| Cupcaking: What, where, and how much
Cupcakes aren't just for elementary-schoolers anymore. Bakeries specializing in gourmet cupcakes are springing up in cities all over the country. Though the trend probably started with New York City's Magnolia Bakery (of Sex and the City fame), cupcake mania has officially landed in Pittsburgh. Our cupcake guide can point you to the most delicious cupcakes in the city. Dozen Cupcakes, Pittsburgh, Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill Kelly: When I first stumbled upon Dozen, I could not have been more overjoyed. Despite the cupcakery's tiny storefront, its bright blue interior caught my eye, and I'd go so far as to say that it has changed my life. Inside, I discovered what may be the single greatest cupcake innovation of all time: the Elvis. With banana cake, chocolate hazelnut buttercream filling, and peanut butter icing to top it off, the Elvis is like the dessert combo I've always been searching for.
Coffee Helps Fight the War in Afghanistan
"We are not trying to open up a forum to discuss our beliefs on the War; as we have stated more than once;" stated Joe Wells; co-founder and coffee roaster at Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company located in old town Key West, Florida. "We just feel we should do something; as everyone should; no matter how small or large; to let the men and women keeping America a safe place to sleep at night; know we are thinking of them. We get up in the morning; have cup of coffee; take the kids to school and are able to enjoy many other things in our everyday life. Why? Because we have men and women overseas making sure we can enjoy these everyday simple pleasures in life. So we decided to do more than just talk about it. As a matter of fact; we would not even be making our helping hand public; but we felt by going public we could offer others the opportunity to offer a helping hand." Let start by reviewing the one of the first emails Island Joes Coffee received from Trooper.
Country Parish Offers Up Down-Home Goodness
THOMSON—If you're in town Wednesday evenings during Lent you're invited to the soup suppers at Queen of Angels Church, but don't forget to bring your soup bowl. Clam chowder, chicken noodle, gumbo—and meatless soups on Ash Wednesday—are the fare at the gatherings of the small community in the country. Parishioner Bob Kiel came to Queen of Angels in 1977 when the parish was still a mission. He escaped the Midwest, where he grew up, and enjoys living “out in the boondocks." He's learned to say “y'all," but admits that he hasn't taken yet to grits. “Our parish is a very small, close-knit family. I know about everyone in the church," he said. “Once in awhile there's a new face, and we go and speak to them." That is happening more frequently, Kiel says, recalling that in earlier days Catholics were scarce and somewhat considered “strange." “Today Catholics are a big part of the community." The Oblate Fathers were serving in the area when Kiel arrived, he said and added, “We've only had five priests in 25 years.
Any way you spread it, Soignon is great cheese
SPREAD THE WORD: If you, like me, consider cheese a major food group, then it's likely that you enjoy the adventure of tasting every cheese known to man. I like cheese made of any kind of milk, any consistency, any age. My newest favorite cheese comes in a little tub. It's a soft, delicately flavored goat cheese called Soignon. I tried the cheese on toast. I tried it on a sandwich in place of mayonnaise. I tried it dolloped on salad. My conclusion: This cheese is what I want. Soignon Fromage de Chevre comes from Nantes, a town southwest of Paris. But you don't need to travel there to get it. Red-and-white cartons of the cheese have just become available here in the United States. They can be found at Whole Foods, Safeway and Albertson's. The 6-ounce tubs are $4. Back away from the knife: Asking me to put down my knife, drop my garlic press and use a prepackaged sauce to flavor my dinner is tough, mainly because I am a control freak in the kitchen.
Come On, Have a Taste!
There is only one day left to send your palate off to paradise, and Saturday is the ticket as the Taste of Vail continues with cooking, wine seminars and the Grand Tasting and Dance. The Taste hit turbo drive on Friday with the Mountaintop picnic, in which dozens of the valley’s most exquisite restaurants offered exotic and delicious dishes and wineries handed out samples of their most coveted reserves. The desserts topped the treat totem for us. Vail Gourmet Cookie CO. had plenty of people loitering around its baskets of mint chocolate shortbreads and caramel-injected brownies while Chap’s dished out mini limoncello custard cakes with blueberry compote. You’re drooling, aren’t you?The savory offerings ranged from fish tacos to Colby meatballs to brie soup with truffles.If any of this sounds appealing, here’s what’s left to taste on Saturday, April 14.9:30 to 11 a.m.: The Food Network’s Michael Chiarello demonstrates the art of Southern Italian Cuisine at the Lionshead Marriott12 to 1:30 p.m.: Spanish Wine Seminar discussion and tasting of Spain’s comeback into the world of indulgent grape beverages at the Lionshead Marriott.2:30 to 4 p.m.: Grape nuts will have a ball with this rare chance to taste eight vintages from Domaine Louis Latour at the Vertical Tasting; Lionshead Marriott.7 p.m.
Memphis has great places to improve cooking skills
Last week, I got an e-mail from a reader asking about good places to go for cooking classes. "I am not trying to be a professional chef or anything, just looking for a class to give me ideas and knowledge about cooking for my family," she said. Memphis is lucky to have some great places around town where the home cook can brush up on the basics as well as learn some new techniques and recipes. .
Famous bakery rises from the ashes
Five months after a two-alarm fire tore through the famous Montilio's Bakery in West Quincy, destroying everything from the ovens to the counter tops, the city landmark has risen from the ashes. The sweet smell of cupcakes, cookies, and Italian pastries wafts down Adams Street once again. "It's feels good, it looks good, and our customers are happy," said owner George Montilio, 55, who scanned his store, well known for it's gourmet wedding cakes which have been featured nationally in magazines and on television. The family owned shop, established in 1947, also made cakes for the inaugurations of presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush at the bakery's first location in Quincy Center. In October, a fire ripped through its walls and ceilings shutting the store down. Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze.
FreshDirect And Rosa Mexicano Launch Exclusive Line of Chef ...
NEW YORK, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- FreshDirect, one of the nation's leading online gourmet food purveyors and delivery services, continues to evolve its selection of prepared foods by launching all-new "Fresh Dining" meals and ready-to-grill items created in partnership with renowned New York City restaurant, Rosa Mexicano. Award-winning chef Roberto Santibanez, Culinary Director of Rosa Mexicano, recently collaborated with FreshDirect's chefs to create a selection of savory, restaurant-worthy dishes perfect for any fiesta. "FreshDirect is delighted to be working with Rosa Mexicano and its talented culinary director, chef Roberto Santibanez," said Steve Michaelson president and CEO of FreshDirect. "The meals in this new line are not only delicious and flavorful, but bring customers an easy way to enjoy authentic home-style Mexican cuisine in the comfort of their own homes." Packaging for the new "Fresh Dining by Rosa Mexicano" features a special valve designed to steam the meal, allowing a variety of raw ingredients to be cooked together.
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