Monday, June 21, 2010

Rosemary Jalapeño Lemonade



  
Cooking is not the only way for you to be creative in the kitchen when it’s time to entertaining at home. Ever go to a restaurant and see some interesting liquor flavors? Ever taste a drink and think that would be great to share at a dinner party or cookout? Being a foodie and lover of exotic flavored cocktails, I’m going to show you how to give your ordinary drink a kick and give you one of my favorite mixtures to try.

Infusing liquors has been around for many years so I can’t proclaim to be the originator, but I can say I have come up with some amazing recipes. I love anything spicy and I love working with herbs. So naturally jalapeno and rosemary would be my first combo to try. You can pretty much infuse any of your favorite fruits and spices into vodka.



*If infusing fruit, use 1-3 depending on their size. Aim for about two large apples’ worth; one is usually enough for larger fruits (i.e. grapefruit), but you’ll need 3-4 for smaller fruits (apricots, plums, etc.)


*If infusing fresh herbs, use 1-2 fists filled with the herb, depending on its potency. Use about half as much of dried herbs or spices.

*If infusing berries, use 2-4 fists filled with the berries.

*If infusing peppers, use as many as you want. The more you use and the longer you infuse, the spicier the end product will be.

This process takes anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, and make you look like a genius at serving time. While you are thinking of your combo try this one, if you like a little spice in life then this will surely fancy your taste buds.


*If infusing fresh herbs, use 1-2 fists filled with the herb, depending on its potency. Use about half as much of dried herbs or spices.


*If infusing berries, use 2-4 fists filled with the berries.

*If infusing peppers, use as many as you want. The more you use and the longer you infuse, the spicier the end product will be.

This process takes anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, and make you look like a genius at serving time. While you are thinking of your combo try this one, if you like a little spice in life then this will surely fancy your taste buds.


*If infusing berries, use 2-4 fists filled with the berries.


*If infusing peppers, use as many as you want. The more you use and the longer you infuse, the spicier the end product will be.


This process takes anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, and make you look like a genius at serving time. While you are thinking of your combo try this one, if you like a little spice in life then this will surely fancy your taste buds.

*If infusing peppers, use as many as you want. The more you use and the longer you infuse, the spicier the end product will be.

This process takes anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, and make you look like a genius at serving time. While you are thinking of your combo try this one, if you like a little spice in life then this will surely fancy your taste buds.

This process takes anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, and make you look like a genius at serving time. While you are thinking of your combo try this one, if you like a little spice in life then this will surely fancy your taste buds.

* 14 ounces vodka * 10 ounces fresh lemon juice * 4 ounces Simple Syrup or ½ cup of sugar * ½ tablespoon Tabasco * 5 jalapeño peppers * 6 springs of rosemary * Sliced lemons (Garnish) * Ice
· Crush rosemary and jalapeño peppers gently. Slice peppers and place ingredients together in a clean, airtight container (glass works best). Allow 3-5 days to infuse.
· Strain and transfer vodka to a pitcher. And add lemon juice, Simple Syrup and Tabasco
· Refrigerate 1 hour. Add lemon wheels for garnish.
· Pour over ice.
· Add ice and lemon for garnish
If you like more sweet or sour, feel free to add more lemon juice or simple syrup…



Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sweet Turkey Chili


I know it has been awhile since my last blog, but as I explained before; though I’m a chef I’m a writer just the same. My creativity needs to be motivated- that includes my paintings, and my dishes.

Most would consider me a hopeless romantic. I find when I’m in love or like I create some of the most interesting visual scenes with the stroke of my brush on a bare canvas or a touch of a rare simplistic spice to a dish. Art and food alike does something to my mind, my body and my soul. It’s a non physical orgasm that explodes in me. 


Today though as I sit home alone relaxing with self, I’m neither in love or like with one in particular. I am however in love with what this year has in store for me. So alone with my thoughts I was motivated, motivated by self-further sending me on a creative binge. 


So tonight for my mental overdose I have my 36x36 canvas and oil medium, a bottle of South African Bordeaux 98’ and a bowl of tasty Turkey Chili.

Yeah I think I pretty much got this year covered…

Happy New Year, May all your dreams come true this year… I know I making sure mine do….


Ingredients

1 ½ pound ground turkey

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes

1 (15 1/2-ounce) can kidney beans w sauce

Sliced scallions, cilantro, sour cream grated Cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, chopped/ 1 tablespoon minced in bottles

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 med jalapeno Pepper, sliced

1 teaspoon sugar

salt for taste


Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, chili powder, and oregano; cook, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and the Jalapeno Pepper; cook 1 minute more. Add the turkey, breaking it up, and cook until the meat is light brown, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes sugar and beans; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 10 minutes.
Serve and garnish with sliced scallions, cilantro, sour cream grated cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips