Here is a recipe inspired from the Courtland Pear Fair using Pears and Bacon. Serve this over rice. (more…)
Archive for the ‘RECIPES’ Category
Chicken with Pear Sauce
August 9, 2012Classic Tiramisu
April 5, 2012This classic Italian dessert is made with ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese in a trifle bowl or a springform pan
Boston Baked Beans
April 5, 2012A wonderful old-fashioned baked bean flavor. This recipe tastes great served with fresh cornbread or biscuits and honey. Although you need to allow time for soaking and simmering the beans, this recipe is still quite easy.
Mediterranean Rice Salad
September 28, 2011The bright flavors of this Mediterranean Rice Salad make it the perfect side dish for anything grilled.
Click on photo for recipe (more…)
Zucchini Squares
August 8, 2011These savory and easy quiche style squares are a snap to prepare and bake, and they make a wonderful brunch or party appetizer. Serve with tomato salsa or marinara on the side for a fabulous snack or lunch.
Perfect Scrambled Eggs
July 20, 2011Making the perfect scrambled eggs isn’t difficult. The key is whisking the eggs thoroughly and vigorously before cooking them. Whisking incorporates air, which produces fluffier scrambled eggs. And fluffier is better!
Sweet & Sour Meatballs
July 10, 2011
Chicken Enchiladas
May 21, 2011Super Easy, Super Quick, Super Delicious, and Gourmet too! This is another in my series of Quick gourmet recipes for busy people.
Southwestern Rice
May 20, 2011I created this zippy side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. you can add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make a meal. 
SacChef Catering does Brunch too!
May 8, 2011Hire me for your special brunches! Makes a great Birthday or Mother’s Day gift
Call Brian to Schedule at (916) 879-4611
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How to make Eggs Benedict for Mother’s Day
May 8, 2011Hot buttered English muffins, Canadian-style bacon, and poached eggs are topped by a heavenly drizzle of hollandaise sauce. Wonderful for Easter, Mother’s Day, or anytime you want to treat yourself to the best brunch in the world! Serve with roasted potatoes for mopping up the extra egg yolk and hollandaise.
Chocolate-Banana Phyllo pillows
May 7, 2011Store-bought phyllo dough, sliced bananas and rich chocolate transform into a heavenly chocolate dessert. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream.
Classic Rolled Chocolate Truffles
May 2, 2011May 2nd is National Chocolate Truffles Day
May 2, 2011
Truffles are a delectable type of dessert! They made with a chocolate ganache center that is then coated in chocolate powder. What makes a truffle so delectable is the creamy ganache center. The cocoa powder coating only adds to the decadent nature of the truffle. Once coated in chocolate powder, the confections resemble a fungus, called a truffle. – talk about a piece of chocolate heaven!
The chocolate truffle was invented in 1895 by M. Dofour in Chambery, France. This dessert’s popularity increased dramatically after the Prestat Chocolate Shop opened in London in 1902.
Today there are three types of chocolate truffles: All of these types of chocolate truffles differ in look, taste, and shelf-life. Europeans, the Swiss and Americans have their own way of making truffles, by using various ingredients from butterfat or syrup to dairy cream. Truffles gained popularity in the 1920s.
The American truffle was invented in the 1980’s by Joseph Schmidt. This half-sphere shaped truffle is made of milk chocolate and butterfat.
The European version of the chocolate truffle is made of syrup, cocoa powder, and milk powder.
The Swiss truffle is made with melted chocolate, dairy cream, butter, and cocoa powder. Swiss truffles have the shortest shelf-life compared to the other truffles and should be eaten within a few days of production.
To celebrate National Truffle Day, head over to your local candy shop to enjoy all of the different varieties of truffles! But, you don’t have to run out to the local chocolate specialty shop to celebrate National Truffles Day. Just call me to get my special homemade Chocolate Truffles at 916-879-4611.
Click here for my special handrolled Chocolate Truffle Recipe!
Chocolate Parfaits
May 1, 2011This is great and rather fun to make with the kids. How can you go wrong with whipped cream & chocolate
Chipotle Shrimp Scampi
April 29, 2011The perfect blend of tangy and savory makes this dish a true standout.
Order your Handmade Chocolate truffles today for Mother’s Day
April 28, 2011Handmade Chocolate Truffles for Mother’s Day
Select your choice of flavors: White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or Dark Chocolate
Select your fillings: Chocolate Fudge, Caramel, or Chocolate with Nuts
(OR ANY COMBINATIONS OF THE ABOVE)
Select your size below
The “Big Momma” Box
A round box of 8 select truffles
1 lb weight
Only $16
the “Four my Mom” Box
A oval box of 4 select truffles
1/2 lbs weight
Only $9
The “Just Mommy and Me”
A gift bag of 2 select truffles
only $5
Brian is taking orders NOW through May 7th in the greater Sacramento Area
Mom has Pampered you all your life, now is the time to Pamper her!
Call Brian to Order at 916-879-4611
April 28th is National Prime Rib Day
April 28, 2011Prime rib is a delicious meal that can be enjoyed at any occasion! Just thinking about prime rib gets your mouth watering. And of course, the only way to correctly celebrate National Prime Rib Day is to enjoy a big, juicy cut of it cooked your favorite way!
It all starts with the grade of the meat. Real prime rib is graded USDA Prime, and can be quite difficult to obtain. Other grades of meat in the United States are Choice, Select, Cutter, and Canner. The best type of meat to use for prime rib is Prime, but Choice meat will work as well
Once you have the meat, then you just have to trim the fat, add whatever types of seasoning or sauces you like, and cook it! The heat should be applied slowly, steadily, and evenly until the internal temperature of the meat reaches a specific degree.
After it’s cooked, just carve and enjoy! Happy National Prime Rib Day!
Click here for my Prime Rib Cooking Chart
Click here to learn what size roast to purchase
Click here for the perfect prime rib roast recipe: How to roast prime rib
Prime Rib Cooking Chart:
April 28, 2011
Click on photo for more information
The chart below is only a guide. You must rely on an accurate Meat Thermometer and start taking temperatures about 45 minutes before the end of the estimated roast time.
Reminder: Instant read thermometers are not meant to be left in the roast during the cooking process.
(more…)
What Size of Prime Rib/Standing Rib Roast to Buy?
April 28, 2011A full prime rib/standing rib roast is seven (7) ribs, close to 15 pounds, and enough to feed a crowd of 14 or more people (depending on how big of eaters they are). The term “standing” means the bones are included in the roast, thus the roast can stand by itself. A rib roast comprises of seven ribs starting from the shoulder (chuck) down the back to the loin.
April 27th: Enjoy National Blueberry Pie Day With a Yummy Slice and Sweet Advice
April 27, 2011There are dozens of delicious types of pies around the world – which can make it difficult for people to choose which one they want to eat! Today the decision is easy though because it is National Blueberry Pie Day.
Blueberry pie is a sweet pie that can be filled with fresh or frozen blueberries, blueberry filling, or even blueberry custard. It is one of the more popular pie flavors in the United States. Blueberry pies are also quite common at summer picnics and July 4th celebrations when blueberries are in season.
Did you know that Maine produces more blueberries than any other state? In fact, Maine produces 25% of all low bush blueberries in North America. That makes this New England state the largest producer of blueberries in the world!
Head to your favorite bakery or make your own tasty Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie to enjoy on National Blueberry Pie Day!
Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie
April 27, 2011Blueberry lovers are sure to enjoy this mouthwatering deep-dish pie
April 26: National Pretzel Day
April 26, 2011National Pretzel Day celebrates pretzels of all shapes and sizes.
How do you like your pretzel? Thick or thin? Straight or twisted? Crisp and crunchy, or soft? Salted, unsalted, mustard flavored, perhaps? There’s no shortage of types of pretzels. If you are having trouble deciding which ones, we suggest you mix a bunch of different types of pretzels in a big bowl, and grab a handful, or two, or three, or…..
Did you know? Pretzels are believed to be the world’s oldest snack. Pretzels date back to 610AD in Southern France. Monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child’s arms folded in prayer. Add a little salt, and Voila! …the pretzel industry was born.
Do you know how to celebrate National Pretzel Day? We thought so!
April 25: National Zucchini Bread Day
April 25, 2011Zucchini bread is delicious type of quick bread that is sweet and moist. The primary ingredient in zucchini bread is of course zucchinis, but many other ingredients can also be added. Many people like to add dried cranberries, orange zest, or cinnamon to make the bread spicy. Many chefs agree that zucchini bread is a great recipe for beginner cooks because it is so easy to make.
Did you know that zucchini is actually just a small summer squash? They’re usually yellow or light green in color and are shaped like a cucumber.
In addition to being used to make zucchini bread, zucchini is great when grilled or incorporated into stir-fry dishes. You can steam it, fry it, bread it, or grill it. Any way you cook zucchini, it’s healthy and delicious!
Enjoy a slice of zucchini bread today in honor of National Zucchini Bread Day! here is my recipe
https://sacchef.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/spiced-carrot-zucchini-bread/
Cherry Cheese Coffeecake Bites
April 23, 2011This is one of my favorite recipes. I first made it years ago and i still get requests for it today. It is perfect for your holiday dessert table or for that special Brunch. It is so easy to make that your kids can make it for you for Mother’s day too! Just add fresh Blueberries for a 4th of July treat!
Today is National Cherry Cheesecake day = April 23rd
April 23, 2011Today we celebrate two great holidays: National Cherry Cheesecake Day and National Picnic Day! Take advantage of the spring weather for an outdoor get together. Grab the blankets, sandwiches and fruit… and don’t forget dessert! Here are 121 recipes for Cherry cheesecake
Scalloped Potatoes
April 22, 2011These tasty scalloped potatoes are creamy and delicious with onions and seasonings.
SERVES = 6
Holiday Strata
April 21, 2011This is a favorite family recipe of the Lisle Family. It is perfect for Easter or Christmas Morning, Mother’s Day, or any special Brunch.
Strata is a savory bread pudding, consisting of layers of bread, cheese, and other ingredients, topped with an egg and milk custard mixture that soaks into the bread. It’s a great dish for brunch because it requires an overnight stay in the refrigerator. Assemble it a day ahead of time, and the next morning all you need to do is bake it.
Chocolate covered Oreos
April 17, 2011
Just in time for Spring
order your cookies now
Only $3 for 4 cookies
Select white, dark or milk chocolate ( or combination)
call me now
916-879-4611
Easy Chicken Salad Sandwiches
February 19, 2011I hit on what I believe is the best chicken salad sandwich recipe ever. It is more than just a basic chicken salad recipe, but it has a bit of finesse. This delicious and easy chicken salad recipe will be right at home at a kids’ lunch table or a bridal shower buffet. It can be simple or elegant.
Raspberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread
December 7, 2010Today’s holiday recipe – a quick holiday Appetizer winner perfect for last minute get-togethers.
Click here to learn more Kids’ Cooking recipes to celebrate = Holiday Recipe Week
It’s holiday recipe week!
December 6, 2010Every day I’ll feature a recipe that will ensure your holiday get-togethers are stress-free and delicious. Whether you’re planning the big meal or need a dish for an impromptu gathering, we’ve got you covered! Stay tuned all week for our fabulous recipe suggestions!
Click here to learn more Kids’ Cooking recipes to celebrate = Holiday Recipe Week
Greek Quiche
October 16, 2010Enjoy this savory Mediterranean styled Tart filled with Feta, Olives & Sun Dried Tomatoes
Quiche Lorraine
October 15, 2010You can serve this classic French egg dish, featuring bacon and Swiss, as a main course anytime of day.
Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche
October 14, 2010Quiche for Sunday brunch? Fill the flakiest pie crust with basic quiche ingredients; eggs, cheese, cream, broccoli, ham and onions, and what do you have? The best Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche ever! Easy broccoli quiche – It’s what’s for breakfast!
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
September 20, 2010September 20th is National Rum Punch Day, an appropriate celebration to send off the summer months. When it comes to choosing a rum with which to celebrate, the answer is as clear as Caribbean waters. Gosling’s Rums are synonymous with Bermuda and add that island touch to any cocktail.
No drink captured the essence of National Rum Punch Day better than the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. Made with Gosling’s Black Seal, Gosling’s Gold Rum and a blend of fruit juices, the Rum Swizzle will give you sunny skies long after summer’s end.
Click Below For Recipe
Maple-Granola Trail Mix
August 31, 2010This crunchy mix is wonderful any time of day. It’s great sprinkled over yogurt at breakfast or packed into a lunch box
Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake
August 30, 2010I recommend getting all of the ingredients ready in the blender and then toasting the marshmallows. You want your marshmallows gooey and hot when you throw them in the blender so they incorporate nicely. Marshmallows tend to get sticky and harden upon cooling down.
Chop Suey
August 29, 2010A favorite leftover stir-fry dish. It’s so versatile because you can change the meat or veggies to suit your taste…or according to what’s in the refrigerator.”
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
August 29, 2010The days that I have extra time for baking are few and far between. That’s why this extra-quick bread is perfect. You and your family will love the ease of preparation and the delicious flavor.
Easy Cherry Turnovers
August 28, 2010These fruit-filled pastries are a favorite at breakfast. You can substitute other can pie fillings for cherry, such as apple, blueberry or lemon.
August 28: National Cherry Turnover Day
August 28, 2010National Cherry Turnovers Day celebrates a delicious dessert made of a short crust or puff pastry filled with cherries or cherry pie filling and baked to a flaky goodness. Indulge in this sweet French-style treat today!
Cherry turnovers can be served for breakfast or dessert. Now, that’s the kind of treat that’s worth celebrating!
Cherry turnovers are made out of pastry dough that has been wrapped around a cherry filling and baked until golden brown. The cherry filling makes these type of turnovers both sweet and sour, a tasty treat for your taste buds.
Celebrate National Cherry Turnover Day by baking your own favorite cherry turnover recipe today! CLICK HERE FOR MY EASY RECIPE
Whiskey Sour
August 25, 2010
August 24: National Peach Pie Day
August 24, 2010To apprecipate the great taste of homemade peach pie. If you’ve never had it before, give it a try. Let today be the day you bake your very first peach pie. Try putting cold peach ice cream on top and let it melt on a slice of hot peach pie.
Peach pie is the quintessential American dessert in the Southern states. In countless surveys it has been chosen as the favorite dessert in the South. It has also been recognized as a favorite dessert in Canada for hundred of years as well.
Peach pie was invented sometime around the 14th century in Europe. Though it is unknown who actually created the first peach pie, the first printed peach pie recipe was by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381 in England. The ingredients in this recipe included peaches, spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn, a casing of pastry.
Dutch peach pie recipes date back to the late 15th century. These recipes were similar to the English recipes but also included a scoop of ice cream placed on top of the pie before it was served. This tradition—peach pie a la mode—was brought to America where most people enjoy their peach pie topped with ice cream.
During the 19th century, many homes in the state of Georgia served peach pie and other types of fruit pies for breakfast because it was considered a good, hearty meal to begin a hard day of work. To celebrate National Peach Pie Day, bake a delicious pie or pick one up at your local bakery to share with your family!
Recipe is listed below.
Sponge Cake with Blackberry Topping
August 23, 2010This recipe puts the blackberries grown in our Sacramento Delta Levee areas to good use. It’s a great summertime dessert. You can also substitute fresh blueberries for our local berries.
August 23: National Sponge Cake Day
August 23, 2010August 23 is National Spongecake Day. I love spongecake. It is so soft and spongy. I like spongecake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on it. I like spongecake with a drizzle of melted chocolate on it. I love spongecakes all by themselves with nothing on them.
The airy, light delight of a sponge cake dessert holds nearly universal appeal. You might enjoy it in madeleines, ladyfingers, or layered with a variety of fillings.
Light and airy, sponge cake is the perfect dessert for a hot summer night. Though it typically only contains the basic ingredients of eggs, sugar, and flour, the key to making the perfect sponge cake is to beat the batter thoroughly to create volume.
After it has been cooked in the oven but before it has cooled, sponge cake is very flexible. This allows the creation of rolled cakes such as the Swiss roll or other variations on the typical sponge cake. The Victoria Sponge Cake which contains jam between two sponge cakes, was named after Queen Victoria who enjoyed having a slice with her afternoon tea.
Bake one today and enjoy National Sponge Cake Day!
Not to be confused with National Spongebob Squarepants Day.
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Spumoni Ice Cream
August 22, 2010August 22nd is National Spumoni Ice Cream day! What better way to celebrate than making this fun and attractive dessert. Spumoni is a molded Italian dessert usually made by layering two or three different flavors ice cream with a layer of sweetened whipped cream which has nuts and candied fruit folded in. Spumoni is usually served in slices. Impress your family or guests with this cool treat.
Pecan Torte
August 21, 2010
August 21: National Pecan Torte Day
August 21, 2010- Not to be confused with tort, a civil wrong at law.
- This is difficult to define, but commonly taken to mean a rich and often layered and filled cake usually made with little or no flour; instead, fine bread crumbs or grated nuts are used. Rich butter icing, chocolate or whipped cream complete it.
A torte is a cake made primarily with eggs, sugar, and ground nuts instead of flour. Variations may include bread crumbs as well as some flour. Tortes are Central European in origin. The word torte is derived from the German word Torte, which has a somewhat different meaning), which was derived from the Italian word torta, which was used to describe a round cake or bread.
The most well-known of the typical tortes include the Austrian Sacher torte and Linzertorte, the German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and the many-layered HungarianDobos torte. But other well-known European confections are also tortes, such as the French Gâteau St. Honoré. Tortes are commonly baked in a Springform pan.
An element common to most tortes is sweet icing. (Exceptions include several French tortes, such as Gâteau Mercédès and Gâteau Alcazar.) When the cake is layered, a thick covering of icing is placed between the layers, and there is almost always icing on the tops and sides of the torte. A number of European tortes do not have layers.
August 20: National Lemonade Day
August 20, 2010National Lemonade Day is when we honor that cool refreshing drink, lemonade!
Celebrate National lemonade day by getting creative with your favorite flavors and make pink lemonade, watermelon lemonade, iced tea lemonade, or any flavor you like. Just make sure you have plenty of lemons on hand as well as ice cubes, fresh water and sugar.
Regular lemonade is traditionally made with fresh squeezed lemons, water, sugar and ice. Simply use one cup of lemon juice, 2 cups of water and 2/3 to 1 whole cup of sugar, then pour the mixture over ice and enjoy!
Pink lemonade is made with the same basic lemonade recipe above but coloring it pink with grenadine. Pink lemonade actually originated in Greece, or so the story goes. Greek parents would have family gatherings and put red wine in the adult’s lemonade. The pink color served a dual purpose – the pink color distinguished the alcolic drink from the kids drink by color and the adults had a drink they enjoyed because of the alcohol.
Hard Lemonade is made by adding potent clear alcohol to the lemonade, such as tequila, gin, vodka, white rum, etc.
Here are a few more variations of lemonade you can enjoy on National Lemonade day. From Wikipedia:
* Various fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries can be added for color and flavor. A small amount of beet juice results in pink lemonade with little change in flavor.
* Herbs such as mint, borage, lavender, and lemon verbena can change the aroma of the drink.
* Including the peels, bruised and sliced, gives more bite and a stronger aroma.
* Other citrus fruits can be used, including lime, orange, and grapefruit. Sugar and water content should be adjusted to taste. In American parlance, these are not technically lemonades, but limeade, orangeade, etc.
And here’s my own recipe: Use the regular lemonade recipe above and add a dash of cinnamon or use a cinnamon stick as garnish in the glass. Crush a mint leaf with your fingers to release the flavor and toss it into the glass as well. Mmmm, cinnamon mint lemonade!
CLICK HERE FOR A GREAT LEMONADE RECIPE
Happy National Lemonade Day!
ICE CREAM CONE CUPCAKES
August 18, 2010APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING
The photo below may look like three delicious soft serve vanilla ice cream cones, but the treats are actually cupcakes!
August 19: National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day
August 18, 2010
Take a break from the heat today to observe National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day. Soft Serve ice cream is a treat found in fast food restaurants, on buffet dessert bars, and in ice cream parlors. It can be served on a sugar cone, in a waffle cone, as a part of a specialty dessert like a banana split, or in a bowl. It may be dipped in chocolate, or covered with a topping like sprinkles or crushed cookies.Soft ice cream can be served in a variety of flavors.
Celebrations for National Soft Ice Cream Day may include a trip to the local ice cream shop which serves the treat or a visit to a buffet style restaurant like Golden Corral which offers soft serve ice cream as a dessert. A soft serve ice cream product can be made at home using a machine specifically for sorbet, yogurt, or soft serve
CLICK HERE TO MAKE ICE CREAM CONE CUPCAKES
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Vanilla Custard Pie
August 17, 2010With a graham cracker crust, custard filling and meringue topping, this pie was one of my favorites when I was growing up and it still is today.
August 17: National Vanilla Custard Day
August 17, 2010National Vanilla Custard Day celebrates this heavenly dessert made from a combination of milk or cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla.
Vanilla custard has been around as early as the fourteenth century. Today, custard is an important part of dessert recipes in many countries around the world. It can be cooked in the oven, in a saucepan on the stove, in a pressure cooker, double boiler, or even very simply in the microwave.
Celebrate the diversity and deliciousness of vanilla custard today by making your own!
The Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail
August 16, 2010A frosty blender full of strawberry-citrus slush. You will enjoy this with or without the rum!
The Mai Tai Cocktail
August 16, 2010Mai Tai translates from Tahitian to mean “Out of this World.” A fitting description for this cocktail. The Mai Tai came to light in 1944 in Oakland’s Trader Vic’s. There Victor Bergron, one of the founders of the tiki bar, put together this great drink that deserves to feature the best rum you can get your hands on. Over the years the recipe has changed greatly.
The Hurricane Cocktail
August 16, 2010The Hurricane became popular at Pat O’Briens bar in 1940’s New Orleans, apparently debuted at the 1939 World’s Fair and was named after the hurricane lamp-shaped glasses the first drinks were served in. It’s said that O’Brien created the heavily rummed drink as a means to get rid of the large stock of rum his Southern distributors forced him to buy.
August 16: National Rum Day
August 16, 2010Avast, me hearties! Yes, today (Aug 16th) is National Rum Day.
How did this day in August come to have such a special recognition? I get the question all the time and have yet to find the answer. Was it a marketing ploy by one of the rum companies? I know it wasn’t Bacardi because I asked. Is it some tribute to rum’s early influence on the founding of America? Was it the ingenious idea of some bar hoping to sell more Hurricanes and Mai Tais? That’s another possibility and it could have been picked up by others in hopes of increasing sales of Strawberry Daiquiri. Or was it some lone guy, belly up to the bar and a few too many Mojitos in, who declared for the country that that day would forever be known as National Rum Day?
National Rum Day countdown courtesy of Mount Gay Rum. Click on the chart (above) to make it bigger and enjoy your drinks in color.
So the question of the week is… Who started National Rum Day, when did it begin and why? If you know the answer I’d love to be enlightened. Let us not dwell on this mystery too much and instead grab a great bottle of rum, some fresh fruit and start shaking up a great rum cocktail, we have an excuse!
Nothing speaks of warm weather and relaxation quite like a rum cocktail, especially if it has a fruity garnish and a paper umbrella. With August being the height of summer, today (Aug. 16) is the perfect occasion to celebrate National Rum Day.
Click here for more fun Rum recipes
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August 16: National Bratwurst Day
August 16, 2010If every dog has its day, then it should come as no surprise that there’s a day dedicated to the celebration of the bratwurst: Sunday, August 16th is National Bratwurst Day.
Bratwursts are made a lot like hot dogs are: a meat mixture is stuffed into casings and then pre-cooked to prevent spoilage. Typically made of pork, beef, and a small amount of veal, this mildly-spiced sausage hails from Germany like so many other sausages. So, why not celebrate the bratwurst with a German meal? Grab a beer, throw some mustard on your brat, and serve up some sauerkraut and pretzels… or just head to a German restaurant.
Lemon Meringue Pie
August 15, 2010It has a light flaky crust, refreshing lemon filling and soft meringue with pretty golden peaks.
August 15: National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
August 15, 2010
There are, seemingly, a million different types of pie out there, but few are scrumptious enough to get an entire day in its honor. Today, pie lovers can unite all over the world in celebration of National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. This specific pie has a sweet, citrusy twist that makes it a perfect treat to enjoy during this warm weather.
Lemon flavored puddings and cakes have been enjoyed by all since the Medieval Period, and there have been a multitude of different pies with lemon fillings and meringue. However, the modern day lemon meringue pie came around in the 1800s, after years of being perfected. The pie itself has a flaky, graham cracker if you prefer, crust with a tasty lemon flavored filling on top of that. The top of the pie is the meringue, which is mainly whipped egg whites and sugar. Meringue is light and sweet, and many recipes will ask for additional spices such as vanilla, almond and coconut extract, or cream of tartar.
Creamsicle Pie
August 14, 2010Creamsicles are a great treat anytime. When you make a Creamsicle pie, it brings back memories of enjoying a hot summer day with a cold Creamsicle. You will need at least 4 hours to freeze this pie, so if you need it for tonight’s dessert, plan accordingly!
August 14: National Creamsicle Day
August 14, 2010Creamsicle is a brand name, also owned by Unilever, for a frozen dessert which resembles an ice pop, with a center composed of vanilla ice cream, and an exterior layer of flavored ice (all around a wooden stick).
Popular flavors for Creamsicles include orange, blue raspberry, lime, grape and raspberry. Creamsicles are available in several varieties, including 100 Calorie Bars, Low Fat Bars, No Sugar Added Bars and Sugar Free Bars. 50-50 bar is an alternative name for a Creamsicle
LOOKING FOR AN EASY SUMMERTIME DESSERT?
TRY THIS FUN RECIPE FOR CREAMSICLE PIE
Cabernet Filet Mignon Steaks
August 13, 2010
August 12: Julienne Fries Day
August 12, 2010August 12, 2009 is National Julienne Fries Day. Julienne refers to the cut of most vegetables, but usually potatoes, into a fry-like shape.
The term was brought to the forefront of American pop culture by Ron Popeil’s commercials for the Veg-O-Matic, “It slices! It dices! It makes Julienne fries!” Urban legend indicates the word is derived from Julia Child.
To further celebrate the day, here’s a special Julienne recipe
Classic S’mores
August 10, 2010
August 10: National S’mores Day
August 10, 2010
National S’mores Day is August 10. The Hershey Company and Kraft Foods have shared five S’mores recipes. Just click here to view these ideas! Here are a few ways to celebrate with four ways make S’mores. Be sure to have a responsible adult around if you are going try the backyard fire pit idea.
1) Microwave ’em – You can make S’mores, in seconds, right in your microwave. It’s easy; just top each of four graham squares with one chocolate piece and one marshmallow. Place on a microwaveable plate and microwave on HIGH 7 to 10 seconds or until marshmallows puff and chocolate begins to melt. Carefully remove plate from microwave and then cover the S’mores with remaining graham cracker square.
2) Fire up the Fire Pit – Can’t get out to a campground this National S’mores Day? No problem! Make an impromptu campfire setting at home over your backyard fire pit. You can even use real sticks to roast your marshmallows to make yourself feel like you’re immersed in the great outdoors.
3) Sweet Grilled S’mores – Mix it up this year by making S’mores on the grill. Build the S’mores ahead of time then wrap in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped S’mores on the grill and cook 1 to 2 minutes over a medium-hot grill on each side or until the marshmallow is gooey and the chocolate is slightly melted between the graham crackers.
4) Classic Campfire – Everyone loves classic campfire S’mores. If you’re looking for a reason to get together with family and friends before the cold weather returns, plan a camping trip to commemorate National S’mores Day and make the timeless treat the center of your fun. Start by placing half of a chocolate piece on top of half of a graham square. Then, lightly toast a marshmallow over the campfire and place it on top of the chocolate. Finally, top the toasted marshmallow with the remaining graham square half and press together.
August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day
August 6, 2010
With smooth vanilla ice cream, coppery root beer, and frothy foam, a root beer float is an all-American classic. Root beer was manufactured, bottled, and sold starting in 1880, and legend has it that thirteen years later, the root beer float, which is sometimes referred to as a black cow, was first invented.
Free Root Beer float from A&W
In celebration of National Root Beer Float Day (August 6), A&W Restaurants will treat consumers to a free, A&W Original Root Beer Float, with any purchase.
To get your coupon, visit HERE and participate in a poll to share how you will enjoy your favorite treat: with a straw or a spoon.
The coupon is good for a free regular size Root Beer Float with any purchase until Aug 21st. Coupons are good while supplies last and are valid at participating locations.
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National Brownies At Brunch Month
August 5, 2010Hold the phone. Hold everything. Did you know that August is National Brownies at Brunch Month?
The brownie, one of America’s favorite baked treats, was born in the U.S.A.—we just aren’t quite sure where—although evidence points to New England in the first few years of the 20th century. Although cake-like and baked in a cake pan, the brownie is classified as a bar cookie rather than a cake. There are thousands of recipes, both “cake” types and “fudge” types. Either is perfectly correct—and delicious.
Watermelon Cocktails
August 3, 2010
August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 2, 2010Ice cream sandwiches are handheld desserts consisting of a slice of ice cream (usually vanilla), with a small layer of a soft cake-like pastry wafers (usually chocolate) on the top and bottom.
The current version was invented in 1945 by Jerry Newberg when he was selling ice cream at Forbes field.
Alternatives to wafers are often used, such as chocolate chip cookies. Many companies offer alternatives to the conventional ice cream sandwich as well, such as San Francisco’s It’s-It, who use oatmeal cookies and dip the sandwich in dark chocolate.
Click here for a great summertime recipe: The Ice Cream Sandwich Torte
August is National Panini Month
August 1, 2010Colby-Jack Panini With Honey Glazed Ham & Lemony Arugula
Cheddar Panini With Salami, Fresh Tomato & Red Onion Relish
Click on photo for recipes (more…)
July 31: National Raspberry Cake Day
July 31, 2010A box of lemon cake mix, raspberry jam and canned frosting make it a breeze to assemble this lovely layered Raspberry Cake
July 30: National Cheesecake Day
July 30, 2010National Cheesecake Day is an unofficial holiday which comes annually on July 30th. The observance, which is part of a surprisingly large tradition of food holidays, has not been officially endorsed by any presidents, and does not have any congressional records to solidify its claim. but this certainly does not stop thousands and maybe even millions of people from across the country from celebrating the decidedly delicious holiday.
There certainly is no reason that cheesecake should not have its own holiday. Records of cheesecake date as far back as 770 BC, when the dessert, or something like it at least, was served to Olympic athletes.
Today, it seems as if everyone has their own take on how cheesecake should be baked. There are many European, Latin American, Asian and, of course, American variations on how the dessert is baked and served.
CLICK ON PHOTO FOR SOME GREAT CHEESECAKE RECIPES
National Lasagna Day
July 29, 2010
We have a lot to thank our Italian friends for–fine art, sports cars, leather goods, handsome men, and pizza. We also have the Italians to thank for today’s reason to celebrate: National Lasagna Day.
Favorite food to beloved cartoon character Garfield as well as many others, lasagna alternates layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce (and sometimes meat and/or veggies). It’s utterly delicious and extremely filling. Celebrate National Lasagna Day by finding a new recipe to try and pairing it with an Italian wine!
National Coffee Milkshake Day
July 26, 2010
Berry Cheesecake Pie
July 26, 2010Boasting a luscious cheesecake flavor, this pretty pie gets creative with phyllo dough.
Watermelon fun
July 22, 2010With a bit of creativity and a sharp knife you can make one of these fun “fruit bowls” for your next picnic, potluck or party
Fresh Cherry Pie
July 20, 2010If you ‘ve never eaten a fresh cherry pie, you ‘re in for a treat with this recipe. It ‘sa bit of work to pit the cherries, but once this is done, you will love it
Summertime Squash & Zucchini Recipe
July 19, 2010Everyone knows the best-tasting vegetables come from your own garden. Use your garden-grown veggies to create this colorful, nutritious dish.
CHICKEN CHOW MEIN
July 14, 2010This recipe for chicken chow mein mixes the noodles with the chicken and vegetables for a healthier chicken chow mein.
National Ice Cream Month
July 12, 2010Celebrate your favorite ice cream flavors during the entire month of July! Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984. He also appointed the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day. Reagan recognized the popularity of ice cream in the United States (90% of the nation’s population consumes ice cream) and stated that these two events should be observed with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
click here for some great Ice cream recipes
Click here to learn about the Ice Cream Dipper
Boston Baked Beans
July 11, 2010
National Baked Bean Month
July 11, 2010
BERRY BLUE SMOOTHIE
July 10, 2010
Sugar Cookies
July 9, 2010
Chicago Style Hot Dog
July 8, 2010“The Chicago Dog is a Windy City classic, and a big favorite with sports fans! The frank must be all-beef, the bun must be poppyseed, the ingredients must be piled onto the bun in the order specified. And whatever you do, don’t spoil the splendor with ketchup!”
click on photo for recipe
National Hot Dog Month
July 8, 2010Sports and hot dogs go together like cookies and milk, a truly American institution with a rich and interesting history. Whether you call them hot dogs, red hots, wieners, franks or frankfurters, learn the good, the bad and the ugly.
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
July 7, 2010From the 1946 edition of “Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cookbook”
Click on photo for recipe
Southern Fried Chicken
July 6, 2010
Summertime Potato Salad Mold
July 5, 2010
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
July 3, 2010
Sherbet Watermelon
July 1, 2010Perfect for July. Each refreshing wedge comes complete with chocolate chip “seeds”
Click on photo for recipe
All-American Hamburgers
June 30, 2010
Shepherd’s Pie
June 29, 2010
Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls
June 25, 2010
Lemon Cheerios Dessert
June 22, 2010
Strawberry Ice Cream Soda
June 21, 2010
Click on Photo for recipe (more…)
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