sophia519's Profile
Vanilla Beans
My partner sliced 1/2 of a vanilla bean into 3 thin strips, put it in a bottle of rum and let it steep for a few days. It made an awesome rum and coke, took the bottle camping and it was gone by the end of the weekend!
any recipes for an economical alcoholic punch to serve at a party for about 15 people?
Maybe vodka or whiskey. I guess economical would be under $50
any recipes for an economical alcoholic punch to serve at a party for about 15 people?
I want to do something other than sangria.
And it Was Absolutely Delicious.
1. Right now, the tomatoes are fabulous, so I made a simple pico de gallo and my partner and I gobbled it up in record time. I discovered that I really liked the taste of salsa without garlic (I had usually added it in the past).
2. I already posted this on another board, but a delicious pasta salad from 101 cookbooks site:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/macaroni-salad-recipe.html
3. Finally, authentic Sheboygan bratwurst:
Cut up an onion into thin slices and place in a pot
Add 3-4 cans or bottles of beer (any kind)
Add uncooked bratwurst (6-12)
Boil for 30 min. on medium heat
Finish off on the grill, about 5 min. per side, just to brown them
You can't really mess this recipe up. It is always sooo good. For me, the best brats are topped with dusseldorf mustard, pickles, and raw onion!
favorite pasta salads
I think the scallion flavor mellows a bit in the cooking process. It does not overpower the salad, I think the parmesan and the apple contrast it nicely along with the spice of the arugula. If you read everyone's comments, most love that it does not contain mayo. I personally love mayo, so I added a dollop at the end and loved the flavor. It is really one of the best pasta salad's I have ever had :)
favorite pasta salads
This one is SO good! I made half a batch and wish I would have made a whole one:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/macaroni-salad-recipe.html
Has anyone ever made the CI Penne & Chicken w/Broccoli and Bell Pepper?
I copied the recipe from one of the CI books (can't remember which one). This is the recipe where the penne is cooked in a dutch oven in water and chicken broth (about 4 cups total), rather than boiled separately in water (the traditional method). I have never cooked pasta this way and am concerned about how it will turn out. Anyone ever tried it?
need recipe for middle eastern lentil/spinach soup, Adas Bel-Sabanekh
My favorite middle eastern restaurant is closing and I am searching for a recipe for their soup called "Adas Bel-Sabanekh." I believe it is lentils, spinach, broth, spices, topped with fresh cilantro. I know there is also fresh lemon, although that may be added at the end. I believe the owners of the restaurant are Lebanese.
Anyone ever make Jamie Oliver's tray baked chicken?
THe chicken is brined first, then baked with sweet and regular potatoes, bacon and onions/garlic.
Meatless Mondays
Try this tortilla pie from Epicurious, it is so easy! Definitely use corn tortillas, though. And no need to fry the tortillas before placing in casserole.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Tortilla-Pie-231795
Also, here is a great pasta recipe that is veery easy and delicious:
http://www.foodchannel.com/recipes/recipe/roasted-tomato-basil-and-feta-pasta/
Anyone ever make Rick Bayless' Roasty Red Gualjillo Salsa? How is it?
I am thinking about making Shrimp in Red Escabeche which has this salsa as an ingredient. Wondering if anyone here has ever made it.
hard water stains?
I use a stainless steel kettle to boil water every morning for my coffee. Every morning, it gets hard water / mineral deposit? stains or film on it. I use vinegar to remove the film before washing in the dishwasher. Is this the best method? This occurs even with filtered water from the Brita filter and occurs whether I wash by hand or in the dishwasher. Any other cleaning ideas?
What's your opinion of the Food Network magazine?
I find the food network pretty annoying in general, however, I was curious about the magazine. What do you think?
What do you think of the prepared foods at Whole Foods?
I am alos annoyed at the high cost of the deli items, so I only allow myself to get a few things. My 2 favorites are the Roman Tuna Salad and the Cranberry Tuna Salad. I have replicated both at home, with great results, but if you are away from home and have a craving, this is a very satisfying lunch. their tarragon chicken salad is also good, though extremely expensive.
Easy dinner ideas for beginner?
I have a bunch of easy recipes but I love soups, especially in winter, and I'll send you the link to a bean and bacon soup I made this past weekend. I made a few changes such as using 3 vs. 4 cans of beans, a bit more celery, carrots and bacon. I used chicken stock instead of broth and lots of parsley.
http://cookeatshare.com/recipes/bean-and-bacon-soup-191634
need advice: adding fresh spinach to lasagne recipe
Yes, thank you all for the good advice. I ended up doing a quick stir fry with red pepper flakes, as suggested and then loosely putting in a strainer while I assembled other ingredients. I did use the Barilla no bake sheets and I think it would have been fine if I hadn't strained the spinach. I also chopped the spinach, as suggested. It turned out beautifully! The recipe was from Epicurious: Red, White and Green Lasagne:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Red-White-and-Green-Lasagne-13506
need advice: adding fresh spinach to lasagne recipe
I am making a vegetarian lasagne and substituting spinach for broccoli. Do I need to cook the fresh spinach first? If so, what is the easiest method?
Need suggestions for indian type salad to serve with Dal
Maybe a spinach salad? I would prefer not to make anything with potatoes or rice because I am trying to cut down on carbs. Thanks!
what is your favorite cod recipe?
The grocery store where I shop frequently has good prices on cod and I need some good recipes. Thanks!
How many people really use shallots? I generally don't.
I adore shallots as well, but I do resent the high price. They are super cheap at the asian markets and I am lucky enough to have a nearby store that sells them in bulk rather than the expensive mesh packages. I think shallots are especially good in tuna salad and chicken salad. Often, the onions are too strong, so the delicate flavor of the shallot really shines.
*May/June 2010 COTM - GOURMET: Fish, Poultry
Pan Seared Tilapia with Chile Lime Butter
I have made this twice so far and really enjoyed the flavors and ease of preparation. As one reviewer noted, lightly dust the fish with flour before cooking, adds a crunch element and holds the fish together better. If you don't have the cookbook, the recipe is on Epicurious.
Popcorn.
Yes, I do this, too. I just scruch the bag closed. I put oil on top of kernels before scrunching (usually veg. or corn). It is so easy and tastes great!
Tilapia, Tilapia, Tilapia
Here's a good idea for tilapia I made just the other night:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pan-Seared-Tilapia-with-Chile-Lime-Butter-108343
I am not sure my link is going to work. If interested, visit epicurious and search: Pan-Seared Tilapia with Chile Lime Butter.
It was delicious and has garnered many positive reviews on the epicurious website.
What was the worst food you HAD to eat as a kid?
I don't even mind the canned peas as much as I minded the canned asparagus. Those are the worst!
Leftover Spiral Ham-Need Ideas!
I just finished making Emeril's Ham and Split Pea Soup. It was delicious. The recipe calls for a ham hock, but I just used the ham bone from my easter ham and added more ham. It is a classic recipe but tastes so much brighter than other pea soup's I've had. As reviewers suggested, I doubled the celery, carrots and onion.
suggestion for shallot salad dressing
Hi All, I would like to make a blackened salmon over baby spinach salad for dinner and thought a shallot salad dressing would taste good with it. Any suggestions for a shallot salad dressing recipe?
make-ahead breakfast casserole recipe needed
Anyone ever make a "night before" or "make ahead" breakfast casserole? I need to do this next weekend, but can't do anything that is too sweet or has a pie crust. Although there are many recipes on different sites for this, I trust chowhounds more :)
Favorite entertaining tips
Yes, I totally agree on the effortless thing. For me, it is imperative to clean dishes as you go, so that your kitchen is in pretty good shape when guests arrive and you have time to get ready yourself. Do all shopping the day before so that you don't feel so harried on the day of the party. The dishwasher is emptied beforehand. Try to do small things ahead of time, like have coffee (decaf and regular, if you can) prepared to just "turn on" after dinner, maybe set the table or have the wine opened, the correct serving utensils out, etc. Also, make room in the closet for guests to hang their coats.
