Grill for Good

BBQ season is already here and we're grilling for good! We've added new barbeque items to our Amazon store. All proceeds benefit WFP operations in Africa. Thanks for supporting the cause!

by: Manisha

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San Francisco Treats

We attended San Francisco's Bay to Breakers 2009 (ridiculously fun, by the way), and being in San Francisco we absolutely had to make time for a few new food stops. First on the list was Patisserie Phillipe for French macaroons, apple strips, and other heavenly delights. We loved the passionfruit and pistachio macaroons the best - the fillings inside were sweet, tart, and creamy. These chewy, moist, and freshly-baked macaroons with a hot latte were a perfect pick-me-up before our jouney into Little Italy. We shopped in the city and walked around to boost our appetite before we made our way into The Stinking Rose. The smell of garlic wafted in the air before we even stepped foot into this unique restaurant (hence the name). The colorful and whimsical dining rooms feature festive murals and garlic bulb ornaments. We shared a pot of clams, and feasted on gooey garlicky vegetarian ravioli and lasagna. Just remember to pack a few breath mints.

by: Manisha

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These Dumplings Melt In Your Mouth

3 Words. Din Tai Fung. Some of the best dumplings we've ever had the pleasure of devouring. This famous award-winning dumpling house usually has a line of customers outside - patiently and willingly - waiting for a table. We arrived around 4pm and beat the rush. But by 6:30, the line started wrapping around the corner and there was a full house.

When you enter this bright, clean, and contemporary restaurant, you'll see them prepare dumplings from scratch as the aroma of freshly steamed dumplings arouse your appetite. You're safe ordering pretty much anything off the menu. They're known for their juicy pork dumplings. Also notable are their bean dumplings, veggie dumplings, chicken dumplings and soups. We polished off a plate of chicken and juicy pork dumplings rather happily.

Flavorful, fresh, and so very yum.

by: Manisha
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Meeting Giada De Laurentiis!

This weekend, we visited the Williams-Sonoma store in Pasadena and attended celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis' book signing. She is just as gorgeous in person as she is on T.V. For those of you who don't know Food Network's Queen of Italian food, Giada is internationally recognized for her simple, delicious, and healthy recipes. She was signing copies of her latest book, Giada's Kitchen which you can purchase here. All our store proceeds are donated to fight child hunger.

by: Manisha

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Red Velvet Cupcakes

We found this easy recipe for red velvet cupcakes we wanted to share with all you amateur bakers out there. We changed the recipe a little by adding more cocoa power and more food coloring.

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup butter, at room temperature
2¼ cups granulated sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp of red food coloring
1½ cups buttermilk
1½ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp vinegar
Buttercream frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until combined. One at a time, add eggs; beat on medium speed after each. Bet in food coloring on low.

4. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to egg mixture; beat on low-medium after each just until combined. Stir together baking soda and vinegar. Add to batter; beat just until combined.

5. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full. Bake 15 to 17 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Gently remove cupcakes from pans; cool.

6. Frost with buttercream frosting.

Yield: About 28 cupcakes

Adapted from: recipegirl.com

by: Peggy

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Cookbook

Our friend recommended this cookbook and mentioned the recipes were great. Based on the title alone, we think it sounds promising.

by: Manisha

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Blue Ginger

I was in Boston this past weekend and had an amazing meal at Blue Ginger in Wellesley by Ming Tsai. I normally shy away from Asian fusion since I have always walked away feeling disappointed and totally ripped off, but this place was AMAZING!!! It was a beautiful afternoon and we were sitting out on the patio, sipping cocktails and enjoying the weather. Then the food came, and what mouth-watering food it was. The braised short rib fell off the bone as soon as the fork touched it, garnished with mashed potato, raw veggie strings, and finished with an aromatic sauce. Next up was the banana leaf wrapped curry salmon, with intense flavors trapped inside the tender flesh. We were so impressed by Ming, we ordered the pork, duck, and cheeseburger Ming Bings, which are small pan fried pockets with meat wrapped inside. Now I've had my share of bings in my life, but I've never been so pleasantly surprised by the infusion of unexpected flavors! Next time you're in Boston, make sure you stop by Blue Ginger. I promise you won't be disappointed!

If you want to try Ming's Bings at home, check this out....

by: Peggy

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