Category Archives: Entertaining

Chocolate, Cupcakes, Entertaining, Quick/Easy, Roasted, Shellfish, Special Occasion, Vegetarian

Victory Never Tasted So Sweet

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Superbowl Cupcakes 1Superbowl – a word that, for sports fans, is synonymous with “event of the year”. It’s the one time that you can actually get away with having nothing more than nachos and beer for dinner…with a side of buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks and guacamole and…well, you get the picture. I always take advantage of these occasions to make something fun and delicious – so for Super Bowl, I made adorable Touchdown Cupcakes!
SuperbowlCupcakes4I have always wondered what the “grass” piping tip would produce – I personally am reminded of silly string…but maybe that’s just me. It’s actual “spout” resembles a shower head. I would recommend using a standard buttercream recipe, but you might be able to try it with cream cheese. The piping tip has very small holes, so a stiffer frosting will be difficult – adding some milk or cream can help loosen the consistency. You start to get the hang of the piping pattern after a while, though it is time-consuming.
SuperbowlCupcakes3At first I thought the piped frosting would look silly, but it actually made a very convincing “grass.” As for the cupcakes, I used my go-to chocolate cake recipe – it’s a quick recipe, and makes a cake that is all things you love about chocolate 🙂 What’s even better about these cupcakes is that they freeze beautifully – I always have a few in my freezer for unexpected guests (or chocolate cravings…). You can easily sub out the buttermilk for plain milk, and use plain boiled water if you prefer to not have coffee (my good friend Tim, for example, is allergic – I use this alternative whenever making this cake for him!)
SuperbowlCupcakes5For the footballs, I had some leftover dough in my freezer for rollout chocolate cookies (remember these beauties!?) These were arguably the most difficult part – I don’t have a football-shaped cutter…so I buckled down and used a paring knife to carefully carve out 2 dozen small football shapes. They baked in less than 8 minutes, and made perfect little toppers! Overall, these cupcakes are quite simple – the assembly and decorating are (obviously) the best part 🙂 Here are the basic components you will need:
– Chocolate Cupcakes
– Basic Buttercream Frosting (like this one) + green dye (enough to get your preferred hue) and a touch of lemon (to help cloak the dye’s flavor)
– Cookie Toppers (omit the peppermint filling)
– Frosting Tools: Grass piping tip, Round piping tip, disposable pastry bags OR ziploc bags (with corner snipped), paring knife
SuperbowlCupcakes2The promise of victory and ecstatic crowds are cogent factors to what defines the Superbowl. Thousands upon thousands cram into a stadium in hopes of experiencing the ultimate sport fan’s dream, and each and every player on that field is dedicated to triumph. The energy is both electric (no pun intended…considering the power went out at this year’s Superbowl!) and contagious. This helped lead to my musical pairing : Bizet’s “Toreador Song,” from the opera Carmen. Much as this event is the highlight of the football season, this aria is perhaps one of the most famous in all of the opera repertoire. It describes the “gory glory” of the bullfight, citing the rush of excitement and ultimate triumph. To give you an idea, here is a translated excerpt from the aria:

The crowd goes mad, edgy from waiting,
Breaking into noisy arguments all around!
People shout, people yell and holler
With a din that tears the place apart!
They’re celebrating men of valor!
Celebrating the brave of heart!
Let’s go! On guard! Let’s go! Ah!

Why this aria for cupcakes? A toreador (also known as a “torero” or “matador”) is a theatrical profession, and the act of bullfighting is considered to be more of a performance art than a sport. The fighter wears elaborate garb decorated with gold or silver embellishments, and enters the bullring in hopes of achieving a higher status in society; much as I hoped these cupcakes (a mixture of recipes that are essentially “back-of-the-box” basics) could be more appreciated once decorated. I should probably add that I arrived (late) at a Superbowl party, just following the power outage – I was surrounded by Ravens fans (with one die-hard 49ers fan), and we were all on the edge of our seats up to the final minute. As the Ravens’ win became imminent, we all felt that “victory had never tasted so sweet.”

My roommate Synthia Pullum (a ridiculously talented soprano…and Anime enthusiast!) recommended the following recording with baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky – enjoy!

Sources Cited:
“Toreador Song,”Wikipedia.com
“Torero,” Wikipedia.com

Entertaining, Frozen, Special Occasion, Vegetarian

A Chilly Finale

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BakedAlaska2It is COLD outside. Granted, I do come from the South (where cold weather is somewhat of a foreign concept), though I take pride in my acclimation to Northeastern winters. Yet it is currently 10° F outside…and I am not built for this kind of chill. Because I often need a touch of humor in moments like these, I thought now would be the perfect time to feature my Baked Alaska. I made two different varieties of this classic (during a much warmer December) and both were equally awesome.
Baked Alaska3I was surprised when I found out that Baked Alaska’s origin is French – they named it omelette norvégienne, or “Norwegian omelette” (a reference to Norway’s frigid climate). The name “Baked Alaska” was first coined in 1876 by chef Charles Ranhofer at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York, NY. The name was meant to honor America’s recent acquisition of the territory from Russia just under a decade before (similar to the French model, the name is meant to reflect Alaska’s chilly clime). It feels a bit like Alaska in Boston…
BakedAlaska4I mentioned that I had made two varieties of this cake – the first used Strawberry Sorbet and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (pictured below), while the second had Peach Gelato and Butter Pecan Ice Cream (pictured above). You can use whatever flavors you want, which is why I love this cake – the possibilities are endless! Rocky Road and Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin and Caramel…have mercy. The trick is patience, and taking the time to refreeze the cake after each assembly. The other trick is, of course, to be cautious when setting this thing on fire. It’s an optional step, but the effect is stunning – click HERE to see the secret to this showstopping dessert!
BakedAlaska1This cake, though frozen, is quite beautiful – it has a surprisingly light taste (depending on the ice cream you choose) the overall result is almost refreshing – chilly yet elegant, a beautiful illustration of winter itself. What better pairing than Antonio Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in F minor, RV 297 “Winter”! A set of four violin concertos, Le quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons) are perhaps Vivaldi’s most famous works. They are based on a series of sonnets, each ascribing the qualities of a respective season. Below is an excerpt from the sonnet for Winter.

Trembling with cold amidst the freezing snow, while a frightful wind harshly blows, running and stamping one’s feet every minute, and feeling one’s teeth chatter from the extreme cold.

The performance of “Winter” is programmed as the final piece, giving the program an exciting and stunning finish. This dessert is certain to do the same at any meal – the below recording is with the master himself, Itzhak Perlman – enjoy 🙂

Source Cited:
“Baked Alaska,” Wikipedia.com
“Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Winter – Sonnet Text,” About.com

Cookies/Bars, Entertaining, Holiday, Nuts, Special Occasion, Vegetarian

Enjoying Holiday Comforts

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Season‘Tis the season to be baking…and I can safely say that flour and butter accounted for at least 50% of my holiday expenses. I love the traditions of holiday cookies – they’re simple, elegant, and nostalgic all at once. As a kid, December was time of homemade cookies and treats, courtesy of Mom…today, I am admittedly a bit crazier than my Mom when it comes to baking. So for this season, I thought would put my obsession towards a good cause. I baked over 300 cookies for a Bake-A-Thon Benefit, and donated all proceeds towards Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – I managed to raise $350 for the cause 🙂 I wanted to give all of you a “taste” of this season’s treats…
BerryThumbprints1Here is the first – classic Thumbprint Cookies. I LOVE this cookie…in fact, I can safely say it’s one of my favorites. The cookie itself is not too sweet, and the filling can be basically whatever flavor you choose: strawberry, peach, raspberry, or even boysenberry! They are a cinch to make, and come together in no time – you can choose to either fill them before or after baking (though I prefer the cookies baked with jam, personally). Click HERE to see the recipe for this holiday classic!
PeppermintThese next cookies were quite the surprise – I was dying to give this recipe a try. Yet when I realized they weren’t quite as “holiday-like” as the others, I gave them a minty twice and made Peppermint Brownie Sandwiches. I had some chocolate ganache leftover from a previous cookies recipe, and couldn’t bare to throw it away. So I made these little sandwiches, and sprinkled crushed peppermint candies on top.
ChocolatePeppermint1The result was a perfect little sandwich of chocolatey goodness with a minty finish. The cookies themselves are quite sturdy, making them perfect for sandwiches. You can basically use whatever fillings you like: Nutella, peanut butter, ice cream…basically let your creativity (or appetite) take flight! Click HERE to see the recipe for these chocolatey little sandwiches!
PistachioCranberryIceboxThis third cookie is lovely – they are not too sweet, and totally adaptable based on your own tastes. The original recipe for these Icebox Cookies calls for cranberries and pistachios, but you can pretty much use whatever add-ins your heart desires: pecans, chocolate chips, even rum-soaked raisins! Just be sure to have extra dough prepared, because these little bites go fast – click HERE to see the recipe for these delectable holiday treats!
StepdadEvery household has its own “soundtrack” for the holiday season – at my own home, you can expect carols and lots of brass music (courtesy of a stepfather, pictured above, who has a true love for all things brass). One of his favorites? German Brass  – arguably one of the strongest brass groups out there. Because it was and still is one of his favorites, listening to this ensemble is just as nostalgic for me as holiday cookies. To similarly give you a “taste” of my visit home this holiday season, here is the German Brass performing Antonio Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in D major, RV 230 (featuring the unstoppable Matthias Höfs). It’s worth saying that it’s in a different key than the original…silly brass players 😉 Whatever your holiday traditions may be, I hope all of you had a beautiful holiday – enjoy the music!

Eggs, Entertaining, Fruit, Special Occasion, Vegetarian

A Charming and Brilliant Dessert

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OliveOilCake4Exploring what dishes to cook for a meal is always a creative adventure – things can change in the moment, and flavors can complement or even contradict. Yet dessert must be the perfect closing statement – an epilogue of taste and substance that won’t overwhelm…in other words, it can be a challenge. I was invited to make dessert for a dinner party that would have an Indian curry as the main dish, promising spicy and robust flavors. It was mentioned that the hostess has an affection for Mediterranean, so I went with an Olive-Oil Orange Cake with Candied Orange Slices.
OliveOilFor those of you cringing at the thought of baking with olive oil, consider this: olive oil has been used in baking for centuries, serving as the main culinary oil for nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It does have a very pronounced taste, which is often why we stick with canola or vegetable oils. Its flavor is also compromised when exposed to higher heat (like deep frying – bad idea). Yet when it comes to baked goods, not only does olive oil impart a lighter texture than other oils, but its possession of Vitamin E helps to maintain a cake’s moist texture and freshness – it’s a win-win situation! This website has substitution suggestions in case you’re dying to try it in one of your favorite cakes…
OliveOilCake1BUT before you go on an olive oil baking frenzy, take note: olive oil is best used in batters that can complement its fruity taste – citrus is a perfect example. Almond can also work, being a lighter and sweeter nut. While it may seem like it is, this cake is not too sweet. Its heavenly texture and subtle taste will have even the staunchest of dessert-a-phobes cleaning their plates. Click HERE to see the recipe for this showstopper!
OliveOilCake2As I mentioned, this is not an overwhelming cake – it’s quite charming, and can win over just about anyone. This “lightness” of character was reminiscent of opera buffa (comic opera). One of the most famous and beloved examples is Rossini’s The Barber of Seville – a two act opera buffa that has stood the test of time, and is arguably one of the most popular opera works of all time. Our protagonist is Figaro – a renaissance man who is both charming and ingenious. His “bright” personality is the perfect companion to this lovely dessert – the recording below is the Overture with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel – enjoy!

Sources Cited:
“Baking With Olive Oil Instead of Butter,” The Passionate Olive
“The Barber of Seville,” Wikipedia.com

Appetizers, Beef, Entertaining, Pork

“Unsophisticated” Perfection

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To answer the question you are all thinking, YES – these are as dangerous/delicious/diet-killing as they appear. Their inspiration was born out of frugality – it goes without saying that hosting parties can be a pricey investment, much more so when (like me) your idea of hosting involves the “wining and dining” appeal. While I crave the day that I can wow a crowd with canapes of steak tartar and grilled ahi tuna, I have to be realistic. The key to a great party is providing a memorable experience that doesn’t break the bank – a successful host is remembered for his/her creativity, and I feel that I happened upon a moment of creative genius with these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog Bites.
At the store, I was looking for fairly priced meat when I saw the price markdowns on Hebrew National’s “Family Packs”. I could hardly imagine using hot dogs in an “hors’doevure” setting, and kept walking down the aisle…but I kept thinking of creative ways I could use them, and the final clincher was bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon?.
Funny thing is that this recipe led to the discovery of my oven’s broiler…leave it to me to take three YEARS to realize that the broiler is underneath the main oven space. I wanted to do something as a sauce, and decided to give barbecue a try – herein lies the genius of this recipe. Everyone at the party raved over these, which just goes to show that it doesn’t take a fancy hors’doevure to please a crowd – click HERE to see the recipe for these irresistible bites!
These appetizers were phenomenal, and yet ridiculously easy – my concerns with serving these “unsophisticated” snacks were put to rest by my friends’ endless praises. There are times that simplicity can truly be beautiful. Take Erik Satie: a composer whose music, while ostensibly simple, led to a whole new era of composition, with composers such as Debussy and Poulenc among his greatest enthusiasts. Critics labeled his style as “unsophisticated” and “amateur,” yet its expressive insight was far more thought-provoking than that of his contemporaries. I chose his Gymnopédies for this pairing – though they may sound rudimentary, their harmonic and melodic framework was seen as an “eccentric” departure from the classical model. Dissonant chords set the underlying tone while the themes float carelessly above, imbuing the work with a melancholic ambiance. These pieces are the perfect pairing for a recipe that is so simple yet beautifully delicious – enjoy!

Sources Cited:
“Erik Satie,” Music Files

Chocolate, Cookies/Bars, Entertaining

A Stress-Free Indulgence

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Make-ahead: a term that ANY host loves to see in a recipe. No stress, no mess – just the simple task of cutting or baking, and you’re done. Desserts, thankfully, often fall within this category (an exception would include bananas foster, but those are sooo worth the added effort). Avoiding the use of an oven at a party is alway a great idea – you don’t want a bunch of sweaty, hungry guests…trust me, it’s not a pretty picture. So when I discovered these Lime Meltaways and Supernatural Brownies, I all but jumped at the opportunity to make them…and trust me when I say that my friends all but jumped onto the plates these were served upon.
Let’s talk chocolate for a moment – there are few things more beautiful than a 9×11 block of dense, fudgy brownies. This recipe is a true winner – two types of sugar create a moist texture, while melted bittersweet chocolate permeates the batter with a rich and palpable taste. The recipe for these had gone “blog viral” – in other words, a number of baking blogs and recipe platforms had showcased these, with endless praises; I decided to take the hint and give these a shot.
The baked result has a delicate crust, beneath which is the gorgeously tender brownie. Surprisingly, they don’t have the typical dark hue common to brownies – they are somewhat lighter, but trust me when I say the flavor has just as much depth. While these do take a while to bake, it is absolutely crucial to NOT overbake these – nothing is worst than a chalky brownie :-/ Click HERE to see the recipe for these showstopping treats!
If I had to list my favorite type of cookie, it would have to be shortbread: not too sweet, with a buttery crunch that never fails to make you “melt.” These cookies were just that – lime + sugar = awesome. The best thing about this cookie is that once you roll the dough into a “log,” it can refrigerated up to a week or frozen for up to three months! This gives a major boost to the convenience and flavor of these cookies. You can find the recipe for these zesty treat HERE.
For the musical pairing, I thought it would be nice to showcase a minimalist work (given the simplicity of prep work). Yet their flavors and overall complexities demanded something more, and that led me to John Adams. He is defined as a minimalist composer, yet he is constantly exploring the limits to which he can take the genre, leading some to go so far as calling his music “maximalist”. The piece I chose is his work for piano called Phyrigan Gates – the title refers to the fact that the piece is composed in the Phyrigan mode, with the “gates” alluding to the constant shifts from Lydian to Phrygian (while moving in line with the circle of fifths). The below image illustrates the Phyrgian mode on C:

At the same time, I felt the music to be aesthetically appropriate – the modal shifts present a wealth of flavors, yet it’s complexity is never overbearing. It is one of those pieces you can imagine listening to on rainy day with your eyes closed, savoring each moment as though it were a delicious treat. The following video is with Gloria Cheng-Cochran (it has been separated into three separate videos by YouTube, so this is only part of the work – I have included links for the second and third installments below the embedded video.) Enjoy!

Part II
Part III

Sources Cited:
“Phrygian Gates,” Wikipedia.com

Entertaining, Spicy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Filled with Delicacy

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There are times when my cooking reputation becomes too popular . Case in point: I was having a few friends over for dinner, then word got out and a few quickly blossomed into a full party of 8. Moments like these require a creative combination of filling, affordable, and likable foods. For this instance, I had to add “vegan” to the list (to accommodate two of the eight guests in attendance). Slightly panicked with last-minute planning, my inspiration came en route to the store: I was halfway there when a car passed with a kayak strapped to its roof. That image stayed with me as I came across a pile of bright green zucchini at the store…like little green kayaks. Okay, so the connection is farfetched, but it goes to show just how unusual my thought processes are 😉 The result: Spicy Quinoa Zucchini Boats.
I love zucchini. I mean, you can pretty much use them for any number of dishes – from a simple sauté of half-moon slices to baked zucchini bread. The name comes from the Italian term zucchina, which translates to “small pumpkin.” What’s unique about the squash is its delicate flavor and fibrous meat – it can yield a beautiful result with minimal cooking. Look for average-sized zucchini with shiny, unblemished flesh; their fragility means even the smallest of bruises can ruin the squash’s flesh.
The filling for this was a “what’s-in-my-pantry” creation – I managed to unearth a can of tomato sauce, chipotles in adobo, a box of quinoa, and a container of black lentils. I then looked back at my “list” of requisites: the quinoa and lentils would be filling, and the pantry aspect inherently made it affordable. How to make it likeable…I grabbed a few spices to make this a Latin-inspired filling. The result? The guests were fully sated, my wallet wasn’t hurting, and it was unbelievably delicious! The icing to the cake – it was all vegan: click HERE to check out this beautiful, filling dish.
For the pairing, I thought focusing on the delicacy of zucchini would be an appropriate. That led me to Chopin and his Étude Op. 10, No. 3. Unlike his other etudes, this one has a poetic beauty that even Chopin couldn’t overcome: “In all my life I have never again been able to find such a beautiful melody.” Many refer to the work by its misnomer ” Tristesse”, even though Chopin never intended the use of that title. While the work can be said to have a tranquil “delicacy”, it is also rich with a colorful intricacy inherent to Chopin’s style (much like these zucchini boats had a far much greater depth than what meets the eye). I was also drawn to Chopin when considering delicate due to his own unending battle with illness and fatigue; a struggle that eventually took his life at the young age 39. This delicacy gave his artistry a much greater poignancy, which is undoubtedly why his music still touches our souls to this day. The recording below is with none other than the virtuoso Lang Lang – enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz_BlYlBi40

Sources Cited:
“Frédéric Chopin,” Wikipedia.com
“Étude Op. 10, No. 3 (Chopin),” Wikipedia.com
“Musical Analysis: Etudes Op.10” OurChopin.com

Appetizers, Entertaining, Quick/Easy

A Soulful Indulgence

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My friends tease me for being a “social butterfly,” and it’s no secret that I love to meet new faces and host events. That being said, there will always be a set of friends who are nearest and dearest to my heart; those who have been with me through the good and the bad. Brian McCarthy is hands-down one of those friends. Getting ready to join the 25th regiment in Hawaii, he decided to visit Boston to hang with friends before deployment. The other day for dinner, we were both exhausted after a long day of work, and needed something quick yet therapeutic. Given the healing powers of bacon, Brian had the perfect idea: Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Feta and Almonds.
Dates – an ancient fruit whose historical and nutritional clout have pushed them to the upper echelon of dried fruits. They are one of mankind’s oldest cultivations, having traces in the Persian Gulf as far back as 6000 B.C. As such, it holds significant religious and cultural importance for the region. It is said that the Prophet Muhammed survived for months eating only dates and water. Such is why Muslims break the daily fast of Ramadan with limited quantities of each after sunset. Dates are also seen as being part of a healthy diet – they are loaded with fiber, potassium (more than bananas!), iron, and are fat free and cholesterol free (well, minus the bacon…)
Filled with feta and almonds, these snacks are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The warmed feta and dates blend to a creamy consistency, while the crisped bacon and almonds provide a satisfying crunch. You have to allow them to rest for a few minutes after baking, which I can guarantee will be a true test of your willpower and patience…The result is a poppable treat that practically melts in your mouth. Care to indulge? As Brian would say, “40 rounds!” Click HERE to try these irresistible treats!
Indulgence, luxury…both dates and bacon can provide delicious refuge from the chaos of everyday life. When combined, they create an experience that defies the limits of our senses. Such an experience called for a musical pairing that could indulge the soul with beautiful refuge. Brian had the perfect suggestion: the Intermezzo from Pietro Mascagni’s opera Rusticana Cavalleria. An instrumental respite, the implicit intensity leaves listeners breathless in its wake. A tale of tragedy, betrayal and lost love, this opera is rich with soulful melodies. Even though the Intermezzo lasts no more than 4 minutes, it fully captures the emotional clout of the tragic tale.  A similar experience can be said for these dates, whose taste and complexity is nearly impossible to forget for days on end. Enjoy this beautiful piece!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvdig4N0bpk

Brian hard at work 🙂

Sources Cited:
“Dates: The Holy Fruit of Arabia” Oregon State University
“Cavalleria Rusticana – Synopsis” Music with Ease

Chicken, Entertaining, Grilled, Summer

“Grillomania”

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Have you ever walked into a store and seen that one item that you can’t take your off of? You glance at the price, and quickly walk over to another display in hopes of avoiding it at all costs…but then you find yourself wandering back (against your own will) just to get a second look. Next thing you know, you’re smitten…long story short: I bought a new grill this past weekend for Memorial Day. I originally set out to buy one of those small charcoal models, but walked out of the store with a massive gas grill and a grin the size of Texas. My summer cooking has just been taken to a whole new level of potential. I christened the grill this past weekend with quite the spread, and so for this post I thought I’d share one of the evening’s masterpieces: Grilled Drumsticks with Peach Barbecue Sauce.
This sauce literally lives up to the name “finger-lickin’ good!” Once the chicken ran out, people became creative and turned it into a chip dip…or just ate with spoons. What’s great about this recipe is that it can be made any time of year, especially given the use of preserves (in lieu of fresh fruit). While peach is what’s called for in the recipe, I’d love to try it with blackberry, or even rhubarb. Add some bacon and maple syrup and smoked paprika…now that’s barbecue! I made the sauce a day ahead of time, which I highly recommend – this will give all those beautiful flavors enough time to really get to know each other, making for a fantastic sauce!
Did I mention that I made 5 POUNDS of chicken legs for this party? These take a long time to cook, so it may not have been the best game plan for a large party (lesson learned!) That being said, the meat was perfectly tender thanks to a quick and easy brine. Topped with that beautiful sauce, these were devoured in no time! My good friend Bonnie snapped several classic shots of friends – they were just too good to not include in this post 🙂 Click HERE to see the recipe for perfectly grilled barbecue chicken!
Irresistible: I couldn’t stop thinking of how irresistible this sauce was, and how I (personally) could not resist that beautiful new grill…Franz Liszt, while being seen as a true virtuouso, had the ability to bring an audience to near hysteria during his performances, causing women to faint, weep, and fight over his discarded kerchiefs and even cigar stubs! This magnetic quality helped coin the term “Lisztomania” – musicologist Alan Walker shares more on this phenomenon:

Liszt was a natural phenomenon, and people were swayed by him…. With his mesmeric personality and long mane of flowing hair, he created a striking stage presence. And there were many witnesses to testify that his playing did indeed raise the mood of an audience to a level of mystical ecstasy.

I chose Liszt’s Piano Sonata in B minor for the pairing. It’s wealth of components, emotional depth, and thematic metamorphosis perfectly speak to the richness of these drumsticks – a dish that relies on ingredients, flavor, and time. This piece comes across as a single movement, though many agree it can be applied to the sonata form (with no formal breaks, naturally). This seamless quality makes every component dependent on one another; an irresistible “blend,” if you will 😉 The work ends on a peaceful coda, quite similar to our food “coma” following this massive feast. While this sonata wasn’t among the works that induced mass “hysteria,” its present-day popularity has certainly placed it within the upper echelon of our modern “Lisztomania.” Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCHE-UPwBJA

Sources Cited:
“Lisztomania,” Wikipedia.com
“Symphonic Poems,” Wikipedia.com
“Piano Sonata (Liszt),” Wikipedia.com