I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who really hates Valentine’s Day. He constantly groans on that Valentine’s Day is a creation made by the greeting card companies, and he will not be fooled into spending good money on “crap” such as roses, chocolates and cards. Jeeze – he’s a real buzz kill during this time of year. Bless his suffering partner, let’s call her Julie, she deserves a medal. Today’s recipe is for Julie – maple caramel popcorn. She asked me to share a recipe for popcorn as it is my friend’s favorite thing to eat when watching a movie, and he loves to watch movies.
Fruit Tart
Imagine you and your partner reading the paper, or a book, or magazine on your handheld devices, sipping your favorite hot beverages and sinking your teeth into flaky pastry topped with fresh fruit. What a great way to start the day – right? Today’s recipe is a simple fruit tart, it’s ideal for an easy morning that doesn’t require much movement for an hour our two. It takes very little effort to make, and I’m certain it will be a regular feature when you have the luxury of time.
No need to panic about the pastry, I didn’t make it from scratch. I just bought a packet of pre-made frozen puff pastry. All I had to do was defrost as directed. So easy.
Single Valentine
This year’s Valentine’s Day fortuitously falls on a Sunday. I’m sure restauranteurs are clapping their hands at the opportunity to not only earn money hand over fist from couples celebrating Valentine’s Day over a fabulous dinner, but also a further opportunity to do the same for brunch, and take single folk’s money too. Don’t get me wrong, Valentine’s Day is great. I think having a day to celebrate your love is wonderful, even if your love is no one else but you – a single valentine.
Bacon Cheddar Dip
I know there are many of you trying your best to shed a few pounds to get yourself swimsuit ready. But there are times when you have to take a day off, and when that day comes, that cheat day, whatever you eat has to be worth the calories – am I right? Of course I am! Bacon cheddar dip is it. The snack of all snacks, high in calories but absolutely great on the tongue, and if you’re really going for it and ignoring all calorie boundaries, serve them up with kettle chips and savor every bite.
Tamarind Chicken Wings
Game day just isn’t game day without chicken wings. But if you try this recipe, be careful, they may distract your guests from the game. Tamarind chicken wings are the best. Their tasty crispiness runs a very close second to the sticky awesomeness of the slightly spicy tamarind sauce. You and your guests will be licking lips and fingers as you take chunks out of these bad boys.
5 Winner Beer Cocktails for Super Bowl
Are you scrambling around trying to find a cool cocktail to go with your super bowl party food? Well fear not, I have 5 winner beer cocktails for super bowl that will put a smile on your guests faces. All you have to do is pick one!
Dirty Chips
Time to prepare for your Super Bowl party. I’m sure you plan to have an awesome selection of eats, but have you considered serving a plate of dirty chips? Your favorite potato chips smothered in barbecue chicken, cheese and jalapeño peppers.
Poached Spicy Salmon
Are you looking for something comforting yet in-keeping with a healthy diet? I suggest you try a bowl of poached spicy salmon. It is umm umm good I tell you. Its warming, nourishing and so tasty.
Snow Storm Survival Kit
If you’re on the East Coast you have likely been affected in some way by winter storm Jonas, many are calling it Snowmaggedon 2016. You have been warned of the possible dangers of traveling and like the majority have decided to stay home and watch the snow fall and wait for it to pass, relying solely on their snow storm survival kit.
I woke up early this morning, I wanted to see what outside looked like after a night of snow and strong winds. Here’s how the streets looked in Harlem.
The results of the storm were not too crazy in Harlem first thing this morning, thank goodness. Although the strong gusts made it tough to walk, even to cross the street. As you can see, my neighbor is taking her time to cross the street carefully. I tried to walk up a few blocks to capture a more dramatic shot of the storm, but it was impossible. Well, not impossible, but I certainly wasn’t going to fight against wind and snow and risk falling on my butt, or worse my camera, for a good shot. I’m a food blogger not a reporter!
This not so happy chap shoveling the snow is doing his best to clear the snow outside a bodega. I stopped to greet him and wished him a good morning. He was not in good spirits, I can only hope he’s being paid handsomely for this work.
I retreated back to my apartment/ivory tower and made myself a mochaccino. I sipped on my hot creamy beverage while I captured what was going on in the streets – not much.
Plantain Ricotta Toast
This is delish! Plantain ricotta toast makes for a great breakfast or brunch. Earlier this week I wanted to raise a glass to Martin Luther King on MLK Day, but as I am on the wagon for the month of January, I couldn’t raise a glass with something bubbly, so I made plantain ricotta toast for brunch instead.
