctiveenoughforthekickoffofanewyearistoaddafewingredientstothevinaigrettethatdon’tusuallyshowupthere:Pecorino,olives,andchiliflakes.ServethisasasidedishorappetizeronDecember31,andaddittoyourrepertoireforthecomingyear.It’s
pricedrightandtakesalmostnotimetoputtogether.
FORTHELEEKS:6LEEKS
3tablespoonsoliveoil
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
1cupwhitewine
4tablespoonsbutter,cutintosmallcubes1cupwater
4sprigsthyme
3garliccloves,slicedthinly1cupshallots,sliced
FORTHEVINAIGRETTE:1/3CUPBLACKOLIVES,PITTEDANDROUGHLYCHOPPED1/2CUPPARSLEY,CHOPPED
1teaspoonchiliflakes
4tablespoonsredwinevinegar
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste
2tablespoonsoliveoil
1/4cupPecorino
TOMAKETHELEEKS:1.Trimtherootsoftheleeks,leavingtherootendintact.Trimofftopsondiagonal,leaving2inchesoflightgreen.Cutinhalflengthwisefromwhiteendtogreenend,leavingtherootintact(therootholdstheleekstogetherwhilecooking).Cleanverywellinwatertoremoveinternalgrit.Patdrywithatowel.
2.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheat.Addoliveoilandlayleeksinthepanwithoutcrowdingthem.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,thenaddthewineandbutter.Bringtoasimmerandreducetheliquidbyhalf.Addthewater,thyme,garlic,andshallots.Seasonagainwithapinchofsaltandgroundblackpepperifnecessary.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer.Putalidonandgentlycookfor30minutes,oruntilfork-tender.
TOMAKETHEVINAIGRETTE:3.Whiletheleeksarebraising,makethevinaigrette.Combinetheolives,parsley,chiliflakes,andredwinevinegarinasmallbowl.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,andthenpourintheoliveoil.Thevinaigretteshouldnotbefullycombined;itisnotnecessarytoemulsify.GratethePecorinointothevinaigrette.
4.Dressthecookedleekswiththefreshvinaigretteandserve.
SPANISHSHRIMPROMESCOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Sometimesyou
justhavetopulloutthebiggunstoimpress.Inthiscase,replacetheword“guns”with“shrimp.”Itmaynothavethesameringtoit,buttrustmewhenIsaythatthisisadishwithmajorimpact.Oh,andthewholeoperationtakeslessthantwentyminutes.Notbad,right?ThisRomescosauceissweet,spicy,andsmoky,withasmoothcreaminessaddedbythealmonds.It’stheperfectaccompanimenttothegrilledshrimp,
whichhaveadelicatetastethatshouldn’tbeoverwhelmed.
FORTHEROMESCOSAUCE:
1cupoliveoil
3redbellpeppers,roughlychopped2Fresnochilies,chopped1/2headgarlic,smashedandpeeled2ripetomatoes,halved1/4cupsliveredalmonds11/2cupsstalebread,cubedSalt,totaste
1teaspoonsmokedpaprika
1/2cupredwinevinegarJuiceandzestof1orange
FORTHESHRIMP:
12colossalhead-onshrimp
SaltandfreshlygroundblackpepperExtra-virginoliveoil,forbrushingTOMAKETHEROMESCOSAUCE:1.InalargeDutchoven,heat1cupofoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthepeppers,Fresnochilies,garlic,tomatoes,almonds,andbread.Seasonwiththesaltandsmokedpaprika.Cookonthestovefor6to10minutes.
2.Removefromheatandtransfertoablenderorfoodprocessor(thiscanbedoneinbatchesifnecessary).Addtheredwinevinegar,orangezestandjuice,andseasonagainwithsalt,ifnecessary.Pureesauceuntilsmooth.
TOMAKETHESHRIMP:3.Preheatagriddleorcast-ironskilletoverhighheat,andbrushwitholiveoil.Seasontheshrimpwithsaltandpepper,andthenarrangeonthegriddleorskillet.
4.Cookuntilpink,about5minutesperside.ServewiththeRomescosauce.
MICHAEL:Fourorfiveyearsago,LizandIdecidedtoalwaysspendNewYear’sEvetogether.Icookaverysimplemeal,usuallycrablegswithsteamedartichoke.Wesitinfrontofafire,wechill,andit’sjustaLiz-and-Inight.
MariomakesabubblytreatforStarTreklegendGeorgeTakei.
BBQLAMBCHOPSServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:4to6minutes
InactivePrepTime:30minutes Theselambchopscouldn’tbesimplertomake.Whichisgoodfortworeasons:nobodywantstobestuckinthekitchenonNewYear’sEve,and,easyplusdelectableequals
SCORE!Thesecrettotheselambchopsistwofold.First,getthebestlambchopsyoucanfromyourlocalgrocerystoreorbutcher.Good-qualitymeatisalwaysimportant.Second,themarinadeforabarbecuelikethisisessential.Themorecomplextheflavor,thebetter.Thismarinadeissweet,sour,salty,andherbal.Alittlebitofeverythingthatgivesgrilledmeat,particularlylamb,that“wow”factor.Aprettygoodwayto
startofftheyear,no?
2tablespoonsoliveoil2tablespoonsredwinevinegar
3tablespoonssugar
2sprigsmint,leavesremovedandchopped2sprigsrosemary,leavesremovedandchopped
12babylambribchops
Koshersalt,totaste1.Whisktogethertheoliveoil,vinegar,sugar,mint,androsemaryinalargecasserole.Addthelambchopsandrubwiththemarinade.Allowtomarinateatleast30minutes,anduptoovernight.
2.Preheatagrillorgrillpanoverhighheat.Cookthelambchopsfor2to3minutesperside,beingsuretodevelopacharinplaces.Transfertoaplatter,sprinklewithsalt,andenjoy.
MARIO:BecauseIliketogotobedalittleontheearlyside,weringintheNewYearwithRiodeJaneiro,whichistwohoursearlier.So,atteno’clockwe’resinging“AuldLangSyne,”andateleveno’clockI’minthesack.
CHICKENANDCHORIZOPAELLAServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:40to45minutes Paella
almostalwayssignalsthatit’s“timetoparty.”It’sacommunaldishthatbringseverybodytogether,servingthemselvesandeachother,encouragingconversation,andlingeringatthetable.Paellacanalsohaveseafoodinit,butthecombinationofmildchickenwithspicychorizoissogood,there’snoreasonto
complicatematterswithanymoreingredientsthannecessary.ThedishisoriginallyfromValenciainSpain,andtheword“paella”isusedthroughouttheregionasasynonymfor“pan”—allkindsofpans.Sonowyou
havealittleinformationtosharealongwiththisbeautifuldinner.
1tablespoonoliveoil
1/2pounddriedchorizo,slicedin1/2-inchslices4chickenthighs
4chickendrumsticks
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1Spanishonion,chopped
2cupsbutternutsquash,peeled,seeded,anddicedsmall
2cupsuncookedshortgrainrice
1teaspooncoriander,toastedandground1/2teaspooncumin,toastedandground1/2teaspoonchipotlepowder
1/4cupwhitewine
5cupschickenstock
1/4cupcilantro,chopped1/4cupparsley,chopped2jalapeños,seeded,stemremoved,andthinlysliced,forgarnish1.Inapaellapanorcast-ironskillet,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthechorizoandcookuntilithasrendereditsfatandiscookedthrough.Removefromthepanandsetaside.
2.Seasonyourchickenpieceswithsaltandpepper.Tothesamepan,addthechickenpieces,skin-sidedown;brownonbothsides.Removeandsetaside.Nextaddtheonionandsquashtothepan,alongwithapinchofsalt.Cook,stirringoccasionallyuntiltheonionistenderandaromatic,about5minutes.Nextaddtherice.Toastthericewiththevegetablesforafewminutes,thenaddthecoriander,cumin,andchipotlepowder.3.Afterabout30seconds,addthewine,scrapinganybrownbitsoffthebottomofthepan,thenslowlyaddthechickenstock.Seasonagainwithsaltandpepper.Addthechickenpiecesbackinalongwiththechorizo,thencoverandcookfor15to20minutes,untilthericeandchickenarecookedthrough.Turntheheatoffandgarnishwiththecilantro,parsley,andjalapeñossprinkledoverthetop.Servewarm.
TEJERINGOSServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Wesay
doughnut,butinMexicotheysaychurro,andinSpainfried,sweeteneddoughistejeringo.Attheendoftheday,there’sonedessertthateveryonelovesandthatdessertisthedoughnut(sothere’saversionofitin
almosteverycountry).Wethinkofdoughnutsassomethingthatyougotoastoretobuybecausetheyseemprettycomplicatedtomake.Notthecaseatall.Thesetejeringosareamazinglysimpletomakeandalso
amazinglyaddictive.Sogetreadytostandnexttothestoveforawhile.Yourguestsandfamilyaren’tgoingtoletyoustopmakingtheseuntilthelastbitsofbatteraregone.
1cupwater
8tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,cutinto8pieces1tablespoonsugar,plusabout1cupfordustingPinchofsalt1cupall-purposeflour
3largeeggs
8cupsextra-virginoliveoil,fordeep-frying1cupbittersweetchocolate,choppedandmelted1.Combinethewater,butter,sugar,andsaltinasmallheavysaucepanandbringtoaboil,stirringoccasionallyuntilbuttermelts.Turntheheattolow,addtheflour(inoneshot),andstirvigorouslyuntilthemixtureformsaball.Removefromtheheatandaddtheeggsoneatatime,stirringconstantly.Transfertoabowlandallowthebattertorestfor10minutesintherefrigerator.
2.Meanwhile,heat3inchesofoliveoilto365°Finalargeheavypot.Transferthedoughtoapastrybagfittedwithalargestartip.Pipe4-inch-longstripsofdoughintothehotoil,withoutcrowding,andcook
for4to5minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Drainonpapertowels,andrepeatwiththeremainingbatter.3.Dustgenerouslywithsugarandserve.Servewithmeltedbittersweetchocolateifyouwant!
DAPHNE:NewYear’sEveinmyfamilyisabigItalianfeast,andthenahugesundaebar.Allthekidsgettoeatwhatevertheywantandit’stotalsugarcraziness.
PARTYPLAYLISTS
Everycelebrationneedsagreatsoundtrack.Musiccansetthemood,inspiregueststodance,orevensparkasing-along(“SummerNights”fromGrease,anyone?).Trytochoosesongsthatfitthethemeofyourparty:ifyou’rehavingamelloweveningwithfingerfoodandcocktails,youmightwanttogowithjazzorR&B.Ifyou’rethrowingaHalloweenparty,don’tforgettoaddMichaelJackson’s“Thriller”andWarrenZevon’s“WerewolvesofLondon”toyourplaylist.Andifyou’rehostingarockin’danceparty,putupthediscoball,throwonsomebell-bottoms,andbreakoutyourABBA,DonnaSummer,andVillagePeoplerecords,er,MP3s.Herearesomeplayliststhatincludeourfavoritepartysongs.
MARIO
InMemoryofElizabethReedTheAllmanBrothersBandKashmirLedZeppelinBlueSuedeShoesElvisPresleyWhereIstheLove?
TheBlackEyedPeasALoveSupremeJohnColtraneAllAlongtheWatchtowerJimiHendrixDrunkinLoveBeyoncé
LostintheWorldKanyeWestHelterSkelterTheBeatlesSevenNationArmyTheWhiteStripes
MICHAEL
GoodHeartedWomanWaylonJenningsandWillieNelsonFamilyTraditionHankWilliams,Jr.LoveWalksInVanHalen
Jammin’MeTomPettyandtheHeartbreakersComeAsYouAreNirvana
Lovin’,Touchin’,Squeezin’Journey
HarvestMoonNeilYoungAshestoAshesDavidBowieNightswimmingR.E.M.
AllAlongtheWatchtowerBobDylanAllMyMistakesTheAvettBrothersCigarettes,WeddingBandsBandof
HorsesTalihinaSkyKingsofLeon
CARLAGreenOnions
BookerT.&theM.G.s
HappyPharrellWilliams
MustangSallyWilsonPickett
TightropeJanelleMonáe
SetItOffStrafe
GoldenJillScott
PontoonLittleBigTown
DAPHNEIKnewYouWereTrouble
TaylorSwift
WeFoundLoveRihanna
DarkHorseKatyPerry
DrunkinLoveBeyoncé
AlloftheLightsKanyeWest
RoyalsLorde
OneMoreNightMaroon5
SexyBackJustinTimberlake
StartedFromtheBottomDrake
WeCan’tStopMileyCyrus
CLINTON
TheGirlfromIpanemaAstrudGilbertoShame,Shame,ShameShirley&CompanyRingMyBell
AnitaWard
NeverGonnaGiveYouUpRickAstleyBandofGoldFredaPayne
BabyGotBackSirMix-a-LotTheHumptyDanceDigitalUndergroundGrooveIsinthe
HeartDeee-Lite
LoveHangoverDianaRoss
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