June 8, 2012
Once you understand basic cocktail recipe structure (without going off on too deep a tangent, it boils down to two general categories: sours and aromatics, first outlined in detail in The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David Embury), you can take any classic cocktail and in the words of Mr. Embury, “roll your own.” […]
June 4, 2012
Sorry for my long absence. I’ve been quite busy, as we were preparing to move into a new apartment, so cooking time for me was pretty limited for a while. Now I am finally settled (well, after a day), and I am ready to start cooking. Our kitchen in Chelsea was nice, but it was […]
June 1, 2012
According to Aztec tradition, the eagle warriors were an elite unit of the Aztec army, considered the most brave and fearsome. They mostly comprised of the bravest noble-born men of Aztec society, but commoners who displayed notable courage on the battlefield were occasionally admitted as well. Eagle warriors were recognizable because they adorned their bodies […]
May 28, 2012
This citrus salad is easy and pretty! Peel and slice 1 avocado and 1 orange into rounds. Layer on a plate, alternating. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onion (scallion). For a dressing, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. About one avocado and one orange per person should do. For a group, […]
May 25, 2012
At its core, the art of mixing drinks involves the skillful ability to balance flavors. Sometimes it’s a simple task involving three ingredients that are prima facie playmates, resulting in an instant classic–the Daiquiri or Manhattan cocktails come to mind here. Other times the balancing act is more akin to the high wire variety, with […]
May 21, 2012
I have so many lemons right now I don’t know what to do with them all! So I tried candying them and they are quite nice atop ice cream with a bit of lemon zest. Vanilla Ice Cream + Candied Lemon + Slice 1 lemons into circles. Boil five minutes. Drain. + Simmer 1 cup […]
May 18, 2012
In the universe of consumer products, the spirits category is perhaps the most beset with mysticism, misinformation, and consumer ignorance. And there is no spirit more shrowded in mystery and mysticism than absinthe. Much of the modern misinformation involving spirits is perpetuated by the PR folks pushing their clients’ wares, and often helps boost sales–“ultra-premium” […]
May 11, 2012
The 100 Year Punch is a cocktail that features a couple of unique ingredients that highlight the Korean heritage of its creator, Daniel Eun (who also created the #8 cocktail). Baekseju (also spelled Bek Se Ju) or “100 Year Wine,†is a rice and corn based Korean wine flavored with ginseng and other herbs. Apparently it […]
May 7, 2012
This asparagus tart is SO easy it’s kind of fail-proof. Buy some frozen puff pastry (I like Pillsbury). Place one of the sheets of dough on a cookie sheet. Let it defrost a bit then pinch up the edges to make a little crust-like rim. Spread some cheese all over (I used brie, but cream […]
May 4, 2012
Last week I wrote about the classic 20th Century cocktail, and this week we move into modern times with the 21st Century. The 21st Century is Jim Meehan’s tequila-inspired update on the 20th Century which he created when he was a bartender at Audrey Saunders’ Pegu Club. The timing is serendipitous for tequila drinkers who want […]