Archive for December, 2011

Dec 29

Butter Poached Lobster with Steel-Cut Oat Risotto

2011 © copyright Savory Simple, all rights reserved

I like to think this recipe is a perfect romantic dinner for New Years Eve. It was inspired by my recent visit to Bryan Voltaggio’s TABLE 21 at Volt Restaurant. The meal consisted of 21 small, intricate plates prepared directly in front of us. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I’m not sure my description would do it justice but I did find this wonderful blog entry about the experience, with photos. The menu changes daily so my meal was slightly different, but this will give you an idea about what dinner is like at Table 21. One of the mini entrees we were served was Maine lobster with steel-cut oats, honeycap mushrooms, kombu, and fresh yeast. My recipe doesn’t have nearly that much excitement, but I hope you will enjoy it nonetheless.

Dec 21

54 Comments

Eggnog Pancakes

I’m not usually a big fan of pancakes but wow these are good. The eggnog fits wonderfully in place of buttermilk and adds a richness and depth of flavor you won’t normally find in a standard pancake recipe. They’re light, fluffy, and taste wonderful drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Can you think of anything more perfect for a cozy holiday morning with family?

I am counting the hours until vacation. I can’t wait!

Dec 18

36 Comments

Creamy Chestnut Soup

Christmas has become such a special time for me. We travel to Tucson, AZ every year to visit my husband’s family. Every year I eagerly anticipate the moment we reach the desert landscape, surrounded by cactus and mountains, warmer weather and amazing food. I love experiencing the holidays through the eyes of his nephews. It’s such a fun trip. I’ll be bringing my camera this year and documenting our vacation. We leave Thursday! On to the recipe…

I grew up hearing songs about chestnuts, but had no idea what they tasted like. They’re delicious! As far as I’m concerned, this is the perfect winter soup. It’s silky, rich and inviting. Serve this at your holiday parties and people will rave.

If you’ve never roasted chestnuts before, removing the shell and skin can be a bit of a chore. They come off easiest when the chestnuts are still hot. I like to smash the hot nuts with the side of my knife like a garlic clove. If you have a really good blender such as a Vitamixyou can get away with leaving some of the skin on. It will soften during the cooking process and blend right into your puree. If you’re using a more standard blender, you may want to strain the soup through a chinoisor fine mesh strainer before adding the cream.

Dec 14

52 Comments

Sweet Pecan Kugel

This beautiful kugel was passed along to my mother many years ago and she’s been making it at holiday parties ever since I was a child. We have a variety of kugels in the family but this is a particular favorite of mine. It’s sweet, but it’s versatile. It can accompany breakfast or a light lunch, and it works well as a side dish with meat, chicken or fish for dinner. And it works great as a dessert! You make it very much like an upside down cake, flipping it over after it’s done baking and has cooled for a few minutes. You can make the first part (the topping) one or two days beforehand and leave it covered in the refrigerator. You can make the entire kugel ahead of time and freeze it; defrosting it the day before you use it. Enjoy!

Dec 10

50 Comments

Rose and Orange Blossom Shortbread Cookies

I love going to High Tea every now and then with friends. Tea rooms are full of elegant touches that create a pleasant atmosphere for girl time. Everyone is served their own pot of tea and tiered trays full of mini sandwiches and desserts. It’s a great way to enjoy a few hours on the weekend.

I’ve had rose and orange blossom water sitting in my pantry for a few months after picking them up at Dean and Deluca. When I made lavender shortbread cookies I realized they would work perfectly in the same recipe. Now I just have to master mini sandwiches and I’ll be able to host High Tea at home!

These are cut smaller than the lavender cookies so that they’re the perfect dipping size. I also divided the batch in half after creaming the butter and sugar before adding additional ingredients. This recipe makes quite a few shortbread cookies, so a half batch of each flavor is plenty (for me).

Dec 6

57 Comments

Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Biscotti

When I worked as a pastry chef at a fine dining restaurant earlier this year, I learned a lot of complex desserts as well as simple treats and elegant touches. We made everything. The breads, the ice creams and sorbets, mignardises (small bites at the end of the meal), goody bags, candies, chocolates, multiple desserts and unique weekly specials. I grew incredibly fond of the small touches that set us apart from other restaurants.

We served homemade biscotti with every coffee and tea drink ordered. People loved them and would ask for more. The most popular version we made was chocolate chip and butterscotch, which I’ve recreated for you. Two sweet flavors that pair wonderfully together. This recipe works best with mini chips, which will make slicing the biscotti easier and will also make them look prettier. But you can use regular chips if that’s all you can find. You can make a standard size biscotti, sliced on the bias, or you can make cute little mini versions like the ones we served at the restaurant.

Dec 3

52 Comments

Holiday Gifts For Food Lovers (Under $35)

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? If you’re like me, you’ve barely started. I avoid malls after Thanksgiving and shop exclusively online. Pajamas are better than long lines, I always say. Anyway, I’ve been perusing the internet for gift ideas and I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds with you! I think the spiced gingerbread butter from Williams-Sonoma would be the perfect stocking stuffer. And if anyone bought me Momofuku Milk Bar cookies, I’d literally squeal with joy. The cornflake and compost cookies look to die for. Oh right, I’m shopping for others...

Archive for December, 2011

Butter Poached Lobster with Steel-Cut Oat Risotto

Eggnog Pancakes

Creamy Chestnut Soup

Sweet Pecan Kugel

Rose and Orange Blossom Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Biscotti

Holiday Gifts For Food Lovers (Under $35)

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