Showing posts with label Tasteful Tuesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tasteful Tuesday. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

BRUNCH SPOTS TO VISIT

“A good meal soothes the soul as it regenerates the body.
From the abundance of it flows a benign benevolence.”

-Frederick W Hackwood



Looking for a place to have brunch?  Who isn’t these days?  Lunch and dinner dates are so outdated and here we have it Brunch was created.  As summer ends and fall has arrived you can still take in New York City’s eateries with your friends and family.  We have put together a few of our FAV Brunch spots!!



KITCHENETTE







Kitchenette is the place to be!  Located in Manhattan NY you have a choice of either the Downtown or Uptown restaurant.  The décor of Kitchenette will entice you before even trying what’s on the menu.  Light filled room with warm, fun, and inviting colors like pink, off whites, and mint greens.  Eating is done indoors and there is also a display of fun cookies, pies, cakes, and other baked goods!  The brunch menu is everything to make you want to order everything listed.  Options include “Red Velvet Waffle” (with a cocoa butter), “Cottage Breakfast” (scrambled eggs with bacon, cheddar, and a homemade English muffin), or our FAV the “StJohn” (two eggs, grilled tomato, sautéed spinach on a homemade honey wheat English muffin topped with mornay sauce).   

UPTOWN
1272 Amsterdam Ave
NY NY 10027
212 531 7600

TRIBECA
156 Chambers St
NY NY 10007
212 267 6740




SOCO


You can’t think Chicken and Waffles without thinking of eating at Brooklyn’s own SOCO.  Located in Clinton Hills downtown Brooklyn is the Southern infused restaurant famous for their red velvet waffles with organic buttermilk chicken and their brunch!  Some might not know that this restaurant was developed by the creators responsible for famed Caribbean food restaurant Negrils!!  If you want to have a fancy brunch in a much modernized decorated yet relaxing venue, this is the right place for you!  Sip mimosas while you savor dishes such as “Sweet Potato Pancakes” (Honey Cinnamon Cream and Fruit Compote), “Short Rib Hash” (Roasted Peppers, Jalapeno, Onions, Potatoes, White Cheddar, Sunnyside Up Egg), and our FAV “Bourbon St Eggs Benedict” (Shrimp and Crawfish Cake, Poached Eggs, Toasted Mini Bagel, with Old Bay Hollandaise). 

Clinton Hills
509 Myrtle Ave
Bklyn NY 11205
718 783 1936


The SPOT

There couldn’t have been a better name chosen for our next place to have brunch.  After you’ve eaten here you’ll be calling this venue exactly what it’s called “The Spot”!  Located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn right on the corner of Prospect Place and Grand Ave sits this American cuisine venue.  With a choice of eating outside, indoors, or at the bar it won’t matter with their delicious menu and unlimited mimosas as a brunch special!  Expect brunch options such as “French toast Spot Style” (with cream cheese and strawberries), “Pancake Bar” (with fillings such as chocolate chip, peanut butter, bananas and more), and our FAV “Steak and Eggs” (Two eggs any style with sautéed steak and tomatoes served with home fries and salad).

Crown Heights
417 Prospect Pl
Bklyn NY 11238
718 638 1733

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

GRAND LUXE CAFE

 
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”
-Ruth Reichl
 

 




They couldnt have picked a better name for this restaraunt.  Grand Luxe cafe is just that, Grand!!!  At this establishment you walk in to a huge venue that makes you feel like your in Ceaser's palace as everything looks royal.  The ambiance itself is breath taking and the food is as well!  The trimmings of the furnishing is elegant gold, the decorative flooring, and huge bar area, as tall as the ceiling goes.  You can dine here with family and or friends, or even a date or business meeting. 
 
Grand is defined as impressive in size and it fits well to describe their  menu and what it has to offer.  This restaraunt offers a variety of appetizers, salads, pasta's and pizza, steak and seafood, and vegetable options.  We recommend for starters the "Stacked Chicken Quesdilla"Tortillas Layered with Melted Cheese, Chicken, Tomato, Black Beans and Green Chiles. Served with Sour Cream and Salsa or the "Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad" A Fantastic Salad of Mixed Greens, Chicken, Avocado, Carrots, Cilantro and Crisp Tortilla Strips Tossed in Our Citrus-Honey Dressing and Peanut Vinaigrette for a main course we recomend the "Shrimp Fra Diablo Pasta" Spaghettini with Shrimp, White Wine, Garlic, Fresh Basiland Spicy Marinara Sauce and dessert, which some have to be ordered at the beginning of the meal due to the length of time it takes to bake it, we recommend the "Molten Chocolate Cake"  With a Melted Chocolate Center. Served with Vanilla Ice Cream!!!
 
When all is said and done you'll leave with a Grand experience!
 
 
 
 



THATS MY KINDA RECIPE
 
South West Georgia Pound Cake
(brought to you by Paula Deen)
 
 
Servings: 16-20
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (you may use lemon or almond flavoring instead)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cup all-purpose flour
6 eggs
3 cup sugar
2 sticks butter, softened
Directions
Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add flour mixture and heavy cream to butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in flavoring.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Place in a cold oven, set oven temperature at 325, and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes without opening oven door. Bake for an additional 15 minutes if necessary. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert cake onto cake plate, and for a real treat, serve yourself a slice while it’s still warm.
 


 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK

"Who said you cant eat at the finest spots
without breaking your pockets?"
-Trina 1stclassladies






Who ever has this thought in mind must not know what time it is in NYC!  It is the annual NYC Restaurant Week for the summer duration (there will be another for the winter duration). Taking place from yesterday July 22nd until Aug 16.  I sware NYC never sleeps, literally and when it comes to it's amenities.  NYC Restaurant week began in the year 1992 as a lunch promotion and since then has taken off and built its home with consumers who want to experience the finer tastes in life without spending the usual sky high prices!!

We have handpicked our favorite restaurants, even their pre fixed menus waiting for us to savor, that will take part in this duration and of course are sharing with you!

"21 Club"

Cuisine: American Traditional
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Mon- Fri Lunch & Dinner


"BlueFin"



Cuisine: Seafood
Neighborhood: Times Square
Mon-Fri Lunch & Dinner

"Cipriani WallStreet"



Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Financial District
Mon- Fri Lunch & Dinner

"Dos Caminos Soho"
(also Third Ave, Meatpacking District, and Park Ave)



Cuisine: Mexican
Neighborhood: Soho
Mon-Fri Lunch & Dinner

"Mr Chow"
(also 57th st)



Cuisine: Chinese
Neighborhood: TriBeca
Mon-Fri Dinner Only

"TAO"



Cuisine: Pan Asian
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Mon- Fri Lunch Only




TO VIEW THE FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS VISIT SITE BELOW


Enjoy!!!









Tuesday, April 23, 2013

"Jamaica here in New York"
-Trina 1stclassladies




Who said you had to travel the world to experience the delicacies of the world????  Who ever that might be, must not be from New York!  Here in New York we don't have to move an inch because the best chefs from all over are right here, delighting us hardcore Foodies.
Have opened 10 years ago is Manhattans Greenwich Village "Negril Village" located at 70 West 3rd St.  This venue is set up in an area of the city that is frequented a lot during late night and weekend hours.  Not only is New York's prestigious college NYU right across the street but also a large
number of boutiques and stores, lounges, and plenty sights.  However no need for other activities where this venue has two levels to keep you occupied with all the entertainment you need!
When entering Negril Village you are greeted with the sounds of pure Reggae, Calypso, and other rhythms helping greatly to create this atmosphere that you will completely almost forget that your in a restaurant and more like your on an island.  The décor on the top level reflects its roots of natural tones and furnishings.  Dining tables, booths, and also a bar.  Speaking of the bar,  we absolutely delighted that when
you take your seat at the bar, instead of having to hang our jackets coats or bags around our seat, they have these hooks implanted right under the bar top where you can hang your things and be comfortable!!!  It really is the little things sometimes that counts the most.  When you visit the lower level, it is another ambiance with electric blue lighting everywhere and a live DJ!!!!  Mainly used for events they host and night life hours!!
 
With such inviting scenery the food meets its expectations just as well.  Negril specializes in "Nu Caribbean" cuisine which features the likes of Curry seafood, chicken, and vegetables, Salt fish, Rasta Pasta, Rice and Peas, Red Snapper, Oxtail, Stew Chicken, Escoveitch Snapper, Ackee Tostones, Fresh baked corn bread, Salmon Crab cakes, Steamed Okra, THE BEST EVER COD FISH CAKES, THE BEST EVER BAKED MAC & CHEESE, and plenty more!!! 

This spot is Tasteful Tuesday approved by us!!!

Negril
70 West 3rd St
New York , NY
2124772804


Sunday 12pm - 12am
Monday 4pm - 11pm
Tue - Thurs 12pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat 12pm - 2am

VISIT THERE SITE




Tuesday, April 16, 2013

ORGASMIC CUISINE

"BE HUMBLE
DEDICATED
WORK HARD"
-CHEF JUS BLAZE



THIS BLOG HAS FEATURED THE LIKES OF SO MANY TALENTED PEOPLE WITH A DIVERSITY OF DISCOVERED AND SOME YET TO BE DISCOVERED PEOPLE.  WE'VE INTERVIEWED SINGERS AS THEY STRIVE TO GET THAT SHINE AND BECOME KNOWN TO THE WORLD.  RAPPERS WHO GRIND DAY AND NIGHT TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP.  DESIGNERS WHO PUT THEIR LIFE INTO THE THREADS THEY PUT TOGETHER TO MAKE A COLLECTION.  CHEFS WHO PUT THEIR HEART  AND SOUL INTO THE CREATIONS FOR OTHERS DELIGHT.  TODAY WE REINTRODUCE ONE OF THOSE GREAT TALENTED PEOPLE WHO CONTINUES ON HIS PATH TO MAKING A NAME FOR HIS SELF TO ONE DAY REIGN ALL OVER THE WORLD AND FULFILL OUR APPETITES. 
CHEF JUS BLAZE OF ORGASMIC CUISINE!!!!!

ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND CHEF JUS BLAZE STILL HOLDS THE NUMBER ONE SPOT ON OUR SITE FOR THE MOST VIEWS!!!  ALSO, HAVE IT BEING OVER A YEAR A LOT HAS CHANGED WITHIN THE GROWTH OF HIS BRAND.  HE BEGAN THE CUPCAKE PHENOMENON THAT SHOWCASES HIS SIGNATURE / YOUR FAVORITE ALCOHOL CUPCAKES WITH A LITTLE TWIST. THIS WOULD BE THE FACT THAT THE LIQUOR SHOTS USED FOR THE FLAVORING OF YOUR CUPCAKES IS RESTING IN THE CENTER!!!  GENIUS ON SO MANY LEVELS AND TO MENTION REACHING THE HANDS OF SOME WELL KNOWN CELEBRITIES SUCH AS VH1'S REALITY SHOW MOB WIVES STAR "BIG ANG" WHO DELIGHTED IN THE TASTES OF WHAT ORGASMIC CUISINE HAS TO OFFER AT HER SHOWS SEASON PREMIERE!!!













 WEDNESDAYS IN BROOKLYN HAVE BECOME THE ANTICIPATED DESTINATION OF MANY,  HAILING FROM WITHIN THE BOROUGH AND ALL OVER ELSEWHERE, TO GET A TASTE OF WHAT EVERYONE IS TESTIFYING TO.  WITH HIS CULINARY TALENTS HE CONTINUES TO CREATE ENDLESS COMBINATIONS THAT FLOODS OUR INSTAGRAM FEEDS WITH RE POSTS THAT COMMEND HIS EXCELLENCE!!!!     WITH DELICACIES SUCH AS JERK SHRIMP OR CHICKEN ALFREDO SERVED WITH LINGUINE, JACK DANIELS BBQ WINGS WITH HERB CRUSTED MAC AND CHEESE, CHIPOTLE BBQ SHRIMP WITH RASTA PASTA, TERIYAKI CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE, SWEET AND SOUR SHRIMP, GENERAL TSO SHRIMP CHOW MEIN,  THIS LIST GOES ON INFINITELY, ITS NO WONDER CHEF JUS BLAZE HAS A LENGTHY LINE GOING FOR BLOCKS TO HAVE AN ORGASMIC EXPERIENCE.  WE'RE TALKING EVEN DURING THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!


GETTING MORE PARTICULAR INTO THE LIFE OF CHEF JUS BLAZE WE FIND A MAN WHO TOOK HIS APTITUDE AND CREATIVITY AND RAISED THE STANDARDS FOR THE CULINARY WORLD.  SOMETIMES PEOPLE WHO TAKE THEMSELVES TO GREATER HEIGHTS IN LIFE TEND TO CHANGE IN WAYS WHERE THEY LOSE THEMSELVES OR THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM.  THIS ISN'T THE CASE FOR CHEF JUS BLAZE WHERE HIS COOKING ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT RETAINS PEOPLE COMING BACK WEEK AFTER WEEK.  WHEN ASKED WHAT KEEPS HIM SO WELL GROUNDED IN A FIELD WHERE THE POPULARITY CAN GET TO YOUR HEAD, HE RESPONDED "TO ME HUMILITY IS THE KEY, BEING HUMBLE, I HAVE LEARNED QUICK AS IT COMES IS QUICK AS IT CAN GO", "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FLAMBOYANT WHEN YOUR WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF".  HE VERY WELL GIVES THANKS TO GOD AND HIS SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR KEEPING HIM WELL ROUNDED AND IN CHECK.  





AS WE GAVE HIS FOLLOWERS A CHANCE TO ASK ANYTHING THEY WANTED WITH GUARANTEE OF A RESPONSE  (@PRINCEZZS ON INSTAGRAM) ASKED "WHAT ARE THE FIVE CHEESES THAT YOU USE IN YOUR MACARONI PIE?" WE WILL NEVER KNOW, HOWEVER WE DO KNOW (AS @SHEDDY528 ON INSTAGRAM) ASKED "DO YOU GIVE COOKING LESSONS"?? THAT CHEF JUS BLAZE HAS AND IS LOOKING INTO TEACHING A CLASS OR FEW TO HELP WITH BASIC CULINARY SKILLS, CHARITABLE SUPPORT, AND ALSO TO CHILDREN.  WITH SO MANY DISHES FOR US TO EAT WEEKLY (@KEESH78 ON INSTAGRAM) INQUIRED ABOUT "WHAT CHEF JUS BLAZE'S FAVORITE DISHES TO MAKE MIGHT BE"??   



HE STATES " HE LOVES TO CREATE, HE ENJOYS MAKING NEW DISHES, ULTIMATELY HE DEFINITELY ENJOYS MAKING SEAFOOD".  WITH THE CHALLENGING LOOK OF HIS MASTERPIECES (@PRETTYLADYMEV ON INSTAGRAM) ASKED "IF YOU HAD TO PREPARE DINNER FOR THE INAUGURAL BALL FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA WHAT WOULD BE ON THE MENU"??  HE STATES "WITH RESEARCH OBAMA    FAVORS SOUTHERN CUISINE WHICH IS WHAT HE'D PREPARE"  TO THE LADIES WITH INQUIRING MINDS CHEF JUS BLAZE IS NOT SINGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 



WITH TIME THINGS CHANGE.   FROM THE TIME CHEF JUS BLAZE WAS FIRST FEATURED TILL NOW ONE THING HASNT WHICH IS THE CONTINUANCE OF SUCCESS FOR HIMSELF AND HIS POPULAR BRAND THAT HE WOULD ONE DAY LIKE TO BECOME A RESTARAUNT OF HIS OWN!! 


CONTACTS

EMAIL: ORGASMICCUISINE1@GMAIL.COM
IG: @CHEF_JUSBLAZE








Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Vic & Anthony's

Eating is really one of your indoor sports. You play three times a day, and it's well worth while to make the game as pleasant as possible- Dorothy Draper

Vic & Anthony's 


Its no better feeling then stepping into a restaurant and feeling like a million dollars. 1stClassLadies JennLo had the pleasure of celebrating her birthday at a restaurant that obtained that high end quality. Not only does Vic & Anthony's possess the elegance that only a five star eatery would but it also has excellent customer service and nothing but perfection when it comes to ALL their foods.

Lets start with the decor and ambiance! Just from walking up to the front door you know this is going to be something classy. Dim lighting and very intimate for all size parties. The bar is stationed in the middle of the front area and is surrounded by seating tables. In the next section which is where 1stClassLadies JennLo party sat, is nothing but tables of different size for all different guest sizes. In the middle of all the tables stands two clear wine cabinets, giving this part of the room a high entail vibe that the restaurant has. The last section of the restaurant are private rooms perfect for cooperate meeting or even engagement parties. Each private room can be closed off for further intimacy or left open to keep as if ones party is still with the rest of the guest attending.

No service like great service!  When you walk into a restaurant like Vic & Anthony's except to be treated as if it's all about you. From the moment you walk, your greeted by a kind host/hostess and then  escorted to your table. Your waiter/waitress is very attentive & professional, wanting nothing more then to satisfy your every request, concern or comment. He/she is never far out of sight and completes each and every task to the best of their abilities. It's safe to say the Vic & Anthony's team get's an A+ in the customer service field. No one falls short of the team as even the head up's in the restaurants walk the flow to insure that everything is running smoothly and no one is unsatisfied.


Unto the best part- THE FOOD! Everything from the appetizers to the entrée was delicious. The pan chicken was very juicy served with a large portion of mashed potatoes and buttered broccoli. The steak was cooked to the contentment of the customer. Everything well seasoned and full of taste. Nothing was short of mouthwatering and desirable. If your into seafood try the Shrimp Scampi Pappardelle Pasta.  Its a very large size in portion and deliciously seasoned shrimp with soft pasta noodles covered in sauce and cheese. The drinks are right up there with the quality of the food as well.
 Great quality food, professional as well as friendly staff, and a unique ambiance that's makes one feel just as comfortable as if they were at home- well if they lived in the white house that is! 

The location visited by1stClassLadies:
233 Park Ave S  Manhattan, NY 10003
(212) 220-9200

That's My Kinda Recipe: Shrimp Scampi



Serves 6

Ingredients: 

  • 1 pound shrimp, fully cooked
  • 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

Directions: 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet on medium-high and add in butter and oil. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil and butter. Add in garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant, about two minutes. Add in mushrooms and cook until just soft, another three minutes.
  3. Add the shrimp and heat about a minute. Pour in wine and coat the shrimp and mushroom mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil for about two minutes.
  4. Toss shrimp and mushrooms to coat, remove from heat and add in parsley, red pepper, salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly shaved Parmesan and enjoy! 


Monday, February 11, 2013

RUTHS CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

        

    "Girl the way you cook a steak, remind me of those strips in Ruth's Chris"
-Fabolous So Into You
 
 
 
 
 
If there is one thing you can't go wrong with eating.......its STEAK!!!!  When wanting to dine at a luxury steak house in New York, the only best choice is Ruth's Chris steak house.  When dining here expect a huge space filled with well decorated white clothed tables, alongside elegant plating, dim lighting, and great service.  It is an elegant experience from start to finish of the meal!
 
You are greeted by your server, drinks are brought to you along with the best bread and butter that could ever accompany a great steak or any meal for that matter.  Your courses are served in such a consistent order, however nothing tops your steak main course being served to you on a sizzling 500 degree plate where you're already warned not to touch however keeps your meal at a steady temparture throughout the duration!!!!!!
 
 
 
 
THATS MY RECIPE
(brought to you by Food Network Paula Dean)
 
Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs
 
 
 
Servings: 14 eggs
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Salt and pepper, for taste
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup mayonnaise
7 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
Paula Deen Paprika Spice Blend, for garnishing
Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing
Pimentos, for garnishing
Directions
Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.
Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles, and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

HOLIDAY RECIPES

Tis The Season... To eat with the holiday spirit!!!

Candy Cane Jello Shots
Ingredients:
Red Layer:
2 pkgs(3 Oz. Each) Cherry Jello
1⅓ cupsBoiling Water
⅔ cupHot Damn Liquor
White Layer:
1 canSweetened Condensed Milk
1 cupBoiling Water, divided
2 pkgsKnox Gelatin
½ cupCold Water
¾ cupPeppermint Schnapps
Servings: 32 shots

Directions:
Red Layer Instructions: Mix 2 packages cherry flavored jello with 1 1/3 cups boiling water. Stir jello until dissolved. Allow to cool and stir in 2/3 cup liquor.
White Layer Instructions: Mix 1 can sweetened condensed milk with 1/2 cup boiling water. In a small bowl sprinkle 2 packages Knox gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand a few minutes; add remaining 1/2 cup boiling water to dissolve gelatin. Add gelatin mixture to milk mixture and stir to combine. Cool to room temperature; add 3/4 cup peppermint schnapps and stir to combine.
Layering the Jello Shot: Rotate a white layer and then a red layer making sure to refrigerate each layer until set. Garnish each shot with whip cream, crushed candy canes and red sprinkles.
*courtesy of betterreciepes.com*
Kisses Candy Cane Blossoms

Ingredients:
48 Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane Mint Candies
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
Red or green sugar crystals, granulated sugar or powdered sugar
Serving size About 4 dozen cookies.
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove wrappers from candies.
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add alternately with milk to butter mixture, beating until well blended.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in red sugar, granulated sugar, powdered sugar or a combination of any of the sugars. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookie is set. Remove from oven; cool 2 to 3 minutes. Press a candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
Giada De Laurentis's Berry Strata
Ingredients:
•2 tbsp unsalted butter
•3 tbsp honey
•4 large eggs
•1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
•3 tbsp sugar
•1 cup whole milk
•1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
•4 slices bread, torn into 1" pieces (about 4 cups)
•1 10 oz. bag frozen mixed berries, thawed and drained

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Turn off heat, add honey and stir. Set aside.
2. Place eggs, ricotta and sugar in a large bowl. Using a fork, mix to combine and beat eggs. Add milk, orange juice, butter and honey mixture, and then add bread. Stir to combine. Gently fold in berries.
3. Pour mixture into a two-quart baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake strata until golden on top and baked through, about 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into dishes and serve.

Serves 6 (with leftovers)
*courtesy of InStyle*

Roasted Garlic and Peppers Pizza

Ingredients:
1 large head garlic, unpeeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2−inch−thick rings
1/3 cup oil−packed sun−dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
1 − 12 inch pizza dough shell (uncooked)
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)
1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers from jar, cut into 1/2 inch strips
2/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375 deg. F.
Directions:
Slice top off garlic head; place in small baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.Brush baking sheet with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Place onion slices on sheet and brush onion with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Bake garlic and onion until garlic cloves are light brown and soft and onion is tender, about 45 minutes.
Remove from oven; let cool.
Using fingers, squeeze out roasted garlic cloves into food processor; add sun−dried tomatoes. Using on/off turns, process until almost smooth, adding enough reserved oil form sun−dried tomatoes to form paste. (Onions and garlic mixture can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
Prepare pizza dough of choice and have it ready to be topped. Spread garlic paste evenly over crust. Top with mozzarella cheese, onion, pepper strips and feta cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons basil and 1 tablespoon parsley.
Bake pizza until crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles. Transfer to cutting board. Cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons basil and 1 tablespoon parsley. Cut into wedges and serve.
*courtesy of bestcrhistmasreciepes.org*

Candy Cane Cocktail


Ingredients
  • 1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
  • 2 ounces strawberry vodka
  • 4 dashes white creme de menthe
  • 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
  • Ice cubes
Directions
  1. Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

Eggnog
Ingredients
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 12 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup bourbon, (optional)
  • 1 cup chilled heavy cream
  • Grated nutmeg, (optional)
Directions
  1. In medium saucepan, whisk milk and sugar over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks. Whisking constantly, pour hot mixture into yolks in a slow and steady stream.
  2. Return mixture to pan; cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, 20 to 25 minutes; do not let simmer. Quickly strain into a bowl. Stir in bourbon, if desired, and cream. Cool completely; cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with nutmeg, if desired.
*both drinks courtrsy of marthastewart.com*