Sweet & Savory Pecans

Are you having an Oscar Party on Sunday?  Here are some great roasted pecans that have some unusual ingredients but pack the punch.

Rather than the typical candied pecans try something different.  These nuts have a hint of sweetness to them but more of that savory flavor.  They're perfect to set out on the table for all your guests to nibble, yet so addicting you might need to make more than one batch.

Just one more thing to add to your Oscar Party menu!

Sweet & Savory Pecans
(makes 2 cups)

Ingredients:

1 large egg white
3 tbsp. dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 heaping tsp. cayenne pepper
Pinch of  ground cloves
2 cup unsalted pecans or mixed nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250 F. degrees.  Line a baking sheet with heavy duty foil.

Whisk the egg white, brown sugar, salt, oregano, coriander, cumin, cayenne, and cloves in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended and slightly foamy.

Add the nuts and toss to coat evenly.

Spread nuts onto prepared baking sheet and roast, stirring every 15 minutes, for 45 minutes. 

Nuts will be fragrant and slightly darker but still a bit moist (they will crisp as they cool).

Cool completely on a pan and serve at room temperature. 

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Enjoy!

Get Ready for Grilling Season!

Grilling season is almost upon us.  Depending on where you live it might be available year round.  However, here in the midwest we can comfortably grill outdoors in the spring, summer and fall.  I'll still grill during the winter but not if the temperature is in the teens or if we have freezing rain or snow. 

The past few days it's been 60-75 degrees here, so I've been grilling our dinners.  Well, wouldn't you know it, today it's cold and windy with rain and sleet.  So I guess I won't be grilling tonight as planned.  It's just too bone chilling, not at all fun for me.

However, grilling season is officially just a few weeks away.  Are you ready for it?  Would you like to learn some new recipes to WOW your family and friends with this spring and summer?  If so, I have some fun and delicious menus to help.

Choose this "Special Occasion" menu above creating a heavenly Grilled Fish with a Roasted Red Pepper, Corn and Tomato Salsa....

Visit Italy and go "Under the Tuscan Sun" and learn to make Chicken Under A Brick (Pollo al Mattone)....

How about a "Mexican Fiesta" while we grill up some Beef Fajitas....

Or, are you just looking to have fun with food and friends?  Then try to "Skewer It" with a variety of fun skewered dishes to treat yourself to starting with Chicken Satay among several others.

Each menu is complete with appetizer, entree, sides and dessert.  So get a jump start on the grilling season and be ready to party outdoors with friends.

Contact me to schedule a fun grilling class at your home, just for you, with a group of your friends or co-workers.  It's the perfect way to spend by the BBQ and in the relaxing environment of your home.

Pricing and menus available upon request.

Now I've heard everything!

Today I was listening to Sirius Radio while driving - The Martha Stewart station.  I love that station since it's mostly about food.  From morning to night they have various chefs, foodies, designers and even pet people on.  I enjoy what they have to share and often even call in to make comments.

Today however, I heard something that I just couldn't believe.  You've heard of beef filets, filet mignons, center cuts but have you ever heard of a PIZZA FILET?  Apparently it's becoming the rage on the east coast. 

Of course, most of us have heard of pizza by the slice and that's perfect when you're out at an event or even at a shopping mall.  However, now in some places you can order the center cut or filet of the pizza without the outer crust.  These pizzas are typically cut into squares rather than wedges. 

I think it's a great idea, although it could be a bit wasteful.  I personally love the center cut or filet of the pizza.  I could do without the crust.  I like the meat of the pizza so to speak, or the ooey gooey cheese that you always get in the center.  This new way to order is right up my alley.

What about you?  Do you prefer the crust or the filet? What do you think of this concept?  I'd love to hear your comments.

As long as you're posting your comments, please tell us who makes your favorite pizza and what type of toppings do you prefer when ordering?

Chocolate Raspberry Wonton Hearts

I thought it might be fun to try something new for Valentine's Day this year.  Since I'll be busy tomorrow during the day getting ready for a class to teach I wanted it to be a simple dessert to go with my Valentine dinner. 

I lucked out this year because the weather in Missouri will be in the high 50s tomorrow.  A huge difference from last week and the past month where we've had single digit temperatures with tons of snow.  So to celebrate I'm going to grill tomorrow evening (Valentine's Day) and make this special dessert.

It's a little off the wall yet fun and unique. The best part is it's a cinch to make.

I made this and plated it several different ways which I'll show below.  I have to say I truely enjoyed all three versions but, my favorite was when I drizzled it with both the Raspberry Balsamic Reduction and Chocolate Sauce.

A simple dessert with simple ingredients.  What could be better except of course tasting it.  Make as many or as few as you like. 

Chocolate Truffles

Truffles are the perfect Valentine's dessert. They're soft, luscious and succulent. Although you can purchase these decadent balls of chocolate at most Confectioners in town why not make them? They're really very simple to put together and let's face it, much more meaningful and romantic to give.

Chocolate Truffles should always have a ganache center and be round just like the fungus which they are named after. They can be made in a variety of flavors and finished with a simple cocoa powder dusting, chopped nuts, sprinkles, coconut, etc. Basically whatever suits you.

Chocolate is Better for you Than Fruit!

A recent study found that Chocolate is better for you than Fruit. This finding comes out just in time for Valentine's Day. No need to feel guilty now, go ahead, indulge in that luscious, creamy chocolate this February 14th.

Here's the report plus check back tomorrow for a simple and satisfyng Chocolate Truffle Recipe you can make for you & your honey this Valentine's Day.

Super Bowl - Meatloaf Cupcakes!

It's amazing what you can do to make food fun. Although my photo below isn't great I thought it would be a good idea to show what it looks like just out of the oven.



I understand that meatloaf cupcakes are the rage now for catering companies. When I heard this and saw another food blogger post a comment about it I thought I would try and make them. Plus, I think this would be a great Super Bowl item to add to your Game Day Menu. They're easy to eat and delicious!

Homemade Play-Dough for a Winters Day!

What's a mother or father to do with the kids when the weather is icy, snowy and bitterly cold outside?

When my kids were younger, they're now is their 20s, one of their favortie things to do on a cold snowy day, rainy day or even when they were home sick was to make homemade play-dough.

This simple recipe would keep them entertained for hours. Although I enjoyed sitting at the table with them while they made their creations, it gave me a little break as well.

So if you're all going stir crazy this week because of our historic weather conditions take a look in your pantry for the ingredients listed below.