CHILI party

June 12, 2008 by bkissesblog


Texas Style Chili

I like to make the chili one or two days before the party, the flavors are much more intense that the day it was cooked. The recipe below turns out quite good, It was the recipe used to win the international chili championship in 2004. The thing about chili is that you can get creative when cooking it, I sometimes add bourbon, other time beer, use whatever you think will give it the right flavor.

CHILI is that expensive to make so it can feed a crowd, without breaking the bank.

Roger Foltz
Mesquite, Texas
2004 Terlingua International Chili Championship Winner

Roger’s Recipe

Brown 2 ½ lbs of meat in 1 T of Crisco, drain.
Return meat to chili pot and add:

1 Can Beef Broth
1 Can Chicken Broth (Only add chicken broth as needed, you may substitute water)

Bring to a boil and add 1st dump. Reduce heat to a simmer & cook 1 hour for cut meat, less for grind.

Add 2nd dump, cook for 30 minutes.

Add 3rd dump, cook for 10 minutes and turn off.

30 minutes before turn in reheat chili.

10 minutes before turn in, add 4th dump. Adjust for salt and heat as necessary.

1st Dump
1 T Paprika
1 T Garlic Powder
1 T Onion Powder
1 T Beef Bullion
1 T Chicken Bullion

2nd Dump
½ t Salt
¼ t Jalapeno powder
½ t Brown Sugar
1 Packet Sazon Goya

3rd Dump
1 T Paprika
1/8 t Ancho Powder
1/8 t Habanero Powder
1 T Light Chili Powder
¼ t White Pepper
1/8 t Red Pepper
2 T Dark Chili Powder

4th Dump
2 T Dark Chili Powder
1 t Paprika
1 T Light Chili Powder
1 T Cumin
¼ Brown Sugar
1 t MSG

If you want to cut corners you can use chilli starter:

ACCOMPANIMENTS

Serve some of these accompaniments, so your guests can make their own chili mix:

1. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2. Roasted jalapenos

3. kidney beans

4. chopped green onions

5. Sour Cream.

6. Corn bread.

7. Quesadillas

8. Saltine crackers

You can serve the chili pot on an electric grill, this way the chili stays hot and your guest eat whenever they get hungry.

Drinks

Chili is spicy so you’ll need plenty of cold beer to cool the heat.

Dessert:

Dessert should be light, like assorted ice pops.

Panini Party

June 8, 2008 by bkissesblog

Set up a delicious panini bar for your next party, guests can make their own panini creations!

How to set up your panini bar:

1. Plenty of counter space.

2. 1-3 Panini grills

$130.00

$150.00

3. Sliced Crusty Bread

4. Sliced deli meats (ham, turkey, roast beef, pepperoni, etc) and array of Italian antipasto meats.

5. array of cheeses

6. Accompaniments: such as roasted red peppers, giardiniera, thinly sliced red onions, roasted garlic, arugula, avocado, flavored cream cheese, spicy mustard and sun-dried tomatoes.

7. Condiments:

  • Butter for the outsides of the bread (before grilling).
  • Mayonnaise
  • A variety of mustards
  • Italian dressing
  • Oil and vinegar,
  • Ketchup
  • Mild and hot peppers.
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Sandwich Spread.

Basil Mayonnaise & Garlic-Chili Mayonnaise

1 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Process all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.Garlic-Chili Mayonnaise: Omit lemon rind and basil. Substitute fresh lime juice for lemon juice. Stir together mayonnaise, juice, and 2 Tbsp. Asian garlic-chili sauce. Makes about 1 cup.

Recipe: Southern Living Magazine.

On the side:

Plantain Chips

1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lime zest, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
6 cups vegetable oil
4 green plantains (1 1/2 lb)


Stir together zest, salt, and cayenne.Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375°F. While oil is heating, cut ends from plantains and score skin of each plantain 5 times lengthwise, avoiding ridges. Soak in hot tap water 5 minutes and peel. Cut plantains lengthwise with a U-shaped peeler or manual slicer into very thin strips (about 116 inch thick). Fry strips, 6 at a time, turning frequently, until golden, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer with tongs to paper towels and sprinkle crisps immediately with salt mixture.

Recipe: Gourtmet, april 2000

Dessert :

Chocolate-Banana Croissant Panini

  • 2 day-old croissants, cut in half horizontally
  • 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate shavings
  • 1 small banana, cut diagonally

Lay the bottom half of each croissant, cut side up, on a clean work surface. Sprinkle with about two-thirds of the chocolate, dividing equally. Arrange the banana slices on top, then sprinkle with the remaining chocolate. Place the top half of each croissant, cut side down, on top. Place the sandwiches on the preheated panini maker and close the lid. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the chocolate is melted and the tops are golden, 5 to 7 minutes.

Recipe: Williams-Sonoma Kitchen

Panini Party signature Cocktail:

Italian Lemonade


- 1 1/2 oz Belvedere Cytrus Vodka
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- Cold Soda Water or 7-up
- 2 Lemon Wheels

In an ice filled mixing glass, add Cytrus, Campari, lemon juice and simple syrup: shake until well blended. Prepare a 14 oz Goblet by filling with ice and placing the lemon wheels inside the glass so they appear to be floating against the sides of the glass. Strain drink into goblet while spritzing with soda water or 7-up.

Recipe: Cocktail Times

Mint Julep

June 6, 2008 by bkissesblog


Classic Mint Julep
3 oz Bourbon
6 Fresh mint leaves
1 tsp. superfine sugar
Crushed ice

Mint Julep Cup ($5.99)

Mineral Magic

June 2, 2008 by bkissesblog

Companies like “suddenly Slimmer” and “suddenly slender” are spreading all over the world, offering a new kind of body wrap….. THE MINERAL WRAP.

Wraps have been around for a long time, most Most Body Wraps use dehydrate methods: plastic wrap, or a saline solution which is salt. The Body Wrap is not a “water wrap” or “dehydration” process, It’s a mineral wrap that hydrates your skin while you get ride of toxins and excess liquid in your body.

Suddenly Slimmer guarantees you will lose more than 6 inches in your first wrap! the wight is supposed to stay off for about three to six months. The wraps are not only slimming they detoxify, restore elasticity and tighten skin.
This is what you’ll look like in the body wrap:

Moroccan Dinner Party

May 28, 2008 by bkissesblog

Theme parties are always fun, the essence of Moroccan food is a communal style of eating with many dishes shared by the family or guests, this is why hosting a Moroccan party can be specially entertaining.

Setting the scene:

An Important part of Moroccan culture is making guests feel welcome, the party scene should have a relaxed and welcoming feeling

1. Rug @ the world Market ($45.00), or use any old area rug you have around the house.

2. For tablecloth go to you local fabric supplier and buy some bright color fabric ($12.00 x Yard), If you want to save use only one fabric in you table. Buy extra for coordinated napkins.

3. Toss pillows starting @ 14.99. saving tip: gather every pillow from around your hose, line them on both sides of the table and throw a bright color fabric over them.

4. Lighting: set the mood with some Moroccan style lights, Teardrop garden candels ($20.00), Mini Punch Lanterns ( $12.00).

5. Centerpiece: Moroccan dinners are composed of various dishes, so your centerpiece should be simple, that way the table won’t look overcrowded. Moroccan Candle Holders ($25.00), Moroccan candle holder ($19.00)

Dinnerware:

1. Drinking: Moroccan dinner is traditionally serves with tea, Te Glasses (6 for $38.00), Tea Pot ($18.00).

2. Food is served in Tagines (24.00), you can buy one for your main dish, and serve the other dishes in regular serving dishes.

Music:

1. Morocan Spirit ($18.00)

Mixwit

For Fun:


Going all out:

If you’re planning a Moroccan party for a lot of guests, rent or replicate Moroccan tent.

Cocktail:


Charbay Moroccan Cocktail
From About Cocktails

2 oz Charbay Pomegranate Vodka
1/2 oz cardamom-infused simple syrup, recipe follows
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz pomegranate puree or juice

  1. Pour the vodka, cardamom simple syrup, lemon juice and pomegranate puree in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well.

  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Serves 1.

Cardamom Simple Syrup

1 cup water
1/4 cup whole cardamom
2 cups sugar

  1. Bring water and cardamom to a boil.
  2. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
  3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  4. Keep in the refrigerator for 3 days, then remove the cardamom
  5. Serve in Moroccan tea glasses or martini glass.

The food:

Body Reshaping

May 27, 2008 by bkissesblog

The VelaShape is the first FDA approved non-invasive (no needles, no hospital) treatment for the reduction of cellulite & body contouring.

I know there are millions of bogus treatments out there, but this actually works!! I tried it and I’m seeing results after two sessions! I lost about 2 inches in thigh circumference, and the cellulite is fading.

This is how it works:

what a VelaShape session look like:

Media Buzz:

celebrities have cellulite???

FAQ:

Typical Cost of VelaShape™ complete treatment?

$3,000

Average Cost of single VelaShape session:

$400.00 - $500.00

How Long Does this Procedure Take?

VelaShape usually takes between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on how many areas are being done.

VelaShape™ Side Effects:

Most people experience no serious side effects although minor redness is common.

VelaShape™ Recovery Time:

There is no downtime with VelaShape treatments. You can continue your daily activities immediately following treatment.

Will I feel pain or discomfort after treatment?

Some patients describe VelaShape treatments as a mild pinching, but most find it to be relaxing. The VelaShape experience is comparable to a deep tissue massage.

For more inforrmation & to Download a $200.00 cupon visit: wwww.velashape.com

Rosmary Salty Dog

May 25, 2008 by bkissesblog


Ingredients

1 grapefruit wedge and kosher saltone 1-inch piece of rosemary sprig, plus 1 sprig for garnish
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 ounces fresh red grapefruit juice
1 1/2 ounces gin
ice

Method

Moisten the outer rim of a martini glass with the grapefruit wedge and coat lightly with salt. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the 1-inch rosemary sprig with the sugar. Add the grapefruit juice, gin and ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the ma

rtini glass and garnish with the rosemary sprig.

Recipe via: Mattbites

Gin:

Hendrick’s Gin

Vodka Infusion

May 25, 2008 by bkissesblog

You will need: flavor infusers (fruit, herbs, spices), a glass container & a good quality vodka.

Flavor: you can infused vodka with just about any fruit, herb or spice so GO WILD! when choosing your flavor infuser keep in mind that Strong flavored fruits, herbs & spices take less time.

Infusion time:

Vanilla beans, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes, mint, basil, oregano, dill & thyme = 4 days

Cantaloupes, strawberries, peaches, mango, pitted cherries, raspberries, berries = 1 week

Chili peppers, pineapple, ginger and lemon-grass = 2 weeks

Citrus Infusion

Whole Orange infusion

3 whole sweet oranges, cut into wedges 1/2 lemon
2 whole cloves
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Orange peel infusion

Peels from 4 medium size oranges,scraped and cut into chunks
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Lemon-Lime infusion

Scraped and sliced peels of 4 lemons and 4 limes
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Tangerine infusion

4-5 tangerines cut into wedges4 whole cloves(optional)
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Grapefruit infusion

Scraped outer peel of 2 grapefruits cut into pieces
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Fruit Infusion

Tart apple infusion
4-average size tart eating apples
2 cloves(optional)
pinch of nutmeg(optional)
1 750ml bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Sweet apple infusion

4 average size Red Delicious apples
2 cloves(optional)
pinch of cinnamon(optional)
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Fresh apricot infusion

1 pound fresh apricots
1 750 ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Dried apricot infusion

1/2 pound dried pitted apricots
1 cup boiled water(soak fruit prior to addition)
5 whole almonds
1 750 ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Banana infusion

2 medium-size bananas, peeled
2” length of vanilla bean
1 750 ml. Bottle of Vodka Sugar syrup to taste

Berry Infusion

Cranberry infusion

1 pound fresh cranberries
Sliced and scraped peel of 1/4 orange
Sliced and scraped peel of 1/2 lemon
1 750 ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Raspberry infusion

1 1/2 cups ripe raspberries
Sliced and scraped peel of 1/2 lemon
1750 ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Blueberry infusion

1 pound fresh blueberries
Sliced and scraped peel of 1/2 lemon
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Blackberry infusion

1 pound fresh blackberries
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Strawberry infusion

3 cups fresh strawberries cut into thirds
3 tablespoons powder sugar(sprinkle on strawberries let dissolve)
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Spice Infusion
Allspice
3/4 teaspoon allspice
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Anise seed

2/3 tablespoon anise seed
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon coriander seed
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Licorice root

2 1/2 tablespoons chopped licorice root
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Star anise

2/3 tablespoon star anise broken and crushed
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste
Place a whole star in Bottle prior to filling for visual effect

Cinnamon coriander

2” cinnamon stick (1 1/2 tablespoons ground)
1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
2 cloves
1 750 ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Beans and Nuts

Coffee

1/2 cup cracked fresh coffee beans(do not grind)
1/2 chopped vanilla bean
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Vanilla bean

2 fresh whole vanilla beans about 5” long
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Chocolate

2 teaspoons pure chocolate extract used for baking
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Almond

3 ounces chopped unsalted almonds
Pinch of cinnamon
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka
Sugar syrup to taste

Coconut

12 ounces of fresh coconut (white meaty portion)
3 coriander seeds
1’ piece of vanilla bean
1 750ml. Bottle of Vodka

Pepper Vodka

The hottest thing to ever hit a bottle of vodka, this infusion adds a perfect element of spicy boost guaranteed to produce the best damn Bloody Marys.

1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, and quartered lengthwise
1 jaiapeño chiie, stemmed, seeded, and quartered lengthwise
1 red habanero chile
, stemmed, seeded, and quartered lengthwise
One 750-ml bottle good-quality vodka

Liquid Measurements:

750ml bottle - 25.4 ounces

1 liter bottle - 33.8 ounces

Source

http://www.infused-vodka.com/

Buy infusion jars at www.infused-vodka.com

further reading:

$20.00 @ amazon.com

Happy Infusing !!!!

The River Cottage Meat Book

May 25, 2008 by bkissesblog

This is not just any cookbook…… this is the ultimate meat encyclopedia.

If you’re a meat lover you have to get this book. The recipes are to die for plus it gives you all types of tips on how to cook, cure, store and eat meat.

On top of all that the book is nicely written and the images are also extraordinary.

$40.00

Jello shot makeover

May 25, 2008 by bkissesblog

Here are some ideas on how to pimp up your shots

Links to some yummy recipes:

Coffee Jello shots (substitute coffee liquor for half of the espresso)

Mojito Jello shots