Tag Archives: impressive

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Potato Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

In the amount of time that it took me to boil a pot of water and futz around with a marinara sauce, I had a dough that was pliant, smooth and gorgeous. A little effortless rolling and cutting resulted in photo-ready dumplings. And a quick trip into a jacuzzi of water yielded gnocchi that tasted of heaven. Where were the Franks grandmas so that I could kiss them on both cheeks and throw my hands up in the air? Continue reading

caramelapplepunch3

Caramel Apple Punch

Despite the strong alcohol trifecta in play with this one, it tastes just like a smooth, delicious caramel apple. Plus, the Goldschlager, usually the troublemaker at the party, plays nice here with the perfect flavor of cinnamon. Continue reading

Fresh Tomato Salsa © Photo by Angela Gunder

Fresh Tomato Salsa

This one comes from my grandmother, Vo, who was given this recipe by a friend, who in turn received it from her grandmother – the same recipe that she used back in Mexico. Something as seemingly pedestrian as salsa becomes a celebration of the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the piquant flavor of jalapeno. Continue reading

Truffled Eggs on Brioche with Morels, Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Chip © Photo by Angela Gunder

Morel Mushroom Bacon, Egg and Cheese

Got a little time after a hard week and want to treat yourself to something lovely? Snag the ingredients for truly THE best bacon, egg and cheese of all time. I’m talkin’ eternity. Continue reading

shrimprisotto

Shrimp Risotto

There are a million variations on this recipe, and the good news is that you can use the same ingredients below and just swap out the shrimp for whatever your heart desires – blanched asparagus spears, porcini mushrooms, lobster, roasted butternut squash, you name it. Continue reading

Boursin (for Fakers) © Photo by Angela Gunder

Boursin (for Fakers)

A combination of dried herbs, cream cheese and butter, this mock boursin is close enough to the original stuff that I can’t see a reason to spend the money on the real stuff. The whole mess is whipped up in the food processor in mere seconds, and I then get to watch as it’s systematically devoured at parties. The best kind of recipe of all :) Continue reading

Coconut Tres Leches © Photo by Angela Gunder

Coconut Tres Leches

I decided to simplify the process with cake mix – god forbid I give you a cake recipe that involves skill because heaven knows I’m no baker – and one up the sweetness with a bit of salty coconut. Replace the water used in the box of cake mix with coconut water, and then swap out the traditional cream in the leche bath for cream of coconut, and voila, a showstopping dessert with little to no fuss. Continue reading

Cha Gio (Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls) © Photo by Angela Gunder.

Cha Gio (Vietnamese Crispy Spring Rolls)

In making cha gio at home, you’re doing yourself such a lovely service. The process isn’t complicated or fussy, but the resulting taste is complex and rich – one of those food moments that lends itself to memories. If you have vegetarian and vegan friends in the mix, try out the recipe for Summer Rolls and make both at the same time. The condiments are all the same, and you’ll only have to go shopping once for two distinct tastes. Continue reading

Kanom Jeeb © Photo by Angela Gunder

Kanom Jeeb (Steamed Thai Dumplings)

Ah, kanom jeeb – you have officially earned platinum status in the dumpling ranks. You are a mere morsel of goodness, a two-bite treasure, and I thank you for gracing me with your presence. I love you for your simplicity in preparation – no rolling of dough or advanced pinching. No overfilling or fussiness. You are so damn cool. Continue reading

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Rosemary Hibiscus Tea

A combo of rosemary leaves and hibiscus petals, this sweet red treat was tart and garnet-colored like cranberry juice, only a little milder and much more floral. It’s so delectable, it’ll make you spit your cosmo out the window and drink these from now on instead. Continue reading

Chicken Potstickers © Angela Gunder.

Spicy Chicken Potstickers

You know I love you guys. And I have no problem with your dietary restrictions – I still want to fill your belly. Which is why, if you are not fine with swine, I am posting this lovely recipe for chicken dumplings. I call for no less than 4 types of pepper in these, so skip the chili oil and Sriracha (thai chili sauce) if you want it less piquant. If you aren’t down with meat of any kind, check out this recipe for Vegan Dumplings. Continue reading

Ginger Limeade © Angela Gunder.

Ginger Limeade

This recipe, my dears (and yeah, I’m talking to you Virginians buried in 30+ inches of unplowed powder) is the culinary equivalent of the wrong song. It’s cold and slushy here in Gotham, and all I can do is pray for summer and sip on a refreshing glass of ginger limeade. I feel a few degrees warmer already… Continue reading

Red Velvet Cake © Photo by Angela Gunder

Red Velvet Cake

If you ever wanted to know the one time that I take a shortcut in the kitchen, this would be it. And I’m not ashamed, because when I came up with this one, I was floored by the results. The ingredients produce the moistest, airiest cake you could imagine – make this once and most other Red Velvets will pale in comparison for your enlightened taste buds. No hype there. It’s just that good. Continue reading