Convivial.org

Stripper Affogato di Gelato

An affogato di gelato, or "gelato drowned by espresso", is a simple, entertaining finish to a meal.  Ah, but an affogato presented in a stripper shot glass procured from the Las Vegas airport, is something to behold.  And, served with a biscotti “stripper pole” -- well, that just spins it right over the top.

Braised Rosemary Chicken with Green Olives, Raisins & Capers

Braising is insanely easy and tastes even better the second day, which makes it an ideal dinner party dish.  A good braise depends on a flavorful braising liquid and a long, low simmer in the oven or on the stove top.  

Braising variations are almost endless -- experiment with different aromatic vegetables, herbs and spices, red or white wines, spirits, stock, and meat.  Side dishes are also numerous -- polenta, risotto, noodles, potatoes or other root vegetables, sauteed greens.

Braised Rosemary Chicken with Green Olives, Raisins & Capers

serves 4

Convivial Dinner Party: Winter Supper for Close-knit Friends

Warm up an otherwise cold January evening by gathering a few close friends for supper.  Stoke up the fireplace, turn on Paolo Conte, light a zillion candles, and feast on Italian comfort food.  

A casual, mostly do-ahead menu lets you be with your guests, instead of the stove:

Bagna Cauda Piedmontese

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Steamed Clams with White Wine & Fresh Herbs

Grilled Bread

Potato Latkes

I was enamored with Jewish traditions in my early twenties.  Admittedly, the fascination was mostly food oriented, luring me into every Jewish cookbook I could find.  But, since mine was a Gramma, not a Bubbe, there were no secret latke recipes passed down the family tree.  Luckily, the blogosphere brings a wealth of useful information, and with it, the perfect latke recipe.

Winter Blues? Food therapy.

Alabama’s Fat Tax - Constitutional?

More opinions & facts on Alabama's Fat Tax - The Stranger's Erica Barnett

Hangover Eggs

 

Happy New Year!