Thursday, February 28, 2013

Firecakes



Right behind Doughnut Vault and Glazed and Infused comes another doughnut restaurant Firecakes, at 68 W. Hubbard, who also stops serving when it runs out of doughnuts. Does that really ever happen?

I went early because I saw too many flavors I wanted to try. 

To my relief, the restaurant was actually big enough to stand inside and wait. I loved that after freezing last weekend while waiting for Doughnut Vault to open up. A half an hour after opening, the lines were as brutal as the weather.

No long lines here as Chef Fox’s heirloom recipe comes from his wife’s great-grandfather who was a baker for Wisconsin logging camps, where they made doughnuts over open fires. 

Wait until this place is discovered. It is definitely be on my AM radar again as it holds its own in a crowded mix of doughnut joints.

I tried four flavors – 

Butterscotch Praline

Maple Glazed Pineapple and Bacon

Coconut Cream and the Lemon Verbena Meringue above. 

My favorite? 

Can I try them again?

Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Happy Birthday To Me?


Oops! It’s not my birthday but since this is a big year for both the noteworthy celebration and big change, I decided to celebrate every three months until I hit the day. 

Next celebration: May 20th

What’s not to love? A birthday cake shake and my favorite burger. 

Both are basic and all about the garnishes.

Bon Appetit!

Birthday Cake Shake
2 -3 large scoop vanilla ice cream
1 Cup milk
1 Tsp. Maple Syrup
½ yellow cupcake

Garnish:
Whipped Cream
Yellow Cake
Sprinkles
Big Pink Straw

Birthday Burger
Each burger is a 7 oz Angus Patty on Turano Brioche (or Pretzel Roll upon request)
7 ounces Angus Beef
Turano Brioche Bun

Grill on the BBQ.

Place on the bun and garnish with Truffle Mayo, Bacon, Lettuce, Grilled caramelized onions, aged cheddar, and pickles

Lenten Check In


Given up something for Lent?

Ash Wednesday was February 13th and I’ve already fallen off the wagon…well sort of.

Sunday is a cheat day…right?

In my book it is but half the Catholic population will dispute that.

On this particular Sunday I made ganache and at mass this morning I got a private dispensation from my parish priest who happens to love desserts more than I do.

Let’s see what the cheat is next Sunday when I go over to the parish house looking for yet another absolution.

Bon Appetit

Ganache

9 ounces bitter sweet chocolate
1 Cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon dark rum

Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil.

When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. 

Stir in the rum.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Martini Monday


Shaking off the case of the Mondays one small sip at a time. 

Ice - lots of it
Vodka – A little Tito’s perhaps
Shake, Shake, Shake
Pour into a chilled, stemmed martini glasses
Skip the Vermouth
Onions..too many never enough.
Sip

Now, didn’t your Monday just get a lot better?

Bon Appetit!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Happy National Margarita Day


Salud y Buen Apetito!