fête à fête

The Mika holiday collection for shu uemura is splashy with bright hues and floral themes. Partnering with renowned Japanese photographer and director Mika Ninagawa, it's filled with feminine vitality and a reflection of her signature vivid colors.

Sophisticated yet decidedly Japanese pop, it's Ninagawa's ode to beauty. Definitely kawaii. I adore the Secret Luscious Rose eye shadow palette. It comes with seven pressed eye shadows and a cream liner/shadow. For the more adventurous, try the Adorned Marguerite palette.

Thinking of holiday gifts for your beauty buddies? I'd get the Mini Gloss Trio set in Delicous Rose. Three mini-sized Gloss Unlimited lip glosses (Candy Orange, Candy Pink, and Red) come in a portable cosmetic pouch decorated with Mika Ninagawa's photograph.

As a lash lover, I'm putting these Slant Purple false lashes on my personal wish list.

On a related note, I got the rare opportunity to meet Artistic Director Gina Brooke at a recent master class in SF, and here are a few beauty tips from Madonna's makeup artist:

-There's a big emphasis on skin care, so Gina's all-time favorites for creating a clean facial canvas are their famous Cleansing Oils (she convinced Madonna to use it, and it's also great for shaving and moisturizing cuticles!) and the Depsea Water Facial Mist. She also loves the Depsea Moisture Replenishing Masks for blemishes and dry skin.

-Her favorite holiday lip color is a bright red (Rouge Unlimited in RD 165 and Drawing Lip Pencil in Red 192).

-For an ultra easy day to night look, apply the daytime colors in a stronger build up. Instant night drama!

-Lash application is totally fool-proof with the False Eyelash Applicator. Hold the lash on the outer edge with the applicator. Bring the inner edge of the lash down to your inner lash line with your finger. Using the applicator, bring it across the lash line to the outer edge. Voila! Perfectly applied lashes!

For additional tips by Gina, go to this link.

www.shuuemura-usa.com

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, Cleanser, cosmetics, false eyelashes, gifts, holiday, makeup, Makeup Artists, makeup tips, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am in love with Flo Braker's new Baking for All Occasions: A Treasury of Recipes for Everyday Celebrations. My all-time favorite baking author has compiled over 200 of her favorite recipes to celebrate any and every occasion. It goes beyond birthdays and graduations - you can celebrate your first day on a new job, or the day you moved into a new home.

The first section is a huge primer on baking ingredients and techniques, so beginners need not worry. I'm excited to try the Walnut Breton Cake recipe, as well as the Deluxe Lemon-Lavender Mail-a-Cake. It makes me want to bake everyday!

Try the recipe below...you will be addicted to Flo's warm and spirited baking advice.

Fresh Mint Brownies

This is truly an old favorite with a completely new dimension. Infusing the batter with fragrant fresh mint leaves is a simple technique that complements the chocolate with a depth and intensity of flavor that can’t be achieved with an oil or extract. Frosted mint leaves garnish the top of each brownie to provide a natural finish with a taste that is indisputably the real thing.

Brownies

1 1/3 cups (6 1/4 ounces/175 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks/170 grams) unsalted butter
4 ounces (115 grams) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint
2 cups (14 ounces/400 grams) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten

Candied Mint Leaves

Organic fresh mint leaves, at least 1 leaf per brownie
1 egg white, lightly beaten until foamy
3/4 cup (5 1/4 ounces/150 grams) granulated sugar

Before baking: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Press a sheet of aluminum foil to cover the outside bottom and sides of a 9 x 2-inch square pan. Lift off the foil, invert the pan, and gently press the foil into the pan to fit the contours.

To make the brownies: Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda onto a piece of waxed paper; set aside. In a small, heavy saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over very low heat, stirring with a silicone spatula until smooth. Or, combine in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt in a microwave oven at 50 percent power (medium) for 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the water, and then stir in the mint. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Press the chocolate mixture through a medium-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard the mint. Stir in the sugar and then the eggs just until thoroughly blended. Add the flour mixture, stirring until well blended.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with the spatula. Bake the brownie until the top is no longer shiny and a thin crust appears, 42 to 45 minutes. Don’t overbake; the brownie will firm as it cools. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely in the pan, at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

To make the Candied Mint Leaves: Gently rinse the leaves and pat thoroughly dry with paper toweling. Select a baking sheet that will fit in your refrigerator and line it with aluminum foil; set aside. Have the egg white and sugar ready in separate small bowls. Using a small paint or pastry brush, and working with 1 leaf at a time, lightly coat the leaf with the egg white. Immediately sprinkle the leaf lightly on both sides with the sugar, or dip both sides into the bowl of sugar to coat lightly. As the leaves are coated, place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Let dry in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

To serve, using the edges of the foil as handles, lift the brownie slab onto a cutting board. Using a santoku (page 00[X-ref to knives in Equip]) or other sharp knife, cut the slab into 2-inch squares. Top each brownie with a candied leaf. To store after cutting, return the bars to the pan, cover with aluminum foil, sealing the foil around the edges of the pan, and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Yield: sixteen 2-inch square brownies

Recipe and Image Credit: Baking for All Occasions by Flo Braker, Chronicle Books (2008)

www.chroniclebooks.com

Tagged as: baking, bay area, Books, cake, cookbooks, cooking techniques, dessert, food, food & drink, gourmet, recipe

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NARS has some sparkly goodies for holiday colors. The Silent Night (metallic gold) and Night Life (metallic silver) single eye shadows will make things really festive.

Their beautiful shimmering particles remind me of Night Snow and Night Rider from last year's holiday collection. I can't wait to try these at the next holiday soirée. They totally turn your eyes into starry jewels.

For purple lovers, the bold Jolie Poupee eye shadow duo is a bright violet and a deep pearly purple. Cult fans of the Orgasm blush will love the Super Orgasm. It is a darker pigment with a golden iridescent finish. It's very buildable and has a better color payoff over the original, in my humble opinion.

To let the eyes shine, the lips are more neutral. The Canaille lipstick is a shimmery mahogany, and the super glossy All Night Long lip gloss is a nice sheer berry. To top it all off, the Orgasm nail polish is a feminine peachy pink with a gold shimmer.

www.narscosmetics.com

Tagged as: beauty, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, holiday, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you pick crimson, rosy pink or a neutral blush, red is the name of the game for MAC's "Red" She Said holiday collection.

I like the Mineralize Eye Shadow trio in Outspoken, a combo of frosty plum, silver, and violet:

The Adoring Carmine collection features red drawstring lip bags in three color sets (Red, Rose, and Neutral). Each comes with two full-sized Lipsticks and 1 mini Lipglass. It also has three brush sets (5 basic brushes, 4 face brushes or 5 eye brushes). The brush sets are a great deal for $49.50.

From the Passions of Red set, I've got my eye on Intriguing Scarlet Warm Eyes palette. Made of red snakeskin-embossed metal with a lavish faux jewel, it has shades of Warm Suede, Grand Entrance, Real Drama, Gentle Heat, Well Spiced, and Sweet Joy. It also has an Eye Brush 213 SE.

There are SO many fun goodies from this holiday line, can't wait to try them all!

www.maccosmetics.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeshadow, gifts, holiday, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, makeup brush, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been a huge Eminence fan for a long time, and this holiday season they're doing their first Holiday Gift Bag and contest giveaway! The cute eco bag comes with an organic fruit smoothie body wash, natural body loofah, and a chance to win a spa getaway to the world famous Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ.

Second prize is a relaxing Eminence spa treatment, and third prize is a luxurious gift basket filled with Eminence goodies. These are available through 12/31; contest closes on January 31, 2009.

Call 888-747-6342 for more details or visit: eminenceorganics.com.

Tagged as: beauty, contest, gifts, holiday, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, spa

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Who says you need to spend lots for holiday makeup? Smashbox has a few items that won't totally break the bank. Their Rapture Eye Shadow and Brush set is something to take note.

It has sixteen duo colors AND two eye makeup brushes to boot. A bargain and a half at $59. Mix and match to your heart's content for day-to-night looks.

The Rapture Lip Gloss set looks fun:

www.smashbox.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, eyeshadow, holiday, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, makeup brush, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

These spooky treats from Recchiuti's Halloween Motif Box are fun for kids and adults alike. Their delish signature Burnt Caramel flavor will add an elegant touch for the holiday. It's available through Halloween only, so grab yours soon...before it runs out!

www.recchiuti.com

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, dessert, Holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Fall is definitely creeping up, and reading A Harvest of Pumpkins and Squash has me in the mood for comfort food. Covering summer and winter squash, this lovely book contains 40 cool recipes by Lou Seibert Pappas, and you can make any of the dishes for all seasons and occasions.

Maren Caruso's photographs had me drooling. Try the Delicata Squash Rings, or the Sugar Pumpkin-White Cheddar Cheese Souffle. The Five-Spice Pumpkin-Ginger Cake got me all curious. My baking sensors are all fired up.

Not just for the holidays, pumpkin pies should be made year-round. I can eat it all the time. So here's a fun recipe for y'all to check out:

Pumpkin-Maple Pecan Pie with Cognac Whipped Cream

Flaky Pastry Dough:

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon cold butter, diced
1/4 cup ice water
3 eggs
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 3/4 cups pumpkin purée
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk

Caramelized Pecans:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon
1 tablespoon water
1 cup pecans

Cognac Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons cognac or rum

To make the Flaky Pastry Dough, in a food processor, combine the flour and salt and pulse briefly to mix. Scatter the butter over the top and pulse just until the mixture forms coarse crumbs about the size of peas. Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Remove from bowl and pat into a disk. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a 12-inch round. Fold the dough in half and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Unfold and line the pan bottom and sides. Fold the overhang under itself and pinch to create an edge. Prick the dough a few times and place in the freezer for 5 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake just until lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger and whisk to mix well. Beat in the pumpkin and half-and-half until smooth. Pour into the partially baked pastry shell.

Reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, prepare the Caramelized Pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, ginger, and water and stir to blend. Bring to a boil over medium heat, add the nuts, and boil for 2 minutes, stirring. Turn out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Sprinkle over the baked pie in a wreath pattern or at random.

To make the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar and cognac just until combined.

To serve, cut the warm pie into wedges and top with the whipped cream.
Makes one 9-inch pie; serves 8.

Recipe Credit: A Harvest of Pumpkins and Squash by Lou Seibert Pappas (Chronicle Books)

Tagged as: baking, book, cookbook, cooking, dessert, entertaining, entree, food, food & drink, holiday, recipe

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to win a trip for two to Mexico? We know you do! Play the Meet Me in Mexico contest - head on over to Glam.com and guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win! Then return next week where a new photo will be posted for an additional chance to win.

Each correct answer from both weeks will enter you in a pool, and a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the contest. So what are you waiting for? Good luck!!



-Tami

Tagged as: contest, international, travel, vacation

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to win a trip for two to Mexico? Play the Meet Me in Mexico contest - head on over to Glam.com and guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win! Then return each week where a new photo will be posted for additional chances to win.

Each correct answer from every week will enter you in a pool, and a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the contest. So what are you waiting for? Good luck!!



-Tami

Tagged as: contest, holiday, travel, vacation

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to win a trip for two to Mexico? Of course you do! Play the Meet Me in Mexico contest - head on over to Glam.com and guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win! Then return each week where a new photo will be posted for additional chances to win.

Each correct answer from every week will enter you in a pool, and a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the contest. The contest starts right now, so what are you waiting for? Good luck!!



-Tami

Tagged as: contest, holiday, travel, vacation

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Talk about a breathtaking collection of Spring gifts from Vosges! Just in time to shower Mom with your adoration, here are some last-minute gift ideas to make her smile:

The Green Collection is a gorgeous celebration of life and is inspired by the spices, teas, fruits and flowers indigenous to Asia. The Ellateria truffle is a beautiful Indian green cardamom, while the Kaffir (Thai kaffir lime) is a nice interpretation of this exotic flavor. The Kayoko (Japanese macha green tea) goes very well with the white chocolate. I just loved the aromatic and earthy Buddha's Leaf (Malaysian pandan leaves).

For more of nature's bounty, the pretty Les Fleurs du Chocolat Collection will send you into a blissful dream of organic fruits and flowers. This limited edition collection includes Siam Citron (jasmine tea , lemongrass, coconut), Mirabelle Orange (mirabelle plums, orange flower water), Rose Vert (tarragon + rose water), and Platanos y Orchidus (orchid vanilla + caramelized bananas + Jamaican rum).

Lastly, the pièce de résistance...go splurge on the Red Velvet Party Cake. The sweet chocolate red velvet cake is layered with cream cheese & white chocolate ganache (oh my!) and organic New Mexican pecans. This Southern darlin' will thrill everyone, and it's encased in a flower embellished white chocolate shell. It's almost too darn cute to eat!

Buy at: www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are a few more ideas for all the gorgeous mamas in your life. Whether it's chocolate or perfume, moms everywhere definitely need some TLC!

Lily Lambert has a great new Goddess fragrance collection. Conjuring up ancient powers of femininity, the five scents convey the mystical powers of famed goddesses. From Athena to Damara, let your special mom bring out her inner goddess. I especially like the Coventina (plumeria, birds of paradise, and red berries). www.lilylambert.com

Coco-luxe has a luxurious Bundle of Love -the unique gift for the wonderful women in your life. A limited edition item, it's a 36 piece collection of signature truffles bundled up in a beautiful hand-dyed chocolate brown silk Devore satin scarf (measures 8" x 54"). All fête à fête readers get a 15% discount on all products - just enter the code MAY, and it will be effective for the entire month of May! www.coco-luxe.com

For moms-to-be, Belli pregnancy skin care has all the pampering goods to primp head to toe. A favorite amongst celebrity moms (Courteney Cox, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum), Belli products are safe enough for mom and baby. The Elasticity Belly Oil, Eye Brightening Cream, and Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25 are perfect choices to protect against stretch marks, dark circles, and sun damage. www.belliskincare.com

Happy Mother's Day,

Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, fragrance, gifts, Holiday, perfume, shopping, skin care product

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the best ways to pamper mommy dearest on Mother's Day is to send her to Miraval, the award-winning retreat. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, AZ, it's the perfect place to show your mom some TLC.

Miraval offers luxurious focus on a balanced body, mind and spirit. Guests are free to create agendas that suit their whims, goals and mood. Amidst mesquite trees, wild flowers and stunning cacti, this paradise features a yoga center, spa, swimming pools, healthy gourmet cuisine, and a Zen garden. There are also tons of meditation, fitness and nutrition classes, as well as adventure challenges, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Miraval offers special all-inclusive packages, including the favorite "Bring a Friend Special" -perfect for you and mom! Rates begin at $535 per night and the package includes:

* Luxury accommodations & use of complete resort facilities
* Three gourmet meals daily, unlimited snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres and all non-alcoholic beverages
* One spa service, or one round of golf up to a $125 value per room/per night of stay
* Unlimited access to all scheduled programs and activities
* Round-trip transportation from Tucson International Airport

www.miravalresort.com

-Tami

Tagged as: entertainment, health, holiday, Luxury, spa, travel

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Domestic Goddess strikes again! Trust Nigella Lawson to deliver another sassy cookbook for the busy home cook. With time-saving shortcuts, the Food Network celeb's latest title, Nigella Express, will provide inspiring menu ideas for every night of the week. The gorgeous photos will have you drooling as you run to the kitchen to try out all 130 recipes.

Craving Italiano? Just flip to the Hey Presto section and you'll find lightning-fast and yummy recipes for Pollo Alla Cacciatora, Black Pasta with Red Mullet, and Budino Di Cioccolato. Feeling Frazzled? Head to the Instant Calmer chapter for Cheddar Cheese Risotto or Rapid Ragu. Unexpected guests? Not a problem - just make the Curry in a Hurry from the Storecupboard SOS chapter. Check out the Scallops and Chorizo recipe below - it's a pretty crowd pleaser.

Scallops and Chorizo

I’ve long been a fan of scallops and bacon and scallops with chile, and this is my combination of the two, using chorizo — the sausage, not the salami — to ooze its paprika-hot orange oil over the sweet, white scallops. It’s quicker than the speed of light to make and quite as dazzling.

4oz chorizo sausage
1lb small scallops (halve them to make 2 thinner discs if they are very fat)
juice of half a lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Slice the chorizo into rounds no thicker than 1/8 inch.

Put a pan on the stove to get hot and then dry-fry (the chorizo will give out plenty of its own oil) the chorizo rounds until crisped on either side; this should take no more than 2 minutes.

Remove the chorizo to a bowl and fry the scallops in the chorizo oil for about a minute a side.

Return the chorizo to the pan with the scallops, add the lemon juice, and let bubble for a few seconds before arranging on a serving plate and sprinkling with lots of parsley.

Serves 4 as a main course with the chickpeas and arugula that follow; would be fine with just a little leafage for 8 as a starter.

Recipe printed with permission from Hyperion.

www.nigella.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, chef, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, dessert, dinner, food, food & drink, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Take advantage of the great Easter sale at Williams-Sonoma! Check out the darling Mini Iced Easter Sugar Cookies - once you munch on one, you can't stop! These tiny buttery cookies are baked in cute Easter shapes (bunny, egg, carrot, flower). They're so adorable that you don't want to eat them, but I still managed to attack a few. Prepared by a small family-owned Canadian bakery, these are made with real butter, fresh eggs, and are hand decorated with royal icing.

For a spectacular Spring centerpiece, the Moss & Strawflower Easter Basket with Chocolate Carrots will spark conversation at the table. The wire and sphagnum moss basket comes filled with six Guittard milk chocolate carrots wrapped in orange-and-green foil. The basket’s rim is also interwoven with marjoram and lavender stems and accented with sunny yellow strawflowers.

If you want to bake your own Easter goodies, the Williams-Sonoma Nonstick Goldtouch™ Insulated Cookie Sheet totally rocks. This baking sheet boasts a durable nonstick Goldtouch™ coating to resist scratches and peeling, while the insulated constriction ensures even browning. The two tin-free steel layers increases heat circulation, so cookies bake evenly throughout and emerge with a light golden crust. It won't rust or warp either. What a wonder baking tool.

www.williams-sonoma.com

Happy Easter!

Tami

Tagged as: baking, baking tools, confection, cookies, dessert, entertaining, food, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You don't need to host an elaborate Easter brunch to enjoy the fine confections from Vosges Haut Chocolat. The adorable Chocolate Easter Bunnies will make you smile - choose from the new Amalfi Bunny (lemon zest & pink peppercorn), or take home the Barcelona Bunny (smoked almonds & sea salt).

I didn't believe that pigs could fly...until now. The new Flying Chocolate Pig will make your taste buds sing. If you love the Mo's Bacon Bar like I do, you will appreciate this cute arrival. The solid chocolate pig combines applewood smoked bacon (yum), Alder wood smoked salt and deep milk chocolate (double yum). That's my definition of heaven.

If that's not decadent enough for ya, then go for Bapchi's Caramel Toffee. One of their top-sellers, the salty-sweet combo is a classic fave. I bet you can inhale the entire box in one sitting. The extremely addictive and oh-so-buttery toffee is sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt, then coated with deep milk chocolate. A coating of roasted organic walnuts and pecans provide the extra satisfying crunch.

The Exotic Caramel collection is becoming another favorite of mine. Not just your average caramel, these come in intriguing blends of Aboriginal anise myrtle, bee pollen, Tupelo honey, and blood orange juice. Your senses will be delighted with the whimsical flavors, all bathed in a luxurious layer of butter, sugar, cream, and chocolate.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, entertaining, food, gifts, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Drawing on the great multi-cultural history of American food, the editors of Saveur succeed in creating another gorgeous collection of delicious recipes in Saveur Cooks Authentic American. Filled with great photography and anecdotes of the recipes' origins, you will find traditional faves like meat loaf and apple pie, as well as matzo ball soup and carne picada burritos. From Italian family recipes in San Francisco to finger-lickin' ribs in Memphis, Saveur Cooks Authentic American is a tasty quilt of preserved tradition and culture.

White Beans with Linguiça Sausage

Portuguese fishermen and their families along the Rhode Island and Massachusetts coastline still prepare many traditional dishes from their homeland. This one is flavored with linguiça, a Portuguese-style sausage—but any dried, smoked pork sausage may be used instead.

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and minced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 ½ tsp. paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
½ lb. linguiça, sliced ¼” thick
¼ cup tomato purée
1 lb. navy beans or other dried small white beans
Salt
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then season with red pepper flakes, paprika, and black pepper.

2. Increase heat to medium. Add linguiça to onion mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add tomato purée, beans, and 4 cups water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until beans are tender, about 1 hour (though some types of beans may take considerably longer, depending on size and age). Season to taste with salt and garnish with parsley.

Serves 4-6

www.chroniclebooks.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: Books, chef, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, food, food & drink, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Learn how to make the famous Chocolate Orbit Cake with John Scharffenberger (co-founder of Scharffen Berger) at the free Williams-Sonoma chocolate demo. John will also be signing copies of his cookbook, The Essence of Chocolate during the baking demo. It's a great book - I love the recipes in it, so grab a copy and try it out for yourself!

Wednesday, February 13
4pm
Williams-Sonoma
Union Square
340 Post Street
San Francisco, CA
415-362-9450

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate cake, cookbook, food, food demos, San Francisco, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rather than go through the usual motions of flowers and chocolate, here's a far more sexier and adventurous approach to woo your valentine. Jimmyjane has a great line of luxury gifts, from their coveted LITTLE SOMETHING vibrators (in 24K gold, platinum or steel) to their silky and flirty WINK blindfolds. For the ultimate indulgence there are the new gorgeous ETERNITY vibrators adorned with diamonds!

I love the EMBER candles - they do double duty as both scent diffuser and massage oil. Not only does it get you in the mood, the natural cosmetic-grade waxes and plant extracts will make your skin feel like butter. It has a low melting point so you won't burn yourself (well, you might be setting off your own fireworks in the process). The GINGER + DATE is warm and sensual, while the HABANERO + GRAPEFRUIT stimulates your libido.

www.jimmyjane.com

-Tami

Tagged as: fragrance, gifts, holiday, Luxury, scents, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're in the NYC area during Valentine's Day weekend, don't miss the special dessert tasting from the new Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel. The daring and 'experimental' menu by Chef Will Goldfarb will consist of a 2-course dessert tasting, including a half bottle of champagne and chocolate bonbons. To give you an idea of the exciting desserts, the chef has featured a White Chocolate Gelato with Ligurian Olive Oil and Smoked Sea Salt.

Reservations: 212-477-7335

www.dessertstudio.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chef, Chefs and Confectioners, chocolate, chocolatier, dessert, holiday, pastry art, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Renowned chocolate artisan Recchiuti Confections has some of the most divine treats in the world, and there's no better way to shower your valentine with such love. The new Valentine Heart Motif Box is a flirty way of enjoying the signature Burnt Caramel flavor, while the Champagne Truffles are an elegant mix of rich, creamy dark chocolate and 2001 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs.

For a more traditional route, there is also the Valentine’s Day Large Box, filled with an exotic assortment of flavors such as Cardamom Nougat, Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn, Lavender Vanilla, Spring Jasmine Tea, Sesame Nougat, Rose Caramel, and Fleur de Sel Caramel.

www.recchiuti.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, dessert, food, food & drink, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Local lovebirds in SF can celebrate Valentine's Day with the “Spin the Bottle” event at the XYZ Bar at W San Francisco. Co-hosted by Jimmyjane, the flirty event will let participants play the exclusive W Hotels + Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, which includes many provocative and racy adventure games.

Spin the Bottle Event
XYZ Bar at W San Francisco
181 Third Street
Thursday, February 14, 2008
6pm - 8pm

Guests will also be able to enjoy Valentine cocktails, such as the ones below:

ROSE PETAL

1 ½ oz Finlandia Cranberry vodka
¾ oz Cointreau Liqueur
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Float of Champagne
Method: shaken and served up. Finished with a champagne float
Garnish: sugared rim