Attention all food bloggers and food blog groupies: If you’re in the D.C. area on Wednesday, March 2, get to American Ice Co. for a chance to drink alongside ES in-person.
American Ice Co. is a new bar in D.C.’s U Street Neighborhood, serving craft beers in mason jars and pulled pork sandwiches on paper plates. Pretty awesome if you ask me.
If you can make it, RSVP here.
We were treated to the Queen of Butter, Paula Deen, this week on Top Chef All-Stars. And you guessed it: there were deep fryers galore. Keep reading to see which chef just couldn’t cut butter with a knife.
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I’ve been on a little bit of a pastry kick recently. I’m not sure if it’s due to the season and it just seems more homely and warming or the fact that every time my other half bakes he shows me up to my friends. See, I’m the cook in my house and that’s the way it’s going to stay.
However, puff pastry is something I’ve not experimented with and it intimidates me. I’ll spend all afternoon working hard on preparing a delicious filling like this Guinness, Leek and Steak Pie for it all to fail should I not get the puff pastry right — which is why I thank the pre-made pastry gods. Why do I need to make my own puff pastry when I can find it in the frozen food aisle?
The sweetness from the leeks and bold flavor of the Guinness is a perfect marrying of flavors to compliment the meat, the beautiful meat that falls apart to the touch of the fork. So should your pastry making skills fail you, like mine often do, this pie filling would be perfect in a bowl as you are curled up in your leopard print snuggie in front of the television… Did I just say that out loud!
For the recipe, keep reading.
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It’s no secret that I’m a fan of bar food, my waistline can attest to that. However, the biggest conundrum I encounter when I find myself seated atop a bar stool with a pint of beer is what to order — there really are so many great choices. Chicken tenders, nachos, potato skins, how to choose!
From time to time I’ll have a light bulb moment and with what I’m about to tell you is, I think, one of my best light bulb moments ever, and just in time for the Super Bowl.
Potato skins loaded with nachos and topped with chicken tenders. Incredible.
Read on for the recipe.
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Don’t worry, you’ve not stumbled upon some other cooking blog, but yes, you are seeing who you think you’re seeing.
You’ll have to excuse my boasting for a moment, but I just had a chance to speak with Martha FREAKIN Stewart. Hallmark Channel premieres Martha’s new show, Martha Bakes this week. The thirteen-week series focuses solely on the art of baking, with each episode highlighting a singular theme. Nothing too-too-fancy here. For example, the first episode is all about yellow cake, and as someone who isn’t a very good baker, it was nice to have a pro give a 101 tutorial.
Keep reading for more on what Martha has to say about her new show and all things baked.
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Ships ahoy! We had a double elimination this week on Top Chef All-Stars, for the second time this season, which certainly makes for interesting television. Before the chefs got to work in the kitchen they got to work on the boat, fishing for their own ingredients. Either the producers were strapped for cash and can’t afford all those trips to Whole Paycheck, or they really wanted to see the chef’testants work for it.
See which two chefs went overboard at judges’ table.
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The honeymoon period is over but the excitement isn’t waning over the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. While most of the world focuses on what Kate will be wearing, we here at ES only care about the food. The Queen plans to host a reception for the newlyweds at Buckingham Palace, while Prince Charles will have one of his own. But which of Britain’s respected chefs will cook those royal meals? Here are our entirely unsolicited opinions.
1. Heston Blumenthal OBE
As owner and chef of three-time Michelin Star restaurant The Fat Duck, it’s no doubt that Blumenthal is a hot contender. His new restaurant opening at London’s Mandarin Hotel this year will even have its own private Royal entrance for such occasions. Sounds like someone’s auditioning for the gig!
Odds – 3:1
2. Angela Hartnett MBE
Possibly the most talented and respected female chef in England, Hartnett was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to the hospitality industry, so she is no stranger to Royal etiquette. But it was being the first female to win the prestigious Catey in 2009 that she’s probably most proud of — will she become the first female to cater a Royal Wedding?
Odds – 5:1