Deviant Behavior?

No, just kale chips. 

My boss was a little curious when she saw the green remains of my Kale Chips in a zip lock bag on my desk.  I had to explain this was my more health contentious response to crispy, savory mid-day cravings.  I had to laugh when I realized what it resembled, especially since Stacey 2010 has a new calm reaction to stress and deadlines... with my previous type A chaotic attitude and the sprinkly green remains, I must look a little suspicious.  

Super easy, yummy and nutricious... these are a favorite new snack:

Parmesan Kale Chips

You need:  

EVOO

Kale
Parmesan
Sea Salt

Preheat oven to about 375.  Tear kale in bite size pieces on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with about 2 tsp of olive oilSprinkle with Parmesan and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Bake for about 15 minutes, until edges are brown and kale is crispy when moved in pan.

Normally I am partial to a red head...

or a dark haired man... BUT, I am in LOVE with this blondie. 

Killer Blondies



(from thekitchn blog)
Ingredients
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus butter for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup dark brown muscovado sugar (find at Whole Foods or other gourmet store)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon brandy

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons toffee chips

1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans



Topping
3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup mixed white and chocolate chips

1/2 cup pecans

1 teaspoon kosher salt or fleur de sel


Butter and line a 9 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a 2-inch overhang. Butter the lining too.


Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan; add both sugars and whisk until combined and sugar is melted, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and let cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla and coffee/brandy mixture until combined. Add the flour and whisk until just incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips, toffee chips and almonds.


Refrigerate mixture 12 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, bring batter to room temperature and preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.


Bake for 24 to 27 minutes or until the top cracks slightly and is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist pieces clinging to it.


In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together 3/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring constantly until bubbly. Once it starts bubbling cook and stir for 1 minute.

 Scatter the 1/2 cup of chocolate and white chips and pecans over warm blondies.

 Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over nuts and chocolate in pan. Make sure not to get too close to the edges of the pan or it will burn to the sides.


Ginger from the Ginger...

For the first time the other day I was referred to as a Ginger.  I don't know, I think I liked it.

Reflecting on my new nickname and the Chinese New Year I decided to cook with this zesty root... and alot of it.

Tonight at Chaos on K, I created what might be my best chicken dish ever (yes, chicken again).  There was little chaos but a lot of good tunes, a variety of flavors and later surprise company that made for one tasty evening.

Ginger's Chicken
1 lb Chicken Breast, cubed
5 inches ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups shitake mushrooms
2 cups edamame, shelled
3 scallions, chopped
Juice of one lime
5 tablespoons of honey
5 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions
Saute chicken with half the garlic and ginger until brown.  Add remaining garlic and ginger, soy sauce, honey, lime juice and vegatables.  Simmer for 15 minutes on low.  Serve with or without rice. 

For the Tunes
Merry Happy- Kate Nash
Spies- Coldplay (Live)
Everywhere- Vampire Weekend
Gray or Blue- Jay May
Weight of Lies- Avett Brothers
I Turn My Camera On- Spoon
Mango Tree- Angus and Julia Stone
The Funeral- Band of Horses
Me and Her- DMB
Sort of- Ingrid Michealson (Live)

For the Company
Add a good friend, old or new, that shows up and makes your night.  Just make sure he or she loves your food, appreciates your music and most importantly makes you laugh! 

Price's Polenta

Lastweek at an Old Town restaurant I made a decision that left me a little unsettled. 


It all centered around my entree choice and a said Gouda Polenta.  In the moment, at the table sitting there with a person ordering a salad I made the decision that I could not order such a heavy, non-colorful, rich dish as a main course.  I have regretted it since the moment beet salad escaped my lips. 


It is all I can think about--  the cream, the Gouda, the warm comfort of this dish. 


Now, do not get me wrong, the beet salad was AMAZING but Creamy Gouda Polenta is a savory food lovers Creme Brulee.  Today I settled this issue and made my savory dream come true .


I re-created the said Creamy Gouda Polenta at Chaos on K.  I am not sure if this will hold up to Rustico but it did the trick for me. 


Price's Polenta
(Altered from Emeril Laggasi's Creamy Polenta)

Ingredients
1 cup cold water


1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 cup greek yogurt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated smoked creamy Gouda


Directions
In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornmeal. Let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chicken broth, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal mixture and reduce heat to low. Cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently with a wire whisk, until mixture is thick and creamy. Stir in greek yogurt, smoked Gouda and simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly.

Excuse me, but Is that an onion growing in your kitchen?

Yes, my friends, it is. 

This gal has a certified garden growing in her microscopic kitchen on K.  Organic at that.

This is what happens when you buy organic produce and do not cook enough.  I think it has artistic possibilities so I have displayed the spring bulb beside the winter berries I snatched from the tree outside.  What will happen if I let it grow?  Will it produce more onions? Without dirt?  I am my father's daughter, rumor has it he grew rocks once.

Time will only tell my friends.  But no worries... I am sure with lack of cooking I will keep you up-to-date. A gal has to have something food related to speak of!

Stay tuned for the agrarious adventures of a said Ms. Farmer Price...

WARNING- This is a tale of a SAD, SAD, SNOWY city

The stores were barren, even lastnight...

Food bloggers were twittering about no flour left in the district.

This is my neighborhood... not a soul in sight.
TV urges us to stay in...  The streets feel like the day after on a bad Sci-Fi movie.
Will we ever be able to leave again?  Will it be Spring? Will we be the same?
Please, please make it end.   

xoxo, sdp
stir-crazy and stir-frying (with not a lot of food but a lot of creativity) on K

General Chaos... or Chicken (Who is Tso Anyway?)

... I think I had a flash back to circa 1993 when I was writing this entry.  Was there a video game called General Chaos?  Seriously... it all circles back to the chaos. 


Tonight I decided to make my own version of General Tso's chicken.  Yes, that is right folks, Chicken.  Actually Chicken.  Little Chaos.  Read it.  Believe it.  Spread it.


Craving the wonderful goodness from PF Changs I opted for a healthier version prepared at Chaos on K.  (Plus, no PF Changs anywhere close by).

 General Tso's Chicken(adapted from Emeril Laggase's recipe)
Ingredients
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons dry sherry
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup chicken stock
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons EVOO
12 dry red chile peppers
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup roughly chopped lightly toasted cashews


Head of broccoli chopped


Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the egg white, 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of the wine, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. (This tested my patience... I only did one hour and it tasted JUST FINE).


To make the sauce, in another bowl, whisk remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the chicken stock until smooth. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock, 1 tablespoon wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, the vinegar, and honey and whisk to combine. Set aside until ready to finish the dish.


Saute chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Add the chile peppers and stir-fry. Add the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and 1/2 cup green onions. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the chicken stock sauce, broccolli and bring to a boil, and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.


Served sans rice with Mat Kearney in the background... I am eating comfort foods in the comforts of K dreaming of a time without snow. 

Boxes and Babushkas

I am not sure why this is but people always want to put me in a box (please see my thoughts on boxes) and get challenged when they can't. Seriously, aren't we all this complex?  I guess not.

I was creating a snack like dinner with a friend and with a confused look he said, "I don't know... I just thought you would cook something fancier."  The other day a colleague said, "Sometimes I am surprised at what comes out of your mouth... you look like such as fashionista but you are really intelligient."  Guess what folks, I am all those things! 

Last week I was described as a Russian Babushka doll: a set of hollow wooden figures, each of which splits in half to contain the next smallest figure, down to the smallest.  The outside doll being fashion girl, followed by intellegient girl, followed by confident girl, then funny girl and finally the sensitive/shy girl.  Since this was the funniest description I had heard since 1984, I was in tears.  It is true.  I think people probably get most confused by dolls one and two and then finally when they discover five they are stumped.

My reflection of all this self-reflection lead me right back to the kitchen to the Onion Theory.  Once upon a time in 1996, Betty Kennan taught us the Onion theory in an interpersonal communication course.  We are a collective of many layers that can only be peeled one at a time.  When you finally get to the last layer you know that you have the complete trust of the individual. 

So, in food terms, no matter how you peel me, slice me, saulte me I make your dish a some-what spicy, certainly more interesting and a little more delicious.

You can not put me in a box, friends, but maybe you can put me in a babushka.

Snow Survival for Snowpacalyse 2010

Will it happen?  Will it come?  Well the people in the grocery store seem to think so.  They are calling it EPIC, PARALYZING and CRIPPLING.  Seems like the focus is on the district...

 I stopped at Whole Foods at 7 a.m. to beat the crowd and stood in line for 30 minutes. 

 There is no milk,  little bread and NO BANANAS. While others are gathering batteries and the like, here's what I have put together for my time indoors: 

SSS Kit (Stacey Snow Survival Kit )

available online soon

Hank Moody and the first 2 seasons of Californiacation

The Ad Guys in Season 1 of Mad Men

Red Wine

Hummus

Veggies

Cheese

Olives 

Greek Yogurt
Coffee

Hazelnut Gelato

Amy's Organic BBQ Chicken Pizza

Two copies of Newsweek

One Women's Health

One Cooking Light

And one great mixed CD sent RI style... 

Rumor has it that there are two snow ball fights in the city on Saturday (see Twitter and Facebook) so I am getting my throwing skills in check.  

I am ready folks... are you? 

Chaos and Coconut

So I must admit that since I have started working with my new client, Hello Cupcake, my dreams have been sugar coated... covered in Coconut Frosting.  I am IN LOVE with the Triple Coconut Cupcake in a way that only lyrical dance could show.  It is coconut cake, coconut icing with toasted coconut on top.  Seriously, it is heavenly.

This month, until February 15th when you go online to :http://www.youhadmeathellocupcake.com/ you can get a free cupcake (even the coconut one) if you give a pick-up story.  I know, clever, right? 

Clever, coconuty and even a little chaotic... just like we like it! 

Expiration Dates...

This Sunday I cleaned out my refrigerator. It was filled with items that were expired. Cream that had soured, broccoli gone bad and pasta that was passed the point of no return. This task and reflection back on an article I recently read brought my thoughts away from food and back to life, its plan and the preferred time span of each phase. Should people, places and things come with expiration dates? Is there a time limit in the nutrients they give us? Do places often become sour? If we knew the limitations when we met someone, moved somewhere or began a job would it help us to make more healthy decisions?! Would we cease the time and become more aware of the mold when it started growing before it made us sick? I am just saying... food for thought since I am lacking in the food department...


xoxo,

Contemplation on K

Very Simple at Vermilion

This week a new friend took me to a very "Stacey" restaurant in charming Old Town Alexandria.  I have been working here since October but really have not explored much more than Starbucks, the Tapas place next door and Paper Source. 

Vermilion, located five blocks from my office on King Street is charming, artsy, rustic with a contemporary edge. The bar, where I started with a great glass of Pinot Nior was warm, upscale but not pretentious. The chef prides himself on using local, fresh and the finest ingredients--- I have to say the quality of my meal reflected that. I ordered Butternut Squash Soup that was adorned with pistachios followed by a Beet Salad with hazelnut encrusted goat cheese. My friend ordered duck and though I choose not to eat things like duck and rabbit, I must admit it look DELICIOUS. They certainly understand that presentation is almost as important as the selections they serve. Great wine and beer selection and service to match. They were very concerned that my untouched soup was going to get cold as I blah, blah, blahed waiting on my dining companions food. Even a bit chilled the soup was AMAZING. I consider this my first real Old Town dining experience and I was very pleased. I think this is only the beginning of my OTA culinary tour. Next stop, Rustico (owned by the same people that own my DC favorite bar, ChurchKey).

Will I go Againn???

... only time will tell.

Speaking of time, that is something I have not had a lot of recently.  My dad told me the other day that he enjoyed my last entry but I needed to post more.  The pressure always comes from the top down, huh?  I know you are sick of my song but it is playing again, (this time in a remixed version) "too much chaos, not enough chicken."  My kitchen has not seen action since New Year's prep.  But rest assure, I am still eating just mostly out so I will keep scooping the chicken but it will come in form of restaurant review. 

This week I carved out a little time to check out a new District dish, Againn.  Will I go back?  Probably...not for the food but definitely for the bar.  It is a contemporary Gastro Pub with great atmosphere.  The chef is apparently amazing but the menu is just not my thing... I did not see Hagas but you get the gist.  Lots of heavy meats and traditional British grub.  I did have a beet salad and very tasty chips.  My dining companion was impressed with the scotch and bourbon selection and chatted up the bartendar about the wide array of mixers that come from all over the world.  They also boast lighted lockers where patrons can store their scotch for a mere $500 a month.  Great beer and wine list and Happy Hours on Monday thru Thursday.  Rumor has it this restauranteer has a French brasserie in the works, Fleur, and that is much, much more this gals style! 

Hoping to provide you with more K St. cooking soon...

New Year. Old Traditions.

2009 was a year of change. 

I left a business, a relationship and a zip code.  I changed careers and attitudes.  I even saw some of my likes and dislikes change... from attire, to hobbies to people.  What did not change is how I spent New Year's Day.

For five years, while in 24141* I had developed a tradition of an intimate NYE at home followed by an amazing NYD brunch at my house.  It fit my dueling personalities of introvert vs. extrovert or dog vs. cat.  I need a lot of one-on-one and alone time but then crave social situations the next day.  I loved my New Year's Brunch and that was one thing from my old zip code I was a little sad to leave behind... but seriously, how could I entertain in my shoe box?  

Though I did not have my normal quiet NYE at home set for two, I did celebrate NYD in a familiar way. Yesterday I co-hosted a New Year's Brunch, 20037 style.  My friend supplied the place and I supplied the food.  Together we hosted my best brunch yet!  There I was melting my old traditions and old menus in a new place, with new friends creating new memories.  I have never felt more like myself in the last seven months.  Any chef would tell you that the best dishes are created from the past.  I entered a new decade as new twist on an old recipe... and I know it is only one day in but I thinking this could be quite delicious! 

Happy New Year!!!

Menu as follows (several recipes already on Chaos, linked below):

Caramelized Onion Shitake Mushroom Quiche

Sausage and Red Pepper Strata

Baked Brie with Raspberries

Manderin Orange Salad

Sticky Buns

Mimosas.  Lots and lots of mimosas :)

On the New Year's Day Mix:

Breakdown- Brett Dennen and Missy Higgins

See How I Run- Jessi Baylin
Moment of Surrender-  U2

Once was Love- Ingrid Michealson
Honey Bees Fallin- Sean Hayes

Great Salt Lake- Band of Horses

Blindsided- Bon Ivers
See Green, See Blue- Jay May

Adeline (Live)- Adrianne

Nude- Radiohead
Distance and Time- Alicia Keys
Closer- Travis
Red Umbrella- Forrest Sun

*24141:  While visiting family I refered to "24141" and my 10 year old niece said with a confused face, "Um... what's 24141?"  I say, "It's where I used to live."  She says with a confident, you don't know what you are talking about smirk, 'Why don't you just say 'Where I used to live?'" I say with the same Price smirk, "Because I think it sounds more clever to say 24141."  She thinks a bit and then responds, "Yeah, you do have a point, Aunt Stacey."

Finally... after nearly 8 months you get chicken!

I know... seriously.  Why did I name the blog Chaos&Chicken if I never cook chicken?  The same reason I cooked a $70 organic turkey two Thanksgivings ago and did not eat it.  Its simple, I really make no sense.

Tonight not only do I have one chicken recipe, I have two.  At Chaos on K we are feast or famine, all or nothing and just plain crazy in between, with little rhyme or reason. 

On a cold, rainy night after a very long weekend that included too much fun, too much work and too little holiday shopping, all this gal wants to do is relax, cook and listen to good tunes.  You know--- less chaos, more chicken.  To be true to this want, I purchased one rotisserie chicken* and turned it and the items in my fridge into two fabulous soups that I will take for lunch all week. So easy, fast, mostly healthy and I multi-tasked--- my fridge and kitchen are now clean!   

Ginger Chicken Soup
1/2 of rotisserie chicken, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms
1/2 container of chicken stock
1 inch ginger, grated
5 stalks parsley
salt and pepper for taste

Saute carrots, celery, onion and garlic for both recipes.  Divide and add chicken stock, chicken, ginger and 1/2 of parsley.  Cook on low for 30 minutes.  Add remaining parsley, mushrooms and salt/pepper.  Cook for 10 more minutes.  Serve warm. 

White Bean Chicken Chili

1/2 of rotisserie chicken, chopped

1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 clove garlic
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 can cannelloni beans
1 sm can green chilis
salt and pepper for taste


Saute carrots, celery, onion and garlic for both recipes.  Divide and add cannelloni beans, tomatoes, green chilis, chicken, remaining stock and cream.  Cook on low for 10 minutes.   Serve warm.

*one of only two meats I will eat on bone, the other is lamb shank.  I will still never eat a wing, a chicken leg or even speak to you if you eat the large turkey legs served at festivals.  This is much, much progress in my neurotic, make-no-sense- type of world.  I know, I am very complicated and am not for figuring out.  Seriously, do not try, it is a lost cause!

Chaos&Christmas Mix, 2009

Finally, my friends, I have found my spirit!  Apparently it was covered in glitter, located right under my Warm Wishes Holiday Mix, circa 2006. 

While cleaning my apartment I found an old holiday mix CD.  As I listened and loved, I decided that it was time I quit my scroogey ways and start making my way down Christmas list.  Every year I try to make the holidays homemade, chaos style.   Friends and family get some sort of half purchased, half created gift most ALWAYS comprised of a mixed CD and cookies.  I am very predictable.   This is serious business as lots of thought goes into it into the right mix of ingredients and music.

It's too early to start on the cookies (Rach, I might use your nice oven when I dog sit) but I now have the makings of a Chaos&Christmas 2009 Mix.  The list needs some editing but here is what plays in the background as I make two fabulous soups in my apartment now filled with holiday spirit.  The melodies are comprised of familiar, new, upbeat and melancholy... just like 2009.

Chaos&Christmas 2009 Mix*

Jingle Bell Rock    The Ventures          

All I Want for Christmas    Matt Costa   

The Man With the Bag    Jane Monheit       

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow    Michael Bublé           

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer    Jack Johnson 

Pennies from Heaven    Louis Prima          

Merry Christmas Baby    Otis Redding          

No Christmas for Me    Zee Avi  

White Christmas    Sonya Kitchell            

Spotlight On Christmas    Rufus Wainwright 

Santa Baby    Eartha Kitt           

The Heartache Can Wait    Brandi Carlile        

2000 Miles (Live)    The Pretenders            

Baby, It’s Cold Outside    Dianne Reeves & Lou Rawls          

I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm    Billie Holiday         

Winter Song    Sara Bareilles &Ingrid Michaelson

Christmas Song    Dave Matthews &Tim Reynolds   

River    Herbie Hancock Feat. Corinne Bailey Rae

Last Christmas    Coldplay

*Not all were available on iTunes, so iMix is missing several tracks*

Happy Holidays! 

Wheatberries are the new quinoa...

... and boots are the new pump. Seriously--- know it, believe it, love it.   It is the gospel, pass it on. 

You know how much I love Quinoa... well, I have found its cousin--- Wheatberry! Full of bran and protein, this grain makes a GREAT base for a salad and fits my scoopable meal concept perfect for packed lunch on the go.

Wheatberry Superfood Salad

2 cups cooked wheatberry (Cook for hour with 7 cups of water)

2 cups Cherry Tomatoes

2 cups Chopped Kale

1/4 cup Chopped Parsley

Dried Cranberries

Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

Massage Kale and Parsley with spoon of EVOO.  Add other ingredients.  Mix with salt, pepper and more EVOO and vinegar.  Serve room temperature. 

Chaos Christmas List

Dear Santa,
As the holidays approach, I am thankful for all I have but I realize that my new life at Chaos on K is without a couple of essential items. To humor the season of giving, here is one gal's 2009 Holiday Wishlist:

1. A food processor. Last week I was all set to make my Edamame Brushetta for an Anthro Happy Hour. Edamame- Present. Garlic- Present. Fresh Parsley- Present. Olive Oil and Spices- Present. A food processor to blend it with- Absent. I angered as I realized it lives in the 24141 zip. Luckily I can adapt, with my quick culinary wit I moved on to my emulsion blender which worked but is no replacement to my Stainless Steel Cuisinart.

2. A griddle. Just this Saturday morning I had a grand idea to entertain with my famous Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (see recipe at Chaos Breakfast in Bed entry, circa 2008) . Couldn't. No griddle. You can make lots of things on a snowy Saturday morning without a griddle but darn it, you cannot make pancakes. I'm just saying.

3. Cable. I have fought it for long enough. I know, TV is bad. TV rots the brain. But tell me Santa, how is a gal that likes to cook to stay abreast of the latest and greatest if she does not have The Food Network. Not to mention my loss of Californiacation, Weeds, Entourage and a whole host of other mindless shows that can help me procrastinate.

It's that simple. Three things. That is all I, my kitchen and my little shoebox of an apartment need... well that, water pressure, consistent heat, a new pair of brown boots, unlimited iTunes gift card and extra money for a trip... but really, I will take what I get.

xoxo,
Cooking Gal @ Chaos that has been very good, circa 2009

Food Porn?!

Seriously. Seriously!!! Look at that picture.

I need to take a dish to event on Sunday and I am wondering if I should test my baking skills and temperamental oven for this one. Making the caramel can be precarious but I think I am up for the challenge. It is really all I can think about...If not this weekend then very, very soon.



Caramel Peanut Topped Brownie Cake
From Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home to Yours

For the cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 large eggs
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup½ teaspoon vanilla extract



For the topping:
2 cups sugar
½ cup water
1 ½ tablespoon light corn syrup
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup salted peanuts



Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 inch springform pan. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper, and butter the parchment. Put the pan on a baking sheet with edges.


To make the cake: Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together. Melt chocolate and butter together using a double boiler.

In a large bowl whisk the eggs and sugars together until well blended. Whisk in the corn syrup, followed by the vanilla. Whisk in the melted butter and chocolate. Still working with a whisk, gently stir in the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are incorporated. You will have a thick, smooth, shiny batter. Pour the batter into the pan and jiggle the pan a bit to even out the batter.



Bake the cake at 350F for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out almost clean (what sticks should resemble sticky crumbs, not molten cake batter). Transfer the pan to a rack and cool he cake for 15 minutes, then run a knife between the cake and the pan and remove the sides of the pan. During baking the cake probably will have puffed to the top of the pan don’t be concerned if tit sinks a little or it if develops a crater in the center. Cool the cake to room temperature.


When the cake is completely cool, invert it, remove the base of the pan and peel off the paper. Wash and dry the springform pan, and return the cake to it right side up. Refasten the sides around the cake.

To make the topping:
Put the sugar, water and corn syrup in a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, stir just to combine the ingredients and then put the pan over medium-high heat. Heat, without stirring , until the caramel turns deep amber., 5-10 minutes. Lower the heat a bit and, standing back from the saucepan add the cream and butter. When the spatters are less vehement, stir to calm down the caramel and dissolve any lumps. Stir in the peanuts, and pour the caramel and peanuts into a 1-quart Pyrex measuring cup or heat proof bowl.


Spoon the peanuts on top of the cake. Then spoon the caramel on top of those. You’ll have a layer about ¼ inch high. Allow the topping to set to room temperature-about 20 minutes before serving. Try to get all of the peanuts onto the cake, and reserve excess caramel for drizzling when serving.


To serve, run a blunt knife between the caramel and the pan and simply remove the sides of the springform. If this isn’t the case, hit the sides with some hot air from a hairdryer or wrap the sides in a towel moistened with hot water. Drizzle additional caramel over the cake and allow it to run over the sides.

A Dip Down Memory Lane...

As I scavenged my computer this week for a dip recipe for a friend's beer club party, I came across six years worth of Encore Party Recipes. Ah the days of parties with staff to serve, bar tend and clean up, that you could also write off as advertising. I would throw a couple a year but always one big one during the holiday season. (Dear Vintage Cellar, Can you turn $200 into 10 cases of wine. XOXO, Stacey) They sure were fun and I did reward my ShopGals for working so hard... sometimes it was reward enough to see me relaxed with the Whos Who of the town buzzing with holiday cheer at the end of the evening. I am also sure that I gave away an outfit, bag or maybe a bonus to employees in my sheer Christmas delight on those evenings.


This year there will be no ShopGal holiday party or Festive Cookie exchange but there will be many functions that we all need to show up with a dish for. Wipe you tears, turn on the tunes and get to work... Here is my dish on the best, easiest and most liked dips to please the masses, ShopGal recommended:

*(recipes altered from Food &Wine, Cooking Light, sdp and jenny wagstaff of ShopGal Catering)

Asiago Dip with Crostini or Crackers
1 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/3 cup grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato sprinkles
1 (8 ounce) carton low-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese
32 (1/2-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette, toasted or crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl; spoon into a 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle with 1tablespoon cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with toasted bread or crackers.

Blue Cheese-Walnut Dip
½ cup light cream cheese product
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
12 ounce carton 1% low-fat cheese
2 tbsp brandy
2tbsp finely chopped walnuts

Place first 3 ingredients in food processor. Process for 1 minute. Stir in brandy and walnuts. Serve with crackers, apples, pears etc.

Lemon Artichoke Dip
1 small lemon, halved
1 bag frozen artichokes
8 large unpeeled garlic cloves
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 thyme sprigs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
Crackers or bagel chips, for serving
Directions

Dethaw artichokes.

Preheat the oven to 425°. Drain the artichokes and pat dry. Cut each
artichoke into eighths. Quarter the remaining lemon half and remove
the seeds. In the bowl, toss the artichokes with the lemon pieces,
garlic, olive oil and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and spread on
a large nonstick rimmed baking sheet. Bake the artichokes for about 40
minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. Let cool
slightly and discard the thyme. Coarsely chop 8 of the roasted
artichoke pieces and reserve. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°.

Peel the garlic; place in a food processor. Add the remaining roasted
artichoke and lemon pieces; pulse until finely chopped. Add the
mayonnaise and cream cheese and process until smooth. Season with salt
and pepper. Add the reserved chopped artichokes and pulse just until
combined. Spread the dip in an even layer in a small shallow baking
dish.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the
dip. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is
golden. Serve with crackers or bagel chips.

Garlic and Dill Feta Cheese Spread
8oz package of cream cheese softened
4oz package of feta cheese crumbled
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove
1 tbsp fresh dill
½ tsp seasoned pepper
¼ tsp salt

Mix all ingredients in the food processor. Chill 8 hours. Serve with cucumber slices and crackers.

Spinach Artichoke Dip
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
16 ounces marinated artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine
Two 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Tabasco
Spiced Pita Chips, for serving

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the
chopped onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until
softened, about 5 minutes. Add the artichokes and cook, stirring
occasionally, until lightly browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Add the
white wine and cook until nearly evaporated. Add the spinach and cook,
stirring, for 1 minute. Add the cream cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano and
lemon zest and season with Tabasco. Cook, stirring, until the dip is
creamy, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and serve warm or at room
temperature with the Pita Chips.

Let them eat pie...

This year, in the midst of my chaos, I chose not to celebrate Thanksgiving. I did not travel to family. I did not except traditional dinner invitations. I did not feast on the norm. Instead of turkey there was tapas. Instead of pie there was paella. Instead of family there were friends. I thought this is what I wanted. I thought this would easier, less messy. I thought wrong.

After a day of craving I realized I want the pie. I need the pie. The pie is essential to me getting through the chaos. I cannot turn back the clock but I can look forward to the next holiday. I can embrace the caroling and the lights and the travel. I can be thankful for family and let them in.

And maybe, just maybe, I can continue to bake and perfect the most tasty pie to take home for the holidays. After all, isn't it all about the pie?

First step in the process...

Bourbon And Chocolate Pecan Pie
Adapted from Tyler Florence

Pie Pastry:
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup finely ground pecans
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small chunks
2 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed

Filling:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 large eggs1 cup sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup or sugar cane syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons bourbon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

To make the pastry: combine the flour, ground pecans, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the ice water and work it in to bind the dough until it holds together without being too wet or sticky. Squeeze a small amount together, if it is crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully roll the dough up onto the pin (this may take a little practice) and lay it inside a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan so it fits tightly and trim the excess around the rim. Place the pie pan on a sturdy cookie sheet so it will be easy to move in and out of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the filling: melt the butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, remove from heat and let cool. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl until frothy and then blend in the sugar. Stir in the syrup, vanilla, bourbon, salt, and the melted butter mixture until well blended.

Arrange the pecans on the bottom of the pie crust and carefully pour the egg mixture over them. Bake until the filling is set and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes. Test for doneness by sticking a thin knife in the center of the pie, if it comes out pretty clean, you're good to go. Transfer the pie to rack and cool completely before cutting.

A Day A Little Less Expected...

When I left for work at 8:00 a.m. I did not expect to be late. I did not expect to encounter two fires, a re-route and a missed train. I did not expect to stand in line at Starbucks for 10 minutes and I did not expect that they would be out of Christmas Blend. I did not expect for a co-worker to be fired and I did not expect to be blown off by someone that I was hoping to see. After all these barriers I did not expect for a day filled with anything but... but that is what the unexpected is all about, right?




Thanks to the fires and waits and the being stood up I am able to tell the tale of an evening filled with unexpected company, at an unexpected restaurant with unexpected cuisine. As as much as this planner hates to admit this, the best times are spent when all the plans go out the window... or in my case, catch on fire.


The only expected part of my evening was that it was spent on 14th Street, where I spend sometimes 4 out of 7 evenings. One unexpected phone call, a metro ride and a 15 minute walk led me to a spontaneous evening at Masa14, a restaurant new to the bustling 14th Street bar scene. I expected a wait but got a seat. I expected Spanish but got a fusion of Asian-Latin. I expected an overpriced, mediocre menu but saw small plates under $10 with creative ingredients and fresh flavors.



I shared Yukka Fries with a Spicy Lime dipping sauce that made eating fries seem a little more acceptable. I started with a Seaweed Salad that had amazing texture and flavor followed by a Tuna Sashami Flatbread that was adorned with wasabi aioli and arugula. The service phenomenally matched the food and my company was just as flavorful ... something I do not find in DC on an ordinary weeknight--- especially on a day filled with barriers. A day that started out challenging turned into wonderful... something this gal certainly did not expect!

Relationships, Food and Life Lessons...

As most of you know, food is such an intregal part of my life. I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to share good food with people I care about. And most of all I love to share stories about all of the above. If you think about it, food is interwoven into all of our social make-ups-- memories, rituals, holidays and religion. For instance, next week is Thanksgiving and sure it is about the family and the thankfulness but it is more about the food and the sharing and the tradition. But that does not mean our meals will all be the same...

I just read a great little read, The Gastronomy of Marriage, an autobiography laced with cooking and relationships and a pending marriage- a memoir covering six months of the authors life. It is about the similiarities and differences found in all relationships... played out at the table.

As a food lover and writer, the author uses food and dining as the central metaphor and oh there are differences. She likes to have the menu planned in advance; he actually seems uneasy if it's not a last-minute inspiration. His family taught him the light, clear flavors of Chinese cooking, her Italian heritage taught her about rich sauces and deep warm tastes. Like all relationships I have been in, there are tensions, rewards and panic... but most of all there is a common love for food that keeps all the other items in check.

I was drawn to this book because of the food but it reminded me of a lesson we all need to remember: Diversify your tastes and celebrate your differences! So often we discount people because we have different palates. Just because Sam likes Sushi and Penny devours Pot Pie does not mean that they are incompatible. These differences are like spices. A pinch of this, three pinches of that, a little compromise and a lot of learning is needed to create their own meals, their own life ...and maybe, just maybe if stirred right that will be the most delicious meal of all.

Meltdown and no tuna melts...

Last night I was at my salon, Bang, which happens to be around the corner from my favorite Tuna Melt place--- you know, the one with the heavenly sour dough, having a new guy cut my hair. Anyone that knows me knows that my hair is my thing; hair, food and music. I am always searching for the perfect cut and the perfect hairdresser. Last night my hairdresser had a meltdown, mid-cut... and this was a far cry from perfect.

Over analysing over drinks and roasted vegetable salad (will power not want kept me away from the decadent Tuna Melt), my friend and I decided that D (the hairdresser) sees himself as an artist and the meltdown came from lack of forsight on what to do with my canvas. I began to empathise as I remembered a time I had a slight meltdown (or ten) while preparing my beloved store this time of the year for the holiday season. Nothing is more frustrating than getting designers block after moving all of the furniture in the middle of the floor, mid day and knowing you have to create something because your store is FULL with customers. Sometimes you have to just move forth and create, forsight or not. You fight back the tears and the fear of failure and you move forth! D finally moved forth and created. I am unsure whether either of us is truly happy with the canvas...what I am certain of is that he is glad the furniture has been moved. *As I reminisce I am missing all my ShopGals and all the support they gave me through my 10 (well maybe 10.5) meltdowns. I have a feeling that I will think of you often, if not daily over the next month. Love you madly!*

Chaos, Curry and My Cherie

I cannot smell Curry without thinking of my dear friend, Cherie. I also cannot get a massage, paint, eat on the floor or hear Nora Jones without her sweet face entering my mind. I have not seen her in almost four years but she is still an influence in my day-to-day.

You see, Cherie put curry in everything. When she made soup- curry. When she cooked Mexican- curry. I swear I had apple pie this gal made that had a hint of curry.

After a chaotic week (I know, it was only Wednesday) I was feeling a little nostalgic and in need of that peace my friend would bring me as we shared lunch daily in my business, circa 2003-05. Last night, as an ode to my Denver residing friend I made my version of Curry Lentil Soup. It has a little bit of her, a little bit of me and a lot of memories laced into every bite.

Red Lentil and Tofu Curry
Adapted from Gourmet
1 small onion, medium diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound firm tofu
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
1 tablespoons, fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat 1 tablespoon oil In a small sauce pot. Cook onion and garlic over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add ginger and cook for another minute. Add lentils and water and bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are soft enough to fall apart, about 20 minutes.

While lentils are boiling, rinse tofu and trim ends off. Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gently press tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In a wok or skillet heat remaining tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Cook cumin seeds, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tofu cubes and gently stir fry (after you first put in tofu, leave it untouched for about 2 minutes to allow it to slightly brown, then stir.) Add curry and salt. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer tofu mixture into the lentils. Cook curry for another 4 to 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Salt to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice, toasts or crackers, baguette or multigrain bread.

I enjoyed this meal sitting cross legged on my floor, listening to the soothing voice of Nora and reminising about good times spent with great friends on Monroe Street in Radford, circa simplier times... or were they?

Supper from a Super Hero

So, I was once told that if I were a Super Hero I would be named Procrastinator X and I would flutter about with my sparkly cape (hopefully in a variety of colors with super boots to match) saying "I will get you... Tomorrow!"

As I work best under pressure (famous words of the eternal procrastinator) I found myself in a bit of a super hero moment last night. I replaced my wand with a spatula but I was putting off work like it was my business. Instead of at my computer I found myself in the kitchen cooking... something that was not on this Super Hero's agenda but sure turned out magical.

On the Magical Menu: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

4 cubed sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 onion, chopped and cooked
1 red pepper, chopped and cooked
1 can black beans
1 cup fresh corn
1 tablespoon Cumin
1 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Mix potatoes, beans, onion, pepper, corn and spices together. Fold into Spinach Tortillas.
Top with fresh salsa (I used the Trader Joes with Cilantro). Broil for 4 minutes. Cover with cheese (I used a Monterrey Mix). Broil for 2 more minutes. Serve with Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt.
Last week I made this for friends I accompanied the Enchiladas with an Arugula Salad with chopped mangos and a garlic lime dressing. And a lot of wine. SO GOOD!!!

I am a multi-tasking procrastinator so I also made Squash Soup, Wild Rice Salad and a big mess that I conveniently had to clean up. I then proceeded to make three friends mixed CDs w enclosed, detailed letters that I will place in the mail this morning. After all, who needs to start work right away... Of to save the world and the kitchen, one meeting and meal at a time.

xoxo- Procrastinator X

Detoxification and Dinner

Wouldn't that be a good song or book title?
I always think of life experience and occurrence as a song, book or sitcom title. So far I have 5 different series (all running 7 seasons), 19 bookcases full and a 53 Mega Hits!

This week is all about the emotional, nutritional and physical detox. Seriously. After all of the people and the drinks and the food I am spending this week balancing out... starting with dinner. I am proud to say that it is only Tuesday and I have cooked three separate, very nutritional dishes and have packed my lunch daily. Unfortunately as I sit here I am drinking a glass of my favorite TJ's Bordeaux and have made plans for two nights this week. One life item at a time--- guess a gal needs some toxins, right?

Two detoxifying dinners:
Wild Rice Salad
In my new cookbook, Clean Cooking, (again, Thanks Mom!) I learned that wild rice is a grass and not a grain. This makes it a GREAT protein source as well as packed with fiber. This salad can be hot or cold and it so yummy! Adapted from New York Times recipe with my imagination--- basically, it VAGUELY resembles their recipe :)

1 cup wild rice, rinsed
Salt to taste
1/3 cup lightly toasted broken walnut pieces
1 can chopped artichokes
1 can garbonzo beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Juice of a lemon
Head of brocolli steamed and chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1. Bring the water and artichoke juice boil in a large saucepan, add salt to taste and the wild rice. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and splayed. Add brocolli and artichokes for last 5 minutes. Drain and toss in a large bowl with the remaining salad ingredients.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Adapted from The Clueless Vegetarian

1 tbsp EVOO
2 medium onions, chopped
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp curry
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 clove garlic
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 28-oz (796mL) cans diced tomatoes
2 19-oz (540mL) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp crumbled dried oregano

Heat the oil in your RED DUTCH OVEN:). Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring, over medium heat until the onions are soft - about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, curry and the cumin and cook for another minute or so. Add the vgetable broth and the cubed sweet potatoes, reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the potatoes are almost tender - about 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes with all the juice from the can, the beans, salt, and oregano. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let simmer until the potatoes are completely tender - about 20 minutes. Puree 1/2 and serve with a dollop of greek yogurt or sour cream.

Cooked listening to these new tunes (or old on new mixes)
Slow Down- Wallis Bird
The Great Salt Lake- Band of Horse
The Chain- Ingrid Michealson
Selfish Jean- Travis
Float On- Modest Mouse
Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa- Vampire Weekend
Got To Have You- The Weepies
Back in Your Head- Teegan and Sara
Time to Pretend- MGMT
Mercury Falling- Sting
Throw it All Away- Brandi Carlise

Now, off to watch David D in last season's Californication... a great addition to Detoxification :)

xoxo- Detox Debbie

Very Cool Gift

So, some of my favorite gifts this weekend were time spent together, a mailed pumpkin, dark chocolate treats, mixed CDs and a great Kenneth Cole Bracelet. My most unique gift was Granola. Yes, Granola.

A dear, thoughtful and creative friend gifted me a "Make Your Own Mix"
at MixMyGranola.com. A very innovative company that I recently learned was almost a client of the PR Agency I work for. With my $15 I logged on to the site where they walk you through choosing a base granola (I chose an organic Mussolini) and then you get to customize it with all sorts of good things. Dried strawberries, blueberries, raisins, Goji berries, kiwi chips... the list of fruit goes on and on.

Then you get to the nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pepitas — over a dozen choices! Then there were the potential mix-ins: protein enhancers, coconut shreds, yogurt pretzels, even M&Ms.

I stayed away from the chocolate (I know, will power, right? ). I will report back on the taste but the concept is awesome. It was fun to shop for my ingredients online over coffee this a.m. Fun gift for health contentious friend or a student at school. Gift rating, A+... you are in the lead KTK... seriously :)

Fortune Telling, Fried Green Tomatoes and Five Mixed CDs

Whew, what a weekend! There was no carrot cake but there was much celebrating!!!

I had my fortune read by Miss Jessica, ate amazing fried green tomatoes and received five really great mixed CDs... that, a visit by two former Shop Gals, unique food, lots of red wine and time spent with the people that mean the most made for an amazing culinary and celebratory week. No worries to those of you not involved... I felt your love telepathically... and the fortune teller told me you were there in spirit!

Favorite foods consumed during my week long culinary celebration:

Fried Green Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing- Founding Farmers

Wood Grilled Calamari with Lentils- Cafe Saint X
Roasted Beet Salad and Goat Cheese Salad- Bar Pillar
Porcini Risotto- Potenza
Roasted Chestnut, Ricotta and Artichoke Pasta- Posto
Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels- Chocolate Paper

I also checked out a new bar located in Logan Circle called ChurchKey that has an UNBELIEVABLE beer selection with 75 brews on tap and hundreds in the bottle.

I do not need a fortune teller to tell me that if I keep up this restaurant tour I will need new jeans but it was totally worth it! I just left Trader Joes with healthy produce and grains and new recipes are soon to follow.

Today is Nov 1--- it is a new week, a new month and a new year for me. As I listen to my new tunes while perusing my great new cookbook (Thanks, Mom!), I make you a promise of more time spent cooking, consistent chaos and a continuation of carefully crafted recipes... after all, Miss Jessica said writing was definitely in the cards.