tower

Leftover Turkey Tower

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? A Symphony of Flavors: Leftover Turkey Tower! Upscale your Thanksgiving meal leftovers with this stylish presentation that makes everyone go “Ahhhh”. It’s easily doable by using a ring mold. Who knew? Restaurants have kept this tip to themselves for the longest time. But no more. You can make it at home to impress out-of-town guests as well as privileged family members and friends. I find it’s best to have a set of four ring molds the same size on hand. 

LEFTOVER TURKEY TOWER

Ingredients:

1/2 cup leftover stuffing, precooked

1/3 cup roasted turkey, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

2 tablespoons mayonnaise 

1/8 teaspoon celery seed

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper 

1 tablespoon cranberry sauce

Sprig of fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

Warm the leftover stuffing in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Place the ring mold on a salad plate. Gently pack the warmed stuffing into the bottom of the mold, keeping the layer as level as possible. Set aside. In a bowl, combine the roasted turkey, chopped celery, mayonnaise, celery seed, sea salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly. There should be enough mayonnaise to keep the turkey salad together. Spoon the turkey mixture into the ring mold, pressing lightly to form a layer on top of the dressing. Gently lift the ring mold, without force, pulling straight up to reveal the tower of food. Place a dollop of cranberry sauce on top. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately. 

Tuna Sushi Tower

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Uplifting Aromas: Tuna Sushi Tower! Poke is very quickly becoming a popular food to eat at home or when dining out. I became quite a fan while wintering on the island of Kauai. Eating fresh fish and seafood became as natural as a daily walk along the beach. The secret to good poke is buying sashimi-grade tuna, since it is eaten raw. Poke translates to “chunk” in the Hawaiian language. Basically, raw fish is cut into chunks and marinated. Choosing fresh tuna over frozen is the most favorable option, so always have a chat with your seafood specialist to learn how they supply it. If frozen, be sure each portion is individually vacuum packed. Always allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. After that, the difficulty is in deciding which way to prepare it.

TUNA SUSHI TOWER

Ingredients:

8-ounce ahi tuna steak, sushi grade, cut into chunks

2 tablespoons fresh chili paste

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup ponzu sauce

1 avocado, cut into chunks

1 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice

Sliced Scallions, for garnish

Pickled Ginger, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine the ahi tuna chunks, fresh chili paste, sesame oil, and ponzu sauce. Lightly toss and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. To assemble the “tower”, use a 3-inch round ring mold. Place it in the center of a plate. Begin with 6 tablespoons of sushi rice. Lightly press down using the back of a spoon to make the layer compact. For the next layer, use 6 tablespoons of avocado chunks, pressing lightly and smoothing as you go. Finally spoon the marinated ahi tuna chunks on top. Transfer the mold to the refrigerator to chill. Make another tower, with the remaining ingredients, repeating the same steps. To serve, slowly remove the mold ring. Garnish with pickled ginger and sliced scallions. Offer wasabi paste, if desired.

Dining Outside the Home: Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada

Dining Outside the Home: Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada! There’s nowhere more romantic than a table for two on the eleventh floor of the Eiffel Tower, in my opinion. As the sun dips below the horizon, a light show of the marvelous Bellagio fountains sway to the beat of Paris music. It’s nothing short of magical. At the beginning of the night, be sure to order dessert: a light, decadent soufflé that bakes while you dine. Grand Marnier is my favorite. You can thank me later. Whether it’s a special occasion, honored celebration, or date night, any meal in the plush dining room becomes extraordinary. Pamper yourself. Gaze at the glittering lights of the Las Vegas skyline. Sip on French champagne. Hold hands. Nibble on chocolate. At the end of the night you will have experienced “The Eiffel Affair”, without the airfare to France.

Step Onto the Glass Floor of Calgary Tower in Calgary, Canada

Have you ever stood among the clouds? The Calgary Tower offers a spectacular view 626 feet above the heart of downtown. If you walk around the enclosed observation deck, it is possible to see 360°. In one direction, the Canadian Rockies appear on the horizon. In another, the foothills are in the distance and prairies look like patchwork quilts. And then there are the rooftops and street traffic below that can make a child squeal with laughter and a woman feel as lightheaded as being kissed. Not into heights? No worries. The view with two feet on solid ground offers a night glow that is ever-changing from purple, pink, red, green, or blue. On special nights golden moonlight adds a mystical magical allure to the view.