Wednesday 27 February 2013

Slow Cooker Red Curry Beef Pot Roast – Teaching Old Meat New Tricks

When shopping, I like to take a quick peek at the end of the meat case where they sometimes have marked-down cuts that are past their prime. I usually stay away from the smaller, thinner pieces, as they tend to go bad faster, but once in a while I’ll find a big roast, like the one that inspired this delicious red beef curry; and as the old saying goes, the only thing better than a 3-pound chuck roast, is a half-priced, 3-pound chuck roast.

By the way, this “Reduced for Quick Sale” meat is generally fine taste and texture-wise, but the surface of the meat has oxidized, so it doesn’t look very appetizing. Other than that, it’s perfectly fine to use, especially in a slow-braised recipe like this.

I cooked mine on low, for about 7 or 8 hours, until it was fork tender, but if you’re in a hurry, you can do it on a higher setting. Conventional wisdom is that the longer slower method is superior, but in all honesty, I don’t think there's a huge difference, so suit yourself. No matter what setting you use, simply do not stop until the meat is tender.

Some of the most frustrating emails I get, are the ones that say, “I followed your braised-whatever recipe exactly, but the meat came out hard.” Actually, no you didn’t. Every time I give an approximate cooking time for something like this, I’ll always say, “or until fork tender.” So why would anyone stop cooking it while the meat is still hard? I find it as mystifying as I do annoying.

Anyway, assuming you don’t stop, won’t stop, until the meat is succulent, you are in for a real treat. Feel free to add any vegetables you like, and if you want, you can cook them separately and just add to the finished dish. I generally don’t serve this over rice if I use potatoes, but that's just my personal hang up, so don’t feel like you need to deny yourself that particular pleasure. I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!


Ingredients for 4 giant or 6 regular portions:
2 1/2 or 3 pound beef chuck roast
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 chopped onion
1 or 2 tsp red curry paste, or to taste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 can (10-oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or any diced tomato product)
3 tbsp Asian fish sauce, or to taste
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 cloves minced garlic
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
juice of one lime
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 pound small potatoes, halved
4 or 5 baby bok choy, sliced
1 rounded teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
To garnish:
chopped roasted peanuts
chopped fresh cilantro leaves

View the complete recipe

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2 (K39512US) review and discount

Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2 (K39512US)

Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2 (K39512US) description


The Kensington KeyFolio(TM) Pro 2 provides a high-performance removable keyboard optimized for the touch typist. Built-in Bluetooth technology delivers wireless operation and one button set-up. A secured Velcro fastener ensures tablet vertical stability with viewing angels from 70 to 20 degrees. This lightweight 3-in-1 design is optimized for travel and in-case use plus protects your iPad 2 from wear and scratches.
User reviews for Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2 (K39512US) -





Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case and Stand For iPad 4 with Retina Display, New iPad (3rd Gen) and iPad 2 (K39512US) features


  • Tactile keyboard with high-performance keys optimized for touch typist
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  • Cut outs for I/O ports, speakers, front and back cameras
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Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black)3rd Generation review and best price

Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black)3rd Generation

Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black)3rd Generation description


Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST MODEL.What's in the box: Apple 32GB new iPad with Wi-Fi (Black), Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter, Documentation and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
User reviews for Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black)3rd Generation -





Apple iPad MC706LL/A (32GB, Wi-Fi, Black)3rd Generation features


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Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) 3rd Generation review and best price

Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) 3rd Generation

Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) 3rd Generation description


Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST MODEL.Built-in speaker and microphone.
User reviews for Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) 3rd Generation -





Apple iPad MD328LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) 3rd Generation features


  • Product Line: iPad 3rd Generation,9.7 Retina Display; 2048 x 1536 Resolution
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Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 3rd Generation review and discount

Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 3rd Generation

Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 3rd Generation description


Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST MODEL.What’s in the box: Apple 16GB new iPad with Wi-Fi (Black), Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter, Documentation, 1-Year Limited Warranty.Built-In Apps :Safari, Mail, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Newsstand, App Store, iTunes, Videos, Maps, Music, Game Center, Photo Booth, YouTube, Contacts, Reminders, Calendar, Notes, Camera.
User reviews for Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 3rd Generation -





Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 3rd Generation features


  • Product Line: iPad 3rd Generation,9.7 Retina Display; 2048 x 1536 Resolution
  • Apple iOS 5; Dual-Core A5X Chip with Quad-Core Graphics
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  • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 16 GB Capacity
  • Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life; 1.44 lbs
  • Bluetooth  4.0 + EDR,Ports : 1x Docking (30-Pin Docking Port)

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Apple iPad 2 MC979LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) 2nd Generation review and discount

Apple iPad 2 MC979LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) 2nd Generation

Apple iPad 2 MC979LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) 2nd Generation description


Apple iPad X10LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) NEWEST MODEL.Built-In Lithium-Polymer Providing up to 10 Hours per Charge (25Wh).Ports: 1x Docking, Audio: 1x 1/8 Inch (3.5 mm) Headphone, 1x Integrated Speaker, 1x Integrated Microphone.What's in the box: Apple 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi (White), Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W Power Adapter, Documentation and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
User reviews for Apple iPad 2 MC979LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) 2nd Generation -





Apple iPad 2 MC979LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, White) 2nd Generation features


  • Apple?s newest generation of iPads.
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OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector and Stand for the New iPad (4th Generation), iPad 2 and 3 - Black review and best price

OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector and Stand for the New iPad (4th Generation), iPad 2 and 3 - Black

OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector and Stand for the New iPad (4th Generation), iPad 2 and 3 - Black description


Otterbox Defender case. Black. Apple iPad 3
User reviews for OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector and Stand for the New iPad (4th Generation), iPad 2 and 3 - Black -





OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector and Stand for the New iPad (4th Generation), iPad 2 and 3 - Black features


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Apple iPad with Retina Display MD513LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST VERSION review and discount

Apple iPad with Retina Display MD513LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST VERSION

Apple iPad with Retina Display MD513LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST VERSION description


Apple iPad MC705LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST MODEL.What’s in the box: Apple 16GB new iPad with Wi-Fi (Black), Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W USB Power Adapter, Documentation, 1-Year Limited Warranty.
User reviews for Apple iPad with Retina Display MD513LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST VERSION -





Apple iPad with Retina Display MD513LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, White) NEWEST VERSION features


  • 9.7 Retina Display; 2048 x 1536 Resolution
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  • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 16 GB Capacity
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Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation review and best price

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation

Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation description


Apple iPad XX1LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi, Black) NEWEST MODEL.Connection: Ports: 1x Docking, Audio: 1x 1/8-Inch (3.5 mm) Headphone, 1x Integrated Speaker and 1x Integrated Microphone.What's in the box: Apple 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi (Black), Dock Connector to USB Cable, 10W Power Adapter, Documentation and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
User reviews for Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation -





Apple iPad 2 MC769LL/A Tablet (16GB, WiFi, Black) 2nd Generation features


  • Apple iOS 4, Apple A5 1 GHz.
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  • 9.7" IPS TFT , LED backlight and Multi-Touch.
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Apple iPad with Retina Display MD510LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST VERSION review and best price

Apple iPad with Retina Display MD510LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST VERSION

Apple iPad with Retina Display MD510LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST VERSION description


Apple iPad XX6LL/A Tablet (64GB, Wifi + AT&T 3G, Black) NEWEST MODEL
User reviews for Apple iPad with Retina Display MD510LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST VERSION -





Apple iPad with Retina Display MD510LL/A (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black) NEWEST VERSION features


  • 9.7 Retina Display; 2048 x 1536 Resolution
  • Apple iOS 6; Dual-Core A6X Chip with Quad-Core Graphics
  • 5 MP iSight Camera; 1080p HD Video Recording
  • Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 16 GB Capacity
  • Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life; 1.44 lbs

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi) review and discount

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi) description


Samsung GT-P3113TSYXAR 7.0 inch Galaxy Tab 2 1.0GHz/ 8GB/ Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Tablet Computer (Titanium Silver)
User reviews for Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi) -





Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7-Inch, Wi-Fi) features


  • Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS
  • 7-inch Multitouch Screen (1024 x 600)
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Monday 25 February 2013

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake – You Asked For It!

As promised, here’s the recipe for the chocolate cake that was featured in the orange Crème Anglaise video recipe we did a few weeks ago. In case you missed it, here’s what happened: We uploaded a perfectly fine looking custard sauce video, which no one cared about once they saw this gorgeous looking cake.

Not only did the vast majority of the audience lose all interest in the Crème Anglaise, but they also started requesting the cake be shared in video recipe form. And by “request,” I mean they demanded under threat of grievous bodily harm. Well, it worked.

By the way, you can use any pan for this cake, even a cupcake tin, as long as you’re prepared to adjust your baking time. I’d love to give you specific times, but that will depend on the exact size/type of pan. Best to test early and often with the old bamboo skewer, until it comes out clean.

I joked in the intro that if you messed this up, you should never try to bake anything else again. The funny this is, that’s not a joke. You’ll have to try really hard for this not to come out awesome. In fact, the ganache is probably the trickiest part, and all that entails is pouring boiling cream over chopped chocolate and stirring. I hope you give this ridiculously easy and delicious chocolate cake a try soon. Enjoy!

 

Ingredients for 1 Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake:
Recipe from Bi-Rite Market's Eat Good Food
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1/3 cup high-quality cocoa powder (use the best you can find)
1 cup water
1/2 tsp fine salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the ganache:
4 ounces good quality dark chocolate, chopped or broken into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
*Bring cream to a boil and immediately pour over chocolate. Wait 1 minute and stir until smooth and glossy.

Friday 22 February 2013

Happy National Margarita Day!

I just heard that today is National Margarita Day (thank you, Twitter), and so I thought I’d repost this ancient video recipe I did for About.com. Please keep in mind that this isn’t a Food Wishes video, so there’s a few things you may not be used to. I had to be under 3 minutes; it couldn’t contain inappropriate humor; and maybe worst of all, I was forced to show my “face for radio.” In fairness, I do get better looking after a few of these. Enjoy! 

Thursday 21 February 2013

Cheese Straws – These Don’t Suck

I took a few things for granted in this cheese straws video. I assumed you could tell how delicious they were as I crunched into them, which is why I never said as much. I also assumed you’d figure out how, where, and when to use them; as I failed to give my usual serving suggestions. I was so taken by the sound and texture of these cheesy sticks, that it just never occurred to me to state such obvious facts.

So, for the record, let’s make this official. These really tasted great, and that’s without any embellishments whatsoever. There are so many things that will work with this technique, including, but not limited to garlic butter, fresh herbs, crushed nuts, and/or literally any dried spice. As far as approved uses, it’d be easier to list things this wouldn’t work with.

Any soup, stew, or bowl of chili would look substantially better with some of these alongside. A few cheese straws will make that sleepy bowl of leftover pasta suddenly seems special again, and substituting them for toast at breakfast is a proven crowd-pleaser. Dipping toasted bread into a runny egg yolk is nice, but dipping with a warm, crispy cheese straw? That goes way beyond nice.

As long as you use some nice, grate-able pungent cheeses, and cook them long enough to get crisp, there’s no way these won’t be great. I hope you give them a try soon, and report back with all your brilliant adaptations. Enjoy!


Ingredients:
frozen puff pastry
about 2 tsp olive oil , or as needed
about 1/2 cup total finely grated aged cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, or more as needed
salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Raw Kale Salad – Mmmm…Tough and Bitter

I realized after watching the finished video for this raw kale salad that I used the words “tough” and “bitter” about a dozen times. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. I used those words because kale is tough and bitter, but when properly prepared, those are valuable assets, not liabilities.

If you slice it thin, and toss it with other tasty treats, the kale mellows out, and serves as a perfect foil for other vegetation. The sweet, wet crunch of raw apple counters the bitterness, and the texture of the leaves elevated from opposite directions by juicy orange and crunchy nuts. It’s quite a scene.

I’m going to do a video for the orange cumin vinaigrette, but in the meantime, the ingredients are listed below. Feel free to copy my salad formula, but this is more of an idea video than an actual recipe. You know what you like, so whatever that is, add it to some raw kale, and see what happens. Enjoy!


Ingredients for 2 big or 4 small Raw Kale Salads:
1 head green kale
1 persimmon, sliced
1 apple, sliced thin or matchstick cut
2 seedless oranges, cut into segments aka “supremes” (click here for video)
handful of chopped nuts
For the dressing:
1 rounded teaspoon Dijon mustard           
1 rounded teaspoon orange zest
1 tsp cumin, or to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tbsp orange juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white wine or sherry vinegar)
1/3 cup olive oil, or to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Saturday 16 February 2013

A Friendly Spaghetti Carbonara Reminder

I was channel surfing this evening, when I ran across a chef in New York making an authentic spaghetti carbonara. I've never wanted anything so badly in my life. Having already eaten dinner, self-control prevailed, and I settled for a pretty decent pear. This primal blend of pork, pasta, pepper, egg and cheese is truly one of life's great pleasures, and soul food of the highest order. Just in case you missed it, here's our version. Enjoy!

If you'd like to read the original post, and get the ingredients, follow this link.

Friday 15 February 2013

Orange Crème Anglaise – Not a Day Late, but 364 Days Early!

As promised, here is the video recipe for the Orange Crème Anglaise recipe we featured in our Grand Marnier soufflé Valentine’s post. You’ll find it very similar to the written version we published beneath the aforementioned recipe, with a couple minor tweaks.

In that version I said to use medium-low heat, but it’s probably best to go for something a little closer to medium. I was erring on the side of safety, but it does take a while to come up to temperature, so don’t be afraid to crank the heat up a little if you’re feeling impatient. Unless you let this simmer, which you aren’t going to do, you shouldn’t really have a problem with scrambled eggs.

I also remembered I like to stir a teaspoon of Grand Marnier into the finished, cooled sauce for a little extra orange kick. Any time you heat a liqueur, the alcohol will evaporate, which does change the flavor. By adding a bit at the end, we get that wonderful orange cognac flavor in all its undiminished glory. I hope you give this easy, incredibly delicious, and versatile dessert sauce recipe a try soon. Enjoy!


Crème Anglaise Sauce:
(Makes about 1 cup)
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup white sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp Grand Marnier
Once sauce is cooled, add:
1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
1 tsp Grand Marnier, stirred into cold sauce

View the complete recipe

Thursday 14 February 2013

Bhel Puri?

My friends Daniel and Mirra from The Perennial Plate traveled through India recently, and just posted this great video featuring one of their favorite street food recipes, bhel puri. I’ve never had it, or even heard of it for that matter, but it looks and sounds amazing. I'm intrigued. Anyway, I just wanted to share the video, and see if any of you have had any experience with this dish. Enjoy! 

Wednesday 13 February 2013

“Red Hot” Liqueur – Nicer AND Quicker

There’s an old Valentine’s Day saying that goes, “Candy is nicer, but liquor is quicker.” It’s really a lovely sentiment, but implies you have to choose one or the other. Hopefully this beautiful and delicious homemade cinnamon liqueur will prove that you can use both.

This is dead simple to make, and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it came out. As I mention in the video, the candy’s spicy cinnamon flavor and sweetness really mellows the burn of drinking straight 80-proof booze. This makes for some very smooth sipping, but at the same time demands at least a modicum of restraint.

I enjoyed mine neat, but imagine this would be great over ice, maybe with a splash of soda. I’m also wondering how it would be in a mug of hot cider, and by wondering, I mean obsessed with finding out. Stay tuned.

I’d like to extend a very special thanks to my friend, and fellow food blogger, Sean Timberlake. Sean publishes Hedonia and Punk Domestics, and he’s the one who turned me on to this brilliant elixir. His only request was that I use the knowledge for good, and not evil. Sorry, too late!

Anyway, giving edible gifts like chocolate is very traditional on Valentine’s Day, so why not a drinkable gift? And if you do decide to bottle some up, don’t forget your own customized warning label, as it will really show how much you care. I hope you and your Valentine give this a try soon. Enjoy!


Makes about 2 1/2 cups of “Red Hot” Liqueur 
1 cup Red Hots candy
2 cups cheap vodka

Monday 11 February 2013

Grand Marnier Soufflés – Rising to the Occasion on Valentine’s Day

Presenting this gorgeous Grand Marnier soufflé to your Valentine at the end of a romantic dinner would certainly impress, but imagine actually making this while they watch.

What a golden opportunity to show off your cooking skills, and a flair for the dramatic; not to mention the countless innuendos and double entendres such a scene would afford. Afraid it won’t turn out, and you’ll completely embarrass yourself? Too bad! No guts, no glory, and by “glory” we mean…glory.

The good news is, contrary to popular belief, and many cartoons, soufflés are actually very easy to make. I hope after a few viewings of this video, and maybe a practice run or two, you’ll realize just how simple this really is. Of course, to make things a little exciting you can over-fill these like I did, which can cause some wild and unpredictably shaped soufflé tops.

I think they still look super cool, but if you stop filling a 1/4-inch from the top, they generally will rise a little straighter. Having said that, anyone who’d complain about the shape of a soufflé top has some serious issues, and should probably be asked to leave immediately.

By the way, I do have a Crème Anglaise video recipe in the works, but for now you’ll have to rely on the simple written recipe below. As I mention in the clip, this is an extremely impressive dessert “as is,” but when you pierce the top of that hot, steaming soufflé, and pour in the silky, sexy sauce…well, you saw the video. Let’s just say it’s a very nice touch.

Speaking of nice touches, if you’re still looking for that extra special Valentine’s Day dessert for your extra special Valentine, I hope you’ll put aside your fears and give this a go. You really should get lots of compliments. Enjoy!


Ingredients for 2 Grand Marnier Soufflés:

2 (8-oz) heat-proof ramekins, brushed inside with melted butter and coated with sugar.
Note: Mine were closer to 7-oz, which is why I overfilled them as you saw. This amount of batter should fill two 8-oz ramekins. Amounts may vary depending on volume of your eggs/meringue, so don’t be surprised if you have a little more or less.
2 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons melted butter
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold milk
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup white sugar
powdered sugar to garnish finished souffles

View the complete souffle recipe

Crème Anglaise Sauce:
(Makes about 1 cup)
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup white sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tbsp Grand Marnier
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk everything together in a small, but heavy saucepan. Place over med-low heat, and cook, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula being scraped across bottom, until the mixture is hot, and thickens slightly. The mixture should not come to a simmer (but close). The temp should be around 180 degrees F. when it’s done. Remove from heat, strain to remove any over-cooked particles of egg, and let cool.  If you want, you can add some fresh orange zest to the sauce as it cools. Serve ice cold with hot soufflé.

View the complete sauce recipe