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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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Let Them Eat Cupcakes

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Okay so we are pretty sure everyone is thoroughly obsessed with cupcakes. There might still be a couple out there thinking, “Cupcakes? Really? I don’t get it!” Well here are a few bakeries that specialize in cupcakes that just might make those few finally “get it” and jump on the cupcake bandwagon!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Cupcake maven Candace Nelson’s Sprinkles had been described by the Los Angeles Times as “the progenitor of the haute cupcake craze”. Sprinkles was the first cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills. Topped with their trademark modern dot, these elegant cakes are in high demand. They have all the usual flavors, as well as sophisticated options such as chai latte and ginger lemon. Sprinkles now offers vegan and gluten free red velvet cupcakes to serve those who usually have to stay away from these small delights! Click

Susie Cakes

You have to love a place where you can buy a whoopie pie! Susan Sarich’s signature frosting filled cupcakes sound like the perfect splurge, the chocolate mint sounds to die for! You can also pick up bite-sized mini cupcakes for a smaller treat…or maybe just as an excuse to try multiple flavors. Click        

Vanilla Bake Shop

Amy Berman has a  sleek and modern design to her cakes, all full of decadent layers and fillings. They have a daily menu of cupcakes as well as a rotating menu for each day of the week. While the individuals are tempting enough…one of their specialties is the impressive cupcake towers holding as many as 175 cupcakes plus 300 cupcake babies! Click

Violet’s Cakes

Denise Weber is living her dream by owning her own cupcake shop. Some of her recipes are based on her grandmother’s classics, and other flavors include: eggnog, snickerdoodle with cinnamon butter crème, French toast, and Elvis (banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting). Her specialty cakes are intricate and show mastery in frosting artistry. She also designs wondrous wedding cakes. Click

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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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Crumb Fairy Bakery: Interview with Esti Rothstein

Friday, February 5th, 2010

We would all love to savor a sweet slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting or a rich chocolate truffle cupcake topped with ganache. How many of us could bake these? Here’s one woman who can put baking on her list of talents: ladies, meet Esti Rothstein, chef and owner of Crumb Fairy Bakery. After setting foot in a bakery for the first time, Esti knew she wanted to be a baker. After years of working for renowned chefs, Esti’s very own fairy tale came to life. We love how Crumb Fairy Bakery creates indulgent artisan cakes to order for individuals and delivers cakes and baked goods to private homes and many restaurants including Alcove, Aroma Coffee and Tea, and Larchmont Bungalow. We had a chance to hear more about the lady behind the pastries when we chatted with Esti.
 
What are your most popular products?
Although we offer a huge variety of cakes, pies, tarts, and all things sweet, we can’t seem to get away from making enormous amounts of cupcakes.  People love them and we do make a nice selection of unique flavors, which keeps things interesting.  Our Chocolate Truffle Cake is a favorite amongst chocoholics and our Red Velvet Cake (of course) is also a fan favorite. 

People may be surprised to know…
That I have a secret infatuation with Miley Cryus.  Oh, and that Red Velvet is NOT just chocolate cake colored red.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
After being in the restaurant world for several years, I decided that I had garnered enough experience to be crazy enough to try and work for myself.  I literally started making cakes out of my mom’s kitchen and slowly grew into a big-girl commercial kitchen space!

Where do you like to go to eat? 
I love it all and feel lucky to live in a city that has everything to offer food-wise.  It’s great to get creative at places like Bazaar and follow it up the next night with a great burger from Father’s Office.  

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? 
We have fun anywhere we go, but I love when we all get together for brunch at Urth Café.  We can sit for hours, drink our lattes, share a slice of coconut custard pie, and shmooze with the best of ‘em.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I think I am a lucky lady that CRAVES exactly what I have.  I own my own business and get to do what I love every single day.  I work with amazing people who share my passion and zest for the sweet life!

Want to take a peek at these mouth-watering delights? Click here

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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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Olympic Bound: Local Ladies to Watch in Vancouver

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Anticipation and buzz are building as we reach the final countdown for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Maybe your favorite sport is hockey or skiing, or perhaps more obscure such as curling or bobsledding. No matter your favorite, it’s exciting to know there are some local female athletes representing So Cal up in Vancouver! Read on for some fun facts about our gals.

Rachel Flatt: Figure Skating

  • Home: Del Mar, CA
  • Only 16 years old
  • Two-time U.S. Championships silver medalist (2008, 2009)
  • Ranked No. 7 in the ISU World Standings as of May 2009
  • Straight-A student at her high school
  • She wants to be a contestant on “Deal or No Deal”

Angela Ruggiero: Hockey

  • Born: Panorama City, CA
  • Three-time Olympian (gold-1998, silver-2002, bronze-2006)
  • Named the tournament’s top defensemen in 2002 and 2006
  • Played four years at Harvard University of ECAC Hockey
  • Currently pursuing master’s degree in sport management from the University of Minnesota
  • Spent two weeks in Afghanistan in January of 2008 with the ProSports MVP Olympic Heroes Tour

Caroline Zhang: Figure Skating

  • Home: Brea, CA
  • 2007 World Junior Champion
  • Ranked 8th in the ISU World Standings as of May 2009
  • Top ranked American woman in singles figure skating
  • Began skating at age 5 after watching the sport on TV
  • Once said “I wish I could be the ‘Kwan No. 2’ one day” in reference to Michelle Kwan who she looks up to
  • One of her choreographers is Michelle Kwan’s sister

For more info on these and other Olympians click here

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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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