February 9, 2013Chocolate, Cupcakes, Entertaining, Quick/Easy, Roasted, Shellfish, Special Occasion, Vegetarian

Victory Never Tasted So Sweet

Superbowl – 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!
I 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.
At 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!)
For 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
The 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

June 30, 2012Appetizers, 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

June 20, 2012Appetizers, Quick/Easy, Salad, Seasonal, Vegan, Vegetarian

Love It or Hate It

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When it comes to my department at work, food is a very important point for discussion. We are all big foodies, and often swap recipes and stories just before the start of our weekly meetings. This past week, we had our annual team retreat to brainstorm strategy, content, and the next steps in everything we do as a department. The retreat was held in my apartment, and I took this opportunity to showcase two delicious vegan dishes I’d been wanting to try: Kale Salad with Avocado and Sweet Potato and Tuscan Stuffed Mushrooms with Pine Nuts.
Kale is a power food that is often left behind – it’s more bitter than your average green, and has a tougher texture as well. That being said, it is loaded with vitamins and nutrients to the max! My solution to bitter greens is finding the right balance of a) sweetness or b) salty goodness (like bacon, which makes most things taste amazing). I vied for sweetness with this salad and chose my southern favorite: the sweet potato. Creamy chunks of avocado and a sprinkle of dried cranberries made this dish a true winner – click HERE to see the recipe for this healthy, nutrient-rich salad.
Mushrooms are also a food with its fair share of both fans and critics – some people swear by their earthy taste, while others can’t stand it. I grew to love mushrooms during my veggie days, and (thankfully) never lost that appreciation. You can make any stuffing for mushrooms, from a nutty quinoa salad to a spicy sausage filling. Based on what I had on hand, I took a little inspiration from Tuscany for these and stuffed them with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red pepper and fresh basil – click HERE to see just how simple and delicious these can be!
There are a number of composers whose critics are just as vocal as their fans, but the one who especially comes to mind (for me) is Paul Hindemith. The reason for this choice is his musical departure from diatonic tonality, resulting in harmonies based on free-form scales and notational structures. In fact, there are currently music teachers who refuse to even teach Hindemith given their own aversions. For this pairing, I chose the Viola Sonata, Op. 11 No. 4 – it is the fourth of his sonata series, and perhaps one of my personal favorites (though others, as expected, would disagree). The sonata has three “movements” that are performed without pause. The first is “Fantaisie”, and takes harmonic experimentation to a whole new level – it navigates through nearly ten different keys over just 41 bars! This is perhaps my favorite of the three movements, being extremely beautiful and almost haunting in character. The second, “Thema mit Variationen,” is much more playful and energized. It changes the established downbeat throughout, allowing the melodies to flow without rhythmic constraint. The final movement, “Finale (mit Variationen)”, unleashes a series of classical forms that bring the piece to an uncertain yet glorious conclusion. Overall, it’s a very cool piece that some people love, and some people hate.

My friend Erin Nolan (violist) said one of her instructors recommended to approach Hindemith as one would approach Bach: in a methodical manner…so perhaps I can recommend to try cooking kale as you would spinach, and mushrooms as you would meat – just a thought 😉 The recording below is by a violist Erin recommended for his beautiful tone, and I definitely agree: Lawrence Powers. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9VuCybiTvk

Sources Cited:
“Paul Hindemith,” Wikipedia.com
“Viola Sonata, Op. 11 No. 4 (Hindemith)” Wikipedia.com

May 17, 2012Dairy, Eggs, Quick/Easy, Vegetarian

An Indulgence of Laughter and Sugar

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Donuts…baked in a bread pudding…forgive me arteries, for I have sinned. My sister talked me into this one, how I’m still not certain. I honestly thought she was joking…but then I had a bite, and wished I had never discovered this irresistible thing. I tried to push my plate away, but found myself going back for more against my own will. Sugary, golden goodness…save yourself while you can from this Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding.
There’s something truly American about the doughnut (or “donut” as we like to spell it here). Evocative of classic diners and incomplete without a cup of coffee, they are seen as a cultural staple of the American breakfast. Though believed to be of Dutch origin, Hanson Gregory (an American) takes the credit for the ring shape we’ve all come to know and love. It is said he disliked the doughy, uncooked center of the pastries, and started using a tin can to cut the holes. Despite their integral connection to our culture, doughnuts are enjoyed across the globe, from the German Berliner to the Moroccan Sfenji.
The custard for this dish is pretty dense, no lie – three types of cream and a dozen eggs – but crucial to turning this dessert from “just another pudding” to “you-can’t-put-the-fork-down” amazing! The trick is to toast the doughnut pieces completely, then allow them to sit at room temperature for a good 30 minutes or so before adding the custard. This helps give the pudding a sugary crunch. Regardless of the occasion, this dish will win over even the staunchest of critics (myself included): click HERE to see the recipe.
This dish is so rich and eccentric, I couldn’t help but laugh when Sarah first told me about it. That led me to consider a musical pairing with such a sense of humor: Britten’s A Simple Symphony, for string orchestra. With movements titled “Boisterous Bourrée,” “Playful Pizzicato,” “Sentimental Saraband,” and “Frolicsome Finale”, he’s made known the humorous intent. That being said, each movement does ring true to it’s name. The work opens on a lively note, giving us hints of classical norms which are then offset with not-so-subtle antics. It then glides into a dazzling second movement simmering with a restrained energy, played entirely without bows. The third movement is the longest, taking a reflective turn into a more emotive realm. The fourth movement then “snaps us back to reality,” giving a festive closure to this delightful “morsel” of a work that runs just under 20 minutes. The recording below is with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra – enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH0OjuiEvwk&feature=relmfu

Sources Cited:
“Doughnut,” Wikipedia.com
“About the Piece: Simple Symphony,” LA Phil

April 17, 2012Chocolate, Cookies/Bars, Entertaining, Quick/Easy, Seasonal, Vegetarian

Easter’s Cutest Traditions

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When you travel as much as I do, you tend to lose track of the various holidays. Fortunately, we’re often bombarded with constant reminders whenever making the weekly CVS/supermarket run (whose shelves are lined with seasonal frippery months in advance). When Easter rolled around, I had a different reminder: my roommate Jenn had decided to give her Artist Diploma recital on Good Friday. She asked me to bring some form of dessert, and it was all too easy to give in to Easter’s colorful traditions with these Mint-Chocolate Birds’ Nests.
I never imagined I would be placing a package of crunchy chow mein noodles into the same camera shot as a bag of Cadbury chocolate eggs…yet here they were – two food products whose chance pairing make an adorable, crunchy delight. The only time I’d ever used chow mein noodles had been as topping for a chicken stir-fry…a far fetch from chocolate. Though labeled as “noodles”, they are actually cracker-like in both taste and consistency. This otherwise bland flavor makes them an easy complement for a variety of dishes.
These are extremely simple to make, and can be assembled in a matter of minutes. The first time I made them was with butterscotch and peanut butter. Looking for a new flavor profile, I added a dash of peppermint extract…and oh my God they were good! The perfect combination of crunch and sweet, these are a quick and easy way to entertain and delight your friends – click HERE to see how to make these adorable treats.
Considering I made these for my roommate’s recital (which was a phenomenal concert!) it was only fitting that the musical pairing be a piece she performed. Her program began with two Good Friday arias, and I chose the first of these for my pairing: “Endlich wird mein Joch” from Cantata BWV 56. Bach composed this cantata in October of 1726 during his time as Cantor at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. “Endlich” is one of the more uplifting arias from this otherwise somber cantata, celebrating the “end of suffering”. The translation is as follows:

Finally, finally my yoke
Must again be lifted from me.
Then I shall battle in the Lord’s power,
Then I shall be like an eagle,
Then I shall ascend from this earth,
And soar inexhaustible.
Oh, may it happen yet today!

The joyous tone of the piece perfectly complements these delicious treats, with the lyric “like an eagle” serving as the obligatory literal piece 🙂 She performed the piece with my very dear friend Tim Wilfong singing the baritone line (who did a fabulous job!) The recording below is with oboist Marc Lifschey (one of THE American oboists, according to Jenn) and baritone Mack Harrell. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_589br3HP8

Sources Cited:
“Cantata #56 ‘Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen'”, Bellingham Festival of Music
“Helmut Rilling interprets Bach Cantatas,” www.drmm.net

March 13, 2012Chocolate, Cookies/Bars, Dairy, Entertaining, Quick/Easy, Vegetarian

Short and Sweet

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There is no lack of desserts when I host an event – tell me 20 people will show, and I’ll make enough for 50. My Oscars Party was no exception. It also gave my creative edge a challenge – as you read in my last post, each dish was paired with a nominated film. Some of the pairings were a bit of a stretch (cocktail wieners with Hugo?), though it was fun to do nonetheless! These were definitely two of the stars from the evening’s spread (as were the films with which they were paired): Mini Chocolate Pies and Black & White Cookies.
For those of you who read the book/saw the movie, it’s no mystery that I paired these Mini Chocolate Pies with The Help (definitely worth seeing if only to understand why this is the case, though it is a great movie). They’re quite simple to make – I purchased several packages of phyllo mini tarts, made a simple chocolate pudding to fill them with and topped each with a dollop of meringue. Your guests will think you put in WAY more effort. Click HERE to see how to make these adorable bite-sized treats.
Black & White cookies are classic, and I had always been curious to give them a try. They were paired with The Artist (a literal pairing, granted) which was hands downs my FAVORITE movie of the year – I practically leapt from my seat every time it won an Oscar. These are more cake-like than your average cookies (thanks to the use of cake flour), and are topped with a thick, glossy icing that takes seconds to make. They were a huge hit at the party, and I imagine they’ll be adored at your next event as well – click HERE to see how to make these sweet classics.
I wanted the musical pairing for these two desserts to acknowledge their “bite-sized” enjoyability – both also compelled my more creative edge. That led me to consider fulfilling works that can also be defined as “short and sweet”; musical novellas if you will. With this in mind what better pairing than Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 12! Inspired by a collection of novellas by E.T.A Hoffman, the eight pieces within the work capture different the moods and thoughts of Schumann’s dual identities, known as the characters “Florestan” and “Eusebius.” Seeing how both of these desserts brought out my more creative edge, I felt the dreamer in Eusebius would be the best fit and thus chose the first of the eight pieces: “Des Abends” in D-flat major. It’s gentle melody lulls the listener into an ephemeral state of serenity; refuge from the noise and chaos of reality (a similar experience to be had after trying one of the delicious treats in this post). Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNcavAwICR8

Sources Cited:
“Fantasiestücke,” Wikipedia.com

February 27, 2012Fish, Quick/Easy

A Dish to Your Liking

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Salmon: an established icon in the realm of health foods, that has yet to lose momentum. A single 4-oz serving boasts skyrocketing levels of vitamins D and B12, in addition to being a excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The problem? Overcooking – the luscious, tender filets we often enjoy in our favorite dining establishments often translate into a dry, chalky entree in our homemade attempts. Sure, you can dredge it in a glaze or sauce, but then why bother spending so much on salmon in the first place? That’s why this method will change your life – trust me, you’ll never look back once you’ve tried Slow Cooked Salmon.
I found this recipe on one of my favorites, Steamy Kitchen – it has an AMAZING result, with little to no effort. It’s just a matter of setting the fish on a bed of aromatics, and popping it in the oven for 30 minutes or so. What you get is to-die-for texture that doesn’t take away from the integrity of the fish. Her recipes provides a number of flavor variations as well. Craving ginger, I went for that one (plus I have a huge crush on green onions – they tend to make most things taste amazing). I added a splash of white wine midway through cooking, and a squeeze of lemon at the end to spruce things up a bit – click HERE to see this foolproof method for cooking salmon.
There is something all to fitting about asparagus and salmon, and went with Sesame Asparagus. I was looking for thin asparagus at the store (for sauteeing), yet could only find tree-like stalks. My first thought was to fold and buy spinach instead, but I then remembered Julia Child’s method of peeling the stalks. She claims the result is a fresher, greener asparagus that takes much less time to cook. So I decided to go for broke and bought the thicker stalks – Julia, as always, was spot-on. It cooked in MUCH less time, retaining its colorful hue and tender crunch. On top of that, the sesame-soy sauce was fabulous! Click HERE to see how to make this lovely side dish.
For the musical pairing, I wanted to draw my attention back to the salmon – the whole concept behind the recipe is to maintain the integrity of the original fish, yet leave room for creativity. That led me to Eugène Bozza’s Image for solo flute. Written in 1939, it is dedicated to flute pedagogue extraordinaire Marcel Moyse. Much like this salmon recipe, the work is very open to interpretation, inviting the performer to approach it with “the character of an improvisation.” The piece alternates from inquisitive to jubilant, weaving cadenzas with lilting scherzos that showcase both technique and sonority. The recording I’ve included is with flutist Alexandra Grot – enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alzS8hPsOfI

Sources Cited:
“Salmon,” World’s Healthiest Foods

February 14, 2012Quick/Easy, Soup, Vegan

Simple yet Stunning

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I’ve been on a hearty stews kick, a reasonable trend given the bitter cold of late. Yet every now and then I lose the patience needed for preparing these dishes, wanting a dish that can pack just as much flavor for a fraction of the time. Though there is really no substitute for time, there are quality shortcuts that mirror the tastes of the more time-consuming varieties. Enter this beauty – ready in under 30 minutes, even you may be fooled into thinking this Cajun 15-Bean Soup took hours to cook.
This recipe was probably one of the first dishes I ever made on my own – little history fact, my culinary interests weren’t realized until my second year of college. Prior to then, pre-prepared dinners and the microwave were my specialty (commence moment of shock). When I went vegetarian, I realized that cheese sandwiches just weren’t going to cut it, so cooking became a means of survival. My mom introduced me to this bean mix, and the recipe included here is the product of multiple trials. This variegated collection is packed with nutrients, and is SO easy to prepare. You can essentially add anything, from sausage to saffron.
The recipe on the back of the package calls for a ham hock (and normally includes a spice packet, which I don’t use) – while I am all about that flavor, I wanted something that could be equally as flavorful for half the price. Enter this recipe’s trilogy of secret weapons – chipotle chile pepper, stewed tomatoes, and liquid smoke. Chipotle is in and of itself a unique flavor – it adds a smoky, peppery element to the soup that traditional chili powder would lack. The stewed tomatoes are key – they give off the impression of a stew that’s been simmering away for hours, a depth normally achieved by the ham hock. Most important of all three is the liquid smoke – as real smoke that has been bottled in a liquified form, it adds a great finish that perfectly masks the lack of meat. Trust me, you won’t miss the ham one bit – click HERE to see how to make this delicious soup.
For the musical pairing, I wanted to showcase this soup’s ability to achieve such a flavorful result with so few ingredients. That led me to consider piano arrangements of orchestral works – a route often taken by composers hoping to reach a wider audience without the need to organize an entire orchestra. I felt that Igor Stravinsky’s Trois mouvements de Petrouchka (Three Movements from Petrushka) pairs well with this recipe. Even though this piece draws on material from Stravinsky’s ballet of the same name, he was adamant that it is not a direct transcription (like the way this soup is not a direct translation of the original recipe). Stravinsky wrote this piece to give pianists the opportunity to perform his music, as well as demonstrate their technical aptitude. Given the simplicity and affordability of this recipe, I hope it too will be reached by a wider audience. I’ve included a recording of the piece by pianist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v4vonP1XAQ&feature=related

Sources Cited:
“Trois mouvements de Petrouchka,” Wikipedia.com

January 8, 2012Chicken, Quick/Easy, Salad, Vegetarian

Georgia On My Mind

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Every now and then, my “southern” side finds its way into my culinary ventures (the kale recipe I just posted, for example). Yet more often than not it takes the passenger’s seat in my posts, so I thought I would finally give it the spotlight it deserves. Southern food is often labelled as “comfort food,” and that was just the type of food we needed to fend off the terribly cold weather (I believe it reached the high “teens” that night…not the type of temperatures my Georgia self is built for). Wanting a hearty meal that was would break the cold (but not the bank), I decided to make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Bourbon Orange Coriander Barbecue Sauce.
This sauce is amazing! I was somewhat wary of the orange, but Joy’s insistence (at Joy the Baker) had me convinced that this was a must-try sauce. Oh.My.God was she right! A beautiful union of citrus and spice, with just the right amount of sweetness, has easily made this a favorite in my book. You can serve it with any recipe that calls for barbecue sauce. I decided to shred chicken (what I had) and serve it on hamburger buns – even the sight of these wonderful sandwiches brought back warm memories of backyard, summer picnics back in the South. Click HERE to see how make these amazing sandwiches!
In addition to the sandwiches, I thought a side salad would add a nice touch (as well as a healthy alternative). Broccoli salad is a classic in Southern dish, but its major flavor components are mayonnaise and bacon. Now I have no objection to bacon (as my next post will demonstrate), but the thought of a salad relying wholly on mayonnaise wasn’t the most appetizing affect. So I used a lighter version combined with the goddess of healthy cooking: Greek yogurt. With grapes, almonds and raisins, this Lighter Broccoli Salad was the perfect complement to a Barbecue dinner – click HERE to lighten up this Southern classic.
For pairing this meal, I wanted to showcase a composer whose nostalgia for home is equally as prominent in his music – that led me Béla Bartók. A Hungarian-born composer and pianist, his music is well-known for its incorporation of traditional folk melodies. He traveled all across Central Europe to track down folk musicians, collecting numerous songs through field recordings and/or transcriptions. His thorough analyses and collections of folk music helped institute the field of ethnomusicology. It wasn’t until World War II that Bartok left his beloved country and came to the U.S – though he never truly became acclimated to the culture (much like I will never become accustomed the grueling Northeastern winters), he managed to compose several masterpieces while in the States. The Concerto for Orchestra is one that is well-known and loved, but I was too extravagant for this meal, so I chose his Sonata for Solo Violin – the extent Hungarian influences make it the perfect pairing for a dinner that feels like home. Though I’ve paired the entire piece, I thought the nostalgic taste of the Melodia movement was appropriate to include – enjoy!