food

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter K

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Foodstuff Redefined: Kabob Brownie Bites! This recipe seems like a no-brainer. It’s that simple. Strawberries + Marshmallow + Brownie Bites = Dessert Kabobs! Talk about a foodie’s favorite. This no-fuss festive platter will make a melody in your heart. If you like continuous joy, and a dessert that will draw raves, treat everyone to this explosion of sweetness. (As a time-saver, you may substitute package brownie bites instead of homemade.)
KABOB BROWNIE BITES
Ingredients:

1 Fudge Brownie Mix

1 pound fresh strawberries 

8 ounces large marshmallows 

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Skewers
Instructions;

Using a mini-muffin tin, prepare Fudge Brownie mix according to package directions. Bake. Cool on a wire rack. Clean and dry strawberries. Cut them in half to have a flat end. Beginning with a strawberry cap, skewer it so the greens are on the top. Add a marshmallow, one brownie, and the other half of the strawberry so the point is on the bottom of the kabob. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. For toasted marshmallows, use a kitchen torch. One at a time, carefully “roast the marshmallow” over a low flame. Do not burn. Return kabob to baking sheet. Repeat until all are toasted. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds on High. Stir and repeat until chocolate is completely melted. Transfer melted chocolate to a squeeze bottle or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Drizzle chocolate over the kabobs. Refrigerate until chocolate ready to serve. 

Dining Outside the Home: Baked by Melissa in Manhattan, New York City, New York

Dining Outside the Home: Baked by Melissa in Manhattan, New York City, New York! When it’s late at night and your sweet tooth just won’t give up, the answer is bite-sized cupcakes. Oh, yeah. This Manhattan bakery came recommended to us by an energetic waiter in a local pub as well as the helpful valet around the corner who pointed us in the right direction. Think about it. Mini cupcakes, the size of a quarter, with at least 18 distinct flavors like Red Velvet, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Chip Pancake, and Caramel Cone. At less than 50 calories each, it’s practically heaven-sent. The average customer eats 4-5 cupcakes at one time. Nice. Needless to say, we walked away with a gift box holding the coveted creations. OMG! YUM!

Notice the Beauty of NYC’s Central Park

Manhattan’s famous Central Park is New York City’s public haven for recreation, entertainment, community, or solitude. Look in one direction to be greeted by towering monuments. Turn and see. As you stroll in the shadow of the Wisteria Pergola, take a moment to gaze above at the delicate purple tendrils. Inhale the fragrance. Cross over another stone foot bridge, paying close attention to embellished details in ornate finials. The architecture is magnificent. Hear the soothing sound of water spewing forth from angelic fountains. Close your eyes, make a wish, and toss a coin into the crystal clear waters. Natural beauty is visible at every turn. Sights, sounds, and aromas fill the air. What’s that smell? At the edge of the park sits a legendary hot dog vendor offering tasteful sausages in steamed buns with condiment combinations for every palate. Well done, Central Park. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter E

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Foodstuff Redefined: Easy Escargot! If anyone ever asks you to try this classic French dish, be brave and nod your head. You may surprise yourself because, truth be told, how bad can it be when it’s drenched in melted cheese and garlic butter? Now add my version, which includes white wine and a puff pastry crust. Hello. How could it not be incredibly delish?
EASY ESCARGOT 
Ingredients:

4.4 ounce can very large escargots, drained and rinsed

2/3 sheet puff pastry, thawed

4 tablespoons butter 

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 tablespoon minced parsley 

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon Herbes de Provence 

2 tablespoons semi-dry white wine

1 egg 

4 ounces Havarti cheese with Dill, sliced

4 ounces parmesan cheese, shaved
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Open the can of escargot. Drain well and place the snails in a bowl of cold water. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes. This will cleanse them for a richer taste. Using a shot glass for size, cut a small disc in the puff pastry. Lay the disc on a lightly floured surface. Continue cutting another disc until all the puff pastry is used. You should end up with 16-18 circles of dough. Set aside. Drain escargot using a mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the snails, garlic powder, minced parsley, sea salt, Herbes de Provence, and white wine. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer escargot mixture to an oven-proof dish that has been sprayed with non-stick oil. Cover the snails with Havarti cheese. Next, layer shaved parmesan cheese evenly over all. Arrange the puff pastry discs on top. Separate the egg. Discard yolk. Using the egg white only, take a pastry brush and “paint” the surface of each disc. This will turn the crust a beautiful golden brown in the oven. Bake 10 minutes until crust is done and cheese is bubbly. Bon Appétit!

Dining Outside the Home: The View Restaurant and Lounge at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: The View Restaurant and Lounge at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York! This is where to go for a perfect vantage point of the Manhattan skyline at sunset. The View is a revolving rooftop restaurant inside the Marriott Marquis, and the only one of its kind. You really don’t want to pass up a rich culinary experience against an unforgettable backdrop. Take your time to locate points of interest as well as landmark skyscrapers. The revolving floor makes a 360° turn every hour. The Three-Course Prix-Fixe menu offers an unsurpassed Beginning, incredible Main attractions, and a stunning Finish to the meal. Don’t forget to order a signature Manhattan Cocktail. After all, it’s a toast to Manhattan!

Dining Outside the Home: Virgil’s Real Barbecue in Times Square, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Virgil’s Real Barbecue in Times Square, New York City, New York! Stacked next to the door is a crib of split logs, ranging from hickory to oak, and fruit trees. But that’s what you do when you own a restaurant that smokes meat at a low temperature for up to 10 hours. Virgil’s Real Barbecue means business. The House Classics include pulled pork, Carolina pulled chicken, Texas beef brisket, Memphis smoked spare ribs, and smoked BBQ chicken. I think you get the idea. Perhaps that’s why no one is embarrassed to order the Pig Out Platter. You’re among friends. 

Dining Outside the Home: Mama’s Pizza in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Mama’s Pizza in Manhattan, New York City, New York! When it’s late at night, in the city that never sleeps, stumbling across a no frills food court filled with oven-fresh New York-style pizza-by-the-slice is shear heaven. No reservation needed in this counter-served eatery, known as Mama’s Pizza. The challenge came in choosing which toppings to indulge, on a crust that was crisp along the edge and soft enough in the middle to fold in half to eat. That’s the way it’s done in New York City. In the end, I went with a four-cheese and fresh basil White Pizza. The hubs stuck to the classic standby, Pepperoni. And then we satisfied our sweet tooth with a chocolate chip cannoli for dessert. Yum!

Dining Outside the Home: Playwright Celtic Pub in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Playwright Celtic Pub in Manhattan, New York City, New York! On a beautiful night, head up four flights of stairs to the rooftop in the heart of NYC’s Theatre District for a classic Irish pub experience. This is Playwright Celtic Pub in Hell’s Kitchen, where patrons rave about the best Fish ‘n Chips in the city and the brews to match. The beverages are ice cold, the music is loud and lively, and the skyline is unbelievably Manhattan. Absorb the ambiance. Appreciate the tradition. Wet your whistle. Grab dinner under the stars. It’s all about the journey. 

Dining Outside the Home: Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan’s Theatre District, New York City, New York! Step inside the doors and be surrounded by hundreds of celebrity caricatures adorning the walls from top to bottom dating back to the 1940s. Be amazed as you sit in the company of greatness. Some you will recognize, others you’ll find simply intriguing. And because Sardi’s is a great place for pre-and post-theatre activity, you never know who you’ll find dining at the table next to you. Don’t forget to eat. For openers, try the Sardi’s Special Appetizer plate: Bruschetta; Prosciutto and Melon; Asparagus rolled in Smoked Salmon; Roasted Bell Peppers; Mozzarella and Capers; Truffled Chicken Liver Pâté; and Grilled Shrimp with Green Olive Tapenade. I know, right! Is it any wonder celebs are drawn to this legendary Times Square restaurant?