Sunday, February 27, 2011

27 February 2011 – Oscar Night





Hello Gorgeous!

The 83rd Academy Awards are on tonight! I love the Oscars, and I only wish the Monday following the awards was a national holiday. I have been chatting with my Facebook friends, Tracy Steele and Betty Crowell have been chatting about our Oscar night dinners for the past few days. Tracy wanted suggestions on what to cook for Oscar night, and I forwarded her Wolfgang Puck's menu for the Governor's Ball. Wolfgang has prepared dinner for the Oscars for the past several years. This year, his entrĂ© is Dover Sole in honor of The King's Speech. Tracy also found a recipe for Black Swan cupcakes, and Betty read a blog from someone who is cooking True Grits tonight. Oh what fun! I spent a few days trying to think of something to cook for Sunday Supper that is fitting with tonight's theme, and it finally hit me – Veal Oscar! I've never made it before, but it was relatively easy to prepare. I served it with hand whipped Hollandaise sauce. Instead of including the standard crab meat topping, I decided to prepare a side of Lobster Safron Risotto instead. It was a good call! For dessert, I baked an Oscar-worthy Orange Fallen Chocolate Cake. After stuffing ourselves, Cory, Jeff and I are watching the Oscars and issuing fashion citations.

Speaking of dramatic events, last night was the Cherokee Arts Center's Mardi Gras Ball. I am president this year, and it was our first big fundraiser of the year. We donned our tuxedos and had a great time! We also raised over $7,500 for the Arts Center. Our Mardi Gras Ball Chair, TJ Cochran, did a great job and was crowned Mardi Gras King for his service. One of the founders of the ball, Wanda Roach, was named Queen. Congratulations to both, and thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors for a great evening.

Now, back to the Oscars. I hope your favorite movie wins tonight!

The Oscar Menu:

- Veal Oscar with Asparagus and Hand Whipped Hollandaise

- Lobster Safron Risotto

- Chocolate Orange Fallen Cake

Sunday, February 13, 2011

13 February 2011 – Grammy Valentine




It is Valentine's Eve, and the Grammy Awards are on tonight! Plus, it was a beautiful, warm weekend, so Winter's hold is breaking. I'm excited to see Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand perform on the Grammys tonight! I like Lady Gaga, but the whole "egg" thing just seems a little much. Plus, her new song sounds like a blatant rip off of Madonna. Oh well, on to tonight's Sunday Supper...

At Jeff's request, I prepared the most classic of comfort foods, baked macaroni and cheese! I've tried many recipes, but by far, the best one out there is Martha Stewart's "Perfect Macaroni and Cheese." Even the New York Times agrees with my assessment! Anyway, it came out pretty damn perfect tonight. To accompany and to get something green in the meal, I made a wilted spinach salad with bacon balsamic vinaigrette. For dessert, I made Jeff, an admitted chocoholic, a molten chocolate lava cake. It was was pretty divine!

So here's to all you funny Valentines out there. I wish you love, molten chocolate and a little Babs and Dylan to make it all worthwhile. Make someone happy...

The Menu:

- Perfect Baked Macaroni and Cheese

- Wilted Organic Spinach with Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette

- Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Sunday, February 6, 2011

06 February 2011 – Super Bowl Sunday





While I am really not into sports that much, the Super Bowl provides a great opportunity to indulge in bar food! In addition, the commercials are always a highlight for me. So for tonight's Sunday Supper, I prepared some classic game grub. I began with a sharp cheddar pimento cheese (foot)ball. I adapted a cheese spread recipe from my dear friend and neighbor, Pat Gold. She made some for Christmas, and it was addictive! Next, I prepared some buffalo chicken wings from scratch. For the main course, I made a huge pot of chunky beef and pork chili served with homemade corn chips. For dessert, I kept it simple with one of my all time favorites – rice krispie treats. I have been craving them for a week, and they seem to fit right in with the Super Bowl grub.

Jeff's parents joined us for dinner and the game, and we had a great time.
Hope your Super Bowl Sunday was a kick as well!

The Menu:

- Green Bay Cheddar Cheese (Foot)Ball

- Naked Buffalo Chicken Drumettes with Celery and Ranch Dipping Sauce

- Hearty Pittsburgh Beef and Pork Chili with Homemade Corn Chips

- Rice Krispie Treats