Risotto alla Milanese
about 5 cups beef or chicken stock (I used chicken)
good pinch of saffron threads
6 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups risotto rice
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I simply used the regular Parmesan cheese that I use for spaghetti)
salt and ground black pepper
1. Bring the stock to a boil in a large pan, then reduce to a low simmer. Ladle a little hot stock into a small bowl. Add the saffron threads and set aside to infuse (steep).
2. Melt 4 tbsp of the butter in a large, heavy pan until foaming. Add the onion and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until softened and translucent but not browned.
3. Add the rice. Stir until the grains are coated with butter and starting to swell and burst, then add a few ladlefuls of the hot stock, including the saffron liquid and salt and pepper to taste (Suggestion: Add the salt later. The stock is pretty salty anyway, so I would just wait in order to see what the final product is.). Stir constantly over a low heat until all the stock has been absorbed. Add the remaining stock, a few ladlefuls at a time, allowing the rice to absorb all the liquid before adding more, and stirring constantly. After about 20-25 minutes, the rice should be just tender and the risotto golden yellow, moist and creamy. (Suggestion: I followed the directions for about 5 ladlefuls and then just dumped all the broth in, covered the pan, and put the heat on medium so the rice would boil a little. I stirred it every so often, until all of the broth was absorbed. It worked just fine. Also, I waited until it was creamy but not watery before I proceeded to the next step).
4. Gently stir in about two-thirds of the grated Parmesan and the remaining butter. Heat through gently until the butter has melted, then taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the warm risotto to a warmed serving bowl or platter and serve hot, with the remaining grated cheese served separately.
-Recipe from Appetizers, Finger Food, Buffets, and Parties by (editor) Bridget Jones
My first impression? AMAZING!
There are some things I did differently. First of all, I added all 6 tbsp at the beginning (my accident). To compensate for the butter at the end, I just added the Parmesan when the rice was mostly creamy but still a little wet and I knew it would be able to melt fine. Also, I added all of the Parmesan not just two-thirds.
It tasted amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this dish. I felt as though it was salty enough that I didn't need to add salt at the start (but then again, I used salted butter, the broth, and the Parmesan has salt in it too). It is very filling (the book even touts that it can be served as a light meal on its own). It can pretty much go with anything. Also, you could probably add vegetables, and make other variations.
The only downer? It took a really long time to make. Also, just as a warning- saffron is pretty expensive ($10 for a little pouch).
I will DEFINITELY be making this again.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Recipe: Garlic Mushrooms
Garlic Mushrooms:
2 tbsp light olive oil or 1 oz butter
1lb closed cup mushrooms (you can find a 1lb box of mushrooms in the produce section at Weis)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Heat the oil or butter in a very large frying pan. Add the whole mushrooms and fry gently for 10 minutes or so. Cover for the first couple of minutes, then stir occasionally to assist the steaming process.
Turn up the heat, season well and add the garlic. Continue to stir and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are no longer steaming, for another 5 or so minutes. Finally, sprinkle on the parsley and lemon juice, then stir through. Thread a couple of mushrooms on each cocktail stick and serve warm (I didn't thread the mushrooms).
- Recipe from Tapas by Tomas Garcia
My first impression? Loved it.
The mushrooms were tender and the taste was amazing. The lemon and the fresh parsley added a unique flavor to them that really caught me. Surprisingly, the garlic wasn't too much. I used olive oil instead of butter, and thought it was a great choice.
After a day or two, the mushrooms had a different flavor. When I first made them the lemon and the parsley were almost the only things I could taste. However, after a little while the flavors evened out and I thought they tasted even better.
Over all, definitely a win. They were quick to make and there were no expensive or rare ingredients. They are definitely best with some sort of beef. I had them with spare ribs, which was also good. I will definitely be making these again.
2 tbsp light olive oil or 1 oz butter
1lb closed cup mushrooms (you can find a 1lb box of mushrooms in the produce section at Weis)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Heat the oil or butter in a very large frying pan. Add the whole mushrooms and fry gently for 10 minutes or so. Cover for the first couple of minutes, then stir occasionally to assist the steaming process.
Turn up the heat, season well and add the garlic. Continue to stir and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are no longer steaming, for another 5 or so minutes. Finally, sprinkle on the parsley and lemon juice, then stir through. Thread a couple of mushrooms on each cocktail stick and serve warm (I didn't thread the mushrooms).
- Recipe from Tapas by Tomas Garcia
My first impression? Loved it.
The mushrooms were tender and the taste was amazing. The lemon and the fresh parsley added a unique flavor to them that really caught me. Surprisingly, the garlic wasn't too much. I used olive oil instead of butter, and thought it was a great choice.
After a day or two, the mushrooms had a different flavor. When I first made them the lemon and the parsley were almost the only things I could taste. However, after a little while the flavors evened out and I thought they tasted even better.
Over all, definitely a win. They were quick to make and there were no expensive or rare ingredients. They are definitely best with some sort of beef. I had them with spare ribs, which was also good. I will definitely be making these again.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
I went shopping in New York....&co.
I know, I know, long time no write. I apologize. However, I have plenty of things to update on, including my venture to New York and Company a couple of weeks ago which is in fact the topic of this post.
First of all, I LOVE New York and Company. I love the clothes like nobody's business, and since I was in need of some office clothes and NY&Co has some good business casual items I decided to venture on over and see what they had to offer.
My impression? WTF?!
Pros: The displays were phenomenal (as always), giving me some great ideas, and the clothes were trendy and classy (as always).
Cons: This is where this particular shopping experience differs from all of the others. I went to try on some (ok, a lot) of clothes. The one thing I hate about this store is that the sizes are in even numbers and sometimes if I pick my size, the clothes still don't fit right, so it's always good to try the things on first (but then again, that's clothes shopping 101). One of the sales reps asked if she could hold a fitting room for me. I let her take my clothes while I shopped around. No problems. I went back in the fitting room when I was done and was asked if I would be interested in opening a NY&Co charge card (I'd save 20%, yadda, yadda, yadda). I respectfully declined. I did my thing, tried on my clothes, and filtered out the good ones and the bad. When I came out I was asked (again) if I would like to open a charge card. Once again, I respectfully declined. As I was walking out I noticed there was a sale on dress pants (buy one get one free). I decided to look some more, found a couple and went back to try them on. I was cringing the entire way there hoping I wouldn't be asked about the stupid charge card...AGAIN. I had a fitting room opened for me, charge card mention-free, and did my thing. When I came out, the same sales rep who had already asked me twice asked me a THIRD time. This is where I really started to get peeved. First of all, if I said no the first two times, I'm not gonna say yes the third. I don't believe in spending more than I have, which takes away my need for a charge card. Quite simply, if I couldn't afford the clothes, I wouldn't be buying them. I found it insulting because I had to wonder if it looked like I just couldn't afford the clothes. I find that extremely offensive. Then, after declining for a third time I went up to the register to pay, where I was pitched to for a FOURTH time. I told the woman, "No" and that I had already been asked three times. She continued to pitch me the same "you'll save 20%!" offer. I told her again "No" but much much much more sternly. Finally, it was dropped.
This experience really discouraged me. I am not interested in being harassed to sign up for a charge card that I don't want. I find it offensive when I'm asked several times because it makes me feel like they are implying I can't pay for the merch. As I said before- if I can't pay for it, I don't buy it. Simple. I don't want the stupid charge card. All I wanted was the clothes. Hassle-free. After that experience I will be staying out of that store for awhile.
First of all, I LOVE New York and Company. I love the clothes like nobody's business, and since I was in need of some office clothes and NY&Co has some good business casual items I decided to venture on over and see what they had to offer.
My impression? WTF?!
Pros: The displays were phenomenal (as always), giving me some great ideas, and the clothes were trendy and classy (as always).
Cons: This is where this particular shopping experience differs from all of the others. I went to try on some (ok, a lot) of clothes. The one thing I hate about this store is that the sizes are in even numbers and sometimes if I pick my size, the clothes still don't fit right, so it's always good to try the things on first (but then again, that's clothes shopping 101). One of the sales reps asked if she could hold a fitting room for me. I let her take my clothes while I shopped around. No problems. I went back in the fitting room when I was done and was asked if I would be interested in opening a NY&Co charge card (I'd save 20%, yadda, yadda, yadda). I respectfully declined. I did my thing, tried on my clothes, and filtered out the good ones and the bad. When I came out I was asked (again) if I would like to open a charge card. Once again, I respectfully declined. As I was walking out I noticed there was a sale on dress pants (buy one get one free). I decided to look some more, found a couple and went back to try them on. I was cringing the entire way there hoping I wouldn't be asked about the stupid charge card...AGAIN. I had a fitting room opened for me, charge card mention-free, and did my thing. When I came out, the same sales rep who had already asked me twice asked me a THIRD time. This is where I really started to get peeved. First of all, if I said no the first two times, I'm not gonna say yes the third. I don't believe in spending more than I have, which takes away my need for a charge card. Quite simply, if I couldn't afford the clothes, I wouldn't be buying them. I found it insulting because I had to wonder if it looked like I just couldn't afford the clothes. I find that extremely offensive. Then, after declining for a third time I went up to the register to pay, where I was pitched to for a FOURTH time. I told the woman, "No" and that I had already been asked three times. She continued to pitch me the same "you'll save 20%!" offer. I told her again "No" but much much much more sternly. Finally, it was dropped.
This experience really discouraged me. I am not interested in being harassed to sign up for a charge card that I don't want. I find it offensive when I'm asked several times because it makes me feel like they are implying I can't pay for the merch. As I said before- if I can't pay for it, I don't buy it. Simple. I don't want the stupid charge card. All I wanted was the clothes. Hassle-free. After that experience I will be staying out of that store for awhile.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Runnin' on Dunkin!
Lately, I've been pretty much addicted to Dunkin Donuts' coffee. I think it pretty much has moved up to be my number one coffee place (which is saying something because I never thought anything could replace a good Caramel Macchiatto!). Why? Well, for one thing the coffee isn't too strong nor is it too weak. The taste is perfect. Furthermore, I love, love, LOVE that they put the perfect amount of cream and sugar in EVERY time, giving me a perfect experience with each cup. Let's not forget my favorite part- it's cheap!! I love that I'm not paying $5.00 for [maybe] quality. The thing I hate about Starbucks is when my coffee is good, it is fabulous, but when my coffee is bad, it is horrible. When I'm paying that much money for a cup of coffee, I don't want to risk it. I want a sure bet. Dunkin Donuts does that for me for cheap. The only down side is that I feel sometimes the coffee is a little too hot when I get it, but with a little patience that easily goes away.
Second thing about Dunkin Donuts-I love their lunch sandwiches! For anyone that knows me, they know I kind of have a thing for trashy food. I will sacrifice "healthy" for taste (at least until a doctor tells me otherwise, ha!) more often than I probably should. That being said, I was told that the Dunkin Donuts flatbread sandwiches were pretty good, so I decided to indulge. I bought the Turkey, Bacon, Cheddar. First, it is in the shape of a triangle and it is in a convenient size so you can hold it in your hand without it falling all over the place or being too much of an inconvenience. I feel like it's kind of Dunkin Donuts' answer to 7-11's taquitos. At any rate, I'm not usually a fan of turkey, but I have to say this was delicious! I was concerned the cheese would taste really fake and gross, but it turned out to be pretty good. Once again, it was definitely better quality than I anticipated for cheap. The only downside? The size. I'm pretty petite (surprisingly!) and I felt like I should have had two for lunch instead of one. If you get one, it's more of a snack than a lunch. Other than that I thought it was really, really good!
Bravo, Dunkin, bravo!
Second thing about Dunkin Donuts-I love their lunch sandwiches! For anyone that knows me, they know I kind of have a thing for trashy food. I will sacrifice "healthy" for taste (at least until a doctor tells me otherwise, ha!) more often than I probably should. That being said, I was told that the Dunkin Donuts flatbread sandwiches were pretty good, so I decided to indulge. I bought the Turkey, Bacon, Cheddar. First, it is in the shape of a triangle and it is in a convenient size so you can hold it in your hand without it falling all over the place or being too much of an inconvenience. I feel like it's kind of Dunkin Donuts' answer to 7-11's taquitos. At any rate, I'm not usually a fan of turkey, but I have to say this was delicious! I was concerned the cheese would taste really fake and gross, but it turned out to be pretty good. Once again, it was definitely better quality than I anticipated for cheap. The only downside? The size. I'm pretty petite (surprisingly!) and I felt like I should have had two for lunch instead of one. If you get one, it's more of a snack than a lunch. Other than that I thought it was really, really good!
Bravo, Dunkin, bravo!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Recipe: Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac
A couple of weeks ago I was sifting through the Sunday paper's coupons and came across the recipe for Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac, which was provided by the Carnation company. I put it aside thinking to myself, "Well, I love mac and cheese and I love pepper jack cheese, so why not?". Today the creation was made, and here is my first impression:
First impression: Not bad.
Pros: Well, if you like spicy food (which I occasionally do), this is pretty good. The pepper jack cheese itself was spicy and then I put on 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper on the top, which gave it an extra kick. My family, who are less into spicy food than I am, thought it was a little too hot. I thought it was pretty good. I used Cabot Pepper Jack Cheese and Cabot Cheddar Cheese (both can be obtained at Costco). You can taste the distinct flavors of the cheddar and pepper jack, which makes the dish particularly catchy. I didn't think I would like the tortilla chips on top, and actually considered skipping it, but I think it added to it, and wound up really enjoying it.
Cons: I think it still need a little punch. Not a spicy punch, but it was a little bland for me. I think it actually had to do with the evaporated milk. I think next time instead of the evaporated milk I'm going to substitute it for some heavy cream and regular milk and see what happens. However, the evaporated milk still wasn't terrible but if I could substitute it for something better I would. In other words I still wouldn't be embarrassed to serve it at a party if it had the evaporated milk in it.
Over all, I enjoyed it. I think it's perfect for a party, especially a Super Bowl party or BBQ. I definitely would keep this recipe in mind for the future. Below is the actual recipe:
Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac
Ingredients:
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
COOK macaroni in large saucepan according to package directions; drain. Return to saucepan.
ADD cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, evaporated milk and black pepper to macaroni; stir until combined. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Combine remaining 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, tortilla chips and red pepper flakes in small bowl. Sprinkle over top. Cover tightly with foil.
BAKE for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake for an additional 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Recipe and photo obtained at: http://www.verybestbaking.com/products/carnation/virtual-kitchen/recipes/detail.aspx?ID=144036
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sparkly Vampires
Tonight I decided to cave and watch Twilight. My first impression? It was ok. I thought it was entertaining, but it wasn't the best. There were times that I really was into the whole Bella/Edward thing and caught myself about to swoon over the sparkly vamp, but when I was just about to be pro-Edward, I realized that their relationship was well, possessive, obsessive, and emotionally controlling. I thought the music/artsy style of the movie was pretty good. Over all, though, I didn't see what the hype was all about. The Sookie Stackhouse stories (True Blood) are still by far the best in my opinion. I think they are better quality and they have a better storyline, not to mention they are more traditional. After all, vampires do not come out in the daylight, and they are not sparkly.
First Impression: Not my favorite.
First Impression: Not my favorite.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Let it Snow!
There's going to be a large snowstorm coming tomorrow to the area. They say we'll be getting a foot of snow!Well, at any rate, we got a preview of what's to come this weekend on Tuesday night. The area looked gorgeous in all of the snow! Stay safe tomorrow and don't go out unless you have to!
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