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Valentine’s Day – Pink Themed Recipes

Friday, February 12th, 2010

There are so many pros to going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day and we can think of a lot of cons to staying in and cooking. But with the following recipes, staying in and making a home-cooked meal with your sweetheart might just look like the best idea ever!

Rack of Lamb with Herb and Olive Crust
For a pink themed menu, let’s start with a delicious lamb recipe. It comes from Caroline in Chicago’s blog (hwhippedtheblog.com). Our mouths are watering already!

1/3 cup coarsely chopped olives – kalamata, picholine or Manzanilla
1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh thyme
2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
2 racks of lamb (7-8 ribs each, trimmed or frenched)
salt and pepper
3/6 cups breadcrumbs

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine olives, parsley, thyme, garlic and red pepper in a food processor or mortar. Make a rough paste. Stir in mayo. Set aside. Trim lamb so only a thin layer of fat remains. Heat a heavy skillet (NOT a nonstick) over high heat. Season racks with salt and pepper. Set in skillet fat side down and cook for about 2 minutes. Spread breadcrumbs on a plate. Coat the surface of the lamb with the olive paste then dip in the crumbs to coat. Put bone side down in a roasting pan. Cover the bone tips with foil so they don’t burn. Roast until instant read thermometer is 120-125 degrees for rare or 130-135 for medium. It will cook another 5 degrees when out of the oven. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes. Cut apart between the bones and serve.

Strawberry Cupcakes
Amy Sherman, a San Francisco-based author, writer, and developer of all things food, shares an amazing strawberry cupcake recipe on her blog (cookingwithamy.blogspot.com). Cupcakes and strawberries are the key to any beau’s heart.

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 large egg
6 ounces Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt (or any other fruit flavor of yogurt)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Frosting:
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 fresh strawberries, about 2 Tbsp. mashed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. With an electric hand mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg, Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt and vanilla, blending until smooth.
2. Measure the dry ingredients into the bowl and blend, then fold in the strawberries.
3. Divide the mixture equally between the 12 paper-lined cupcake cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
4. Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and mashed strawberry in medium-size bowl until creamy and smooth. Chill frosting for 15 minutes or until thick. Frost cupcakes with a spatula. Keep cupcakes in the refrigerator loosely covered.
Yield: 12 servings

French Kiss
To accompany your beloved meal (cupcakes are a meal, right?), the Wedding Paper Divas have some suggestions for romantically festive drinks (blog.weddingpaperdivas.com). May we recommend the French Kiss? It’s just the perfect shade of pink to match you cupcakes…we mean cheeks!

¾ oz Chambord
¾ oz Peach Schnapps
¾ oz Vodka
Splash orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice
Serve straight up in a martini glass

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Delectable Chicago Cupcakes

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

For a wedding of 300, a party of 12 or a sweet treat for 1, there are few indulgences as scrumptious as a cupcake. So next time you’re CRAVE-ing this sweet treat, stop into one of theses fabulous Chicago bakeries!

Sarah’s Pastries and Candies From the outside, Sarah’s Pastries and Candies may look petite and narrow, but inside is a warm and cozy pastry shop saturated with the aroma of freshly baked goodies. This Chicago gem was voted 2010 winner of America’s Most Beautiful Cakes by Brides Magazine. Don’t need a whole cake? Stop in to taste one of their delightful cupcakes: Black and White, Carrot Cream Cheese, Almond with Cocoa Fudge… the list goes on! Very rich and full of flavor, you will have trouble stopping after just one!

Bleeding Heart Bakery This remarkable Chicago bakery uses only local, organic, and sustainable ingredients to provide thought-provoking pastries that are as delicious as they are beautiful and cutting edge. For their efforts, Bleeding Heart Bakery has won multiple awards, including Top 10 Bakeries in the Nation, Top Bakery in Chicago by Chicago Magazine, Top Bakery by the Small Business Association, and multiple “green” business awards. For owners Michelle and Vinny, local food is just as important as organic food because it leaves less of a carbon footprint and improves the local economy, soil, and more of the local farmers and their workers. To spread their “green” knowledge, Michelle and Vinny began shooting for a new series on TLC! Not only are these sweets socially and environmentally conscious, they are scrumptious! This month’s cupcakes flavors include The Slash, Veruca Salt, and Chocolate Peanut Butter–yum!

Honey This cafe is bringing tasty, trendy treats to the western ‘burbs. Honey is a Glen Ellyn hot-spot that serves approachable gourmet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you are stopping by for a satisfying meal or a scrumptious snack, definitely do not skip dessert, made from scratch daily by Pastry Chef Anna Davidson. In addition to scrumptious scones, berry-filled muffins and savory tea breads, Anna bakes moist, mouth-watering cupcakes such as gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter, tart Lemon Chiffon and savory Red Velvet.

The Meatloaf Bakery Imagine the taste and aroma of your favorite meatloaf: fine meats, fresh vegetables, zesty seasonings. These are the smells that meet you when you walk through the door of The Meatloaf Bakery. Whether it’s a tasty twist on the loaf you grew up with or a variation you’ve never imagined, their unique and tasty creations will keep you coming back time and again. This restaurant-esque bakery is famous for their delicious meatloaf cupcakes, a modern twist on your favorite comfort food. Try them with buttery mashed potatoes, MACnificent Pasta and other delicious sides that will have you not only skipping the trip to Mom’s—you’ll bring her with you!

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11 Ways To Be Single on Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Single, taken, or “it’s complicated”… regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day can frankly be very obnoxious. If you’re with someone, you’re pressured to partake in extravagant displays of lovey-dovey cuteitude against your will. If you’re single, it’s even worse. You’re brutally reminded that those millions of cheesy greeting cards with kissing puppies on the front simply aren’t meant for you. Of course Valentine’s Day isn’t all bad, but it can be tough to go solo on a day when the rest of the world seems madly in love. In an effort to give single gals out there some solace, here’s a smattering of ideas from women (and two men) on what to do on February 14th if you’re single.

  • Get all your single girlfriends together for a fun-filled night of vino and good music… that’s what I’d do. Oh and shopping too (hell make an entire day of it)! -Phaedra, Taken, Los Angles [A Very CRAVE V-Day]
  • Two words: Southern. Comfort. Now you have advice from lady AND gentleman – Corbin, Taken, Washington DC [Best "Drink Your Sorrows Away" V-Day]
  • Celebrate the Chinese New Year! -Jocelyn, Single, Woodinvile [Best V-Day Replacement Holiday]
  • I heard the trick is to not make Valentine’s Day about loving a person you are in a relationship with, but to make it about loving all the people you love. If it isn’t about one person than it can be less disappointing when you spread out the love! – Courtney, Single, Santa Clara [Sweetest V-Day Idea]
  • Remember that it’s easier to be single on Valentine’s Day than stuck in a relationship that’s going nowhere fast. -Mike, Divorced, London [Best V-Day Reality Check]
  • This might be an LA only thing…but going to Disneyland with friends is awesome, as is going to Amoeba Records by yourself. – Natasha, Single, Los Angeles [Most LA V-Day]
  • Offer to babysit for your friends with kids! -Deborah, Taken, Woodinville [Most Charitable V-Day Idea]
  • I loved my single Valentines the best! Having a dinner party (with yummy cocktails) is fun with your single friends, or taking a little trip somewhere- the ocean, a cabin, a movie- with a few friends is wonderful! Just celebrating the people you love is what it’s all about! – Carly, Taken, Camano Island [Best Girlfriends V-Day]
  • If I were single on VDAY I’d go to Vegas for sure. But that’s just me… – Ashley, Taken, Los Angeles [Best V-Day for Ladies on the Prowl]
  • It’s two weeks away…. whose to say you will be single? Also… I hear having a bonfire is great fun… and if things go awry, a fireman comes over to visit – Adrienne, Single, Santa Fe [Hottest V-Day Idea]
  • Valentine’s Day is just another day…I would go to brunch and buy yourself some flowers. – Jess, Taken, San Diego [Best "Celebrate Yourself" V-Day Idea]

So there you have it. Booze, babysitting, brunch or bonfires – whatever you do, you definitely do not need a beau to enjoy your Valentine’s Day this year. Have fun!

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Hit the Slopes at Ski Camps for Girlfriends

Monday, February 8th, 2010

The Groundhog said it all – On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and doomed the rest of us to six more frigid weeks of winter. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate ’til spring, why not make the most of the chilliest time of year and go skiing (or snowboarding) with your girlfriends? Take a look at these women-only snow camps and book your long weekend now!

1. ROXY All Star Snow Camps – Whistler Blackcomb
These 2-day snow camps are all about girls, fun, and hitting the slopes! The women-only camps are taught by highly skilled female skiers and riders and give you the opportunity to make friends with other women in the group. ROXY caters to ladies at any level of skiing and snowboarding, from beginner to expert, and they even throw in some prizes to get you motivated to boost your skills! Check the website for rates and dates.

2. Women’s Edge – Aspen Snowmass
Women’s Edge is a 4-day female-centric experience for intermediate to advanced skiers. You’ll spend time getting to know the women in your group while being instructed by female pros and getting treated to a luncheon, lectures, and chances to ski at nearby mountains with skiers in your same skill level. It’s a fun program with chances to build relationships with like-minded women while having a great time! Check out the website here.

3. Women’s Ski Camps – Snowbird
In Snowbird, Utah, these 3-4 day ski camps offer small group sizes and ample one-on-one coaching with women instructors to make for a truly rewarding experience. Intermediate to expert skiers can be accommodated, and the intimate program comes with an optional Meal & Spa Add On with special perks! To see prices and itineraries, check out the Women’s Ski Camps’ website here.

These are a few examples of resorts that currently offer women-only skiing and snowboarding camps. Check out your favorite mountain’s special deals for girls in advance and start planning next year’s wintry adventures now!

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Adele Dallas Orr Pret a Porter Boutique: Interview with Adele

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Adele Dallas Orr designs her unique colorful fashion collection with classy and fabulous in mind.  Her boutique carries classy separates and fabulous fashion jewelry that reflect her love of color, exotic prints and silky textures. Her travels to South Africa, Europe and Asia have influenced the stylish clothes and designs that are fresh, uncomplicated and modern. The versatile pieces are accessorized with her exquisite jewelry that are made of fresh water pearls, and semi-precious stones. Adele’s stylish, timeless clothing and accessories have a European fair for women of all ages and are ideal for women in Chicago. The Adele Dallas Orr boutique invites women to redefine their own style by adding unique pieces that are comfortable and will make a definite statement.  Wearable art bracelets and necklaces, hand painted silk scarves and sequined cocktail purses are among the ready-to-wear glamorous fashions that are made in the USA.

The concept of starting with one piece and building a practical wardrobe is what Adele Dallas Orr is all about. “Sometimes the tiniest thing can make the biggest statement,” says Adele.  A wearable art silk skirt, scarf or jacket are examples of the stylish, but practical items that this European styled boutique offers while allowing women to go from the office to a dinner affair with ease and at an accessible price.  Adele’s collection has been sold in Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and now Chicago.

Adele says, “Just because we’re in a recession doesn’t mean a woman can’t be classy and fabulous! I’ll will make sure of that!” Let’s learn more about Adele…

What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular products are our reversible silk jackets,our ruffle silk coats, wearable art silk skirts and scarves.  Our statement jewelry made of faceted black onyx and fresh water pearls are among the most popular pieces… I believe because they are classic timeless pieces.

People may be surprised to know…
Adele’s collection been featured at the London Pret a Porter fashion trade show and has been sold around the world in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Spain, London and now Chicago.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
My love of fashion and travel and the will to work for myself inspired me to open my business.  I also perceived a niche in the market to design elegant European styled clothes for women of all ages at an accessible price.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is Coco Chanel who believed that women should be two things… «Classy and Fabulous» I always design with these wise words in mind.

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The Paris Haute Couture Shows

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

The Paris Haute Couture fashion shows are unlike any other fashion experience you have ever had, seen or heard of. True to what couture is, this kind of fashion is definitely one-of-a-kind. Showcasing their spring and summer couture collections, the French designers filled the runways with whimsical, wonderful and weird creations this season. There was bizarre head-wear at Jean Paul Gaultier (shocking, right?), Lady-Gaga-inspired hairdo’s at Chanel, and clothes with a strong space-age feel at Armani Prive.

Like Hilary Alexander, fashion director of The Daily Telegraph in London, says, the couture shows are a “laboratory of dreams”. Made to fit exactly to the wearers specifications, these one-off creations aren’t something you will see another girl at the club wearing – they are far from anything worn in everyday life. True haute couture is art. Its the kind of clothing that makes for a lush, other-worldly Vogue fashion spread. Its usually impractical and at prices that rival a small house or car, its the best kind of fashion fantasy.

This season, Chanel seemed to be channeling the great Lady Gaga with hairdo’s resembling giant bows or ears, but their colorful collection had us drooling from start to finish. Actually, it seemed like everyone was feeling the Lady Gaga vibe on the catwalks this season. The Jean Paul Gaultier headpieces looked like something we might see Ms. Gaga sporting at the next awards show, and a balloon bubble dress from Armani Prive looked like something she might rock down a red carpet any day now. If not Lady Gaga, then the architectural, space-agey dresses from Armani would definitely look fabulous on any future astronaut/fashionista. Finally, the pieces at Stephane Rolland were escapism and futuristic fashion-as-artwork at its best with laser cut Plexiglass forming coils and crenelations on shoulders and pockets.

Across the board, this year’s couture shows were all about pastel colors and Lady Gaga-inspired style. Haute couture may not be made for a trip to the grocery store, or even your next birthday party, but the shows are spectacular and the pieces are a work of art in themselves. Vive la Haute Couture!

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Athletes Head North – Best of Chicago Olympians

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

The start of February brings us both slightly less brutal weather, and pure enjoyment in the highly anticipated 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. At CRAVE, we believe in not only supporting local businesses and organizations, but also showcasing extraordinary women and their personal accomplishments. Here’s a peek at a few local Chicago ladies to keep an eye on during the Winter Games.

Lisa Chesson: Hockey Currently a junior at Ohio State, Lisa Chesson will be competing in her first Olympics as a member of the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team. Raised in Plainfield, IL, Lisa started as a figure skater, but around the age of five she convinced her parents to let her switch to hockey. Luckily, the obliged and the rest is history. During the 2009 World Championships, she scored a crucial goal, which helped the U.S. take home the gold over Canada. Keep an eye out for her and the rest of the U.S. Olympic Team as they go for the gold in Vancouver!

Lana Gehring: Short Track Speed Skating A 2009 graduate from Glenbrook South, Lana is one of speed skating’ brightest stars. In 2005, she became the first female member of the Junior World Team to qualify for both short and long track in the same season. From Beijing to Berlin, this youngster has had the opportunity to travel across the globe thanks to her athleticism and drive… and has no plans on stopping. Hopefully Vancouver is ready, because Lana sure is.

Katherine Reutter: Short Track Speed Skating Three-time National Champion Katherine Reutter will be making her Olympic debut in Vancouver. The Champaign, Illinois native {also home to Olympic legend Bonnie Blair} began to seriously train after Blair came and addressed a group of students at her high school. Reutter decided to move to Michigan to begin intense training and later that year she won the 2004-2005 Junior National Championships. At only 22 years old, we can expect many more years of athletic excellence from Katherine.

Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr.: Long Track Speed Skating Wheaton native, Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr., is the 16th-ranked 3000m skater in the world. Coached by her mother, a four-time Olympian, Swider-Peltz Jr. will be competing in her first appearance in the Olympics at this year’s Winter Games. An all-around athlete, Swider-Peltz Jr. said if Chicago won the 2016 Summer Games, she would try putting her background in running, swimming and cycling to use in a triathlon. Nancy’s website chronicles her experiences and adventures prepping and training for the 2010 Games.

We wish each of these women great luck and will surely be watching their events later this month!

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Rachel Ray, I’m not…

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

I don’t know if any of you are “culinaryily challenged,” but I sure am. I am obsessed with the Food Channel but don’t cook anything I ever see prepared on there. There is something soothing and brain numbing about watching them create, compete, build absurdly shaped cakes, and whip up mystery ingredients I have never heard of.

How about that Rachel Ray gal? She rocks it every night in less than 30 minutes. The big difference is when I go to my pantry or fridge I don’t conveniently have all the spices and sauces placed by the elves so my 30 minute meal turns into a frustrated 80 minute search for cumin, and a trip to the grocery store. (Consequently, I leave the grocery store with everything BUT cumin and swing through the drive-through window before returning home.)

When I do cook I seem to have portion control issues. I grew up in a big family so I assume spaghetti noodles come in “single serving” bags only. Needless to say, I have a lot of leftovers and anyone who reheats spaghetti noodles knows, they aren’t too tasty.

My Mom is an amazing cook and she knows how to put on a party with picture perfect hors d’oeuvres, now SHE could have her own Food Network show. I think I was busy outside shooting hoop when she was whipping up chef lessons. So the pressure to live up to that is huge. She would bring heaping scrumptious cupcakes to my class parties… with every child’s name monogrammed on them. I am lucky if I can pull off a drive by drop off of Oreos for the school Valentines Day party!

My southern Mother-in-Law once tried to help me out by buying me a southern cookbook. Every dang recipe started with “make a rue”…have you ever tried to make a rue? Well, it’s a special little concoction of flour and butter that you have to try not to burn. I never made a single recipe from that book!

I will have to say I have the “sipping” part of this sip/savor category down pat. Never met a cocktail I didn’t like and they seem to be MUCH easier to make. Although I recently tried a signature cocktail recipe and it actually called for pear sorbet…my Coors Light generally does not come with ice cream and- huge surprise- I didn’t have any pear sorbet in my freezer (unlike Rachel) so I skipped the garnish, the vodka tasted fine without it!

If your idea of comfort food is a large bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos and you don’t own a food processor…you are not alone. Rachel rocks…me, not so much!

* a weekly humor post by Lynn Edwards

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