ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Allright,timetocomeclean.Despitethefactwehavefivehostswhoknowmoreaboutcookingthana

canaryknowsaboutcats,thedemandsofproducingafive-day-a-weekcookingshowareformidable.From

theverybeginning,ourstarshavereliedonawonderfulteamofyoungmenandwomenwhoarethefood

heartofTheChew.Theirkitchenisabouttwentyfeetfromtheset,tuckedawaybehindthestaging

equipment,oozingdelicioussmellsandcreativefervorfromtheearlymorninghours.

Aftereachshow,ourhoststalktoAshleyArcher,theseniorproducer,aboutwhattheywanttocookthe

followingday.AshleythentakestherecipetoherteamofkitchenJedi,KevinMendlin,HughJernigan,

JackieRothong,LaurenPalmeri,IanMcNulty,andDevanDror,whothenbegintoputthefoodsideofthe

showtogether.

Itistheirjobtomakesureeveryrecipeistested,priced,andthenartfullypresentedforstillshotsand

beauties—longbeforeweevenwarmupthestudiolights.

Allrestaurantsliveordiebythespeedandefficiencyofthelinecook.Allcookingshowsliveordiebythe

skillandspeedoftheirculinaryteam.Theysetthepace,firetheimagination,createbeautyforthe

audience,andmakesureeveryingredientisexactlywhereitneedstobeatexactlytherighttime.

Theskill,fun,andconfidenceofourhostsaresupportedbytheverysamevibescomingfromthekitchen.

Sobeforewedopublishonemorepageletmesaythankyou.Ilovewhatyoudo,andsodoallourviewers.

—GordonElliott,ExecutiveProducer

CONTENTS

HowtoUseThisBookAcknowledgments

IntroductionbyGordonElliott

ALL-AMERICANCLASSICSGameDay

FourthofJulyLaborDayPicnic

HAPPYHOLIDAYS!Halloween

ThanksgivingChristmasHanukkah

Valentine’sDayEaster

Mother’sDay

MILESTONES

ShowerWedding

AnniversaryParty

BIGBASHAwardsNight

ElegantDinnerPartyNewYear’sEve

PartyPlaylistsCredits

INTRODUCTION

AcoupleofyearsagoIwatchedClintonKellyexplainwhyhelovedtoentertainandcelebratesomuch.“I

lovemyfriendsandfamily,butIfeellikeweneverhavethetimetojusthangoutanymore,weareallso

busy.SowhenIdoseethemIwanttoshowhowmuchIcarebyallthelittlethingsIdotopreparethe

meal.”

IwatchedMichael,Mario,Carla,Daphne,andthestudioaudiencesmileinrecognitionofthistruth.Weall

understoodit’sourverypersonal,verypersonalizedgifttopeoplewecarefor.Nomattertheevent,weare

reallycelebratingourfriendships.

Sowhenitcametimetomakeanewbook,wewantedtoshowyousomebeautifuldishesthatwillknock

yourlovedones’socksoffbutnotleaveyouajoylessstresscasebytheendofthemeal.Thesearethe

easiest,tastiest,mostspectacularcelebratorymealsourfivefabuloushostshaveintheirrepertoires.

Wehopeitwillinspireyoutoturnamealintoacelebration.

—GordonElliott,ExecutiveProducer

ALL-AMERICANCLASSICS

We’reluckyenoughtohaveseveralholidaysandtraditionsthatareuniquelyAmericanandsupremelyfun.Andassociatedwithdeliciousfood,ofcourse.WhatcouldbemoreAmericanthancelebratingholidaysthatremindushowournationwasbuilt,andbig-gamedaysthatbringustogetherdespiteourdifferingteamloyalties?HereatTheChewwe’vecreatedsomanymemorabletraditionsandrecipesthatperfectlyreflecttheseall-Americanfestivitiesthatwedecidedtoputthemalltogetherandsharethemasagroup.Eat,drink,andbevery,verymerry!

GAMEDAY

FOURTHOFJULY

LABORDAYPICNIC

GAMEDAYSlamDunkPunch

PotatoNachos

It’saWingThing

GreenChili

Ten-LayerBar

ChocolateWalnutCookies

SLAMDUNKPUNCHServes:12to14 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes InactiveCookTime:10to15minutesManysportsfansprefertodrinkbeerduringthebiggame,butoncethey’vetriedthispoint-scoringpunch,they’llbesingingitspraisesallthewaytotheendzone!Thispunchtakesthebasicprinciplesofatequilasunrise(tequilaandorangejuice)andmakesthemspecialbybringingtheorangeflavorintothepicture

threedifferentways.

1/2gallonorangesherbet6ouncesfrozenorangejuiceconcentrate,optional2litersgingerale2cupstequila

1cuporangeliqueur

Orangeslices,forgarnish1.Placethesherbetandfrozenorangejuiceconcentrateinapunchbowl.Allowtothawfor10to15minutes.

2.Stirinthegingerale,tequila,andorangeliqueur.3.Garnishwithorangeslicesandserve.

CLINTON:Bytheway,it’snotpronounced“sher-BERT,”it’s“sherBET.”Trustme,it’sfancierthatway!

NFLplayersorchilijudges?VictorCruz,JessePalmer,andJeromeBettistellTheChewcrewhowtheyliketochowdownongameday.

POTATONACHOSServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:20to25minutes Whystick

withtortillachipswhenyou’remakingnachos?Whosaysyoucan’texperiment?What’sstoppingyoufromgettingalittleinventive?Nothing!Tomakethesenachos,wereplaceclassictortillachipswithhomemadepotatochipsandthenupgradethecheesesituationbyreplacingcheddarwithbluecheese.Thesenachosarejustascrunchy,cheesy,messy,andaddictiveasever,butwithalittlesophisticatedtwist.Cocktailparty

food,anyone?

FORTHEPOTATOES:3QUARTSVEGETABLEOIL

3Idahopotatoes

Salt,totasteFORTHEBLUECHEESEDIP:2tablespoonsbutter

2tablespoonsflour

11/4cupsmilk,heated1cupbluecheese,crumbledSaltandpepper,totaste2scallions,thinlyslicedPinchofchiliflakes,optionalMaltvinegar,optionalTOMAKETHEPOTATOES:1.Heatthevegetableoilinalargeheavy-bottomedpotto325°F.Itshouldcomehalfwayupthesidesofthepot.

2.Slicethepotatoesthickerthananaveragepotatochip,approximatelya1/4-inchthick.Soakthepotatoslicesinicewatertoremoveexcessstarch.3.Taketheslicesoutofthewater,rinse,anddryonpapertowels.Makesuretheyaredrybeforetransferringtotheoil.

4.Frytheslicedpotatoesinsmallbatches,cookinguntilfork-tender,about8minutesperbatch.Removefromtheoilwithastrainerandsetaside.5.Turntheheatupundertheoiluntilthetemperaturereaches360°F.6.Refrythepotatoesuntilgoldenbrown,crunchyontheedges,andslightlytenderinthecenter;about5minutesperbatch.7.Usingastrainer,removefromoilandplaceonapapertowel–linedplate.Seasonimmediatelywithsalt.

TOMAKETHEBLUECHEESEDIP:8.Inamedium-sizedpot,meltthebutterandwhiskintheflour.Cookfor3to4minutesovermediumheatuntilthick.

9.Ladleinthemilkandkeepwhisking.Bringtoaboilandthenreducetheheattosimmerfor2to3minutes,untilcreamy.Removefromheat.10.Foldthebluecheeseintothesauceandadjustseasoningwithsaltandpepper.11.Garnishthedipwiththinlyslicedscallions,andchiliflakesifdesired.Servewithpotatochipsandmaltvinegar.

IT’SAWINGTHINGHEREARETHREEGREATTAKESONWINGS,BECAUSELET’SFACEIT…YOUCANNEVERHAVEENOUGHWINGSONGAME

DAY.BUTYOU’VEGOTTAMIXITUPORYOURTASTEBUDSMIGHTGETBORED.CARLA,DAPHNE,ANDMARIOAREBRINGINGITWITH

THESEDISTINCTIDEASONHOWTOMAKEYOURWINGSSING.

CARLA:Ifthere’sonefoodthatshouts“Touchdown!”it’schickenwings.Oneofthegreatthingsaboutwingsisthattherearesomanydifferentwaystomakethemflavorfulandunique;thepossibilitiesareendless!Everyonecanhavehisorherspecialrecipethatbecomesasignaturedish.IlovemyNashville,Tennessee–inspiredhotwings.Alittleheatandalittlesweetmakethemirresistible.

DAPHNE:Whymesswiththeoriginal?Classicbuffalowingsarerightupmyalley.They’reeasytomake(fewerthanfiveingredients!),they’refried

(evenifyou’reeatinghealthyyoucanalwaysgiveyourselfatreat),andthey’rejustsodarneddelicious.

MARIO:ThesauceforthesewingsistheultimateinclassicFilipinoflavors.ThebasicsoftheFilipinopantry(fishsauce,soysauce,canesugarvinegar)areallhere,alongwiththefreshnessofcilantroandthespiceofchilies.Allthecontrastsinflavorareperfectandperfectlyaddictive.

BASICWINGRECIPEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:20to25minutes

FORTHEWINGS:2TO4CUPSVEGETABLEOIL,FORFRYING

3poundschickenwings

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHEWINGS:1.Preheatyourovento350°F.

2.PlacealargeDutchovenovermedium-highheatandaddvegetableoil.Usingadeep-frythermometertomonitorthetemperature,heattheoilto360°F.3.Spreadthewingsoutonabakingtrayandseasonliberallywithsaltandpepper.Bakefor15to20minutes,untiljustcookedthrough.4.Removefromtheovenandletcoolslightly.Inthemeantime,preparewingsauceofchoice.5.Whenyouroilhasreached360°Faddwingstooilanddeep-fryuntilgoldenandcrispy,workinginbatches,about5minutesperbatch.Drainthefriedwingsonpapertowel–linedplatesandseasonthemwithsalt.6.Placethewingsinabowlandpourpreparedsauceoverthetop,mixingtoevenlycoatallofthewings.7.Servethehotwingswithyourfavoriteaccompaniments.

FORCARLA’SSPICEDOIL:3TABLESPOONSVEGETABLEOIL2TABLESPOONSCAYENNEPEPPER1TEASPOONPAPRIKA2TEASPOONSREDPEPPERFLAKES

2teaspoonssalt

1/2teaspoongarlicpowder

1teaspoonsugar

1.Heatoilinasmallsaucepanovermediumheatuntilsimmering.2.Addthecayenne,paprika,redpepperflakes,salt,garlicpowder,andsugar.Cookuntilfragrant,about30seconds.3.Transfertoalargebowlandcoatthehot,friedwings.

CARLA:Iftimeisafactor,youcanbakethewingsthedaybeforeandfrythemonthedayoftheparty.

FORDAPHNE’SMAPLEBUFFALOSAUCE:1/4cupmaplesyrup

1cuphotsauce

1/2cupbutter

2teaspoonssalt

1.Combinethemaplesyrup,hotsauce,butter,andsaltinasmallsaucepan.2.Bringtoasimmerandstirtomeltthebutterandcombinetheingredients.3.Transfertoalargebowlandcoatthehot,friedwings.

FORMARIO’SADOBOSAUCE:

2tablespoonscanesugarvinegar

1tablespooncoconutbalsamicvinegar,optional2teaspoonsfishsauce

2tablespoonssoysauce

2serranochilies,chopped1bunchscallions,chopped

3tablespoonsbrownsugar

1/4cupbasilleaves,chopped1/4cupcilantroleaves,chopped1.Combinethevinegars,fishsauce,soysauce,serranopeppers,scallions,brownsugar,basil,andcilantro,whiskingtogetherinalargebowluntilfullycombined.

2.Tossthewingstocoatandserve.

MARIO:Ifyoudon’thavecanesugarvinegar,youcaninsteadmixhoneyandredwinevinegar.

GREENCHILIServes:10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:1to11/2hours Whenmost

peoplethinkofchili,theythinkoftheclassicmixofmeat,beans,andspicyredsauce(shreddedcheeseandchoppedonionoptional).Well,thinkagain.InNewMexico,whenyouorderchiliyou’vegottabeclearifyouwantredorgreen.Ifyougogreen,you’regonnagetaversionofthischili;ithasnobeans,butthere’sporkandgreenchiliesgalore.Redandgreenchiliesareactuallythesamevegetable.Thedifferenceiswhen

youpickthem.Greenmeansearlyandredmeanslater;thegreenaremilderandcrazydelicious.Stopreadingandstartcooking!

3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

2poundsbonelessporkshoulder,cutintoone-inchcubesSaltandpepper,totaste

1yellowonion,chopped3garliccloves,minced3freshjalapeños,chopped1/4cupfinewhitecornmeal1,28-ouncecanSanMarzanotomatoes,finelychoppedwithjuices1,15-ouncecanhominy,drained

2cupshatchgreenchilies,roasted,peeled,andchopped2chipotlechiliesinadobo,roughlychopped

3cupschickenstock

1/2cupcilantro,leavespicked,forgarnish1lime,cutintowedges,forgarnish

1/2cupfinelychoppedwhiteonion,forgarnish10corntortillas,to

serve

1.Heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheatina4-quartDutchovenwithacover.2.Addtheporkinsmallbatchesandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Cookuntillightlybrowned,about4minutes,andthenremovefromthepan.Setaside.3.Addtheonion,garlic,andjalapeñostotheDutchovenandsautéfor3minutesuntilsoftandtranslucent.Addthefinecornmeal,andstirfor1to2minutes.Oncecombined,addthetomatoes,hominy,greenchilies,andchipotlechilies,stirringtoincorporatetheingredients.4.Addthechickenstock,thenthesearedpork.Lowertheheat,andcoverthepot.Simmerfor1to11/2hours,untilthemeatistender.5.Garnishwithcilantro,lime,andfinelychoppedwhiteonion.Servewithfreshcorntortillas.

AlongwithregularguestcohostCurtisStone,Clinton,Carla,Daphne,andMichaeldiscusstheirMVPs:MostValuablePlates.

TEN-LAYERBARServes:12 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:8to10minutes

InactiveCookTime:1hour OscarWilde,oneofthemostbrilliantwritersofalltime,said,“Nothingsucceedslikeexcess”;andwe’renotgoingtoargue!Soforgetallotherdessertbarsthatclaimtobe

decadentwiththeirthree,seven,oreightlayers.We’rebringingoutthebiggunswiththisten-layerbar.Chocolate,peanutbutter,cookies,andchocolate-hazelnutspreadarejustthebeginning.Areyoureadyfora

countdowntoareallyWildebar?Tenlayers…ninelayers…eightlayers…

2cupsgrahamcrackercrumbs

1/2cupmeltedbutter1cupchocolate-hazelnutspread2cupstoastedchoppedpecans2cupscrumbledvanillawafercookies2cupscrumbledsaltedpretzels

1cupchunkypeanutbutter

2cupscrumbledcrispychocolatechipcookies14ouncessweetenedcondensedmilk

2cupscrushedpotatochips

1cupsemisweetchocolatechips,melted1.Preheatovento350°F.Greasea9-x13-inchbakingdish.

2.Inafoodprocessorfittedwithablade,pulsethegrahamcrackercrumbsandthebutteruntilcombined.Pressthegrahamcrackermixtureintothebottomofthegreasedpan.Bakethecrustuntilgoldenbrown,8to10minutes.Letcool.

3.Warmthechocolate-hazelnutspreadforeasypouring.Drizzleoverthecrustandspreadintoanevenlayer.Sprinklepecansevenlyoverthechocolate-hazelnutspread.4.Continuewithremainingingredients,endingwiththepotatochips,evenlydistributingtocreatedefinedlayers.Finishbydrizzlingmeltedsemisweetchocolateoverthecrushedpotatochips.5.Placeintherefrigeratortochillfor1hour.Cutinto11/2-x3-inchbars.

DAPHNE:Whenyou’readdingasauceorspreadtoarecipe,itreallyhelpstoputitinaheat-resistantglassjarandheatitinapotofhotwater,oreventhrowitinthemicrowave.Thenit’ssoeasytopour!

CHOCOLATEWALNUTCOOKIESServes:24 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:7to8minutes

InactiveCookTime:30minutes Sometimeswhenitcomestosweets,thesimplestrecipesarethebest.Thesecookiesareeasytomake,classicallydelicious,andthereforeabsurdlycomforting,particularlywithaglassofcoldmilk.Theadditionofalittlebitofcinnamontotherecipebeautifullyoffsetsthewalnutsandbrownsugar;don’tbesurprisedifyou’resneakingtothekitchenlateatnightforjustonemorebeforebed!

21/4cupsall-purposeflour1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon8ouncescold,unsaltedbutter,divided3/4cupgranulatedsugar3/4cuplightbrownsugar2largeeggs1teaspoonvanillaextract

2cupsminichocolatechips

2cupswalnuts,toastedandroughlychopped1.Preheattheovento350°Fandlineasheetpanwithparchmentpaper.

2.Combinetheflour,bakingsoda,salt,andcinnamoninasmallbowlandwhisktogether.Setaside.3.Melt2ouncesofbutterinamicrowaveabledish.Setaside.4.Cutremainingbutterintotablespoon-sizedpieces.Inthebowlofastandingmixer,creambutterandbothsugarsuntilthebutterisincorporated.Donotovermix!5.Addintheeggsandvanilla,andmixuntilincorporated.Withthemixeronlowspeed,addinthemeltedbutter,thengraduallyaddtheflourmixture.Stirinthechocolatechipsandwalnuts.6.Placethedoughina1-gallonzip-topbagandrolloutintoaneven

square,aboutaninchthick.Refrigeratethedoughuntilfirm,about30minutes.7.Removethedoughfromtheplasticbagandcutthedoughinto1-inchsquares.Placethepiecestwoinchesapartonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.8.Bakefor7to8minutesoruntilthecookiesareslightlybrownaroundtheedges.Coolslightlyonarack.Servewarm.

CARLA:Ifyou’regoingtoapotluckandhavepermissiontousetheoven,don’tbotherbakingcookiesathome.Justtakeyourdoughtotheparty,throwthosecookiesintheoven,andserveupawarmtreat!

FOURTHOFJULYKentuckyBuck

LoadedVeggieDawgs

BloodyMarySliders

CornAppleSalad

PotatoSalad

GrilledBananaBoat

KeyLimePiePops

Dip-DyeNapkins

BLOODYMARYSLIDERSServes:Makes12sliders SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:4to6minutesTheseburgersareinspiredbymyfavoriteSundaymorning(andafternoon)drink.Whodoesn’tlovea

SundaybrunchwithaBloodyMary?ButIalsoloveburgers,andina“chocolatepluspeanutbutteristwicetheyum”kindofmove,Idecidedthatthesetwogreatthingsbelongtogether.ThinkaboutwhatgoesinaBloodyMary(tomatojuice,Worcestershiresauce,horseradish...);theseingredientsarereminiscentofalotofcondimentswenormallyputontopofourburgers.Ijustuptheanteonmysliders,gettingallthosegreat

flavorsrightinthemix!

21/4poundsgroundbeef(80percentlean)3tablespoonsWorcestershiresauce1tablespoongroundceleryseeds

1tablespoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Koshersalt,totaste

1cupgratedsharpcheddarcheese

1/2cupcreamcheese,softened1tablespoonDijonmustard

1tablespoonpreparedhorseradish

Extra-virginoliveoil,forgrilling1/2cupketchup

1teaspoonhotsauce

Potatosliderrolls,toserveOlives,toserveMayonnaise,toserve

Pickles,toserve1.Inalargebowl,mixtogetherthebeef,Worcestershiresauce,groundceleryseeds,pepper,andsalt,butdonotoverwork.Inamediumbowl,combinethetwocheeses,mustard,andhorseradish.Portionthemeatinto12,3-ounceballs.Pressflatandplaceaheapingtablespoonofthecheesemixtureinthecenter.Bringuptheedgesofthemeattocompletelycoverthecheeseandflattenslightlytoformathickstuffedpatty.Repeatwiththeremainingmeatandfilling.

2.Heatagriddleornonstickpanovermedium-highheat.Drizzlethepattieswitholiveoilandplacethemonthegrill.Cookfor2to3minutesonthefirstsideandfliptocookfor2to3moreminutesonthesecondside.Removefromthegrillandserveonapotatosliderroll.Skewerwithatoothpickandolive.3.Servewithanassortmentofcondiments.Tomakespicyketchup,combine1/2cupketchupwith1teaspoonhotsauce.

MARIO:Ithinkagriddleisthebestwaytocookahamburger.Ilovetheeffectofacharcoalgrill,butagriddlegivesitthatcrispycrust.

POTATOSALADServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:15to20minutes Bacon

shouldn’tbeaneverydayindulgence,butforspecialoccasions,itdefinitelyupsthedeliciousfactorofanydish.Thispotatosaladcombinesthesmokylushnessofbaconwiththecoolcreaminessofthesidedishweallknowandlove.Butthenitreallysingswithaspicykickfromthecomboofmustardandscallions,andtanginessfromredwinevinegar.Whenyouputthisonthetable,thepotatosaladconnoisseursinyour

crowdwillbowdown.Youcan’tdobetterthanthis.

21/2poundsbabyYukonGoldpotatoes,skinon1/4poundbacon,cookedandcrumbled1/2cupmayonnaise2tablespoonswhole-grainmustard2tablespoonsredwinevinegar

1teaspoonsugar

4scallions,slicedonabiasSaltandpepper,totaste1.Placepotatoesinapot,coverwithcoldwater,seasonwithagenerouspinchofsalt,andbringtoaboil.Cookpotatoesuntilfork-tender,15to20minutes.

2.Drainpotatoesandsliceinhalf.3.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthebacon,mayonnaise,mustard,vinegar,sugar,scallions,andapinchofsaltandpepper.Addthepotatoestothedressingandtosseverythingtocoat.Adjustseasoningtotastebeforeserving.

ChefMingTsaijoinsthehostsastheycookuptheirfavoritepatrioticplates.

GRILLEDBANANABOATServes:2 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Summertimemeansdifferentthingsfordifferentfolks,buteveryoneseemstohavefondmemoriesofcampfires.

Campfiresusuallyconjureupthoughtsofhotdogs,potatoesinaluminumfoil,and,ofcourse,s’mores.Thisrecipeisanewonetoaddtoyouroutdoorrepertoire.It’sbasicallyanewtwistonabananasplit;withwarm

grilledfruitandcoldicecreamgivingtheperfectcontrast…whowouldn’tloveit?

1/2poundcherries,pitted,plustwocherriesforgarnish

3tablespoonssugar

Juiceandzestof1lemon

1tablespooncornstarch

1banana,splitinhalflengthwise,peelonVegetableoil,forgrillingVanillaicecream,toserveChocolatesauce,toserveWhippedcream,toserveCrushedpeanuts,toserve1.Preheatagasorstovetopgrilltomedium-high.

2.Inamediumbowl,combinethepittedcherries,sugar,lemonjuiceandzest,andcornstarch.Transfermixturetoalargepieceofaluminumfoilandfolduptoformapacket.Grillthepacketonalow-heatsectionofthegrilluntilthecherrieshavebrokendownandformedasauce,10to15minutes.3.Brushthebananahalveswithvegetableoilandplace,skin-sidedown,onthegrillfor2minutes.4.Removetoplate.Topbananahalveswithicecream,chocolate

sauce,whippedcream,nuts,adrizzleofthecherrysauce,andremaining2cherries.

KEYLIMEPIEPOPSServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes InactivePrepTime:2hours IfirstdiscoveredkeylimepiewhenIwasonthebeachinFlorida.It’ssodeliciousbut,let’sfaceit,notthehealthiestthingonearth.WhenI’minthemoodforkeylimepie,Iwhipoutthisfamily-friendlyrecipe.Thewholeshebang

comesinataneconomicalbuckapopandisunder140caloriesperserving.Andifyou’refeelinginnovative,youcanuseitatadinnerpartyasapalatecleanserinsteadoftheusualsorbet.Sorefreshing!

3tablespoonshoney

3cupsplainGreekyogurt

Zestof3keylimes,divided1/3cupkeylimejuice

1tablespoonvanillaextract

1cupcrushedgrahamcrackers,dividedSPECIALEQUIPMENT:8,3-ouncepapercups

8ice-popsticks

1.Combinethehoney,yogurt,zestof2limes,limejuice,vanillaextract,and1/2cupofcrushedgrahamcrackersinthebowlofanelectricmixer.2.Beatatmedium-highspeeduntilsmoothandcreamy.3.Inasmallbowl,combinethezestof1limeand1/2cupcrushedgrahamcrackers,anddivideevenlyamong8papercups.

4.Divideyogurtmixtureequallyamongcups,sothateachisaboutthree-quartersfull.Insertice-popsticks.5.Freezeforatleast2hours,untilset.Removefromthefreezerandremovethepapercups.Serveimmediately.

DAPHNE:Theportionsizeofthesepopsisperfectforkids,andthey’reahealthyalternativetoothersugarytreats.

DIP-DYENAPKINS

Whenwethinkoftie-dye,wethinkofoldclothesfromthesixtiesandafewfashionmistakesthathavepoppedupsincethen.Butdip-dyeingisanewer,fresherwaytogetyournapkins(oranyotherfabricyoumaywanttoworkwith)tobecomethelifeoftheparty.Pooroldtie-dye,it’sbecometheposterchildforfashionfailure.Dip-dyeingisyournewwaytocreateatablethatbroadcastsjusthowfashion-forwardyoureallyare.

Whiteclothnapkinsortablerunner(shouldbeatleast50percentcotton)LiquidfabricdyeAheatproofcontainer,approximatelytheheightofyourfoldedfabricAyardstickorwoodendowelSalt,about1cupRubbergloves1.Fillthecontaineraboutone-thirdorhalfwaywithhotwater,dependingonhowhighyouwantthedyetogo.

2.Addthefabricdyetothewater.Followthepackageinstructions,butforlightercolors,uselessdye.Remember,thematerialwilldrylighterthanitappearswhenwet.3.Stirthesaltintothehotwater.Thesalthelpsthedyeadheretothefabric.4.Dampenyourfabricunderthetap,thendrapeovertheyardstick.5.Balancetheyardstickontheedgesofthecontainersothebottomofthefabricissubmergedinliquid.6.Allowthefabrictosoakinthedyeuntilyouhaveachievedyourdesiredresults.Thelongeritsoaks,thedarkerthecolorwillbe.For

anombréeffect,graduallyaddwatereveryfewminutestodilutethedyeandraisethewaterlevel.

ShownwiththeDip-DyeNapkinisDaphne’sCornAppleSalad.

LABORDAYPICNICSparklingBasilLemonade

GiantItalianHero

SweetPotatoChips

Three-BeanSalad

BlueberryPuckerBars

Daphne’sDarnThoseBugs

SPARKLINGBASILLEMONADEServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Thissparklinglemonadeisdoublyrefreshing:it’sgotthethirst-quenchingqualitiesoflemonsandtheherbalfreshnessofbasil.Addthekickofvodkatothemixandyou’vegottheultimatesummertimecocktail.Ifyou’refeeling

likeateetotaler,leaveouttheliquorandpouroverice.Nowkickback,relax,andsipaway.

FORTHEBASILSIMPLESYRUP:1CUPWATER

1cupsugar

1/4cuppackedbasilleavesFORTHESPARKLINGLEMONADE:4cupsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice8ouncesvodka

6ouncesbasilsimplesyrup

Sodawater,tofinishTOMAKETHEBASILSIMPLESYRUP:1.Bringwaterandsugartoaboilandstiruntilsugarhasdissolved,about8minutes.Removefromheatandaddbasilleaves.Allowtosteepuntilsyrupisroomtemperature.Removebasilleavesandchillsyrupinthefridgeuntilreadytouse.

TOMAKETHESPARKLINGLEMONADE:2.Stirtogetherthelemonjuice,vodka,andsimplesyrup.Serveovericeandtopoffwithsodawater.

DAPHNE:Iusemasonjarsallsummerlong.Ilovethem.Theyaregoodforhotandcolddrinks.

CLINTON:Masonjarsareawesome.Theyautomaticallygiveyouthatpicnicfeel.

SWEETPOTATOCHIPSServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:1to11/2hours It’snosecretthatbakingpotatochipsisahealthierwaytoprepareacrunchysnack.Butthesebakedchipsdohavealittlesecret.Cinnamonandsaltaretheunlikelycombinationthatmakesthesesweetpotatochipsevensweeterandmoresavorythantheusualvariety.Theseareaperfectpairingforsandwiches,salads,orsoups.

2largesweetpotatoes

1–2teaspoonscinnamon

2tablespoonsoliveoil

Salt,totaste1.Preheatovento250°F.2.Scrubthepotatoesunderrunningwateruntilclean.3.Usingamandolineoraknife,slicethepotatoeslengthwiseintothinslices,about1/8-inchthick.4.Inalargebowl,tossslicedpotatoeswitholiveoilandsprinklewithcinnamonandsalt.5.Layoutonparchment-linedsheettraysandcookfor1to11/2hours,flippinghalfwaythroughthecookingprocess.6.Removefromtheovenoncecrispandslightlygoldenbrown.Seasonwithadditionalsaltifdesired.

DAPHNE:Waituntilyouhearthecaloriedifference.Foracupofthesechips,it’slessthan100calories.Foracupofpotatochips,it’s200calories.

THREE-BEANSALADServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:10minutes Isitevenpossibleto

haveapicnicwithoutathree-beansalad?Ofcoursenot!Three-beansaladsareaperennialfavoriteforalotofgoodreasons:theytravelwell,thebeanssoakupthedressingandbecomeevenmorescrumptiousthe

longertheymarinate,they’refullofproteinandgoodforyou…thelistgoeson.ThisparticularsaladbringsalittlebitofthesouthofFrancetoyourtablebyaddingapistoutothedressing.Theflavorsarefresh,

bright,andgorgeouslyfragrant.Whatmorecouldyouaskfor?

FORTHEPISTOU:

1bunchparsley

1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1garlicclove,finelymincedSaltandfreshlygroundpepper,totasteZestof1lemon

FORTHESALAD:

2tablespoonsoliveoil

1redonion,smalldice2ribscelery,smalldice,dividedSalt,totaste2garliccloves,minced1,14-ouncecansmallredkidneybeans,drainedandrinsed1,14-ouncecanblackbeans,drainedandrinsed1,14-ouncecancannellinibeans,drainedandrinsedFreshlygroundblackpepper,

totaste1/4cuppistouChilioil,tofinish

TOMAKETHEPISTOU:1.Combinetheingredientsinafoodprocessorandpulseuntilslightlychunky.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.

TOMAKETHESALAD:2.Inalargesautépan,heatoliveoil.Addtheonionandhalfoftheceleryandseasonwithsalt.Sautéuntiljustsoft,about3minutes.

3.Addthegarlicandremainingcelery,cookinguntilfragrant.Stirinbeanstowarmthrough.4.Removefromheatandtransfertoabowl.Addthepistouandtosseverythingtocoat.Seasontotastewithsaltandfreshlygroundpepper.Finishwiththechilioil.

BLUEBERRYPUCKERBARSServes:9 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:40minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Whatgoestogetherjustaswellasstrawberriesandcream,ifnotbetter?Blueberriesandlemon!Whenblueberriesareinseason(whichisthecasearoundLaborDaysoyoubettermakethesebarsforyourlate-summerpicnic),thereisnoexcusenottomakethese!Youcan’thelpbutpuckerupwithallthedifferentwaysthatlemon

showsupinthesebars…sogobblethemupandsendsummeroffwithakiss.

FORTHEBLUEBERRYPUCKERBARS:

2cupsself-risingflour

1cupgranulatedsugar,dividedPinchofsaltZestandjuiceof1lemon1largeeggyolkwhiskedwith1tablespoonwater10tablespoonscoldbutter,cubed,plusmoreforgreasingthepan

1tablespooncornstarch

3cupsblueberries,freshorfrozenFORTHELEMONCREAM:1/2cupheavycream

1tablespoongranulatedsugar

1/4cuplemoncurdTOMAKETHEBLUEBERRYPUCKERBARS:1.Preheatovento350°F.Greasea9-x9-inchbakingdishwithbutter.

2.Whisktogethertheflour,2/3cupsugar,salt,andlemonzestinalargebowl.Stirintheeggyolkmixture.Workingwithyourhands,

blendinthecubedbutter.3.Pressallbut11/2cupsofthemixtureintothebottomofthepreparedbakingdish.4.Inamediumbowl,tosstogethertheblueberries,lemonjuice,remainingsugar,andcornstarch.Pourmixtureoverthecrust.Crumbletheremainingflourmixtureovertheblueberries.5.Bakefor35to40minutesoruntiltoppingisgoldenandblueberriesarecookeddown.6.Removefromovenandallowtocooltoroomtemperaturebeforeservingwithadollopoflemoncream.

TOMAKETHELEMONCREAM:7.Withanelectricmixer,whipheavycreamandsugaronhighspeedtomedium-stiffpeaks.Foldinthecurdandserve.

DAPHNE’SDARNTHOSEBUGSLet’sgetreal:bugsmightbecutewhentheypopupincartoonsandmovies,butwhentheypopuponyouthey’remuchlessadorable.Here’safabulousnontoxicwaytokeepthebugsatbaywhileyou’reouthavingagoodtime.Andthebestpartofmyall-naturalbugspray?Itmakesyousmellgreat,notlikeachemistrylab.Bugsbegone!

1cupdistilledwater1stemfreshcitronella3tablespoonsdriedlavender1tablespoonwholecloves4tablespoonsdriedpeppermint

1cuprubbingalcohol

1.Bringthedistilledwatertoaboilinasmallsaucepan.Assoonasit’ssimmering,crushthecitronellainyourfingersandaddit,alongwiththelavender,cloves,andmint,tothewater.2.Removefromheatandcover.Allowtocoolcompletely.3.Addtherubbingalcohol.Pourthemixturethroughastrainerlinedwithacoffeefilterintoaspraybottle.4.Storeinacoolplaceforuptothreemonths.

MICHAEL:Here’safunfactforallyouentomologistsoutthere:thesmellofplantsinthemintfamilyisactuallyrepulsivetobugs.Weloveit,butbugshateit!

HAPPYHOLIDAYS!It’simpossibletohearthewordholidaywithoutthinkingoffood.WhatisThanksgivingwithoutaturkey?Christmaswithoutcookies?Easterwithoutchocolateeggs?Hanukkahwithoutlatkes?Halloweenwithoutcandycorn?Okay,yougetthepoint.Everyfamilyhasdifferenttraditionsandmenusfortheirholidaycelebrations,buttheuniversalingredientsaregoodfoodandpeopleyoulove.

AtTheChewwehaveourowntight-knitfamily,andconsequently,ourownrecipesformerrymaking.Andnow,inthespiritofgiving,wearegoingtosharethoserecipeswithyou.Whatfollowsareoursuggestionsforhowtomakethemostofourfavoriteholidaysbycreatingexcellentfood,ambience,andmemories.

HALLOWEEN

THANKSGIVING

CHRISTMAS

HANUKKAH

VALENTINE’SDAY

EASTER

MOTHER’SDAY

HALLOWEENPsychorita

ChickenDiablo

TrickorTreatMacandCheese

CaramelApples

CandySurpriseCupcakes

PsylliumSlime

CHICKENDIABLOServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Thedevilisinthedetailswiththisdiabolicallydelectabledish.Ifyouleaveoutthejalapeñopepper,you’vegotatastydinnerthatmayormaynotliveoninyourfamily’scollectivememory.Throwthatjalapeñointhereandyou’vegotDiablo!It’sspicy,extraflavorful,and(admitit)funtosay.Ifyou’rehavingaHalloweenpartyandarelookingfortherightmealtoservebeforeyouhitthestreetslookingforcandy,thisistheone.

Whetheryouwearyourangelordevilcostumeisentirelyuptoyou.

1/4cupoliveoil6,4-ouncebonelessskin-onchickenthighs,poundedtoa1/4-inchthicknessKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper

2garliccloves,sliced

1redbellpepper,stemandseedsremoved,thinlysliced1jalapeño,stemandseedsremoved,slicedintorings,optional1,14-ouncecancrushedSanMarzanotomatoes

2tablespoonscapers,rinsedanddrained

1/2cupfreshflat-leafparsleyleaves,roughlychopped1.PlaceaDutchovenordeepcast-ironskilletovermedium-highheat.Addtheoliveoiltothepreheatedpan.Seasonbothsidesofthechickenwithsaltandpepper.Putthechickenskin-sidedowninthepanandcookuntilgoldenbrown,2to3minutes.Flipthechickenandcookforanother2minutes.Addthegarlic,bellpepper,jalapeño,andapinchofsalt,andcookforanother2to3minutes.

2.Add1/2cupwater,scrapingwithawoodenspoontoincorporatethebrownedbitsonthebottomofthepan.Cookuntiltheliquidisreducedbyhalf,another3minutes.Addthetomatoesandcapers,coverthepan,andcookfor5moreminutes.3.Removethepanfromtheheatandstirintheparsley.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning,addingsaltandpepperasneeded.Serveimmediately.

TRICKORTREATMACANDCHEESEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:15to20minutes Fall,andconsequentlyHalloween,bringswithitahostofveggiesthatarejustplaingood.They’regoodforyou,theytastegood,andtheylookgood.Butwhatifyou’renotaveggieperson?Whatdoyoudowithallthatfallhastoofferinthewayofsquash(likebutternutorevenpumpkin),kale,andallthoseexcellentroot

vegetables?That’saneasyone.Addcheese,bacon,andpasta:theholytrinityofawesome.WhatyouwindupwithisTrickorTreatMacandCheese;itmayseemlikeatrick,buttakeonebiteandyoucan’tdenyit’s

atreat.

2tablespoonssalt

1poundrigatoni

1poundbacon,diced

3tablespoonsbutter

1onion,diced1butternutsquash,peeledanddiced2cupsblackkale,de-ribbedandchopped2clovesgarlic,minced

3tablespoonsflour

3cupsmilk

1/3cuphalf-and-half

1cupunsweetenedpumpkinpuree

11/2cupsGruyèrecheese1teaspoonnutmeg,freshlygrated1/2cupmascarpone1–2tablespoonschipotlepowder,optionalKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

2cupsbreadcrumbs

1/4cupparsley,chopped

1.Bring6quartsofwatertoaboilinalargepot.Addsaltandpasta.Cooktherigatoniinboilingwater3minuteslessthanthepackageinstructs.Drain,thensetaside.2.InaDutchoven,overmediumheat,cookthebaconuntilcrisp.Addthebutterandonionsandcookuntiltranslucent.Addthebutternutsquash,kale,andgarlicandcookabout6moreminutesuntilkalehaswilted.Addtheflourandstirtomakearoux.Cookfor2moreminutes,stirringconstantly.Slowlypourinthemilkandhalf-and-halfandbringthemixturetosimmer.Stirinthepumpkinpuree.Cookgentlyuntilthemixturethickens,4to5minutes.Add1cupoftheGruyèreandthenutmeg,andstiruntilallofthecheeseismelted.Addthemascarponeandmixuntilmeltedandcombined.Stirinthechipotleandaddthecookedrigatoni.Tosspastauntilitiswellmixed.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.3.SituatetoprackinovensothatonceDutchovenisplacedinside,thetopwillbeaboutsixinchesfromtheheatingsource.Preheattheoventobroil.Sprinklethebreadcrumbsoverthecasserole.Broilforabout1minute,oruntilthetoppingiscrunchyandgolden.4.Garnishwithparsleyandservehot.

THANKSGIVINGCiderSangria

CrispyShallotGreenBeanCasserole

TurkeyGravy

TurkeywithGrapefruitandTapenade

WildRiceStuffing

StuffedAcornSquash

PumpkinPecanPie

LeftoverTurkeySoup

GlitterPumpkinTeaLightCandleholders

CIDERSANGRIA SERVES:4TO6 SKILLLEVEL:EASY

PREPTIME:15MINUTES THEAPPLEISAMAJESTICFRUIT.TAKEAMOMENTTO

REFLECT…APPLESAREPRETTYENOUGHTOBEUSEDASCENTERPIECES,THEYTASTEGREATRIGHTOFFTHETREE,THEYMAKETHEBESTBAKEDGOODS,ANDTHEYCANBEMADEINTOGREATBOOZE.HARDAPPLECIDERANDAPPLEBRANDY(ALSOKNOWNASCALVADOS)ARETRULYINTHECATEGORYOFNECTAROFTHEGODS.WITHTHATINMIND,IFYOUMIXYOURCIDERANDBRANDYWITHAFEWOTHERKEYINGREDIENTS,IT’SAPRETTYSAFEBETYOU’REGOINGTOCOMEUPWITHSOMETHINGOUTOF

THISWORLD!

2greenorredapples,cored,quartered,andthinlysliced1navelorange,quarteredandthinlyslicedcrosswise1cupapplejuice,chilled

2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice

2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice

1/4cupapplebrandy1,22-ouncebottlehardapplecider,chilledIce1.Inapitcher,combinetheappleswiththeorange,applejuice,lemonjuice,andbrandy.

2.Beforeserving,addthehardcider.Serveintallglasseswithice.

MARIO:ThankstoClinton,I’mmakingbetter,tastier,andmoreinterestingcocktails.Easiestwaytolivenupaparty!

CRISPYSHALLOTGREENBEANCASSEROLEServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:25to30minutes It’salwaysfuntotakeaclassicandmakeityourown.Greenbeancasseroleisoneofthosetried-and-truefavoritesthatshowupatThanksgiving,Christmas,potlucks,younameit.ButIthinkit’stimeforgoodol’greenbeancasseroletogetanewleaseonlife.Insteadofusingcannedfriedonions,I’vegothomemadecrispy

shallots,whicharemuchmoreflavorfulthantheready-madeonionsweknowsowell.Andmygreenbeansevengetalittlespatreatmentoftheirown—theysoakinabathofseasonedwaterthatplumpsthemupandmakesthemworthyoftheirshallot-yfriends.Watchyourguests’faceswhentheytakeabiteofthisbeauty;

they’llbeexpectingtheusualbutwillgettheWOW!

3cupsvegetableoil

Salt,totaste4shallots,1choppedand3thinlysliced,divided11/2cupsbuttermilk1cup,plus2tablespoonsflour,divided1/2teaspooncayennepepper11/2poundsgreenbeans,endstrimmed

3tablespoonsbutter

2garliccloves,thinlysliced1cupchickenstock

1cuphalf-and-half

Freshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

2cupsfreshlygratedParmesan

1.Preheatovento375°F.Heatthevegetableoilinalarge,high-sided

cast-ironskillet.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboilandseasonliberallywithsalt.Placethethinlyslicedshallotsinamediumbowlandpourthebuttermilkoverthem.Tosstheshallotstoseparatethepiecesandcompletelycoat.2.Inanotherbowlorshallowdish,whisktogether1cupofflourandthecayennejustuntilcombined.Removesomeshallotsfromthebuttermilkanddredgeintheseasonedflourmixture.Shakeoffanyexcessflourandgentlyplaceintheheatedoil.Fryuntilgoldenandcrispy,about1minute.Usingaheatproofslottedspoon,removetheshallotstoapapertowel–linedplate.Frytheremainingslicedshallotsinbatches.Seasonwithsalttotaste.3.Preparealargebowlwithwaterandicealongwithastrainer.Cookthegreenbeansintheboilingwaterfor1minute;thenremoveandimmediatelyplungeintotheicebath.Allowbeanstocoolcompletely,thenremovetoapapertowel–linedplatetodry.4.Whilethebeansarecoolinganddrying,meltthebutterinasautépanovermediumheat.Addthechoppedshallotandseasonwithsalt.Cookuntilsoft,about3minutes,thenaddgarlicandcookjustuntilfragrant,anotherminute.Sprinkleremaining2tablespoonsofflourintothepanandstirtocoatshallotsandgarlic.Slowlywhiskinthechickenstock,whiskingoutanylumps.Whiskinthehalf-and-halfandseasontotastewithsaltandpepper.Simmerfor2minutesorjustuntilthickened.Stirinthecheeseandremovefromheat.5.Combinethebeansandonionsauceina9-x9-inchcasseroledishandbakefor20to25minutes.Theliquidshouldreduceandthicken.Removefromtheovenandtopwithcrispyshallots.Coolslightlybeforeserving.

CARLA:EveryseasonIlookforwardtoThanksgivingontheshow,becausealloftheotherhostshavefunsidesandholidaydishesthatIdroolover.

TURKEYWITHGRAPEFRUITANDTAPENADEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:31/2to4hours InactiveCookTime:12hours ThesecrettoatenderbirdisastepthatmanyThanksgivinghosts

overlook:brining.You’vegottabrineyourbirdifyouwantthemeattobeflavorfulandmoist.Thereareafewdifferenttakesonwhichbrineisthebest,soI’vesharedtheoneIthinkisthehands-downwinner.Butifyouwanttoinfuseevenmoreflavorintoaturkeyoranybirdyou’reroasting,spreadingtastyconcoctionsbetweenthemeatandtheskindoesthetrick.I’vegonewithaMediterraneanoption:richolivetapenade,whichisoffsetbythebrightcitrusofthegrapefruitmakingacameoappearanceintheturkeywhileit

roasts.Perfezione!

1gallonwater1cupsalt2cupshoney

1gallonicewater

1,12-to15-poundturkey1/2cupblackolivetapenade1/4cupoliveoilZestof2oranges1onion,chopped

1bunchscallions

1grapefruit,peeledandchopped1.Inalargestockpotoverhighheat,combinethewater,salt,andhoney.Bringtoaboil,andstirfrequentlytobesuresaltisdissolved.Removefromheat,andletcooltoroomtemperature.Whenthemixtureiscool,pouritintoaclean5-gallonbucket.Stirintheicewater.

2.Placetheturkey,“headfirst,”intothebrine.Makesurethatthecavitygetsfilled.Placethebucketintherefrigeratorovernight,butnolongerthan12hours.Removetheturkeyandcarefullydrainofftheexcessbrineandpatdry.Discardtheexcessbrine.Preheatthe

ovento425°F.Placeanovenrackinthelowerthirdoftheoven.Settheturkeyinaroastingpanfittedwitharack.3.Inasmallbowl,mixtogetherthetapenade,oliveoil,andorangezest.Takeyourhandandloosentheskinfromthebreast.Usingasiliconespatula,spreadthetapenademixtureundertheskinoftheturkey.Stufftheonion,scallions,andgrapefruitintothecavityoftheturkey.Drizzleoliveoilallovertheturkeyandplaceintheoven.4.Cookforabout30minutes,andthenreducetheoventemperatureto325°F.Continuecookinguntilathermometerreads165°Fwheninsertedintothethickestpartofthethigh,3to31/2hours.Lettheturkeyrestfor20to30minutesbeforecarving.

WILDRICESTUFFINGServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:45minutes Ifyou’reusedto

boxed-stuffingmixes,getreadytohaveyourmindblown.Thisstuffingrecipecombinesseveraltextures(thesoftnessofthebread,thecrunchinessofthewildrice,themeatinessofthesausage)andflavors(thenuttinessoftherice,thesweetnessofthesausage,andthesavorytasteoftheveggiesandherbs)thatjust

belongtogether.Ipromise,onceyoumakethisstuffing(whichisreallyeasytomake,sodon’tbeintimidated),you’llbethinkingoutsidetheboxeveryThanksgiving.

3tablespoonsoliveoil

1poundsweetItaliansausage,outofcasingandcrumbled1largewhiteonion,smalldice1cupcarrots,smalldice1cupcelery,smalldiceSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

2tablespoonsthymeleaves

8cupsday-oldwhitebread,cutinto1/2-inchcubes;toastedifnotstale1/2cupbutter,melted3cupsrawwildrice,cookedaccordingtopackageinstructions1egg

2cupschickenstock

1.Preheatovento375°F.Placeaheavy-bottomedsautépanovermedium-highheat.Oncehot,addoliveoilandsausage.Brownthesausageevenly,thenremovewithaslottedspoontoasmallbowl.Addtheonion,carrots,andcelerytothepan.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandcookuntilthevegetablesarejusttender,3to4minutes.

Addmoreoliveoiltothepanifitseemsdry.Stirinthethymeoncethevegetablesarecooked.2.Inalargebowl,tosstheday-oldbreadwiththemeltedbutter.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Addthewildriceandcookedsausageandtosstocombine.Addthesautéedvegetablesandtossagain.Inaseparatemediumbowl,lightlybeattheegg.Slowlywhiskinthechickenstock,andoncecombined,pourtheeggmixtureoverthebreadmixture.Tosswithyourhandstothoroughlycombine.3.Transferstuffingtoagreased9-x13-inchbakingdish.Bakeinpreheatedovenfor20to30minutes,oruntilthestuffingisgoldenbrownandcrunchyontop.Servewarmoratroomtemperature.

DAPHNE:WhenIthrowaparty,ItrytoadoptCarla’sattitudethattherearenomistakes.You’vegottarollwithwhathappensandmakesuretohavefunnomatterwhat!

STUFFEDACORNSQUASHServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:1hour,10minutes What’ssavoryandsweet,chock-fullofnutritiousgoodies,andafillinglow-fatadditiontotheThanksgivingmenu?Mystuffedacornsquash,ofcourse.Thesegorgeoussquashareburstingwithcolorandcanbeservedasasideforthewholecrowd,oramaindishforthevegetariansinthehouse.Stuffedacornsquashisafeastfortheeyesaswellasthetastebuds,whichis,Ithink,howweshouldalwaysapproachpreparingourfood.

Thisdishisaperfectexampleofbringingallfivesensestobearwhenyou’recooking:itlooksgreat,smellswonderful,hasvariedtextures,tastesamazing,andthemomentyourgueststaketheirfirstbites,you’llhear

themallsay,“Mmmmm!”

4ouncesdriedshiitakemushrooms

2cupslow-sodiumvegetablestock

6acornsquash,halvedlengthwiseandseeded5tablespoonsbutter,divided1/2cupmaplesyrup1largeredonion,dicedSalt,totaste2carrots,peeledanddiced1celeryroot,peeledanddicedFreshlygroundblackpepper

1tablespoonthymeleaves

1cupwhole-wheatbreadcroutons,samesizeasdicedvegetables2tartapples,peeled,cored,anddiced1/2cupwalnuts,toastedandchopped1/4cupdriedcranberries1.Preheatovento350°F.Placethemushroomsandvegetablestockinasaucepotovermedium-highheatandbringtoasimmer.Steepthemushroomsuntiltheliquidhasbeenreducedbyhalf.Removefromheat.Strainoutthemushroomsandchoproughly.Reservethestock.

2.Cutoffasmallpartofthebackofeachacornsquashhalfsoitsitsflatonaparchment-linedbakingsheet,withthehollowinteriorfacingup.Heat3tablespoonsbutterandmaplesyruptogetherinasmallpotjustuntilbuttermelts.Stirandbrushoverthefleshofthesquash.3.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheatwithremaining2tablespoonsofbutter.Sautétheonionsfor2minutes,seasoningwithsalt.Addthecarrotsandceleryrootandcookuntilsoftened,about3minutes.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,andaddthethymeleaves.4.Pourthevegetablemixtureintoalargebowlandtosswithcroutons,apples,walnuts,andcranberries.Addthemushroomsandstock,stirringtoensureliquidisabsorbedbythecroutons.5.Dividethemixtureamongthehollowsoftheacornsquashhalves,moundingbutnotoverflowing.Coverwithfoil.Bakefor45minutes,removefoil,andcontinuetocookfor15minutes,oruntilthesquashisfork-tender.Servewarm.

PUMPKINPECANPIEServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:50to60minutes

InactivePrepTime:30minutes YouknowhowattheendoftheThanksgivingfeast,you’resittingback,maybesecretlyunbuttoningthetopbuttonofyourpantsandwishingyou’dgonewithelastic,andthen

someonepullsoutawholebunchofpies?Thatisascarymoment.Becauseyouknowyouwantsome,butyou’renotgoingtobeabletohavemorethanjustoneslicewithoutpopping.Whichdoyouchoose?Classicpumpkinorclassicpecan?Whatdoyoudo!?Noproblem!Goforthispiethatbringsbothofthosefavoritestogetherandcallitaday.Thepumpkinpielendsitstaste,body,andvolume,andthepecanpie,withits

sweetnessandspice,deliverstheBOOMBOOMBOOM!Missionaccomplished.

FORTHEPIECRUST:

1tablespoonsugar

1/2teaspoonsalt1/3cupwater1cupcold,unsaltedbutter,cutinto1/2-inchpieces21/4cupsflour(plusmoreforrolling)FORTHEFILLING:2tablespoonsbutter,softened1/2cupgranulatedsugar3eggs,lightlybeaten

1tablespoonwhitevinegar

1/2teaspoonsalt1teaspoonvanillaextract

1cupdarkcornsyrup

11/2cupspecans,chopped1/4cuppumpkinpureeWhippedcream,forgarnishCinnamonsugar,forgarnishTOMAKETHE

PIECRUST:1.Inasmallbowl,combinesugar,salt,andwater.Refrigerateuntilverycold,about15minutes.Duringthattime,refrigeratebutterandflour.

2.Combinethecoldbutterandflourinthebowlofafoodprocessor.Pulseuntilthebutterandflourresemblewetsand,about3minutes.Addthewatermixtureallatonceandpulseuntilthemixturejustcomestogether.3.Dividethedoughinhalfandverygentlypateachhalfintoaround1-inch-thickdisk.Wrapeachtightlyinplasticwrapandrefrigerateuntilfirm,about1hour,beforerolling.Youcanrefrigeratethedisksforuptoonedayorfreezeforuptothreemonths.4.Preheatovento350°F.Rolloutthepiedoughto1/8-inchthicknessandtransferintoa9-inchpieplate,allowingtheexcesstodrapeovertheedge.Foldovertheedgesandcrimp,thentrimanyremainingexcess.Covercrustwithparchmentpaperandpourinbakingbeansorweights.Bakefor10to12minutes,oruntilcrustislightgold.

TOMAKETHEFILLING:5.Meanwhile,inthebowlofanelectricmixer,creamthebutterandsugar,thenaddthebeateneggs,vinegar,salt,vanilla,andcornsyrup.Stirinthepecansandpumpkinpuree.

6.Pourthefillingintothepreparedpiecrust.Placethepieonabakingsheet.Bakeonthecenterrackoftheovenfor40to50minutesoruntilset.Coolcompletelyonawirerack.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandcinnamonsugar.

LEFTOVERTURKEYSOUPServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20to25minutes CookTime:1hour,15minutes

Thanksgivingisoverandwhatdoyouhaveleft?Amongthefondmemoriesanddishesthatprobablystillneedcleaning,you’relikelytohaveabunchofleftoverturkey,aswellasthebones(let’snotsaycarcass…sounappetizing).Thegoodnewsisthatyouhavethemakingsforafabuloussoupthatsavesyoufromeatingturkeysandwichesforthenextmonth.Leftoverturkeysoupiseasytomake,freezeswell,andisa

warmingmealthat’sdeliciousanddelightfultohaveonhandasthedaysgetcolder.

11/2poundsleftovercookedturkeybonesWaterSalt,totaste3tablespoonsoliveoil,plusmorefordrizzling2carrots,smallchop1yellowonion,smallchop1/2bunchkale,cutintoribbonsFreshlygroundpepper,totaste

1packageeggnoodles

1baguette,thinlyslicedonbias1/2cupfreshlygratedParmesan,plusmoreforgarnish

3cupsleftovershreddedturkey

1.Preheatoventobroil.Placetheturkeybonesinastockpotandcoverwithwaterby2inches.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer,cookingfor1hour.Seasonwithsalttotaste.Removethebonesandstrainthemixture,discardingsolids.2.Inalargesautépanovermediumheat,heatoilandsautéthecarrots,onion,andkalefor2to3minutes.Thevegetablesshouldnotbeoverlysoft.Seasontotastewithsaltandpepper.Removefrom

heatandsetaside.3.Bringalargepotofwatertoaboilandseasonwithsalt.Cooktheeggnoodles2minutesshortofthepackageinstructions.Drain.4.Placetheslicedbreadonabakingsheetanddrizzlewitholiveoilandsprinklewith1/3cupParmesan.Broilfor2minutesjustuntilcheesehasmeltedslightly.Dividethevegetablemixtureandnoodlesamongfourbowls.Topwiththeshreddedturkey.LadletheturkeystockintoeachbowlandtopwithcrostiniandfreshlygratedParmesan.

GLITTERPUMPKINTEALIGHTCANDLEHOLDERS

ThearrivalofThanksgivingmightmeanthatHalloweenisover,butitdoesn’tmeanthatyouhavetoputyourpumpkin-decoratingskillsonholduntilnextOctober.Little,teenypumpkins(oranyothersmallgourds)canbewhittledawayandsparkleduptododoubledutyasbothtableornamentsandfunctionalcandleholders.Afteryoufinishdrillingandcarving,getthekidsoutoftheirrooms,withallsmartphonesputaway,andhaveafamilyfree-for-allwithglitterandglue.Cheap,fun,andglitzy…whatmorecouldyouwantinacandleholder?

PumpkinsElectricdrillwitha11/2-inchholesawattachment(ormalletandbiscuitcutter)PetroleumjellyNewspaperCraftglueBristlebrushGlitterTealight1.Clearaworkspaceandcoverwithnewspaper.Cleantheexteriorofthepumpkin.Forlargerpumpkins,removeasmuchofthestemasyoucanusingaknifeorsaw.

2.Centertheholesawovertheremainderofthestemanddrilldownintothepumpkin,butdon’tpushthrough.Letthetooldotheworkandthenpullbackthedrill(thisshouldtakeafewseconds).Youcanalsouseamalletandabiscuitcuttertocreatethehole.Onceyou’vedrilledintothetopofthepumpkin,scoopoutorremovethecircularpiece.Theholeyou’vecreatedshouldbejusttherightsizeforatealighttofitsnuglyinside.Iftheholeistoolarge,youcanuseasmallpieceoffoilasagaskettopreventthetealightfromfallingintothecavityofthepumpkin.

3.Tokeepthepumpkinfromrottingtooquickly,rubpetroleumjellyaroundtheinsideedgeofthehole.4.Brushtheoutsideofthepumpkinwithcraftglueusingabristlebrush,ensuringthatthepumpkiniscompletelycoatedwithglue,butnotdripping.Withlargerpumpkins,itmayhelptoworkinsections,whilesmallerpumpkinscanbedoneallatonce.5.Pourglitteroverthewetglue.Moveandtiltthepumpkintocatchalltheglitter.Continueuntilthesurfaceisevenlycovered.6.Allowtositforafewhours.Ifthereareanybarespotsoncedry,repeatsteps4and5untilyouhavereachedyourdesiredresults.7.Onceallglitterisdry,placeatealightinthecenterholeandenjoythesparkle!

CHRISTMASMistletoeBellini

FennelPomegranateCrostini

RoastedPorkLoinwithCranberries

SautéedCipolliniOnions

SpicyBroccoliandCauliflowerGratin

KingofGreensSalad

StickyToffeePudding

RumBalls

HotCocoaMix

MISTLETOEBELLINI SERVES:1 SKILLLEVEL:EASY

PREPTIME:10MINUTES ATRADITIONALBELLINIISATANTALIZINGMIXOFPROSECCOANDPEACHPUREE,ANDORIGINALLYHAILSFROMHARRY’SBARINVENICE,ITALY.WHATWE’VEDONEISTAKENTHEPRINCIPLEOFA

BELLINI(PUREEDFRUITANDSPARKLINGWINE)ANDGIVENITACHRISTMASTWISTBYMAKINGITMISTLETOERED.THESPRIGOFTHYMEADDSTHATLITTLEBITOFHERBALGREENERYTHATHELPSTOEVOKETHELOOKOFMISTLETOE.NONEEDTOGOALLTHEWAYTOVENICETOSIPIN

SPLENDOR!

1ouncefreshorfrozenraspberries

1ounceraspberryliqueur

4ouncessparklingroséThymesprig1.Blendraspberriesinfoodprocessortocreatetheberrypuree.Strainthroughfine-meshsievetoremoveseeds.

2.Combinepuree,liqueur,andsparklingroséincocktailshakerwithice.Gentlyrollcontentsfromoneendofshakertotheotherthreetimes.3.Strainintochilledchampagneflute.Garnishwithasprigofthyme.

CLINTON:Therosycolorofthiscocktaillendsitselftoallsortsofothereventsandholidaysaswell.IfplainoldchampagnefeelstiredonValentine’sDay,trywhippingupabatchofthesecocktails.Insteadofcallingthem“MistletoeBellinis,”whynot“BelovedBellinis”?

FENNELPOMEGRANATECROSTINISERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:EASY

PREPTIME:15MINUTES COOKTIME:10MINUTES SOMANY

CHRISTMASGOODIESCANBEALITTLEONTHEHEAVYSIDE.WHICHIS,OFCOURSE,PARTOF

WHYTHEY’RESODELICIOUS!BUTADISHWITHHEALTHYINGREDIENTSTHATISGORGEOUSTOLOOKATANDTASTESJUSTASGORGEOUSCANHAPPILYCOEXISTONYOURCHRISTMASFEASTTABLE.THELIGHTGREENFENNELANDRUBYPOMEGRANATESEEDSECHOTHETRADITIONAL

COLORSOFTHISHOLIDAYANDWILL,WETHINK,BECOMEASTAPLEFORALLYOUR

DINNERPARTIES.

1baguette,slicedintohalf-inchpieces2clovesgarlic,peeled

3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

Juiceandzestof2lemons

1teaspoonhotredpepperflakes

1teaspoonhotredpepperflakes

1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andslicedintorings1bulbfennel,coreremoved,shavedpaperthin2ouncesPecorinopepato,shavedorgrated1/4cuppomegranateseedsSaltandfreshlygroundpepper,totaste1.Toastthecrostinionasheettrayina400°Fovenuntilgoldenbrown,about10minutes.Removefromtheovenandrubeachcrostiniwithgarlic.

2.Inalargebowl,combinetheoliveoil,lemonjuiceandzest,hotredpepperflakes,jalapeño,fennel,Pecorino,andpomegranateseedsandtosseverythingtocoat.Seasonwithsaltandfreshlygroundpepper.Moundoneachcrostiniandserve.

SAUTÉEDCIPOLLINIONIONSServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:18to20minutes Wearemakingcipollinionionsthreeways:simple;special,withrobiolinacheese;andspectacular,withamountainof

shavedtruffles.Asforeignascipollinionionsmaysound,they’renot.They’rejustlittleonions;youcouldjustaseasilysubpearlonionsforthem.Youcanevenusefrozenpearlonions—nobigdeal.Withallthatsaid,ifyoucanfindcipollinionions,you’llfindthattheygiveyoualittlebitmoreresistanceandalittlebit

moresweetness.

SIMPLE:OLIVEOIL2POUNDSCIPOLLINIONIONS,PEELEDWITHROOTSTRIMMEDSALT,TOTASTE1TABLESPOONSUGAR3TABLESPOONSUNSALTEDBUTTER

2tablespoonsfreshthymeleaves

1/3cupsherry1/4cupheavycreamSPECIAL:1/2cuprobiolinaorcreamcheese1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesanSPECTACULAR:Blackorwhitetruffles,shavedTOMAKEITSIMPLE:1.Heatalargeskilletovermedium-highheatwithafewtablespoonsofoliveoil.Addonions,andseasonwithsalt.Sprinkletheonionsalloverwithsugar.Cook,undisturbedfor1minute,andthenaddthebutter,continuingtocookuntiltheonionsbegintodevelopdeepcaramelization,5to8minutes.Fliptheonions,andcookfor1minute,andthenaddthethyme,followedbythesherry.Cookfor10minutesuntilsherryhasreducedby90percent.Removefromheatandstirinthecream.Adjustseasoningtotaste.

TOMAKEITSPECIAL:2.StirintherobiolinaandParmesan.

TOMAKEITSPECTACULAR:3.Shavetrufflesovertheonions,andthensprinklethetruffleswithsalt.

MARIO:Whatyou’relookingforinaperfectlycookedonionisafirm,aldentetexture.It’sverymuchlikepasta.So,youwanttocookyouronionsallthewaythrough,butnotuntilthey’remushy.

SPICYBROCCOLIANDCAULIFLOWERGRATIN

Serves:10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:40to45minutes YourChristmastablewillbesohappyifyouhavethissidedishsnugglinguptoyourturkey,ham,orwhateverthemain

attractionhappenstobe.Notone,nottwo,butthreecheesesandacrunchybread-crumbtoppingmakethisgratinthecomfortfoodtoendallcomfortfoods.Butbeforeyougettoocomfortable,redchiliflakesadda

kickthatwillhaveyouupfromyourchairlookingforanotherserving.

3tablespoonsoliveoil

1mediumyellowonion,dicedSalt,totaste

1tablespoonchilipowder

1/2cupunsaltedbutter,divided,plusmoreasneeded4tablespoonsall-purposeflour1cupmilk

1cupheavycream

1/2poundGruyèrecheese,shredded1/2poundcheddarcheese,shredded1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesan2cupsbroccoliflorets

2cupscauliflowerflorets

11/2cupspankobreadcrumbsFreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteRedchiliflakes1.Preheatovento400°F.Inamediumsautépan,

heatoliveoilovermediumheat.Sautétheonionsuntiltranslucent,about3minutes.Seasonwithsaltandchilipowder.Removefromheatandsetaside.

2.Melt4tablespoonsofbutterwithflourinasaucepotovermediumheat.Stirtogethertoformadrypasteandcookfor2minutes.Slowlywhiskinthemilkandcream.Cookovermediumheatfor5minutesoruntilslightlythickened.Removethesaucefromtheheat,andstirinthecheesesuntilmelted.Addthecookedonionsandadjustseasoningtotaste.3.Tossthebroccoliandcauliflowerina9-x13-inchbakingdish,makingsurevegetablesaremixedevenly.Pourthecheesesauceevenlyoverthevegetables.Inalargebowl,tosstogetherthebreadcrumbsandasplashofoliveoiluntilbreadisevenlycoated.Seasonwiththechiliflakes,salt,andpepper.4.Topthevegetablemixwiththebreadcrumbsandbakefor30to35minutesoruntiltoppingisrichgoldincolor.Removefromovenandallowtocoolfor5to10minutesbeforeserving.

MarioandCarlasharetheirfavoritewintrymenuswithLennyVenito.

KINGOFGREENSSALADServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes “TheKingofKingssalvationbrings,”orsosaysthetraditionalChristmascarol“WhatChildIsThis?”Inkeepingwiththespiritoftheholiday,webringyouthe“KingofGreens.”TheKingofGreensSaladistheultimateinhealthyanddeliciouseating.Someof

youmaythinkthatkaleistoofibroustoeatrawinasalad,butit’snottrue!Allyou’vegottodoisgiveitagoodmassagewiththedressingtobreakthefibersdown.Thatmassagenotonlygivesthekalealovely

texture,butitalsohelpsthekingofgreenstoabsorbthedressing.Makefriendswithkale!

1largebunchblackkale,leavestornintobite-sizedpiecesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupoliveoilZestandjuiceof1–2lemons1/3cupcurrants1/3cuppinenuts,toasted1/4cupPecorino,grated

1teaspoonredchiliflakes,optional

1.Addthekaletoalargemixingbowl,seasonwithsaltandpepper,anddrizzlewitholiveoil.Massagewithyourhandsmakingsuretocoatthekalewithoilandbegintobreakdownthecellstructure.2.Gratethezestandsqueezethejuiceofthelemonsoverthemassagedkale.Addthecurrants,toastedpinenuts,andPecorinoandtosstocombine.Servewithapinchofredchiliflakes,ifdesired.

DAPHNE:Kisforkale.It’salsoforvitaminK.Allgreenvegetablesarerichinvitaminsandmineralsandhaveprovenanti-inflammatoryproperties.

RUMBALLSServes:24 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30to45minutes CookTime:10minutes LookingforatraditionalChristmastreat?Looknofurtherthantheclassicrumball!Let’sfaceit,ifyouaddrumto

chocolateandbutterit’sprettyhardtogowrong.TheadditionofalittlesalttooffsetthesweetnessoftheseconfectionsiswhattakesthemfromgreattoGREAT!Andifyouhaveahankeringforanotherliquor,gorightaheadandmakethechange.Ifbourbonisyourthing,swapitinfortherum.Oruseredandgreen

sprinklestodecoratethem.Makethisrecipeyourown!

1/4cupdarkrum6ouncessemisweetchocolate,chopped

4tablespoonsbutter

1/4cupwalnuts,toastedandfinelychopped11/2cupspowderedsugarSalt,totasteWhitesprinkles,fordecorating1.Heattheruminasmallskilletovermediumheatuntilreducedbyhalf.Setaside.

2.Setaheatproofbowloverapotofgentlysimmeringwater,makingsurethatthebowldoesnottouchthesurfaceofthewater.Addchocolateandbuttertothebowlandmelt,stirringtocombine.3.Removefromheatandstirinthewalnuts,rum,powderedsugar,andsaltuntilfullyincorporated.Allowmixturetocooltoroomtemperature.Thiscanalsobepreparedafewdaysinadvanceandstored,coveredinthefridge.4.Portiondoughintoone-inchballsandrollinsprinkles.Chillinanairtightcontaineruntilreadytoserve.

HOTCOCOAMIXChristmascomesduringtheseasonofgiving,sowhenyouaregoingtoaChristmaspartyorafamilygathering,it’salwaysnicetobringagiftwithyou.Especiallyahomemadeone!Thishotcocoamixissimpletoputtogether,andyoucanmakeabigbatchtogivetoallyourlovedones!Simplypouritintoglassjars,makelittledirectioncardsthatsay“Combine2tablespoonsofmixwithhotmilk,”punchaholeinthecornerofeachcard,andtiearoundtheneckofthejarwithfestivecoloredribbons!Ho!Ho!Ho!OrshouldIsay,“Cocoa-oh!”

1cupcocoapowder2teaspoonsgroundcardamom2teaspoonsgroundchipotlepowder

2teaspoonsgroundcinnamon

3tablespoonssemisweetchocolatechips,chopped1/2cupsugarGlassjarwithlidBlankindexcardorgifttagHolepuncherFestiveribbon

1.Mixingredientsthoroughlyandtransfertoajar.Topwithlid.2.Onablankindexcardorgifttag,write,“Toprepare,mix2tablespoonsofthemixinto8ounceshotmilk.”Punchaholeinthecorneroftheindexcardandthreadontoapieceofribbonroughlyafootlong.Tieribboninabowaroundtheneckofthejar.

HANUKKAHChickenLiverPâté

BrisketwithPearlOnionsandPotatoes

BeetandPotatoPancakes

Kugel

PotatoDoughnuts

HomemadeHanukkahGelt

CHICKENLIVERPÂTÉServes:5 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:15minutes SinceHanukkahistheFestivalofLights,let’sshedsomelightonthetopicofchoppedliver.ItisatraditionalJewishdish,butlet’s

faceit:itdoesn’tsoundallthatfancy.Infact,it’sanexpressionusedbyapersonwhoisfeelingunderappreciated:“WhatamI?Choppedliver?”Withthisrecipe,wearetakingahintfromthefabulousFrenchandwhippingtheclassicholidaydishintoanon-dairypâté.Enjoyitoncrackers,withtoast,orjust

eatitwithaspoon!

2tablespoonsoliveoil

1/2cupfinelychoppedyellowonion1clovegarlic,minced1cupchickenlivers,finelychopped2teaspoonschoppedparsley

2teaspoonschoppedsage

1/4cupsherry1/2teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonpepper1.Heattheoliveoilovermediumheatinamedium-sizedskillet.Addtheonionandsautéuntiltranslucent.Addthegarlic,chickenlivers,parsley,andsage.Stiruntiltheliveriscookedthrough,about10minutes.

2.Increasetheheattohigh,addthesherry,andcookfor3moreminutes.Addsaltandpepper.3.Removefromtheheatandpulseinafoodprocessoruntilblended.Thefinalmixtureshouldbealittlechunky.Chillandservewithcrostiniorcrackers.

CLINTON:I’vepickedupsomuchfromalloftheotherhosts.It’snotjust

onerecipebutthespiritwithwhichtheycookthat’sreallyaffectedme.

BRISKETWITHPEARLONIONSANDPOTATOES

Serves:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:21/2to3hours BrisketisaJewishholidayclassic,handsdown.Youthink“Hanukkah,”youthink“brisket.”Youthink“Passover,”you

think“brisket.”Theexcitemententersthepicturewhenyoudecidehowyou’regoingtoprepareit.Everyoneswearsthattheirbubbe’sbrisketisthebest.Thatmaybe;I’mnotgoingtoarguewithanyone’s

bubbe.ButIthinkthisbrisketcouldverywellgivethosegrandesdamesarunfortheirgelt.

4-to5-poundbrisketSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper

3tablespoonsoliveoil

1/2poundpearlonions1tablespoontomatopaste8clovesgarlic

1bayleaf

4sprigsrosemary,tiedinabundle6carrots,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks6parsnips,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks2poundsYukonGoldpotatoes

2tablespoonsflour1cupredwine

3cupsbeefstock

Freshhorseradish,togarnish,optional1.Preheatovento300°F.

Seasonthebrisketgenerouslywithsaltandpepper.HeatalargeDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addoliveoilandsearthebrisketdeeplyonallsides,about5minutesperside.Removetoaplate.

2.Addtheonionstotheremaininghotoilandcookfor2minutes.Addthetomatopasteandcookuntilitbeginstoturnarustycolor,thenaddthegarlic,bayleaf,androsemary.Addthevegetablesandflourandtosswithawoodenspoontolightlycoatthevegetablesintheflourandtomatomixture.Addthewinetodeglazethepan,scrapingthebrownbitsoffofthebottomofthepanwithawoodenspoonasmuchaspossible.Addthebrisketbacktothepanandaddstocktocomeonethirdofthewayupthesideofthepan.3.Coverandtransfertoovenandcook2to3hours,untilmeatisverytender.Garnishwithfreshlygratedhorseradish.

BEETANDPOTATOPANCAKESServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:4to8minutes Potatopancakes,orlatkes,areaHanukkahstaple.Normally,they’reservedwithachoiceofsavoryorsweetcondiments;in

otherwords,applesauceorsourcream.Thesepotatopancakesarealittlefancierbutdon’trequireanymoreworkandarejustasdelicious,ifnotmoreso,thantheoriginal.Theadditionofbeetsaddsanunexpectedsplashofcoloronyourplateaswellasalittlesweetnesstothepancake;andwegiveadashofchutzpahtothetraditionalsourcreamgarnishbyaddinghorseradish.Thehorseradishisaperfectfoiltothesweetbeets

andgoesperfectlywithbeef,whichalsousuallyshowsupontheHanukkahtable.

FORTHELATKES:

2largeredbeets,peeled1mediumyellowonion

1egg

2mediumrussetpotatoes,peeled1/4teaspoonbakingpowder2tablespoonsflour

1teaspoonsalt

1/4teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper4tablespoonsbutteroroliveoil,plusmoreasneeded2scallions,chopped,plusmoreforgarnishFORTHEHORSERADISHSOURCREAM:

1cupsourcream

2tablespoonsfreshlygratedhorseradish,plusmoreforgarnish2teaspoonsDijonmustard

1tablespoonchoppedscallions

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHELATKES:1.Gratethebeetsandonionsontoacleankitchentowel.Wringouttheexcessliquidandplaceinalargemixingbowl.Cracktheeggintothebowl.Rinsethegraterandthengratethepotatoesontoacleankitchentowel.Wringouttheexcessliquidandplaceinthebowlwiththebeetsandonions.Inamediumbowl,whisktogetherthebakingpowder,flour,salt,andpepper.Addtheflourmixturetothebeetmixtureandstirtoincorporate.

2.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheatandmeltbutteruntilthefoamsubsides.Usingatablespoon,spoonthebeetmixtureintothepan,makingsurenottoovercrowd.Usingthebackofthespoon,pressthemixtureinthepantoflattenslightly.Cookfor2minutesoruntilcrispyonthefirstsideandthenfliptocontinuecooking.Oncecrispyonbothsides,removetoapapertowel–linedplate.Continuetocooktheremainingbeetmix,cleaningthepantoremoveburntbitsandaddingbutteroroilasneeded.3.Servethepancakeswithadollopofthehorseradishsourcreamandasprinklingofscallionsandmorefreshlygratedhorseradish.

TOMAKETHEHORSERADISHSOURCREAM:4.Mixtogethertheingredientsinabowlandadjustseasoningtotaste.

KUGELServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:45to60minutes Kugelisa

littlebitliketheTalmud.Itraisesmorequestionsthanitanswers.Isitapudding?Notreally.Isitacasserole?Notsomuch.Isitsweet?Umm…sortof.Isitsavory?Uhhh…kinda.Okay,enoughwiththe

questions.Here’swhatwecansayaboutkugel:it’shardtofindsomeonewhodoesn’tlikeit,andifyou’rehungryinthemiddleofthenight,thisistheperfectthingtosnackonrightoutoftherefrigerator.

4matzocrackers

1/2cupwater

1cupsherry

3/4cupgoldenraisins

6eggs

1/2cupmaplesyrup1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspooncinnamon3/4cupalmonds,crushed2GrannySmithapples,shredded

4tablespoonsmeltedbutter

1/2cuporangejuice

1cupapricotjam

1.Preheatovento350°F.Soakthematzocrackersinwaterfor10minutes.Removefromthewaterwithaslottedspoonandallowanyexcessmoisturetodripoff.Setaside.2.Inasmallsaucepanovermediumheat,addthesherryandraisins.Cookfor3to5minutesuntiltheraisinshaveabsorbedthewineandbecomeplump.Whentheraisinsareplump,removefromthesherrywithaslottedspoonandsetaside.3.Whisktogetherthematzoandtheeggsinalargebowl.Addthemaplesyrup,salt,cinnamon,andalmonds.Foldintheapples,raisins,meltedbutter,andorangejuice.Pourintoagreased9-x9-inchbakingdish.Cook,coveredwithfoil,for35to45minutesuntiljustset.Removethepanfromtheovenandspreadapricotjamontop.Returntooven,uncovered,andcookforanother10to15minutes.

MICHAEL:Kugelisspecialnotonlybecauseit’ssoaddictivelygood,butitdoesdoubleduty.It’saclassicHanukkah,Passover,andSabbathdish,anditisatraditionaleverydayfoodinRomania.Thisputskugelinthegoodcompanyofstuffedcabbageandgoulash.

POTATODOUGHNUTSServes:10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:50minutes

InactiveCookTime:1hour Makenomistake—we’renotsayingthatHanukkahfareisparticularlylightandhealthy.Butwhocares?Ithappensonceayear,soifyousubscribetothenotionof“allthingsin

moderation,”you’reingoodshape.Thesepotatodoughnutsaretenderascanbeandflavoredwithalittlekickofvermouthandorange.Delectableandirresistible,theydisappearfasterthanyoucansaymenorah!

1/2poundrussetpotatoes,peeledandcutintochunks1/2cupwholemilk2teaspoonsactivedryyeast

2largeeggs

31/2–4cupsall-purposeflour(orasneeded)11/2teaspoonssalt

2tablespoonssugar

1/4cupextra-virginoliveoil(plus4cupsfordeep-frying)

2tablespoonssweetredvermouth

Gratedzestandjuiceof1orangeGranulatedsugar,fordusting1.Placethepotatoesinalargepot,coverwithwater,andbringtoaboil.Boilgentlyuntiltender.Drainandpassthroughafoodmillorricerintoalargebowl.Letcool.

2.Meanwhile,inasmallsaucepan,heatthemilkoverlowheatjustuntilwarm.Removefromtheheat,sprinkletheyeastintothemilk,andletsitfor15minutes,oruntilfoamy.Addtheeggs,flour,salt,

sugar,1/4cupoliveoil,vermouth,andorangezestandjuicetothepotatoesandmixwelltocombine.Addtheyeastmixtureandkneadwell,addingalittlemoreflourifnecessaryifthedoughisverysticky.Coverandletthedoughriseinawarmplacefor1hour,oruntildoubled.3.Dividethedoughintofourequalpieces.Rolleachoneintoa11/2-inchthickrope.Cuteachoneinto5-inchlengthsandformintorings.Placethedoughnutsonawell-oiledbakingsheet,coverwithatowel,andletrisefor45minutes,oruntildoubled.4.Inadeeppot,heattheremaining4cupsoliveoilto340°F.Workinginbatches,frythedoughnutsuntilgoldenbrown,about5minutesperbatch.Removewithaslottedspoonanddrainonaplatelinedwithpapertowels.Sprinklegenerouslywithgranulatedsugarwhilehotandservewarm.

MARIO:Ifyoureallywanttostayawayfromfriedfoods,youcanbakethesedoughnuts.Theywon’tbeascrispy,butthatdoesn’tmatter;they’llstillbesweetlysatisfying.

HOMEMADEHANUKKAHGELTDreidel,dreidel,dreidel,Imadeyououtofclay…andthenIletyoudryandspunyoulikeatoptodoalittlehomegrowngambling!Neverfear,thisisn’tthekindofgamblingtogetworriedabout.Nomoneychangeshands,unlessyoucountchocolateswrappedinfoilasmoney.Ifso,you’remykindofperson.Here’showyoudoit:

2cupsdarkchocolatechips

1/2teaspoonvanillaextractAluminumfoil

2mini-muffintins

1.Setaheatproofbowloverapotofgentlysimmeringwater,makingsurethatthebowldoesnottouchthesurfaceofthewater.Addthechocolatechipsandthevanillaextract,stirringconstantlyuntilchipsarecompletelymelted,about5minutes.2.Transferthechocolatetoapitcher.Pourchocolateintothewellsofmini-muffintinssothatchocolateisabout1/8-inchdeepinthebottomofeachwell.3.Placethemini-muffintinsinthefridge,andallowthegelttohardenforatleast1hour.Oncechilled,wrapinfoilifdesired,orstoreinanairtightcontainer.

VALENTINE’SDAYGinFizz

CurriedButternutSquashSoup

ScallopswithSlow-RoastedCauliflowerSteak

CoqauVin

GlazedGingersnaps

EspressoCrèmeBrûlée

CURRIEDBUTTERNUTSQUASHSOUPServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:25minutes WhycurriedbutternutsquashsoupforValentine’sDay,youask?Whynotaredsoup,likeborschtortomato,togowiththeusualred-and-whitetheme?Getreadyforgreatness:becausecurryisknowntobeanaphrodisiacandmood

enhancer.Youreadthatright.Thespicyheatincurryreleasesendorphins,thefeel-goodchemical,inyourbody,andtheotheringredientsarebelievedtogetyouheatedupinotherways.Ginger,garlic,cardamom,andginsengallmakeappearancesinmostcurriesandareresponsibleforgettingyourmotorrunning.Why

areyoustillreadingthis?Startmakingsoup!

2tablespoonsoliveoil

2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,divided4cupsbutternutsquash,peeled,seeded,andcutinto1/2-inchcubes1smallyellowonion,diced

Pinchsalt,plusmoretotaste1,2-inchpieceginger,peeledandfinelygrated2teaspoonscurrypowderorcurrypaste1,15-ouncecancoconutmilk

1cupwater

Freshlygroundblackpepper,totasteCilantroleaves,forgarnishLimewedges,forgarnishPlainGreekyogurt,forgarnishToastedbutternutsquashseeds,forgarnish1.Preheatovento350°F.InaDutchoven,heattheoliveoilandbutterovermedium-highheat.Addthebutternutsquash,onion,andagenerouspinchofsalt,andsautéuntilsoftened.Addthegingerandthecurrypowder

orpasteandcookuntilveryfragrant,aboutaminute.Addthecoconutmilkandwater,andbringtoasimmer.(Donotoverheat.Boilingwillcausethecoconutmilktobreakdown.)Cookfor15minutestoallowflavorstocometogether.

2.Useblendertopureethesoupuntilcompletelysmooth.Checkseasonings,adjustingwithsaltandpepper.Ladlethesoupintobowls.Garnishwithcroutons,cilantro,limewedges,yogurt,andtoastedseeds.

OnValentine’sDay,countrymusicgroupLittleBigTown(JimiWestbrook,KarenFairchild,KimberlySchlapman,andPhilipSweet)haveaheart-to-heartwiththeChewcrew.

SCALLOPSWITHSLOW-ROASTEDCAULIFLOWERSTEAK

Serves:4to6 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:10minutes Surfandturf,whileaniceidea,canbealittleoverwhelmingbothforyourstomachandyourwallet.Thistakeontheclassicmarriageactuallyinvolves“steak”madewithcauliflower!Itisjustastemptingastheoriginalbutnowherenearthecost.Andyouwon’tpaythepricewithyourwaistlineeither.Ifyoulovescallops,givethisatry;youprobablydon’talreadyknowhowperfectlymatchedcauliflowerandscallopsare,butyou’ll

besettingthemuponadateagainaftereatingthisdish.

6tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil,divided1smallheadcauliflower,cutinto1/2-inch-thickslicesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

1teaspoonmincedwhiteanchovy

2tablespoonscapers,rinsed1smallshallot,minced1garlicclove,minced

1tablespoonhoney

Juiceandzestof1lemonJuiceandzestof1orange1poundseascallops,approximately16

1/4cuppinenuts,toasted1/4cupfreshparsley,leavesonly1.Preheatbroilertohighwitharackpositioned6inchesbelowheat.Inalargesautépanovermedium-highheat,add1tablespoonofoliveoil.Onceveryhot,arrangethecauliflowerinthepanandsautéuntilitbeginstocaramelize,aboutaminute.Season

generouslywithsaltandpepper.Transferthepantotheovenunderthebroilerandcookuntilbrownedonthetop,4to5minutes,beingmindfulnottoburn.Removefromovenandsetaside.

2.Inamediumbowl,combinetheanchovy,capers,shallot,garlic,honey,andlemonandorangejuicesandzest.Whiskin3tablespoonsofoliveoilandseasonwithsaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper.Setaside.3.Placealargesautépanoverhighheat.Removethesmallsidemusclefromthescallopsandpatthemdrywithpapertowels.Seasononbothsideswithsalt.Whenthepanishot,add2tablespoonsofoliveoilandaddthescallops,withenoughspaceinbetweentoallowbrowning.Searwithoutmovingthemforabout1minuteto90secondsonthefirstside.Thereshouldbeagolden-browncrust,whilethescallopisstilltranslucentthroughout.Turntheheatoffandflipscallops.Letthescallopssitinthepanwhileyouplatethecauliflower.4.Toserve,arrangecauliflowerandscallopsonplatesoraplatter.Drizzlewiththevinaigretteandgarnishwithpinenutsandparsley.

COQAUVINServes:6to8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:1hour,45minutes

Valentine’sDayisaboutlove,andwhoknowsmoreaboutlovethantheFrench?Well,maybeItalians,butIwon’tquibbletoday.InhonorofthedayofloveandthepeoplewhoinventedtheFrenchkiss,youcan’tgowrongmakingcoqauvintosharewithyoursweetheart.It’stheperfectdishforValentine’sDaybecause

oncealltheingredientsgointhepot,you’vegottwohourstodressup(ordown)atyourleisurebeforeyourguestofhonorarrives.Whenthecoqauvinhitsthetableandyouhearyourhoneyrepeatingtheword

“love”alot,youcanbesureit’smeantbothforyouandthisincredibledish.

3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

6ouncespancetta(1/2-inchdice)1,4-poundchicken,cutinto8pieces;wingsandbackreservedforstockSalt2carrots,smalldice2celeryribs,smalldice5cipollinionionsorpearlonions,trimmed3garliccloves,thinlysliced1cupcreminiorbuttonmushrooms,halvedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

3tablespoonstomatopaste

Flour,fordusting

1cupchickenstock

4cupsredwine,reducedto3cups;preferablycabernetormerlot6freshthymesprigs

6freshparsleysprigs

1.HeatoliveoilinalargeDutchovenovermediumheat.Addthepancettaandcookuntilbrownedonallsides.Removefrompan.Addthechickeninbatchesandbrownonallsides,startingskin-sidedown,untilgolden.Removetoaplate.2.Addthecarrots,celery,onion,garlic,andmushroomstothepanandsautéuntilsoftenedslightly,about5minutes,seasoningwithsaltandpepper.Addthetomatopasteandcookuntildarkrustincolor.Sprinklein1to2tablespoonsofflourjusttocoatvegetables.3.Pourinthechickenstockandreducedwine.Tietheherbsintoabundlewithkitchentwineandaddtopotalongwiththebrownedchickenandpancetta.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer.Coverandcookfor11/2hours.Servewarmovermashedpotatoesorbutterednoodles.

MARIO:Theliquidusedtobraisethechickencanbeusedforanykindofmeat.Letyourimaginationrunwild!Orifyou’vegotacutofmeatanddon’tknowwhatyou’regoingtodowithit,rememberthisclassicthatwon’tletyoudown.

ESPRESSOCRÈMEBRÛLÉEServes:4 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:20to25minutes

InactiveCookTime:30minutes Ah,love.Itmakesussaycrazythingsanddoevencrazierstuff.Andwhydoesthathappen?Becauseweloseourdamnedfoolminds,that’swhy!Andhowdowedescribehowwefeelwhenwe’recrazyinlove?Wesaythatwearefeverish,ourheartsareaflame,orthattheobjectofouraffectionhassetusonfire.Ifthat’showyou’refeeling,showyourhoneysomesweetlovebyservingupthisespressocrèmebrûlée.Heorshewillgetthehint;inFrench,brûléemeans“setonfire.”Case

closed!

1cupheavycream

1/2cupwholemilk2tablespoonscoarselygroundespressobeans

2teaspoonsinstantespressopowder

1vanillabean,split6eggyolks

6tablespoonsgranulatedsugar

1/4teaspoonsalt1/4cupraw(turbinado)sugar1.Ina3-quartpotcombineheavycream,wholemilk,espressobeans,espressopowder,andvanillabean.Heatovermediumheatuntilthemixturestartstoboil,thenimmediatelyremovefromheat.Setasideandletsteepfor5minutes.Stirandstrainthroughafine-meshstrainer.Inaseparatebowl,whisktogethertheeggyolks,sugar,andsaltuntillemonyellow.Slowlydrizzlethehotmilkmixtureintotheeggmixtureandstirquicklyuntilcombinedand

sugarisdissolved.Pourthemixtureintofour,8-ounceramekins.2.Preheatovento425°F.Placeakitchentowelinthebottomofaroastingpan,andthenplacetheramekinsinthepan.Placethepanintheovenandpourhotwaterhalfwayupthesidesoftheramekins.Bakefor20to25minutes,untilcustardjigglesorisjustset.Removefrompanandrefrigeratefor2hours.3.Whenreadytoserve,letcustardssitatleast30minutesatroomtemperature,thendusttopsofcustardwith1teaspoonraw(turbinado)sugar.Placeunderbroilerfor2to3minutesoruseakitchentorchtobrown.Becarefulnottoburnthetops.

EASTERMoscowMule

ChickpeaBruschettawithSpringVegetableSalad

GrilledButterfliedLegofLambwithMintPesto

BraisedScallionsandPotatoes

ClassicCarrotCakewithWhippedCreamCheeseFrosting

Silk-DyedEggs

MOSCOWMULEServes:1 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes WhatcanwesayaboutaMoscowmule?The

ingredientsareprettystraightforward.Frankly,you’vegottalovearecipethatonlyhasthreeingredients,right?Soduringthethreesecondsthatittakestoputthiscocktailtogether,rememberthatthistastydrink

cangodownlikesoda,butdrinkitslowly;allthat(Moscow)vodkagivesitakicklikeamule!

1/2ouncelimejuice2ouncesvodka

4to6ouncesgingerbeer

1.Pourthelimejuiceintoacollinsglass.Addicecubes,thenaddthevodka.2.Filltherestoftheglasswithgingerbeer.

MICHAEL:IhavenoideahowtheGreekcalendarworks.AllIknowisthatwhenIwasakiditwasgreatbecauseIgottocelebrateEastertwice!

BRAISEDSCALLIONSANDPOTATOESServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:30minutes Thissidedishisthe

perfectaccompanimenttoanEasterfeast.Notonlydoesitcomplementthetraditionallegoflambbeautifully,butitisbeautifulonitsown.Thelightgreenofthescallionsechoesnewspringshootscoming

upfromtheground,promisingwarmerdaysandfreshblooms.

4tablespoonsbutter,sliced

2poundstinyYukonGoldpotatoes,cutinhalf

1garlicclove,cutintothickslices

2bunchesscallions,rootsandgreenstrimmed;cutinto2-inchlengths1lemon,cutaroundthecoreinto4piecesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

1cupVinSantoorwhitewine

1/2cupwaterExtra-virginoliveoil,fordrizzling1.Placeaheavy-bottomedpotovermedium-highheatandaddthebutter.Tossinthepotatoes,garlic,scallions,andlemonwedgesandseasongenerouslywithsaltandpepper.AddtheVinSantoandwater,bringtoasimmer,andcoverthepotwithalid.

2.Cookatagentlesimmerfor30minutes,oruntilthepotatoesarefork-tender.Tasteandadjustseasoning.Servewithadrizzleofoliveoil.

ShownwiththeBraisedScallionsandPotatoesisMario’sGrilledButterfliedLegofLambwithMintPesto.

MARIO:Easteristhemajorreligiousholiday,whichmeansit’sthemostsacred—andthemostdelicious.

SILK-DYEDEGGS

MakingEastereggsisoneofthebestpartsoftheholiday(nexttodoinganEasteregghunt,eatingchocolatefromEasterbaskets,hangingoutwiththeEasterbunny…butIdigress).Silk-dyedeggsareawaytogetbeautifulpatternsandcolorsfromoldsilktiesorscarvesthataren’tgoingtobewornagain,butdon’thavetogotowaste.Theprocessformakingtheseeggsissimple,buttheresultslooklikemagic.Sortoflikepullinga(Easter)rabbitoutofahat.

Eggs100%silkscarvesortiesWhitecottonsocksorotherlight-coloredcottonclothRubberbandsWhitevinegar1.Hard-boiloremptytheeggs.Toempty,pokeaholeinthetopandbottomofeachegganduseasmallstrawtoblowouttheyolkandwhite.Rinseitoutandletitdry.(Emptiedeggscanbekeptformuchlongerperiodsoftime.)2.Ifyouareusingties,deconstructthembysnippingthestitchingandremovingthelininguntilyouareleftwithonlythesilk.Cutthesilkintopieceslargeenoughtowraparoundyoureggs,plusalittleextratotieoff.

3.Tightlywrapeachegginascarfortiewiththesilkflatagainsttheegg’ssurface.Secureinplacewitharubberband.4.Wrapthecoveredegginasockorothercottonclothandsecurewitharubberband.5.Add1cupofvinegartoapotofgentlyboilingwater.Youwantabout1teaspoonofvinegarforeveryhalfcupofwater.Besuretouseanenamel,glass,orothernonreactivepot.

6.Droptheeggsintothewaterandletsitatagentleboilfor20minutes.Ifthey’reblowneggs,fillthemwithwaterbeforehandsotheywillsink.7.Removetheeggsfromtheboilingwaterandallowthemtocoolcompletely.8.Unwrapthemandcheckoutyourcreation!

CLINTON:InFranceabunnydoesnotvisitthechildrenduringEaster.Instead,aflyingbellwithwingszoomsinfromRomeandbringsthemchocolateandeggsonEastermorning.

MOTHER’SDAYPerfectMom-osa

FriséeSaladwithCandiedBacon

BananasFosterCrepes

FruitSalad

Kid-FriendlyCroissants

PressedFlowerCards

PERFECTMOM-OSA SERVES:6TO8 SKILLLEVEL:EASY PREPTIME:5MINUTESMIMOSASHAVEBECOMEASTAPLEOFFANCYBREAKFASTSORBRUNCHES.ANDWHYNOT?THEADDITIONOFFRESH-SQUEEZEDOJTOSPARKLINGWINEISREFRESHINGAND

DELICIOUS,PLUSTHEORANGEJUICEMAKESITFEELALITTLEBREAKFAST-Y.TOGETAFRESHTAKEONAMIMOSA,THETRICKISFINDINGTHE

RIGHTEXTRAINGREDIENTTHATWILLELEVATETHECOCKTAILWITHOUTROBBINGITOFWHATMAKESITACLASSIC.ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURDOESTHETRICK.ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURISBECOMINGMOREANDMOREPOPULARACROSSTHECOUNTRYAND,OF

COURSE,INCREASINGLYEASIERTOFIND.WITHFLORAL,HONEYED,ANDFRUITYNOTES,ELDERFLOWERLIQUEURADDSDEPTH,SOPHISTICATION,ANDPERFUMETOTHE

MIMOSA.SOLET’SCALLITTHEMOM-OSAFORALLTHOSESOPHISTICATEDLADIESWELOVE!

1bottleproseccoorsparklingwine,chilled4ouncesfreshlysqueezedorangejuice,chilled

4ounceselderflowerliqueur,divided

Dividetheorangejuiceandelderflowerliqueurbetweeneachofthechampagneflutes,andtopwithproseccoorsparklingwine.Enjoy!

DAPHNE:Mymamaalwayssaid,“Havestandards,notexpectations.”Becauseforher,standardsarethingsyouholdforyourselfandexpectationsarethingsthatyouputonotherpeople,andyoucan’tcontrolotherpeoplesoyousetyourselfupfordisappointment.It’sreallycoolanditactuallyworks.

Daphne’smother,Lisa,receivesflowersfromherdaughteronMother’sDay.

FRUITSALADServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:30minutes Fruitsaladisonlyasgood(andnutritious)asthefruityouputinit.Seemssimple,right?Butthinkofhowmanysadfruitsaladsyou’vebeenpresentedwithovertheyears.Whothoughtthatafewcubedapplesandorangesliceswasanacceptableinterpretationofwhatcouldbethestarofanybrunch?Thisfruitsaladisspectacularbecausethefruitchosenforitissweet,tart,soft,andtoothsome,withvibrantcolorsthatcomplementeachothergorgeously.Butafruitsalad

withoutalittledressingisstill,well,naked!Inthiscase,we’reusinghoney,limejuice,andthyme,withanoptionalsplashofprosecco.Ifyouandyourgueststhinkyouaren’t“fruitsaladpeople,”guessagain!

3freestonepeaches,slicedandpitsremoved3plums,slicedandpitsremoved3nectarines,slicedandpitsremoved1pintblackberries

1pintraspberries

Juiceandzestof2limes1vanillabean

2tablespoonshoney

2sprigsofthyme,leavesonly1tablespoonmint,leavesonlyandchoppedWhippedcream1/2bottleprosecco,optional

1.Combineallofthefruitinalargebowl.Squeezelimejuiceoverthefruit,thenscrapevanillabeanintothebowl.Addlimezest,honey,andthymetofruit.Foldeverythingtogetherandallowtheflavorstomarry.Foldthemintintothewhippedcream.

2.Toserve,putfruitsaladinawineglass.Topeachglasswithwhippedcream,andfillwithproseccoifyou’dlike.

Michaelcooksforhismom,Angel,inhonorofMother’sDay.

KID-FRIENDLYCROISSANTSServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy CookTime:25to30minutes Croissantsareatreatthatwerarely

thinkofmakingathomebecausemakingallthatpuffpastryistime-consumingand,ifyou’renotabaker,hardtodo!Thesolution,ofcourse,liesinalltheprepackagedpuffpastrythat’sonthemarket.Butifyouuseittomakeplaincroissants,theyhavethetendencytomakeyoufeellikeyoucoulddobetter.This

recipeistheperfectcompromise.Theadditionofsweettreats(inthiscasechocolateandalmonds)makesforcroissantsthatcouldhavecomefromaFrenchbakery.Thebeautyofthesebakedgoodiesisnotonlyintheflavorbutinthefactthatthey’resoeasytomake.Thewholefamilycangetinvolved,whichisalovely

waytoprepareforMom’sspecialday.

1/2packagefrozenpuffpastry,thawed1/2cupdarkchocolate,chopped1/2cupalmondpaste

1eggwhiskedwith2tablespoonswater

1/4cupslicedalmondsConfectioners’sugar,todust1.Preheatovento375°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Gentlylaypuffpastryoutonflatsurface.Cutintothreeequalrectangles.Cuteachrectangleintotwotrianglesbycuttingdiagonallylengthwise.

2.Placeaboutateaspoonofchocolateandalmondpasteinthecenterofthelargeendofthetrianglepieces.Looselyrolltowardthesmallend.Pinchtheendsandbringthemintoalmosttouch.3.Placeonthebakingsheet,brushwiththeeggwash,andsprinklewithafewalmondslices.Bake25to30minutes,oruntilthepastryispuffedandgolden.Sprinklewithpowderedsugartoserve.

DAPHNE:Ifyoulikethesecroissants,youwillmostlikelyfallinlovewith

marzipan(particularlythechocolate-coveredvariety).Ifyouhaven’tencountereditbefore,it’sanalmond-basedcandythat’ssowidelybeloved,Iran,Germany,Italy,andSpainallclaimtobethecountryofitsorigin.Onceyoutakeabite,youwon’tcaresomuchwhenceithailssomuchaswhereyoucangetmore.

PRESSEDFLOWERCARDS

Howmanytimeshaveweheardourmoms(andotherlovedones)saythatgettingahomemadegiftiswonderfulbecauseit’ssopersonalandshowslovingeffortonthepartofthegiftgiver?Let’sjustsay,“Alot.”Here’sawaytomakeone-of-a-kindgiftcardsthataresobeautifultheyaregiftsallontheirown.Thisisanothercraftprojectthatyoucangetthekidsinon;itrequiresadelicatetouchattheend,butgettingthemtochoosetheflowersandpressthemistonsoffun.

DinnerplatesCorrugatedcardboardCoffeefiltersPaperFlowers,preferablypansiesorsimilarMicrowavePaintbrushClear-dryingcraftglue1.Turnaplateupsidedown,thencutcardboardtofitinsidetherimoftheplate.Ontopofthat,stack2to3coffeefiltersandapieceofpaper.

2.Snipthefloweroffofitsstemandflattennicelyontoyourpaper.Thenstackontopofthefloweranotherpieceofpaper,2to3coffeefilters,apieceofcardboardfittedtotherimoftheplate,andasecondplate,rightsideup.3.Placestackedmaterialsinthemicrowavefor40secondsifdryingjusttheblooms.(Ifyouwouldliketodrythestems,itwilltakeaboutaminute.)4.Usingclearglue,gentlyadheretheflowertoacard.Begentle,it’sdelicate!Youmaywanttousetweezerstoplaceyourflowers.Coverwithathincoatofgluetosealandallowtodry.

ShownwiththePressedFlowerCardsareMario’sBananasFosterCrepes.

Clintonembraceshisnumberonefan—andmom—Terri.

MILESTONES

Therearecertaineventsinourlivesthatarecauseforpull-out-all-the-stopscelebrations.Why?Becausethey’reaboutlove:thelovebetweentwopeoplewhohavedecidedtospendtherestoftheirlivestogether,loveforababyabouttomakehisorherdebutintheworld,andlovesharedbyacouplethathasstoodthetestoftime.Weddings,showers,andanniversariesarespecialoccasionsthatareasvariedasthepeoplewhocelebratethem.Butthere’sonethingthatthemostgrandioseweddingandthemostdown-homebabyshowerhaveincommon:foodanddrinks!Amongthefiveofus,we’vecelebratedenoughmilestonestoknowwhatrecipeswillmaketheperfectmenuforeverygathering,whetherit’syourfirstoryourfiftieth.SogetreadytowhipupsomeappetizersthatwillhaveyourstodgyAuntMargaretandyourhippiecousinSunshinebondinginnotime!

SHOWER

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARYPARTY

SHOWERMintedWatermelonandCucumberPunch

SausageandSwissChardFrittata

BabyCucumberSandwiches

BabyChickenSaladPuffs

ChocolateTruffles

BananaBreadPudding

CitrusSaltScrub

SAUSAGEANDSWISSCHARDFRITTATASERVES:6TO8 SKILLLEVEL:EASY

PREPTIME:10MINUTES COOKTIME:20TO25MINUTES

CELEBRATING,WHETHERIT’SFORANUPCOMINGWEDDINGORABABYONTHEWAY,CANWORKUPQUITETHEAPPETITE.THAT’SWHYYOUNEEDAFILLING,CROWD-PLEASINGSOURCEOFSUSTENANCETOSERVEYOUR

SHOWERGUESTS.SAUSAGE,EGG,ANDCHEESEAREANO-FAILBREAKFASTCOMBINATION.BUTADDSOMECRUNCHYGREENSANDYOU’RE

REALLYINBUSINESS.THETERRIFICTEXTUREOFSWISSCHARDISWHATTAKESTHIS

FRITTATATOTHENEXTLEVEL,SOTHEKEYISNOTTOCOOKITDOWNTOOMUCH.KEEPTHATHEALTHYCRUNCHINTHEGAME!THROWINSOMEONIONSANDTOPITOFFWITHTHEDELICIOUS,SALTY,LACTICLOVETHATIS

PECORINOROMANOCHEESEANDYOU’VEGOTASOLIDSPINONABREAKFASTCLASSIC.

2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

1poundspicyItaliansausage,removedfromcasing1redonion,thinlysliced2bunchesSwisschard,chiffonade,thinlysliced3clovesgarlic,minced

8eggs

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2cupfreshlygratedPecorino1.Preheatovento350°F.Inalargenonstick,ovenproofpanovermedium-highheat,addtheoliveoil.Addthesausage,andcookuntilcrisp,about8minutes,breakingitupasitcooks.Addtheredonionandchard,thencook2moreminutes.Cracktheeggsintoalargebowl,addthegarlic,andwhisktogether.Transfersautépancontentstobowlwiththeeggmixture,andstirtomixeverything.Seasongenerouslywithsaltandpepper.

2.Transferbacktoovenproofpanandstirwithaspatulatomakesureitdoesn’tstick.Placeintheovenandcookuntilset,about15minutes.ThensprinklewithPecorinoandcoolforabout5minutesbeforeserving.

MARIO:Icravesalty,spicystuff.I’llgetarawjalapeñooutofthefridge,smearalittlecreamcheeseonit,thensprinkleitwithkoshersaltand,ontopofthat,addchipotleTabascosauce.Thatscratchesmyitch.

BABYCUCUMBERSANDWICHESServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes Whenyou’recelebratingababyonthe

way,you’vegottathink“adorable.”Thesedaintycucumbersandwichestotallyfitthebill!Ablendofgoatcheese,creamcheese,andbuttercomplementsthatcoolcucumbercrunchtoperfection.Thebestthing

aboutthisclassicappetizerisitbringsacasualelegancetothetableforanincrediblylowcost.Ofcourse,there’salsothefactthatthesearejustabouttheeasiestthingsyoucanwhipupforaparty.Imean,comeon.

Youcanhandleasandwich,right?

8ouncesgoatcheese,roomtemperature4ouncescreamcheese,roomtemperature4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,roomtemperature1garlicclove,minced

3tablespoonsgratedParmesan

3tablespoonsfreshdill,minced1tablespoonparsley,mincedPinchsalt1/4teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

10slicespumpernickelbread

6Persiancucumbers(washedandthinlysliced)1.Inastandingmixer,mixthegoatcheese,creamcheese,butter,andmincedgarlic.AddtheParmesan,dill,parsley,salt,andpepper;combinewell.Packthemixtureintoanairtightcontainer,andstoreintherefrigerator.Toserve,bringtoroomtemperaturebeforespreadingonsandwiches.

2.Placethethinlyslicedcucumbersonacleankitchentowelorpapertoweltoremoveexcessmoisture.Smearalayerofgoatcheesespread

ononesideofeachpieceofbread.Shinglethecucumbersoverhalfoftheslices.Topwithremainingslicesofbread,cheese-sidedown.Trimthecrustfromthesandwichesandcuteachsandwichintofourpieces.Servechilledoratroomtemperature.

ShownwiththeBabyCucumberSandwichesareClinton’sBabyChickenSaladPuffs.

CARLA:Ithinkwomen’scravingsaredifferentfrommen’scravings.Menmaythink,“Oh,Ikindofwantthat.”Womencraveit.Wewantit.Weneedit.

CITRUSSALTSCRUB

Whenyouthrowashower,youwanttosendyourguestshomewithafavorthatwillhavethemoohingandaahinglongafterthepartyisover.Thiscitrussaltscrubfitsthebillperfectly!Thezestyfragrancewakesupthesenseswhilethesimple,all-naturalingredientswillleaveyoufeelingscrubbed,polished,andreadytofacetheday.Allyouneedissomesalt,coconutoil,andthezestofyourfavoritecitrusfruit.Anddon’tthinkyouhavetochoosejustone!Tryalemon-limeblendorthrowthemallintothemixfortheultimatearomaticpick-me-up.

1/2cupcoconutoil(oralmond,olive,orvegetableoil)1/2cupseasalt11/2teaspoonscitruszest(lemon,lime,orange,grapefruit,oracombination)TOMAKETHESCRUB:

1.Placecoconutoilinalargebowlandmicrowaveatintervalsof10secondsuntilcompletelymelted.(Ifusingalmond,olive,orvegetableoil,itwillalreadybeliquid.)Oncetheoilisliquid,addseasaltandcitruszest.Makesuretonotallowanywaternearthebowlaswaterwilldissolvethesalt.2.Pourmixtureintoairtightcontainers.Decoratewithnamesornotesforguests.3.Storeinacool,dryplace.

TOUSETHESCRUB:

Whileintheshower,mixtheingredientswithyourfingertips.Applythebodyscrubwithhandsorsoftwashcloth.Rinsethemixtureoff

completely.

WEDDINGLoveDrunkPunch

HamCroquettes

TunaTartare

StripedBassinCartoccio

AristaallaPorchetta

CheeseTartwithMarinatedTomatoZucchiniSalad

MiniBakedAlaska

LemonCardamomCookieWeddingGifts

HAMCROQUETTESServes:30 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:35to40minutes

InactiveCookTime:2hours Whenyouhaveguestscomingfrommanydifferentplaces,backgrounds,andwalksoflife,there’sjustnothingthatwillbringthemtogetherlikeagoodold-fashionedcomfortfood.Hamcroquettesarecrunchyontheoutside,creamyontheinside,andfullofclassic,dependableflavorsthatwarmyourheartuprightalongwithyourstomach.It’scheesy,buthey,soarethesecroquettes.Servethemduringthecocktailhourofyourweddingcelebrationandwatchthebride’sshyauntandthegroom’scrazy

unclebondovertheircommonloveofgoodfood.

4tablespoonsunsaltedbutter1/4cupoliveoil3/4cupflour,plusmoreforbreading

4cupswholemilk

21/2teaspoonssalt,plusmoretotaste

1teaspoonfreshlygratednutmeg

Freshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1cupManchegocheese,finelyshredded1cupcookedham,finelychoppedOilforfrying(vegetableorpeanut)6eggs,beaten

2cupspankobreadcrumbs

1.Placeaheavy-bottomedenameledpotovermediumheat.Whenthepotishot,addthebutterandoliveoil.Cook,stirringoccasionally,for2to3minutes.Next,whiskin3/4cupflour.When

alloftheflourhasabsorbed,slowlywhiskin1cupofthemilk.Whiskuntilnomorelumpsappear,thenwhiskintherestofthemilk.Seasonwithsalt,nutmeg,andpepper.Bringthemilktoagentleboilwhilewhisking,thenreducetheheattolow.Cook,stirringfrequently,for30minutes.Nextmixinthecheeseandstiruntilcompletelymelted.Mixintheham,thenpourthemixintoa9-x13-inchpanandchillthoroughly,about2hours.2.FillalargeDutchovenhalfwayupwithoilandheatoilto360°F.Whiletheoilisheating,formyourcroquettes.Usinga1-tablespoonmeasuringspoon,scoopoutthechilledmixtureintoballs.Withflouredhands,rollthem,andthenplaceonabakingsheetorplatewhileyoufinishtherest.Theycanbekeptintherefrigeratoratthispointuntilreadytobreadandfry.3.Setupabreadingstationwithflour,eggs,andbreadcrumbsinseparateshallowdishes.Dredgetheballsintheflour,thenthebeatenegg,andthenthebreadcrumbs,shakingoffanyexcess.Dropintotheheatedoilandfryfor1to2minutesperside,movingthemarounduntilcompletelygoldenbrown.Removefromtheoilwithaslottedspoontoapapertowel–linedplateandseasonlightlywithsalt.Coolforafewminutesbeforeserving.

TUNATARTAREServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:30minutes CookTime:12to15minutes Aftera

weddingceremonyisover,guestsaresuretobehankeringforabitetoeat.Soit’simportanttohavelight-yet-satisfyingappetizersawaitingthematthereception.Thisrecipeeasilymeetsthosecriteria,plusit’sabitmoreexoticthanthetypicalchipsanddip.Butwhenitcomestotunatartare,there’snomessingaround:gettheetothefishstoreandgrabapieceofsushi-gradetuna.Thengetreadytoutilizesomeofthebest

flavorsofJapanesecuisinewithalittlebitofginger,alittlebitofsesame,and,ofcourse,akickofwasabi.It’sallaboutfreshnesswiththisdish,soholdoffonmixingeverythingtogetheruntilyourguestshavetheir

wontonchipspoised.Ready,set,dip!

FORTHETUNATARTARE:1POUNDSUSHI-QUALITYTUNA,SMALLDICE1AVOCADO,DICED1/8CUPCANOLAOIL1/2TEASPOONPEELEDANDFINELYGRATEDGINGER1TEASPOONFINELYCHOPPEDJALAPEÑO

1teaspoonwasabipowder

1scallion,greenandwhiteparts,finelydicedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteWontonchips,toserveFORTHEWONTONCHIPS:

18squarewontonwrappers

VegetableoilsprayormeltedbutterSeasalt1/2teaspoonblacksesameseeds1/2teaspoonwhitesesameseedsTOMAKETHETUNATARTARE:1.Placethedicedtunaintoabowlandplacethatbowloveranadditionalbowlfilledwithicetokeepthetunacold.Coverthetunawithplasticandkeepinthefridgeuntilready

toserve.2.Inaseparatebowl,combinetheavocado,oil,ginger,jalapeño,wasabipowder,andscallion.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandfoldinthechilledtuna.

TOMAKETHEWONTONCHIPS:3.Preheatovento350°F.Cutthewontonwrappersinhalfdiagonally,andarrangethemonacookiesheet.

4.Spraywithvegetableoilorbrushlightlywithmeltedbutter.Topwithseasaltandsesameseeds.5.Bakefor12to15minutesuntilgoldenbrownandcrisp.Allowthechipstocometoroomtemperature.6.Arrangethewontonchipsonaplatterandplaceaheapingtablespoonofthetunamixtureinthecenterofeachchip.Serveimmediately.

STRIPEDBASSINCARTOCCIOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:12to14minutes Whenpeople

receiveweddinginvitations,theyaresometimesaskedtochooseanentréeontheirRSVPcards.Checkone:beef,chicken,orfish.Well,thisstripedbasswillhaveeveryonewishingtheyhadcheckedthefishbox!Cartoccioisjustthenameforthesimpletechniqueofbakingthingsinparchmentpaper.Itholdsyourfish

andvegetablestogetherandsteamsthematthesametime.Betteryet,itgivesthedishabeautifulpresentationthat’sasinexpensiveasitisimpressive.Ifseabassisn’tyourthing,noproblem.Gotoyour

localfishmongerorseafoodmarketandpickupwhateverfishyoulike.

4,6-ouncefilletsofwildstripedbassSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1smallyellowsquash,julienned2carrots,peeledandjulienned1bulbfreshfennel,julienned10leavesSwisschard,trimmedandchiffonade

4branchesfreshoregano

1bunchItalianparsley,choppedto1/4cupyield12Gaetaolives

1cupwhitewine

1/4cupextra-virginoliveoil1.Preheattheovento450°F.Cutfourpiecesofparchmentinto12-inchsquares.Seasoneachpieceoffishwithsaltandpepper.Mixthevegetablesinabowlandseasonwithsaltandpepper.Dividethemixedvegetablesevenlyamongthecentersofthefourpiecesofpaper.

2.Place1fishfilletoverthevegetablesand1branchoforeganooverthefillet.Dividetheparsley,olives,andwineevenlyoverthefishfilletsandaddagenerousdrizzleofoliveoil.Foldupeachpacketand

sealtheedgesbyfoldingthemoverseveraltimes.3.Bakeintheovenfor12to14minutes,andservehot.Watchoutforthesteamthatwillblastfromthehotpacketonceopened.

ARISTAALLAPORCHETTA SERVES:16 SKILLLEVEL:MODERATE PREPTIME:30MINUTES

COOKTIME:1HOUR,25MINUTES NOONESPEAKSTHELANGUAGEOFLOVEQUITELIKETHEITALIANSDO.SOI’MABOUTTOSHOWYOUONEOFMYFAVORITECELEBRATORYDISHES.IT’SHEARTY,IT’SDELICIOUS,ANDITHASTHEADDEDBONUSOFTHEFACTTHATYOUCANSERVEITUPATROOMTEMPERATURE.ARISTAALLAPORCHETTAISPERFECTFORAMAIN

COURSENOTONLYATAWEDDING,BUTATAQUIETDINNERWITHALOVEDONEASWELL.

AFTERALL,ARISTAMEANS“THEVERYBEST”INTHETUSCANDIALECT!

1,4-poundbonelessporkloinroast,butterfliedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1mediumonion,thinlysliced1fennelbulb,trimmed,frondsreservedandchopped,bulbthinlysliced2poundsgroundporkshoulder2tablespoonsfennelseeds

2tablespoonschoppedfreshrosemary

6clovesgarlic,thinlysliced

1cupfreshbreadcrumbs

2largeeggs,lightlybeaten4redonions,cutinhalf1lemon,halved1.Laytheporkloinflatandsprinklewithsaltandpepper.Setaside.Ina10-to12-inchsautépan,heat1/4cupoftheoliveoilovermedium-highheatuntilitbeginstosmoke.Addtheslicedonionandfennelbulbandsautéuntilsoftenedandlightlybrowned,about10minutes.Addthegroundpork,fennelseeds,rosemary,garlic,and2tablespoonspepper,andcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheporkisnolongerpink,about10minutes.Transfertoabowlandallowtocool.Preheattheovento425°F.

2.Addallbut1tablespoonofthefennelfronds,thebreadcrumbs,andeggstotheporkmixtureandmixgently.Spreadthemixtureovertheporkloin.Rollitup,startingfromalongside,likeajellyroll,andtiewithbutcher’stwine.Placetheredonionsinaroastingpanandsettheporkontop.Roastfor1hourand15minutes,oruntiltheinternaltemperatureis135°F.Removeandletrestfor10minutes.3.Slicetheporkintoone-inch-thickpieces.Servedrizzledwiththeremaining1/4cupoliveoilandagoodsqueezeoflemon,garnishedwiththereservedfennelfronds,andwiththeonionsontheside.

MARIO:Youmaynotthinkthatgarlicwouldberightforaromanticweddingdinner,butaslongasyoueatthesameamountofgarlicasthepersonthatyou’regoingtokiss,you’llbefine.

CHEESETARTWITHMARINATEDTOMATOZUCCHINISALAD

Serves:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25minutes CookTime:30to35minutes InactiveCookTime:1hour Whenservingappetizersatawedding,it’sgoodtohavesomestationary

itemsthatguestscandevouratwill,andalsotohavesomefoodpassedbutler-style.Thisbakedtart,whichcombinesasavorycrust,acheesyfilling,andasuper-simpletomatozucchinisalad,canbecutupintobite-sizedpiecesanddoledouttoguests.Besuretomakeenough,becauseyourfriendsandfamilywillflockto

theserverswhopassoutthisamazinghorsd’oeuvre!

FORTHETOMATOZUCCHINISALAD:1CUPCHERRYTOMATOES,CUTINHALF

1/2cupzucchini,slicedalongfulllengthintothinstrips1/2teaspoonredchiliflakes

1garlicclove,smashed3tablespoonsredwinevinegar

2tablespoonsoliveoil

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupbasilleaves,torn

FORTHETART:

1sheetpuffpastry,thawed2tablespoonsbutter,melted1egg,beaten1/2cupricotta,roomtemperature

1/2cupgoatcheese,roomtemperature1/4cupParmesan,gratedZestof1lemon1tablespoonchives,finelychopped1tablespoontarragon,leavesfinelychopped1tablespoonparsley,finelychopped

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTOMAKETHETOMATOZUCCHINISALAD:1.Combinethetomatoes,zucchini,chiliflakes,smashedgarlic,redwinevinegar,andoliveoilinamedium-sizedbowl.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandthensetasidetomarinateatroomtemperaturefor1hour.

TOMAKETHETART:

2.Preheattheovento350°F.Laythepuffpastryonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Withaparingknife,lightlytracea1-inchborderaroundthepuffpastry;then,withafork,dock(orpokeholes)allovertheinsiderectangle.Brushtheedgesofthepuffpastrywithmeltedbutter.Placeintheovenandcookfor10minutes.Theedgesthatwerenotdockedshouldpuffupandcreateafree-formtartshell.Removefromtheovenandletcoolslightly.3.Inamediumbowl,combinetheegg,ricotta,goatcheese,Parmesan,lemonzest,andherbs.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandstirtocombineevenly.Tasteandadjustseasoningifnecessary.Spoonthecheesemixtureintothecenterofthetartandsmearwithaspatulatofillintheedges.Bakethetartfor15to20minutes,oruntilthecheeseismeltedandthetartisgolden.Removefromtheovenandletcool.4.Rightbeforeserving,removethegarlicfromthetomatomixture.Strainthemixtureandthentosswiththebasilleaves.Reseasonwithsaltandpepper.Topthecheesetartwiththetomatozucchinisalad,cutintopieces,andserve.

MINIBAKEDALASKA SERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:DIFFICULT PREPTIME:30MINUTES

COOKTIME:15TO20MINUTES INACTIVEPREPTIME:30MINUTESTO1

HOURATMOSTWEDDINGS,THEDESSERTOPTIONISAFOREGONECONCLUSION:WEDDINGCAKE.BUTITDOESN’THAVETOBETHATWAY!OTHERSWEETSCANBESERVEDINPLACEOF,ORINADDITIONTO,THECAKE.BECAUSELET’SBEHONEST:YOUCANNEVERHAVETOOMUCHDESSERT!BAKEDALASKAISAFIVE-STARDESSERTTHATPROVESLOOKINGFANCYDOESN’THAVETOBEEXPENSIVE.WE’RE

MAKINGOURVERSIONSMALLANDCUTE,ANDTHERE’SSOMETHINGABOUTTAKINGOUR

LARGESTSTATEANDMAKINGITITTY-BITTYTHATTICKLESME.BUTMAKESUREYOU’VE

GOTYOURTIMINGRIGHT:THESEBABIESHAVE

TOBEFIREDUPJUSTMOMENTSBEFORESERVINGORTHELITTLEALASKASWILLBEGIN

TOMELT!

FORTHEPECANSHORTBREADCOOKIES:

1cupflour

1/4cupsugar1/4teaspoonsalt1tablespoontoastedpecans,veryfinelyground1/2cupunsaltedbutter,chilled3/4teaspoonvanillaTOASSEMBLE:

1pintchocolatesorbet

1/4cuporangeliqueurFORTHEMERINGUE:

8eggwhites

1/8teaspoonsalt1/2teaspooncreamoftartar2cupssuperfinesugar1teaspoonvanilla

1tablespoonorangezest

TOMAKETHEPECANSHORTBREADCOOKIES:1.Whisktheflour,sugar,salt,andgroundpecansinamediumbowltoblend.Addbutterandvanilla.Crumbletogetherwithfingersuntilthedoughresemblespeas.Formthedoughintoadiskandchillfor10minutes.

2.Preheatovento350°F.Rolloutdoughtoabout1/4-inchthickness.Cutoutcookiesusinga2-inchcircularcookiecutter.Placeonabakingsheetabout1inchapart.Bakefor15to20minutesuntilpale

gold.Allowtocool.

TOASSEMBLE:3.Usinga4-ounceicecreamscoop,scoopchocolatesorbetontoeachofthecookies.Transfertothefreezersothatthesorbethardens.

TOMAKETHEMERINGUE:4.Usinganelectricmixerfittedwithwhiskattachment,beattheeggwhitesandsaltonlowspeeduntilfoamy.Addthecreamoftartarandbeatonmediumspeeduntilsoftpeaksform.Beatingconstantly,addthesuperfinesugarinaslow,steadystream.Addthevanillaandzestandbeatonhighspeeduntiltheeggwhitesareverystiff.Scrapeintoapastrybagandimmediatelypipethemeringue,startingatthebaseofthesorbet,inacirclearoundthecookie.Continuetopipeinaspiralpatternuntilyoureachthetop.

5.Sprinkleafewdropsoforangeliqueurontoeachdollopofmeringueandthenlightthealcoholonfire.Itwillcookthemeringuejustenough,whilenotmeltingthesorbet.Serveimmediately.

ANNIVERSARYPARTYStrawberry-SageLemonade

SpinachArtichokeDip

OrecchiettewithRomanoBeans

Italian-StyleHam

CaramelizedCarrotswithQuinoa

CoconutLayerCake

SPINACHARTICHOKEDIPServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:20minutes Whetherit’syourfifthoryourfiftieth,youranniversarydeservestobecelebratedwithsomemouthwateringfood.AndIthinkit’swrittensomewherethatnocelebrationiscompletewithoutareallydelectabledip.Here’sonethat’soh,sodelicious,yourguestswillbefightingforthelastscoop.Plus,it’sgotspinachandartichokes.That’shealthy

stuff!

1/3cupmayonnaise1/3cupcreamcheese1/4cupsourcream

1cupfreshlygratedParmesan

1cupchoppedmarinatedartichokes,drainedandrinsed2cupschoppedfrozenspinach,thawedanddrained

2tablespoonsroastedgarlic

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteTortillachips,toserve1.Preheatovento375°F.Inalargemixingbowl,stirtogetherallingredientsandseasontotaste.Transfertoa4-cupramekin.Bakefor20minutesoruntilbubblingandslightlygoldenontop.

2.Servewarmwithtortillachips.

CLINTON:Ifyouarecookingforalargecrowd,youcanmakethisintwo,2-cupramekins.Keeponewarmintheovenwhileyourguestseattheotherandyou’llalwayshavehotdip.

ORECCHIETTEWITHROMANOBEANSServes:6 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:1hour CookTime:10minutes Saybuongiornoto

anotheroneofmyfavoriteclassicItalianmeals,orecchiettewithRomanobeans.ThiswonderfulpastadishhailsfromthePugliaregionofsouthernItaly,wheretheoliveoil–andvegetable-basedcultureproducessomeofmyfavoritefoodsintheworld.ThesaucecallsforRomanobeans,butifyoucan’tfindthose,anywaxygreenbeanwilldo.Infact,thedishisallaboutmakingdowithwhatyouhave,whichiswhythereare

noeggsinthedough.

FORTHEORECCHIETTE:2CUPSSEMOLINAFLOUR

2cupsall-purposeflour

1–11/4cupstepidwaterFORTHESAUCE:

4tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

1poundRomanobeans,endsremoved,andcutinto1/2-inchpieces1/2stalkcelery,thinlysliced2serranochilies,thinlysliced1onion,cutinto1/2-inchdiceSalt,totaste

1teaspoonredpepperflakes

1/2cupfreshlygratedcaciocavallocheese(plusmoreforgarnish)TOMAKETHEORECCHIETTE:1.Combinebothfloursinamoundinthecenterofalargewoodencuttingboard.Makeawellinthecenteroftheflourandaddwateralittleatatime,stirringwithyourhandsuntildoughisformed.Asyouincorporatethe

water,keeppushingtheflouruptoretainthewellshape(donotworryifitlooksmessy).Thedoughwillcometogetherwhenabouthalfoftheflourisincorporated.Youmayneedmoreorlesswater,dependingonthehumidityinyourkitchen.Youcanalsomakethisinafoodprocessor.

2.Startkneadingthedoughwithbothhands,primarilyusingthepalmsofyourhands.Oncethedoughisacohesivemass,removethedoughfromtheboardandscrapeupanyleftoverdrybits.Lightlyflourtheboardandcontinuekneadingfor3moreminutes.Thedoughshouldbeelasticandalittlesticky.Continuetokneadforanother3minutes,rememberingtodustyourboardwithflourwhennecessary.Wrapthedoughinplasticwrapandsetasidefor10minutesatroomtemperature.3.Rolldoughintolongdowels3to4inchesthick.Cutintoflatdisks1/4-to1/2-inchthick.Presscenterofeachdiskwiththumbtoformsaucer-shapedpastaandsetasideuntilreadytocook.Bringalargepotofwatertoarollingboilandseasonverygenerouslywithsaltuntilittasteslikethesea.Cookthefreshorecchiettefor2to3minutesoruntilaldente.Drain.

TOMAKETHESAUCE:4.Inalargeskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat;thenaddthebeans,celery,andchiliestothepanandletthemsit.Cookfor2minutes,thenlaytheonionsontopanddonotdisturbthepan.After2moreminutes,tosstheingredientsinthepanandseasonwithsaltandredpepperflakes.Sautéfor2to3moreminutes.Thenaddthepasta,andaladleortwoofpastawater.Addthefreshcaciocavallocheeseandserve.

CARAMELIZEDCARROTSWITHQUINOAServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:25minutes Whenyou’recookingtoentertain,it’seasytorunoutofovenspace.Buthere’sadishthatstaysoutoftheway.Allyouneedtowhipupthisquinoadishisthestovetop,andthingsreallystartgettinggoodwhenyoucaramelizethose

carrots.Adashofcuminaddssomeearthyflavor,andonceyoutopitalloffwithvinaigrette,you’vegotagorgeous,healthydishmadewithoneofmyfavoritegrainsontheplanet!

FORTHEDRESSING:

Juiceofhalfanorange2tablespoonsredwinevinegar1tablespoonDijonmustard

1tablespoonrealmaplesyrup

1/2cupoliveoilSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/4cupdriedcherries

FORTHEQUINOA:

2poundscarrots,peeledandcutatbiasinto1/2-inchpieces

2tablespoonsoliveoil

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon

1teaspoongroundcumin

1/4teaspoongroundcoriander1cupdryredquinoa,cookedtopackageinstructions2scallions,slicedonbias,forgarnish1/4cupgoatcheese,crumbled,forgarnishToastedpumpkinseeds,forgarnish

TOMAKETHEDRESSING:1.Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheorangejuice,redwinevinegar,Dijonmustard,andmaplesyrup.Whiskintheoliveoilinasteadystream.Seasonwithsaltandpeppertotaste.Addthedriedcherriesandallowthemtoplumpwhileyoupreparethecarrotsandquinoa.

TOMAKETHEQUINOA:2.Heatacast-ironskilletovermedium-highheat.Placethecarrotsinalargebowl,tosswitholiveoil,andthenpourintocast-ironpan.Cookthecarrotsundisturbedfor2minutes,allowingthemtocaramelize.Seasonwithsaltandpepper.Cookfor10minutesandthenaddthecinnamon,cumin,andcoriander.Combineuntilfragrant.Lowerheattolowandcookuntilcarrotsaretender.

3.Addcookedcarrotsandquinoatothebowlcontainingthevinaigrette.Tosstocoat,andthentopwithscallions,crumbledgoatcheese,andtoastedpumpkinseeds.Servewarm.

DAPHNE:Havingpeopleovershouldbefun.Youneedtokeepitsimpleandgiveyourselfacoupleofeasystrategies.It’saparty.

BIGBASH

Whenit’stimetopulloutallthestopsandcelebratelikeyoureallymeanit,you’reprobablyabouttothrowa“BigBash.”TheBigBashcantakeseveraldifferentforms,buttheyallhaveonethingincommon:theyallsharethespiritof“Gobigorgohome!”Now,thatdoesn’tmeanyouhavetohaveapartywithmorepeoplethanyourspacecanreasonablyhold,butitdoesmeanthatyou’regoingtodressup,askyourgueststodothesame,andmakeafewhorsd’oeuvres,sides,andentréesthatarenotpartofyoureverydayrepertoire.TheBigBashistheultimateineat,drink,andbemerry.Anddance,ifyouaresoinclined.Thesecocktailsanddelectableedibleswillhelpyougetyourpartystartedright.

AWARDSNIGHT

ELEGANTDINNERPARTY

NEWYEAR'SEVE

AWARDSNIGHTOscar-rita

CauliflowerFritters

OystersRockefeller

BeefSkewerswithCilantroPesto

SpicyPorkMeatballLettuceCups

ChocolateMoussewithTuile

MiniCannoli

OSCAR-RITAServes:2 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:5minutes

Awardsnightsjustscream“cocktailparty!”There’snowaytowatchtheOscars,Tonys,Emmys,Grammys,orIndependentSpiritAwardswhileyou’reeatingasit-downdinner!Soifyou’rehavingacocktailparty,you’vegottostartwiththerightcocktail.We’vealreadyintroducedyoutothePsychoritaforHalloween;nowI’dlikeyoutomeettheOscar-rita.(WhoisthisRitaperson?)TheOscar-ritafeaturesthetequilaofamargaritawiththegoldenhueofpineapplejuice.Justholdyourglassinfrontofyouandyou’llfeellikeyou’reholdinganawardofyourown.Andyoukindofare.

3tablespoonsfreshmintleaves

1/4cupsilvertequila1/4cuppineapplejuice

3tablespoonslimejuice

Seltzer,totopoff

Muddlethemintinamixingglass.Addthetequila,pineapplejuice,andlimejuice,andstirtomix.Pourovericeinamargaritaglassandtopoffwithseltzer.

CLINTON:Don’taskyourgueststobringtheirownalcohol.Ifyou’reonabudget,youcanmakeyouralcoholgoalongwaybymixingasignaturecocktaillikeapunch.Andyoucanpickupabunchofveryinexpensivewinestoserveoncethegoodstuffisgone.Yourguestswon’tevenknowthedifference.

OYSTERSROCKEFELLERServes:8 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Ifyouwantyourpartytobealittlefancy,oneoftheobviouschoicesistoserveoysters.Oystersalwaysseemtocomeouttoplaywhenaluxuriousfeastisbeingputtogether.Anotherwaytomakeyourpartyfancyistodropafewfamousnamesintotheconversation.Whocaresifthenamesyou’redroppingareofindustrygiantswhohaven’tbeenaroundforoveracentury?Inthiscountry,Rockefellerstillmeansclassy!Ifyouput“oyster”nextto“Rockefeller,”you’reservingupsomedouble-barreledelegance.ThegoodnewsisthatoystersRockefelleralsohappenstobeinsanelygoodeating.Andthey’resorich(callingMr.Rockefeller

again!),justafewgoaverylongway.

3tablespoonsbutter

1smallonion,finelychoppedSalt,totaste1garlicclove,minced

4cupsfreshspinach

2teaspoonsanise-flavoredliquor,optional1/2cuppankobreadcrumbs

1/3cupgratedParmesanHotsauce,totasteFreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste16largeoysters,shuckedandchilledinhalfshellRocksalt,tolinebakingsheet1.Preheatovento400°F.

2.Meltthebutterinasautépanovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandseasonwithsalt.Cookfor2to3minutes,oruntiltranslucent.Addthegarlicandcookuntilfragrant.Addthespinachandtossto

combinewithonions.Drizzletheaniseliquoroverspinachandcookuntilwilted.Removepanfromheatandstirinbreadcrumbs,Parmesan,andhotsauce.Adjustseasoningtotaste.3.Placeaheapingtablespoonofspinachmixtureontopofeachoysterandarrangeonabakingsheetlinedwithrocksalt.Bakefor6to8minutesoruntillightgoldontop.Servewarmwithaglassofcoldchampagne.

BEEFSKEWERSWITHCILANTROPESTOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:5to8minutes

InactivePrepTime:30minutes Thesebeefskewersaregreatforadinnerpartyoracocktailparty,whateversuitsyoubest.Theyarestandoutsbecausethey’rebothdeliciousandversatile.Themarinatedbeefcanstayonitsskewerstobeservedwithriceforasit-downmeal(ifyoudon’tmindmissingthat

middleportionoftheawardsshowwhentheygiveawayalltherandomhonors).Or,youcantakethecubesofbeefofftheskewers,stickcocktailpicksinthem,andservethemasindividualbites(ifyouabsolutely

havetoseethelifetimeachievementpresentationvariousawardsshowsinterject).

8woodorbambooskewers2tablespoonsoliveoil

1teaspooncorianderseeds

1/2teaspooncrushedredpepperflakes1poundbeefsirloin,cutinto1-inchcubesKoshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

2cupsfreshcilantroleaves

2garliccloves,roughlychopped1/4cuproughlychopped,toastedhazelnuts1/2cupParmesan1/2cupextra-virginoliveoil1.Preheatagrillorgrillpantomedium-highheat.Ifusingagrill,soaktheskewersincoldwaterfor30minutes.

2.Inamediumbowl,whisktogethertheoliveoil,coriander,andredpepperflakes.Seasonthebeefwithsaltandblackpepper.Addthebeefpiecestothemarinadeandtosstocoat.Dividethebeefintoeightportionsandthreadthemeatontoeachoftheeightskewers.3.Putthebeefskewersonthegrill,cover,andcookfor3minutes.

Flipthebeefandcookuntilthemeatiswellcaramelized,about2minutes.4.Meanwhile,inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecilantro,garlic,hazelnuts,Parmesan,andextra-virginoliveoil.Processuntilsmooth.Tasteandadjusttheseasoning,addingsaltasneeded.5.Removetheskewersfromthegrillandputonaplatter.Drizzlewithsomeofthecilantropestoandservetherestonthesideasadippingsauce.Serveimmediately.

SPICYPORKMEATBALLLETTUCECUPSServes:8to10 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:8to10minutes Don’tyoujusthateitwhenyouhavetogetupinthemiddleofyourfavoriteactor’sacceptancespeechtogowashgreaseoffyourhands?Gottalovepartyfarethatyoucanjustpopinyourmouthwithnomessleftbehind.What’sevenbetterisifyourcocktailbitecomesinawrapperyoucaneat.Soitiswiththesemeatballsinlettucecups.Themeatballscomepackedwithflavor,thankstoallthearomatics,spices,andsaucesthatgointhemix.Andthelettucecupscoolallthatheatdownalittleandkeepyourhandsclean.Mouthwatering,

pleasingtotheeye,andtidy.Perfect.

FORTHESPICYPORKMEATBALLS:1/2CUPDAY-OLDBREAD,FINELYCHOPPEDORTORN1/2CUPWHOLEMILK

1poundgroundpork

1/2cuponion,minced2clovesgarlic,minced1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andminced1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1teaspoonfishsauce,optionalZestof1orangeSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totasteFlour,fordredgingCanolaoil,forpanfryingFORTHELETTUCECUPS:1headBibblettuce,leavesseparated1Englishcucumber,juliennedorcutinto2-inchstrips4radishes,sliced1/2cupshreddedcarrots1/4cupmintleaves,torn1/4cupcilantroleaves,picked1jalapeño,seeded,stemremoved,andslicedintorings1lime,cutinwedgesTOMAKETHEMEATBALLS:1.Inasmallbowl,soakthebreadinthemilk.

2.Inthemeantime,inalargemixingbowlcombinepork,onion,

garlic,jalapeño,coriander,fishsauce,andorangezest.Seasonwellwithsaltandpepper.Allowtheexcessmilktodripoffthebreadandaddittothemeatmixture,discardingtheremainingmilk.Mixwell,thenformintogolfball–sizedmeatballs.3.Heatalargesautépanovermedium-highheat.Whenthepanishot,addenoughcanolaoiltocome1inchupthesidesofthepan.Dredgethemeatballsintheflour,shakingoffanyexcess,thenplacetheminthepan.Brownonallsidesuntilcookedthrough,8to10minutes.Thenremovetopapertowelsandassembleyourlettucecups.

TOASSEMBLETHELETTUCECUPS:4.Choosethebiggerouterleavesoflettuce.Placetwomeatballsineachfollowedbyapieceofcucumber,someradishes,carrot,mint,andcilantro;thentopwithjalapeño.Garnishwithlimewedges.

MICHAEL:It’snottheOscars,butattheJamesBeardAwards—thetimethatIwon—thefirstthingIsaidwhenIwalkeduptherewas,“I’dliketothankLiz.”AndthenIfiguredanythingelsethathappensafterthatisfine.Thankthewifefirst,always.

MINICANNOLI SERVES:12 SKILLLEVEL:EASY

PREPTIME:15MINUTES INACTIVECOOKTIME:2TO4HOURS CARLA:ANDTHEAWARDGOESTO…MINIDESSERTS.WHY?BECAUSEYOUDON’THAVETOSHARE!THESEMINICANNOLIAREJUSTLIKETHEBIGGUYS,BUTTHEYMAKEUPFORBEINGTEENYTINYBYPACKINGANEXTRAPUNCHINTHE

FILLING.PISTACHIOS,CHERRIES,ANDLIMONCELLOMAKEYOURTASTEBUDSSTANDUPANDSAY,“HELLO!”WHENYOULAUNCHONEOFTHESEMINISINTOYOURMOUTH.

DAPHNE:Somedessertsmightclaimthatit’sanhonorjusttobenominated,buttakeonetasteofmyminicannoliandyou’llknowtheyarewinners.I’veaddedcocoapowderandafewothersurprisestothestandardcannolifillingsonoonehastochoosebetweenthisItalianclassicandachocolatetreat.Unlessyouwantboth…thengorightahead!

FORTHECANNOLIFILLINGBASE:

2cupsricotta

2cupsricotta

1cupmascarpone,roomtemperature3/4cupconfectioners’sugar,plusmoreforgarnish1/4teaspoonsalt

1teaspoonvanilla

FORCARLA’SCANNOLIFILLING:1/4CUPLIMONCELLO1/2CUPDRIEDCHERRIES,CHOPPED1/2CUPPISTACHIOS,PLUSMOREFORGARNISH1LEMON,ZESTEDCONFECTIONERS’SUGARFORDAPHNE’SCANNOLIFILLING:1/4CUPUNSWEETENEDCOCOAPOWDER1/2CUPHAZELNUTS,TOASTED1/2CUPCOCONUT,TOASTEDCONFECTIONERS’SUGAR1/3CUPMINICHOCOLATECHIPS,FORGARNISHFORASSEMBLY:

24store-boughtminicannolishells

TOMAKETHECANNOLIFILLINGBASE:1.Setthericottaoverafine-meshstrainerandallowtodrainfor2to4hours.

2.Inalargebowl,mixtogetherthestrainedricotta,mascarpone,sugar,salt,andvanilla.Stiruntilsmooth.

TOMAKECARLA’SCANNOLI:3.Inasmallbowl,combinethelimoncellowiththechoppedcherries.Allowtorehydratefor10minutes,thendrain.

4.Foldthepistachios,cherries,andlemonzestintothefillingbase.Placethecannolifillinginalargepipingbag.Pipethefillingintotheminicannolishells.Sprinklewithconfectioners’sugar,garnishwithchoppedpistachios,andserve.

TOMAKEDAPHNE’SCANNOLI:3.Foldthecocoapowder,hazelnuts,andcoconutintothefillingbase.Placethecannolifilling

inalargepipingbag.Pipethefillingintominicannolishells.

4.Sprinklewithconfectioners’sugar,garnishwithminichocolatechips,andserve.

CARLA:IdidtheaterfromwhenIwastwelveuntilIwasseventeen,andstill,tothisveryday,havedreamsofbeingonthestageorthescreen.

ELEGANTDINNERPARTYSazerac

Leek,Parsnip,andCarrotAgnolottiinBrodo

RedCabbageandAppleSalad

BeefWellington

BrownButterMash

CitrusUpside-DownCake

Drip-DyeCoasters

LEEK,PARSNIP,ANDCARROTAGNOLOTTIINBRODO

Serves:8 SkillLevel:Difficult PrepTime:1hour CookTime:20to25minutes HailingfromthePiedmontregionofItaly,agnolottiisaclassicdishverysimilartoravioli.Agnolottiaretraditionallystuffedwithamixtureofmeatandvegetables,butthisversionusesonlyvegetables(yetiseverybitastasty).The

vegetablesusedareavailableallyearround,sothiswarmingappetizerormaincoursecanbeservedwheneverthemoodstrikesyou.

3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

2mediumcarrots,peeledandslicedinto1/4-inchcoins1parsnip,peeledandcutinto1/4-inchpiecesSalt,totaste1leek,cutinhalflengthwise,thinlysliced,andrinsedthoroughly(withtoughgreensdiscarded)1/3cupricotta,drained1/3cupgratedItalianFontina1/4cupfreshlygratedParmesan1/4cupItalianparsley,chopped,plusmoreforgarnish1tablespoonfreshthymeleaves,chopped1/4teaspoonfreshlygratednutmegFreshlygroundblackpepper

6cupschickenstock

11/2poundsfreshpastasheets1.Heatoliveoilinalargepanovermedium-highheat.Sautéthecarrotsandparsnips,seasoningwithsalt,for2minutes.Tossintheleeksandcookuntiltranslucent,about3minutes.Removefromheatandtransfertoafoodprocessor.Pureeuntilsmooth.Setasidetocooltoroomtemperature.Oncethevegetablemixtureiscool,stirinthe

cheeses,herbs,andspices.Adjustseasoningtotaste.2.HeatthestockinaDutchovenovermediumheat.Laythepastasheetsonacuttingboard,cuttingintotwo,2-x3-inchrectangles.Placeatablespoonoffillinginthecenterofeachrectangle.Brushtheedgesofthedoughwithwater,thenfoldinhalf.Presstheedgestoseal,pushingoutanyairpockets.Youshouldendupwithsmallrectanglesofagnolotti.3.Placetheagnolottiinboilingstockandcookfor3to4minutes,oruntilpastaiscookedtoaldente.Useaslottedspoontoportionouttheagnolottiintobowls.Ladlebrothovertopandgarnishwithparsley.

MARIO:Reducethestressofyourparty.Youshoulddodishesthatdon’tneedalotoflast-minuteattention.Dothingsthatcansitforhalfanhourandwillnotbewrecked.Youdon’tneedtopainttheplateswiththesaucestomakeitfeellikeaparty.

REDCABBAGEANDAPPLESALADServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes Thissaladhasitall:wildlyhealthyingredients,greatcrunchytexture,andasweet-and-sourdressingthatwillmakeevenyourpickiesteatersdigintoaservingofcabbagewithgusto.AtTheChewwealwayshaveoureyeonmakingourfoodbeautiful,tasty,andcost-effective.Theingredientsinthissaladhitallourcriteria.Wehopeyouandyourdinnerguestslove

thisagrodolce(Italianforsweet-and-sour)andveryversatilesidedishorappetizerasmuchaswedo.

1/2cupgoldenraisins1/3cupapplecidervinegarJuiceandzestof1orange,divided

1tablespoonbrownmustard

1/4cupoliveoilSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1/2headredcabbage,thinlysliced2redbeets,scrubbedcleanandgrated1largeGrannySmithapple,julienned1/2redonion,verythinlysliced1/3cuppumpkinseeds,toasted1.Soaktheraisinsinthevinegarandthejuicefromhalftheorangefor10minutes.Strainandaddthesoakingliquidtoalargebowl.Whiskintheorangezest,juicefromtheotherhalfoftheorange,mustard,andoliveoil.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandadjusttotaste.

2.Addthecabbage,beets,apple,onion,andgoldenraisins.Tosstocoatandthentaste,adjustingseasoningifnecessary.Serve,toppedwithtoastedpumpkinseeds.

DAPHNE:Planyourpartyinstages.Havesomethingintheovenandhavesomethingthatisservedcoldsoyou’renotstandingbythestove,hoveringandstressingyourselfout.

BEEFWELLINGTONServes:10 SkillLevel:Difficult PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:1hour,15minutes ThankstoPBSandtheBBC,whenwethink“elegantdinnerparty,”oneofthethingswethinkofis“Britishupper

crust.”Followingthatlogic,therecan’tbeanydishmoresuitedtoanelegantdinnerpartythanbeefWellington,supposedlynamedaftertheFirstDukeofWellington.Asidefromspeciousassociationslikethatone,thisisindeedafamouslypopularmaincourseforfancydinnerparties.Theingredientsandtastearesoverydecadent,andwhenassembledwithcarebeforegoingintheoven,abeefWellingtoncanlookveryimpressivewhenitarrivesatthetable.Thisisaparticularlyrichofferingwhereasmallservingcango

alongway,sodon’tbenervousaboutservingthinnerslicestostart.

3-poundbeeftenderloin,fattrimmedSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

3tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

4tablespoonsbutter,divided2shallots,minced2garliccloves,minced11/2poundsbuttonmushrooms,minced3freshthymesprigs,leavespulled2sheetsfrozenpuffpastry,thawed1/3cupEnglishmustard

1egg,plus1tablespoonofwater,whisked1/4cupredwine1/2cupbeefstock1tablespooncrèmefraîche

1.Preheattheovento425°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Removesteakfromthefridgeandletcometoroomtemperature,about30minutesbeforeyou’rereadytocookit.2.Seasonsteakwithagenerousamountofsaltandpepper.Heata

largesautépanovermedium-highheat.Addoliveoiltothepanandsearmeatonallsidesuntilgoldenbrown,about10minutes.Draintheexcessfatfromthepan.3.Heatanotherlargesautépanovermedium-highheatandadd3tablespoonsofthebutter.Oncethebutterismeltedandfoamy,addtheshallotsandapinchofsaltandcookfor2to3minutes,untilsoftened.Addthegarlicandcookjustuntilfragrant,about1minute.Addthemushroomsandthyme,seasonwithsaltandpepper,andtosstoincorporate.Sautéfor5minutes,stirringoccasionally,untilthemushroomsarecookedandthereislittlemoistureremaininginthepan.Removefromheatandallowtocool.4.Rolloutthepastryonalightlyflouredsurfaceto3to4incheslongerand5to6incheswiderthanthetenderloin.Brushwiththemustardandspreadthecooledmushroommixtureonthepastry,leavinga1-inchborder.Placethetenderloininthecenterofthepastry.Foldthedougharoundthebeeftocovercompletelyandsealbypressinggently.Transfertothepreparedbakingsheet,seam-sidedown.Brushwiththeeggwashandseasonwithsalt.Bakefor30to35minutes,untilthepastryisanicegoldenbrownandtheinternaltemperaturereaches125°Fto130°Fformedium-rare.Removefrompanandallowtorestfor10to15minutesbeforeslicing.5.Returntheoriginalsautépantothestoveandsetovermediumheat.Oncehot,deglazewithredwine,scrapingupthecrispybitswithawoodenspoon.Whiskbeefstock,remainingbutter,andthecrèmefraîchejustuntilwarmandemulsified.Adjusttheseasoningtotasteandserveoverslicedtenderloin.

CLINTON:Adultpartiesshouldberelaxed,socialaffairs.Chancesarenotallofyourguestswanttoplayagame.Ifyouwant,youcansetoutafewconversation-startingpartygamesforpeopletopursueattheirleisure.

BROWNBUTTERMASHServes:4to6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Butterisareallyversatileingredient.It’sessentialtobaking,makesjustabouteverythingittouchescreamyand

addictivelygood,andevenactsasathickenerforsaucesandstews.Anotherthingitdoesisaddflavor.Weallknowwhatregularbuttertasteslike(weloveitmeltedoverbakedpotatoes,popcorn,andlobstertonameafewoftheusualsuspects),butitsflavorcanbechangedwithnothingmorethanheat.Whenyou

brownbutterinapan,ittakesonanuttinessthataddsdepthtowhateveritgoesinto.Withoutchangingtheingredientsforregularmashedpotatoes,browningthebuttermakesawholenewrecipe.

2poundsRussetpotatoes,peeledandcutinto2-inchcubesKoshersalt

1cupunsaltedbutter,cutintotablespoon-sizedpieces

1.Placepotatoesintoalargepotandfillwithenoughcoldwatertocover.Seasonwithalargepinchofkoshersaltandbringtoaboil.Reduceheattoasimmerandcookfor25minutes,untilpotatoesareverytender.Drainandreturntopot.2.Inaheavy-bottomedskillet,heat1/2cupbutterovermediumheatuntilitfoamsandsubsides.Whiskasitcooksandbrownbitsbegintoform.Removefromheatimmediatelywhenbutterhasbrownedandtakenanuttyflavor,beingmindfulnottoburn.3.Usingapotatomasher,mashthepotatoesalongwiththebrownedbutterandremaining1/2cupbutter.Oncesmooth,serve.

CITRUSUPSIDE-DOWNCAKEServes:8 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:40minutes Thisdessertisano-

brainer.It’ssogorgeousthatwhenyoubringittothetableeveryonewillgo,“Oooh!Aaah!Wheredidyougetthat?”Andyou’llsay,“Myownkitchen,thankyouverymuch!”Noneedtorevealthatit’sactually

prettyeasytomake.Thisisanewtakeontheclassicpineappleupside-downcake,usingbloodorangesandlemonsinsteadofpineappleformorevividandcontrastingcoloraswellasabright,freshflavorinsteadof

theusuallyoverwhelmingsweetnessoftheoriginal.

1cup,plus3tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,atroomtemperature,divided2/3cuppackedlightbrownsugar2Meyerlemons,1juicedand1whole

3bloodoranges

11/2cupsall-purposeflour11/2teaspoonsbakingpowder1teaspoonsalt

1cupsugar

4largeeggs,atroomtemperature1/3cupsourcream

2teaspoonsvanillaextract

Softwhippedcream,forgarnishPowderedsugar,forgarnish1.Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea9-inch-roundcakepan.Inasmallsaucepanovermediumheat,melt3tablespoonsofbutter.Addthebrownsugarandlemonjuiceandstiruntileverythingis

dissolved,2to3minutes.Scrapethismixtureintothebottomofthepreparedpan.

2.Gratea1/2teaspoonofzestfromthelemonanda1/2teaspoonofzestfromoneoftheorangesandsetaside;thensliceoffthetopsandbottomsofallfourpiecesoffruit.Placethefruitonaclean,flatsurface,andsliceawaytherindandpith,toptobottom,followingthecurveofthefruit.Sliceeachfruitcrosswiseinto1/4-inch-thickwheels;discardanyseeds.Arrangewheelsontopofbrownsugarmixtureinasingle,tightlayer.Usethebloodorangeslicesontheoutsiderimandthelemonwheelsontheinnercircle.3.Inalargebowl,whisktogetherthecitruszest,flour,bakingpowder,andsalt.Inaseparatebowl,whisktogether1cupofbutterandthesugar.Beatintheeggs,oneatatime,thenbeatinthesourcreamandvanilla.Stirintheflourmixture.4.Pourthebatteroverthefruitinthecakepan.Transfertotheovenandbakeuntilthecakeisgoldenbrownandatoothpickinsertedintothecentercomesoutclean,about40minutes.5.Letrestinthecakepanforabout10minutes.Thenrunaknifearoundtheedgesandinvertthecakeontoaplatter.Coolcompletelybeforeserving.Garnishwithwhippedcreamandpowderedsugar.

DRIP-DYECOASTERS

Ifyouhaveeventheremotestsenseofgoodmanners,youknowthatyouneverputacolddrinkdownonanysurfacewithoutacoaster.Doyouwanttobetheguestatsomeone’shousewholeavesringsonGreat-AuntBertha’sChippendaleteatable?Didn’tthinkso!Soifyou’rerackingyourbrainfortheperfecthostessgiftwhenyou’regoingtoanelegantdinnerparty,givetheseatry.ThetechniqueletsyouchannelalittlebitofyourinnerJacksonPollock(ifyou’vegotalittleinnerJacksonPollock,it’sprobablybestforyoutolethimoutanyway)andbethemostgraciousguestontheinvitationlist.

PapertowelsRubbingalcoholWhitetiles(4x4inchesforcoasters,6x6inchesfortrivets)Alcoholink

Self-adhesivefeltpadsAcrylicpaint,optionalClearsealingorfinishingspray1.Saturateapapertowelwithrubbingalcohol.Rubyourtiletoclean,leavingalayerofrubbingalcoholonthesurfaceofthetile.

2.Whilethealcoholisstillwet,begindroppinginkonthetile.Theinkwillspreadfromthepointofcontactdependingonhowmuchalcoholisonthetile.Useyourimaginationtomixcolorsandcreatedesigns!3.Ifyouwouldlike,youcanpainttheedgeswithacrylicpaintforacleanlook.

4.Allowtodrycompletelyandcoatwiththesealingspraytosetcolors.Placetheself-adhesivefeltpadsonthebottomofthecoasterstokeepfromslippingorfromscratchingsurfaces.

ShownwiththeDrip-DyeCoasterisClinton’sBloodOrangePartyPunch.

NEWYEAR’SEVEBloodOrangePartyPunch

BraisedLeekswithOliveOilVinaigrette

SpanishShrimpRomesco

BBQLambChops

ChickenandChorizoPaella

Tejeringos

BLOODORANGEPARTYPUNCHServes:18to20 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:10minutes InactiveCookTime:12hours

Whenyou’reservingalotofpeople,it’snofunifyou’vegottoplaybartenderandspendthewholenightmixingdrinks.Andwhenit’sNewYear’sEveandyoureallywanttobekickingupyourheels,gettingtrappedbehindthebaristheworst.Fearnot!Thereisasolutiontothisdilemma;allyou’vegottodoiswhipupabigbowlofpunch(andkeepthatbowlfull!),andeveryonecanservehimorherself.Including

you!

FORTHEBLOODORANGE–INFUSEDVODKA:

1bottlevodka

Peelof4bloodoranges,stripspeeledwithapeelerFORTHEPUNCH:8cupsbloodorangejuice

1cuplimejuice

3cupsbloodorange–infusedvodka

8cupsgingerale

Limewedges,togarnishTOMAKETHEBLOODORANGE–INFUSEDVODKA:1.Combinethevodkaandthebloodorangepeelinalargemasonjarorothercleanjarfittedwithalid.Placeinthefridgeandinfuseovernight.

TOMAKETHEPUNCH:2.Combinethebloodorangejuice,lime

juice,andvodkawithiceinalargepunchbowl.Mixwell.Addthegingeraleandgarnishwithlimewedgesbeforeserving.

CARLA:Idon’tmakeNewYear’sresolutions.Ialwaystrytofeelpresent.Listeningisabigpartofbeingpresent.

ClintongetsafewpointersfromflairbartenderChrisCardone.

BRAISEDLEEKSWITHOLIVEOILVINAIGRETTE

Serves:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:25to30minutes CookTime:35to40minutes Here’sanotherclassicwithatwist.Leeksdressedwithvinaigretteappearinseveraldifferentkindsof

Mediterraneancuisine.WhatI’vedonetomakethisdistinctiveenoughforthekickoffofanewyearistoaddafewingredientstothevinaigrettethatdon’tusuallyshowupthere:Pecorino,olives,andchiliflakes.ServethisasasidedishorappetizeronDecember31,andaddittoyourrepertoireforthecomingyear.It’s

pricedrightandtakesalmostnotimetoputtogether.

FORTHELEEKS:6LEEKS

3tablespoonsoliveoil

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

1cupwhitewine

4tablespoonsbutter,cutintosmallcubes1cupwater

4sprigsthyme

3garliccloves,slicedthinly1cupshallots,sliced

FORTHEVINAIGRETTE:1/3CUPBLACKOLIVES,PITTEDANDROUGHLYCHOPPED1/2CUPPARSLEY,CHOPPED

1teaspoonchiliflakes

4tablespoonsredwinevinegar

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste

2tablespoonsoliveoil

1/4cupPecorino

TOMAKETHELEEKS:1.Trimtherootsoftheleeks,leavingtherootendintact.Trimofftopsondiagonal,leaving2inchesoflightgreen.Cutinhalflengthwisefromwhiteendtogreenend,leavingtherootintact(therootholdstheleekstogetherwhilecooking).Cleanverywellinwatertoremoveinternalgrit.Patdrywithatowel.

2.Heatalargesautépanovermediumheat.Addoliveoilandlayleeksinthepanwithoutcrowdingthem.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,thenaddthewineandbutter.Bringtoasimmerandreducetheliquidbyhalf.Addthewater,thyme,garlic,andshallots.Seasonagainwithapinchofsaltandgroundblackpepperifnecessary.Bringtoaboilandreducetoasimmer.Putalidonandgentlycookfor30minutes,oruntilfork-tender.

TOMAKETHEVINAIGRETTE:3.Whiletheleeksarebraising,makethevinaigrette.Combinetheolives,parsley,chiliflakes,andredwinevinegarinasmallbowl.Seasonwithsaltandpepper,andthenpourintheoliveoil.Thevinaigretteshouldnotbefullycombined;itisnotnecessarytoemulsify.GratethePecorinointothevinaigrette.

4.Dressthecookedleekswiththefreshvinaigretteandserve.

SPANISHSHRIMPROMESCOServes:4 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Sometimesyou

justhavetopulloutthebiggunstoimpress.Inthiscase,replacetheword“guns”with“shrimp.”Itmaynothavethesameringtoit,buttrustmewhenIsaythatthisisadishwithmajorimpact.Oh,andthewholeoperationtakeslessthantwentyminutes.Notbad,right?ThisRomescosauceissweet,spicy,andsmoky,withasmoothcreaminessaddedbythealmonds.It’stheperfectaccompanimenttothegrilledshrimp,

whichhaveadelicatetastethatshouldn’tbeoverwhelmed.

FORTHEROMESCOSAUCE:

1cupoliveoil

3redbellpeppers,roughlychopped2Fresnochilies,chopped1/2headgarlic,smashedandpeeled2ripetomatoes,halved1/4cupsliveredalmonds11/2cupsstalebread,cubedSalt,totaste

1teaspoonsmokedpaprika

1/2cupredwinevinegarJuiceandzestof1orange

FORTHESHRIMP:

12colossalhead-onshrimp

SaltandfreshlygroundblackpepperExtra-virginoliveoil,forbrushingTOMAKETHEROMESCOSAUCE:1.InalargeDutchoven,heat1cupofoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthepeppers,Fresnochilies,garlic,tomatoes,almonds,andbread.Seasonwiththesaltandsmokedpaprika.Cookonthestovefor6to10minutes.

2.Removefromheatandtransfertoablenderorfoodprocessor(thiscanbedoneinbatchesifnecessary).Addtheredwinevinegar,orangezestandjuice,andseasonagainwithsalt,ifnecessary.Pureesauceuntilsmooth.

TOMAKETHESHRIMP:3.Preheatagriddleorcast-ironskilletoverhighheat,andbrushwitholiveoil.Seasontheshrimpwithsaltandpepper,andthenarrangeonthegriddleorskillet.

4.Cookuntilpink,about5minutesperside.ServewiththeRomescosauce.

MICHAEL:Fourorfiveyearsago,LizandIdecidedtoalwaysspendNewYear’sEvetogether.Icookaverysimplemeal,usuallycrablegswithsteamedartichoke.Wesitinfrontofafire,wechill,andit’sjustaLiz-and-Inight.

MariomakesabubblytreatforStarTreklegendGeorgeTakei.

BBQLAMBCHOPSServes:6 SkillLevel:Easy PrepTime:10minutes CookTime:4to6minutes

InactivePrepTime:30minutes Theselambchopscouldn’tbesimplertomake.Whichisgoodfortworeasons:nobodywantstobestuckinthekitchenonNewYear’sEve,and,easyplusdelectableequals

SCORE!Thesecrettotheselambchopsistwofold.First,getthebestlambchopsyoucanfromyourlocalgrocerystoreorbutcher.Good-qualitymeatisalwaysimportant.Second,themarinadeforabarbecuelikethisisessential.Themorecomplextheflavor,thebetter.Thismarinadeissweet,sour,salty,andherbal.Alittlebitofeverythingthatgivesgrilledmeat,particularlylamb,that“wow”factor.Aprettygoodwayto

startofftheyear,no?

2tablespoonsoliveoil2tablespoonsredwinevinegar

3tablespoonssugar

2sprigsmint,leavesremovedandchopped2sprigsrosemary,leavesremovedandchopped

12babylambribchops

Koshersalt,totaste1.Whisktogethertheoliveoil,vinegar,sugar,mint,androsemaryinalargecasserole.Addthelambchopsandrubwiththemarinade.Allowtomarinateatleast30minutes,anduptoovernight.

2.Preheatagrillorgrillpanoverhighheat.Cookthelambchopsfor2to3minutesperside,beingsuretodevelopacharinplaces.Transfertoaplatter,sprinklewithsalt,andenjoy.

MARIO:BecauseIliketogotobedalittleontheearlyside,weringintheNewYearwithRiodeJaneiro,whichistwohoursearlier.So,atteno’clockwe’resinging“AuldLangSyne,”andateleveno’clockI’minthesack.

CHICKENANDCHORIZOPAELLAServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:15minutes CookTime:40to45minutes Paella

almostalwayssignalsthatit’s“timetoparty.”It’sacommunaldishthatbringseverybodytogether,servingthemselvesandeachother,encouragingconversation,andlingeringatthetable.Paellacanalsohaveseafoodinit,butthecombinationofmildchickenwithspicychorizoissogood,there’snoreasonto

complicatematterswithanymoreingredientsthannecessary.ThedishisoriginallyfromValenciainSpain,andtheword“paella”isusedthroughouttheregionasasynonymfor“pan”—allkindsofpans.Sonowyou

havealittleinformationtosharealongwiththisbeautifuldinner.

1tablespoonoliveoil

1/2pounddriedchorizo,slicedin1/2-inchslices4chickenthighs

4chickendrumsticks

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper,totaste1Spanishonion,chopped

2cupsbutternutsquash,peeled,seeded,anddicedsmall

2cupsuncookedshortgrainrice

1teaspooncoriander,toastedandground1/2teaspooncumin,toastedandground1/2teaspoonchipotlepowder

1/4cupwhitewine

5cupschickenstock

1/4cupcilantro,chopped1/4cupparsley,chopped2jalapeños,seeded,stemremoved,andthinlysliced,forgarnish1.Inapaellapanorcast-ironskillet,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthechorizoandcookuntilithasrendereditsfatandiscookedthrough.Removefromthepanandsetaside.

2.Seasonyourchickenpieceswithsaltandpepper.Tothesamepan,addthechickenpieces,skin-sidedown;brownonbothsides.Removeandsetaside.Nextaddtheonionandsquashtothepan,alongwithapinchofsalt.Cook,stirringoccasionallyuntiltheonionistenderandaromatic,about5minutes.Nextaddtherice.Toastthericewiththevegetablesforafewminutes,thenaddthecoriander,cumin,andchipotlepowder.3.Afterabout30seconds,addthewine,scrapinganybrownbitsoffthebottomofthepan,thenslowlyaddthechickenstock.Seasonagainwithsaltandpepper.Addthechickenpiecesbackinalongwiththechorizo,thencoverandcookfor15to20minutes,untilthericeandchickenarecookedthrough.Turntheheatoffandgarnishwiththecilantro,parsley,andjalapeñossprinkledoverthetop.Servewarm.

TEJERINGOSServes:12 SkillLevel:Moderate PrepTime:20minutes CookTime:10to15minutes Wesay

doughnut,butinMexicotheysaychurro,andinSpainfried,sweeteneddoughistejeringo.Attheendoftheday,there’sonedessertthateveryonelovesandthatdessertisthedoughnut(sothere’saversionofitin

almosteverycountry).Wethinkofdoughnutsassomethingthatyougotoastoretobuybecausetheyseemprettycomplicatedtomake.Notthecaseatall.Thesetejeringosareamazinglysimpletomakeandalso

amazinglyaddictive.Sogetreadytostandnexttothestoveforawhile.Yourguestsandfamilyaren’tgoingtoletyoustopmakingtheseuntilthelastbitsofbatteraregone.

1cupwater

8tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,cutinto8pieces1tablespoonsugar,plusabout1cupfordustingPinchofsalt1cupall-purposeflour

3largeeggs

8cupsextra-virginoliveoil,fordeep-frying1cupbittersweetchocolate,choppedandmelted1.Combinethewater,butter,sugar,andsaltinasmallheavysaucepanandbringtoaboil,stirringoccasionallyuntilbuttermelts.Turntheheattolow,addtheflour(inoneshot),andstirvigorouslyuntilthemixtureformsaball.Removefromtheheatandaddtheeggsoneatatime,stirringconstantly.Transfertoabowlandallowthebattertorestfor10minutesintherefrigerator.

2.Meanwhile,heat3inchesofoliveoilto365°Finalargeheavypot.Transferthedoughtoapastrybagfittedwithalargestartip.Pipe4-inch-longstripsofdoughintothehotoil,withoutcrowding,andcook

for4to5minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Drainonpapertowels,andrepeatwiththeremainingbatter.3.Dustgenerouslywithsugarandserve.Servewithmeltedbittersweetchocolateifyouwant!

DAPHNE:NewYear’sEveinmyfamilyisabigItalianfeast,andthenahugesundaebar.Allthekidsgettoeatwhatevertheywantandit’stotalsugarcraziness.

PARTYPLAYLISTS

Everycelebrationneedsagreatsoundtrack.Musiccansetthemood,inspiregueststodance,orevensparkasing-along(“SummerNights”fromGrease,anyone?).Trytochoosesongsthatfitthethemeofyourparty:ifyou’rehavingamelloweveningwithfingerfoodandcocktails,youmightwanttogowithjazzorR&B.Ifyou’rethrowingaHalloweenparty,don’tforgettoaddMichaelJackson’s“Thriller”andWarrenZevon’s“WerewolvesofLondon”toyourplaylist.Andifyou’rehostingarockin’danceparty,putupthediscoball,throwonsomebell-bottoms,andbreakoutyourABBA,DonnaSummer,andVillagePeoplerecords,er,MP3s.Herearesomeplayliststhatincludeourfavoritepartysongs.

MARIO

InMemoryofElizabethReedTheAllmanBrothersBandKashmirLedZeppelinBlueSuedeShoesElvisPresleyWhereIstheLove?

TheBlackEyedPeasALoveSupremeJohnColtraneAllAlongtheWatchtowerJimiHendrixDrunkinLoveBeyoncé

LostintheWorldKanyeWestHelterSkelterTheBeatlesSevenNationArmyTheWhiteStripes

MICHAEL

GoodHeartedWomanWaylonJenningsandWillieNelsonFamilyTraditionHankWilliams,Jr.LoveWalksInVanHalen

Jammin’MeTomPettyandtheHeartbreakersComeAsYouAreNirvana

Lovin’,Touchin’,Squeezin’Journey

HarvestMoonNeilYoungAshestoAshesDavidBowieNightswimmingR.E.M.

AllAlongtheWatchtowerBobDylanAllMyMistakesTheAvettBrothersCigarettes,WeddingBandsBandof

HorsesTalihinaSkyKingsofLeon

CARLAGreenOnions

BookerT.&theM.G.s

HappyPharrellWilliams

MustangSallyWilsonPickett

TightropeJanelleMonáe

SetItOffStrafe

GoldenJillScott

PontoonLittleBigTown

DAPHNEIKnewYouWereTrouble

TaylorSwift

WeFoundLoveRihanna

DarkHorseKatyPerry

DrunkinLoveBeyoncé

AlloftheLightsKanyeWest

RoyalsLorde

OneMoreNightMaroon5

SexyBackJustinTimberlake

StartedFromtheBottomDrake

WeCan’tStopMileyCyrus

CLINTON

TheGirlfromIpanemaAstrudGilbertoShame,Shame,ShameShirley&CompanyRingMyBell

AnitaWard

NeverGonnaGiveYouUpRickAstleyBandofGoldFredaPayne

BabyGotBackSirMix-a-LotTheHumptyDanceDigitalUndergroundGrooveIsinthe

HeartDeee-Lite

LoveHangoverDianaRoss

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