small indulgences.

The hor d'oeuvre is probably my favorite course to design and prepare (as well as eat!).  There are endless ways to be creative with these one-bite sensations in terms of color, presentation, flavor profiles and plating.  Even the simplest hors d'oeuvres can really vamp up your cocktail hour or even a laid-back get-together.  The key is to use quality ingredients and to keep things simple.  One of the most important aspects of a good hors d'oeuvre is that it be easy to eat with a cocktail in hand - in other words, make sure it is no larger than one bite or so.  Here is a delicious recipe that incorporates quality ingredients with a hint of sophistication, while still presenting them in a rustic, approachable fashion - Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese + Pear.  The salty pancetta paired with the subtly sweet pear and silky goat cheese is the perfect compliment to your next summer soiree! Enjoy!

Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese + Pear 

[via Bon Appetit]



pucker up for some pisco perfection.

After a long week, everyone deserves a fancy cocktail or two to start the weekend off right.  One of my favorite drinks is a Peruvian concoction, the Pisco Sour. Tart and refreshing, yet still silky and smooth from a touch of luscious egg white, this cocktail is my go-to luxury libation. Most of my favorite spots serve it in vintage-inspired champagne coupes, which only add to its glamorous, indulgent appeal.  Often made with lime juice, I came across this recipe from Audrey Saunders of the Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC - she lightens things up a bit with a refreshing squeeze of lemon instead.* Nothing is better than a little old mixed with some new, right? 

While you're sipping and musing about the glorious weekend ahead (with a fabulously frothy little pisco mustache!), note that this swanky little piece of Peruvian culture was popularized by Town & Country food and drinks editor, Charles Baker, in the forties. Talk about good taste (with a little punch!)...

Photo coutesy of Gourmet Magazine.

1 1/2 ounces ABA Pisco brandy

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup

1 small egg white

Angostura bitters for garnish 

Measure all ingredients except the bitters into a mixing glass. Shake well for at least 10 seconds, to emulsify the egg white, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Drop the bitters on the surface of the drink to create a circular pattern. Drag a toothpick through the droplets to swirl.

*For Purists and Type-A drinkers who prefer lime and/or don't have time to concoct simple syrups, click here for an easy, traditional recipe. Cheers! xx

a leftover makeover

As much as we all wait in heightened anticipation for the annual Turkey Dinner, the days following are often bittersweet. We are usually met with our faithful friend, The Leftover, a reminder of a fabulous meal that may have left us all a bit too full!  Since everyone usually sticks to their tried and true family recipes for Thanksgiving, I thought it would be best to offer some easy, yet refined leftover dishes for those looking to make the most out of their holiday meals. Although Thanksgiving usually leaves you "all turkey-ed out," these gourmet finds use traditional ingredients in creative ways so you can best disguise that leftover bird!

I've broken the ingredients into sections so you can choose dishes based on what you happen to have left over (all the recipes can be found under the "Bites" tab). Here's to making the holidays last just a bit longer! Enjoy!

TURKEY

Roasted Turkey, Avocado, Bacon, 

Onion Relish & Aioli on Ciabatta

Photo and recipe courtesy of Tom Colicchio's
'Witchcraft' in NYC

 

Turkey Potpie with 

Cheddar Biscuit Crust

Photo and recipe courtesy of Gourmet (Ruth Cousineau/Epicurious)

 

MASHED POTATOES

Cheddar & Mashed Potato Gratin

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit; 

Photo courtesy of 20 Min Supper Club

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Pork Chops with Cranberry, 

Port and Rosemary Sauce 

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit;

Photo courtesy of Tina Rupp (Epicurious)

STUFFING

Porcini & Stuffing Strata

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit;

Photo courtesy of Laura's Best Recipes

petite seasonal treats!

Once Starbucks comes out with their infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte, I can't help but get excited for all of the fall goodies to come!  As we all know, the cupcake craze is literally out of control, and the flavors are equally amazing. I stumbled across my new favorite cupcake blog, Ming Makes Cupcakes, which offers great flavor ideas...definitely check it out! And I couldn't resist including ideas from a local favorite, Georgetown Cupcakes, famous for their perfect, pint-size creations.  Here is just a sampling of what a few boutique bakeries are offering this season...and a recipe or two for you to try your own versions!

Pumpkin Cupcake

Pumpkin Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnished with Candied Ginger

Courtesy of Ming Makes Cupcakes

Cinnamon Cupcake

Cinnamon Cupcake with 

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Courtesy of Georgetown Cupcakes

Maple Cupcake

Maple Cupcake with 

Maple-infused Cream Cheese Frosting

Courtesy of Georgetown Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Cupcake

Caramel Cupcake with Salted Caramel-infused Buttercream Frosting

Topped with a Caramel Drizzle

Courtesy of Georgetown Cupcakes

These Carrot Cupcakes are from my absolute favorite spot in London, Hummingbird Bakery. It's a dream-like bakery located in Portobello Road (and they just added new shops in South Ken & Soho!). Check out their great new cookbook so you can make all their treats at home - I've spotted it at Anthropology or its available on Amazon.com.  

Carrot Cupcake

Carrot Cupcake with Fresh Carrot, Walnuts, Cinnamon & Nutmeg

Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting & Dusted with Cinnamon

Courtesy of Hummingbird Bakery

Courtesy of Hummingbird Bakery

And a few seasonal recipes from Ming Make Cupcakes to try yourself! Enjoy!!