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Posts Tagged ‘artsy’

Pork Meatballs Banh Mi: An Asian-Inspired Treat

Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

If you’ve ever had a Bahn Mi sandwich, then you will totally understand the flavor profile of this small bite version. Pickled vegetables and pork really go hand-in-hand.

This recipe is just one from my party theme which focuses on food in the shape of a ball. If you are looking for more party recipes, then click here.

MAKES ABOUT 50 BALLS

MAKE THE PICKLED VEGGIES

2 CUPS carrots, shredded
2 CUPS daikon, shredded
1/2 CUP white wine vinegar
2 scallion tops, chopped
1/4 CUP honey
1 tsp salt
—
Toss ingredients together in med bowl. Marinate for 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Drain before putting into assembled bites.

START THE PORK BALLS

1 TB coconut-canola oil
1 med onion, finely chopped
—
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 TB coconut-canola oil
—
1 jalapeño, diced
2 tsp lemongrass, smashed, finely chopped
1/2 CUP pineapple, diced
1/4 CUP basil, finely chopped
1 TB fish sauce
1 TB hot sauce
1 TB sugar
—
In a hot skillet, add oil/onions. Sauté for 5 min. Add garlic, more oil and cook 3 min more. Add the rest of the ingredients, and sauté for 3 min more. Move to a large bowl, let cool a bit.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 450°F… FINISH THE PORK BALLS

1/2 CUP breadcrumbs
2 TB cornstarch
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 LB ground pork
—
Add ingredients to the cooked onion mix. Mix with your hands. Wet hands, roll into 1-inch balls. Arrange on baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake meatballs for about 18 min.

MAKE THE HOT SAUCE

1/4 CUP mayonnaise
1/2 TB Thai red curry paste
1/8 CUP white wine vinegar
1 TB honey
—
Mix everything together in a small bowl.

TO SERVE

hot sauce
5-inch tortillas, toasted
pickled veggies
pork balls
toothpicks
—
Smear a little of the hot sauce on the tortilla. Place a couple dollops of the pickled veggies into the tortilla, leaving the ends clear. Roll tightly, trim off uneven ends. Cut into 1-inch wheels. Place one meatball on top of the wheel, and stab with toothpick to hold together.

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Board: Marinated Bocconcini & Cherry Tomatoes

Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like fresh mozzarella. In this fresh mozzarella cheese board there is no cooking involved—all you have to do is dress up cherry tomatoes and bocconcini using a flurry of fresh basil, pretty lemon curls, and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes. It’s the definition of a creative cheese plate.

We created this recipe to include in our party theme that highlights food in the shape of a ball. These bocconcini, or mini fresh mozzarella balls, do their best to get livened up dressed up for a party. A super simple and quick way to entertain in style. The link points to our other recipes using meats and vegetarian ingredients.

MAKES ABOUT 32 BOCCONCINI & 20 TOMATOES

GET IT FLAVORED

1 LB bocconcini, drained
10.5 oz pack cherry tomatoes
3 TB basil, cut into ribbons
1 TB red pepper flakes
curls from 2 lemons
2 TB EV olive oil

—
Maldon sea salt flakes
—
Optional: add a drizzle of high-end olive oil

Toss everything together in a bowl. Transfer to plate and drizzle with a little more olive oil and toss on some sea salt.

Cod Fish Balls Appetizer with Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce

Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

We came up with these fish balls as part of our Have a Ball party theme, where all the offerings are in the shape of a ball. How cool is that? These are wonderful to serve along with traditional meat-based versions, as well as a couple of vegetarian variations. Just make sure to label each one.

If you can’t find cod, you can substitute with sole, halibut, catfish or tilapia—just see what looks best at the fish monger.

See the other recipes to cover all the bases: meaty versions, some for vegetarians, one using pork with a Vietnamese twist, and even a dessert.

MAKES 26 BALLS (ABOUT 1 INCH)

COOK THE FISH

1 LB fresh cod fillets
—
Steam the fish in a steamer. Or, in a large pan, cover fillets with water, and boil until the water is all gone, up to 5 min. Let cool. Transfer to a large bowl and break into pieces.

FLAVOR THE FISH

2 cloves garlic, crushed in a press
1 TB parsley, finely chopped
3 scallions, sliced thinly
1/2 carrot, grated
1 jalapeño, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
3/4 CUP panko bread crumbs
—
1 CUP spelt flour, set in a bowl
—
Add all the ingredients, except flour, to the pieces of fish, and mix well. (I used a potato masher to work the fish into tiny bits.) To make 1-inch balls, take a small amount in the middle of your palm and really squeeze the mixture, passing it back and forth, then roll lightly to create the ball. Lastly, roll the balls in the spelt flour.

FRY THE BALLS

canola-coconut oil
—
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet. Drop balls in carefully, do not overcrowd. Fry until golden brown, this cooks quickly, so turn frequently with tongs. Drain on paper towels.

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recipe

SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

If you have any leftover sauce, save it to use on sandwiches, or as part of a tangy salad dressing.

MAKES ABOUT 1.5 CUPS

IN A SAUCEPAN

1/2 CUP peach preserves
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 TB cognac
4 TB First Field Jersey ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 TB tamari
1 clove garlic, crushed in a press
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp Thai red curry powder
—
1 TB sesame seeds, for garnish
—
Add all ingredients except sesame seeds to a saucepan and simmer until thick, about 10 min. Let cool a bit. Transfer to a blender to smooth it out. Move to a bowl and sprinkle the top with sesame seeds.

 

A Sparkling Rosé Cocktail from Lynnette Marrero

Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

A rosé cocktail that mixes wonderful notes of honey, and an aged rum with a lovely pink champagne, Read on to get the elegant recipe from Lynette Marrero.

Our guest mixologist has a long history in the cocktail realm, starting with Flatiron Lounge working alongside cocktail savant Julie Reiner. She now runs her own consulting company Drinks at 6, and is known for her knowledge and use of rum in cocktails. I thought this cocktail would make a great addition to my party plan, which mimics the idea of a hosting a proper ball, and features food in the shape of a ball, to make it cheeky.

I caught up with Marrero at Mother’s Ruin in Soho, NYC, where she concocted this special  cocktail for HOBNOB. For ingredients, Marrero recommends using Ron Zacapa Solera 23 Rum or Flor de Cana 7 Year Old Grand Reserve Rum for the best results in balancing this cocktail. El Dorado 12-Year Rum is also a fantastic choice in the aged rum category.

You have a unique sense of style, what inspires your fashion choices?

I love retro with a modern twist. I think that describes me.

Name the ingredient that everyone should stock for the holidays for cocktail making

Besides lovely champagne, I love hard ciders like Doc’s hard cider or cider from Normandie.

Where can we find you nowadays?

I pick up a shift a week at a private corporate bar. It is literally a private cocktail bar in a spirit companies New York headquarters. It is a great place to experiment with products and techniques. I am also consulting on a new project called Tijuana Picnic opening on the lower east side very soon!  lynnettemarrero.com

We’ve got more recipes for throwing a funky ball in our HAVE A BALL issue.

The Ultimate Arancini Recipe—with Truffles—from Chris Jaeckle

Posted on: December 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Name something that can make arancini—Italian breaded and fried rice balls—any better? I think the addition of truffles would put it over the top. Chef Chris Jaeckle shares his luscious arancini recipe with us.

In my party theme that features all food in the shape of a ball, I thought this recipe would make a splash at a party. So I asked Chef Chris Jaeckle of All’onda, a restaurant noted for their Venetian-inspired food, if he wouldn’t mind sharing the recipe for his mind-blowing arnacini with truffles. He demurely obliged.

As soon as I met him, I could see that Chris Jaeckle was a natural perfectionist. This 6’3”-inch lanky man with soft demeanor focuses a scrutinizing eye into everything that goes on at All’onda—the menu, the space, and the plating. The entire concept has just the right feel of being modern and minimalist, but exudes the essence of being on a luxurious yacht, with ample room to breathe. The high ceilings upstairs are highlighted with vertically-lined wood beams, and the dishes and plating all echo the same simplicity and rustic edge.

Eating at All’onda is a total joy.

hobnobmag arancini recipe Chris Jaeckel

The menu at All’onda is Venetian inspired, but there is nothing traditional about the ingredients that appear in some of the dishes. When I asked him for his latest ingredient inspiration, Jaeckle told me: “Kelp/seaweed. It offers so many things—nutrients, oceanic flavor, umami.” As for some plating tips, Jaeckle offers his method. “My process: make versions of the ingredients, maybe a squash puree, dice or several sizes, etc, and then choose the plates. Then I decide which eats the best and then looks the best.” So you can see the thinking behind every dish at All’onda.

hobnobmag arancini recipe Chris Jaeckel

At our dinner we gorged on the pastas and small plates. The dishes featured a mixing of unusual flavors, like the stracciatella with seasonal plums, and the deeply delicious chicken liver spread accompanied by pickled cherries and hazelnuts. Bonus: The sommelier made a fantastic wine suggestion, involving a grape I had never heard of. Enjoy this recipe for an intense Arancini, infused with truffle. allondanyc.com

Sadly, this beautiful spot has closed since this post ran. You can still sample his gorgeous fare at Uma Temakeria.

hobnobmag arancini recipe Chris Jaeckel

featured recipe

TRUFFLE ARANCINI

MAKES 25 TO 30 BALLS

FOR the rice:

1/2 onion, diced
20 oz Acquerello rice
2 CUPS white wine
3 CUPS chicken stock
3 CUPS water
4 oz truffle butter
4 oz mascarpone
1 CUP Parmesan, grated
salt
1 CUP canned black truffles, finely chopped
—
Sweat onion in a rondeau. Add rice and toast until fragrant. Add white wine and reduce, stirring constantly, until all of the liquid has evaporated. In increments, add equal parts chicken stock and water. Continue stirring until the liquid has evaporated and rice is completely cooked. Add truffle butter, mascarpone, Parmesan, truffles. Stir until everything is incorporated. Spread the rice mixture out on a sheet tray lined with parchment and cool in the refrigerator.

FOR THE SAUCE:

1 CUP chicken stock
1 CUP heavy cream
1 CUP grated Parmesan cheese
—
Combine chicken stock and heavy cream. Reduce by half. Mix in Parmesan cheese.

FOR THE breading:

Prepare a breading setup: a bowl with flour, a bowl with egg mixture and another bowl with breadcrumb mix
—
flour
—
6 eggs
2 TB heavy cream
Beat eggs and heavy cream.
—
4 CUPS plain breadcrumbs
1 TB onion powder
1 TB garlic powder
2 TB cornstarch
2 tsp salt
Mix seasonings into the breadcrumbs.
—
Roll the cooled rice mixture into 25-30 balls. Dredge each ball in the flour, egg mixture and then breadcrumbs.

Allow the arancini to come to room temperature before frying so the center will be hot when cooked.

Heat oil to 375ºF. Fry arancini in oil until golden brown and hot in the center. Serve with sauce. 

Celebrate Fall’s Flavors in Cocktails from Bryan Schneider of Park Avenue (Autumn)

Posted on: November 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

This cocktail blends the taste of fresh pears with a heart-warming cognac, making this drink ideal for fall’s dropping temperatures. It’s a wonderful way to infuse fall’s flavors in cocktails at your next gathering,

Having studied film photography in college got Bryan Schneider used to the idea of mixing concoctions, and inspired a mad-scientist penchant for creative cocktail making. He created the seasonal cocktail list at Park Avenue­—the restaurant known for not only creating seasonal menus, but for changing the entire decor in the restaurant to match with the season.

Creativity is his middle name and Schneider is inspired not only by ingredients, but by topical issues. He recalls,  “Back when the Occupy Movement hit New York I had a cocktail called ‘The 99%’, which you could make ‘The 1%’ by adding a teaspoon floater of 100 year old cognac at a sizable price increase.” You have my attention!

HOBNOBMAG Fall's Flavors in Cocktails

This season you can try the Mai Chai cocktail which comes housed in a delicata squash and features chai-infused rum and pumpkin seed syrup or The Road To Jericho made with Vodka, Pomegranate Molasses and a heap of pomegranates and candied ginger slice.

For Hobnob’s party theme, which is focused on including some alcohol in every bite, Schneider shares the recipe for a Pear Sangria with pear, cloves, and cinnamon stick to celebrate the fall. parkavenyc.com

Booze Infused Gourmet Food: Cheese, Paté, Cake & Chocolate

Posted on: November 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Last Call for Alcohol: I found a nice assortment of booze infused gourmet food that you can serve at your next gathering to great acclaim. From starters to dessert, only the finest examples are included in this list.

We’ve gathered some of the finest ingredients that have fine spirits incorporated into their flavors. Be sure to add these to your party repertoire for our IN THE SPIRIT party plan. Choose from a duo of pâtés—one spreadable, the other coarse, both should have a spot on the cheese board. Speaking of cheese, try one of these four, infused with whiskey, kirsch, calvados, or cognac. Dessert is extra special with buttery booze cakes and handmade chocolates from Oregon.

[1] Party With Pâté:

Duck Mousse With Port Wine This silky mousse is made of fresh duck livers and marinated in Port Wine. 7oz, $9.30. markys.com French-Style Rabbit Pâté With Prunes & Cognac This Terroirs d’Antan Pâté is a rich and flavorful experience. It is a coarse textured game pâté prepared from tender rabbit meat, then flavored with prunes and brandy. $24 lb. markys.com

[2] Spirited Cheeses:

Kerrygold Aged Irish Cheddar With Irish Whiskey Think cheddar plus woody, nutty notes of pure Irish whiskey. Available in 8 oz, 1 lb, or a 5 lb wheel encased in black wax. About $20 lb. gourmet-food.com Gourmandise With Kirsch A soft, spreadable cheese from France, with the sweet addition of cherries. Available in 8 oz, or 1 lb wedges. About $15 lb. gourmet-food.com Le Grain D’orge Affiné Au Calvados A Normandy tradition: The rind is removed from a semi-cured Camembert and then soaked in Calvados, giving it a fruity, milky flavor with a hint of mushrooms. About $18 for 8 oz. elite-gourmet.com Sartori Ltd. Edition Cognac Bellavitano Aged at least 18 months, then steeped in Rémy Martin Cognac for 7 to 10 days. Award-winning tastes of smoky, nutty, oaky flavors with toasted notes of vanilla and caramel. About $60 lb. sartoricheese.com

Booze Infused Gourmet Food

[3] Full Spirited Flavours Prosperity Cakes

Looking to serve an amazing dessert, no muss, no fuss? Three sisters from Pennsylvania can supply you with the sweet that will have everyone raving. After their own families ooh-ed and ahhhh-ed over their cakes for years, the sisters combined their talents to showcase their fabulous liqueur-infused buttery cakes. Whether you choose the amaretto, limoncello, raspberry liqueur, or coconut rum cake, they will arrive beautifully presented. Available in two sizes: the FULL serves 10 to12 ($30), the JUNIOR ($13) serves 2 to 4. Cakes can be served right away or frozen for up to 3 months. Order one for the party, and a couple more to have tucked away, just in case. Available online at fullspiritedflavours.com

[4] Lillie Belle Farms Spirit-Infused Chocolates

My friend Mary brought me to this wonderful shop in Oregon, known for its handmade chocolates. Lillie Belle Farms makes artistic, decadent creations filled with butter cream, caramels, toasted nuts, and truffles. For this party, check out their collection of alcohol-infused bon-bons. Try the Martini Cup with Bombay Sapphire Gin in a white chocolate ganache which is also infused with wild Oregon juniper berries. The Margarita Cup uses Don Julio tequila and fresh key limes in a white chocolate ganache, filling dark chocolate cups with a rim of salt. Create a Custom Assortment (Box of 12) for $25 lilliebellefarms.com

Chilled Soup: A Split-Pea That Tastes as Pretty as it Looks

Posted on: October 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Chilled soup is a great entertaining staple. That is, you can make it ahead of time and not worry about the temperature. This one has a bright, festive color that adds to the mood. A few bright napkins and dishware make it even more appealing.

If you have a vegan in the crowd, leave off the yogurt topping in the recipe, the rest is all vegetable and spice. Serve this soup in teacups for extra appeal and maximize your servings.

I included this recipe as part of my modern Indian food party plan, which included small bites with Indian flavors.

MAKES ABOUT 1.25 QUARTS

COOK THE SPLIT PEAS

1 1/2 CUPS yellow split peas, checked for grit, rinsed
5 1/2 CUPS water
1/2 tsp turmeric
—
Place ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil. Lower heat, simmer for 2 hrs covered.

GET OUT THE FOOD PROCESSOR… MAKE THE SOUP

cooked split peas, slightly cooled
juice from 2 lemons
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne
—
Blend ingredients together, until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.

TO SERVE

plain yogurt
oregano sprigs
—
Pour chilled soup into small bowls. Garnish with a spiral of yogurt, and oregano sprig.

Indian Fried Rice: A Vegan Medley Served in Clementine Cups

Posted on: October 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

 Indian fried rice looks extra special when served in a clementine shell. Think about juicing them to create a signature cocktail for your dinner party, for the ultimate upcycle! Squash, carrots, jalapeños, and a fried cauliflower add their freshness here, the Indian spices add the richness.

I have developed an entire party plan, based on flavors in Indian cuisine. If you are looking for more ideas for hosting a party with flavors of modern Indian cuisine check it out here.

MAKES 24 BOWLS

COOK THE RICE

1 1/2 CUPS basmati rice
2 1/4 CUPS water
1 1/2 TB coconut-canola oil
—
Put all the ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 min. Turn off heat and let rice steam for 10 min more with cover on. Fluff rice with a fork.

FRY THE CAULIFLOWER

1/4 CUP chickpea-fava flour
1 tsp chill powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp salt
—
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into tiny florets
—
coconut oil
—
salt
—
Mix dry ingredients, toss cauliflower florets in to coat. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet, drop the cauliflower in (do not overcrowd). Allow to brown, about 3 min. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, set aside.

 

SAUTE THE VEGGIES

4 TB coconut oil
3 carrots, shredded
—
1 large yellow squash, shredded
3 jalapeños, diced
1-inch piece of ginger, shredded
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
—
3 scallions, cut into thin strips
—
Heat oil in a large skillet, add carrots, cook for 3 min. Add squash, jalapeños, ginger, garlic, s + p, saute for 5 min more. Add scallions, cook another minute or so. Turn off heat, keeping it in the pan.

TOAST THE SPICES

2 TB coriander
2 TB cumin
1 TB chili powder
1 tsp turmeric
—
In a separate pan, toast spices for a minute. Add to the vegetable mix.

MAKE THE CLEMENTINE BOWLS

12 clementines, cut in half
—
Remove the fruit from the oranges, by cutting around the inside edge of the peel, and scooping out the flesh. (Save for use in cocktails or smoothie.)

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

cooked basmati
cauliflower florets
vegetable mix
—
clementine bowls
slivered almonds, for garnish
—
Combine rice and cauliflower with the vegetables. Fill each clementine bowl with the rice mixture and garnish with slivered almonds.

It’s a Date: A Creamy Cocktail to Savor

Posted on: October 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

This creamy cocktail gets its unusual appearance from almond milk and sweetness from date molasses. It may look like a milkshake, but believe me, this concoction is pretty potent. One per customer.

This cocktail is designed to be a part of the hosting strategy for serving upscale, modern Indian-inspired cuisine. See the recipes at this link, and enjoy this potent libation alongside.

DETAILS ON THE INGREDIENTS:

[1] Breuckelen Glorious Gin A gin with New York based ingredients and distilled entirely in Brooklyn, NY—incorporating juniper, lemon, rosemary, ginger, and grapefruit. No coloring, additives, extracts, or fancy filtering are used. The gin’s flavor is the result of the natural process. About $40. brkdistilling.com

hobnobmag creamy cocktail mint

[2] Bulleit Bourbon Thomas E. Bulleit, Jr’s great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit, made a high-rye whiskey between 1830-1860, and inspired Thomas Bulleit to carry on the tradition. Bulleit Bourbon is distilled and aged in small batches. Its high rye content gives it a spicy character with a smooth finish. Kentucky limestone-filtered water starts the process, which ends in charred American oak barrels for a smoky finish. Smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg—and a light toffee flavor. bulleit.com

[3] Silk Unsweetened Original Almondmilk starts with Non-GMO verified almonds grown in California. Only nuts that match stringent standards make the cut. The nuts are shelled, toasted and ground before being blended with pure filtered water along with vitamins and minerals. Make sure to get the unsweetened version. There’s also an unsweetened vanilla version that is quite nice. About $5.

[4] Alwadi date molasses Created from sweet, sweet dates, this syrup adds an additional complexity to the sugary aspect of the cocktail—think maple syrup with a slightly citrus leaning. About $12.

Sachin Hasan of the Pierre Hotel 2e Bar/Lounge Makes Garam Masala Infused Rum

Posted on: October 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

I have had the pleasure of experiencing Sachin Hasan’s cocktails many a night at the 2E Bar/Lounge. This gorgeous spot inside the Pierre Hotel harks back to grand days with an art deco gold bar, high ceilings, a muted-metallic color scheme, and plush seating. See Hasan’s Indian-inspired infused rum cocktail.

Sachin has been doing wonders for the bar menu with Indian-spiced ingredients, barrel-aged spirits, and other delights—in the photo, Hasan lights an absinthe mix, for dramatic effect.

Hasan has since changed jobs at the Pierre, but you can still taste and learn the secrets behind amazing seasonal cocktails. Head to 2E Bar/Lounge for Mixology Wednesdays. From 6:30 to 9:30, Paul Johnson, the newest mixologist, shows you how make the cocktails on the seasonal menu. While you are there be sure to order one of the items from the bar menu, like the angus sliders, hummus platter, or The Pierre Salad, with poached lobster, to complete the experience.

One of my favorite sips featured a house-made Garam Masala rum infusion with fresh lime juice, grapefruit bitters. Perfect for fall. twoeny.com

See more recipes for creating cool, mod, Indian-inspired bites in our Indi-Mod party plan.

Beautiful Cakes NYC: Amy Noelle of Sugar Flower Cake Shop

Posted on: October 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

You might say that cake designer Amy Noelle has one of the best jobs in the world. She designs and creates gorgeous custom cakes for anyone who asks. Her studio is known for creating lifelike floral creations on some of the most beautiful cakes in NYC.

What’s a big celebration without a cake? It’s one of those party planning elements that can be a joy to consider. Especially if you have a sweet tooth. Something you should know about Amy is this: what separates her cakes from other elaborately decorated cakes is that she prefers to ice them with buttercream instead of fondant—making each element edible.

I paid a visit to her studio and was educated and extremely  impressed by what I saw. Not only did she have spectacular elements for making beautiful cakes, each assignment was carefully considered to be a work of art. Naturally, she is dedicated to using local and sustainable ingredients—honey, berries, eggs and cream are sourced from New York farmers at the Union Square Greenmarket.

hobnobmag Beautiful Cakes NYC

Her studio, Sugar Flower Cake Shop has a Popup Cake Boutique. On Tuesday through Friday from 11 to 6 pm and Sundays from 9 to 3pm, you can sample the goods: from fancy cupcakes to scrap cake slices. Located in The Arts Building, 336 West 37th Street, Suite 950.

hobnobmag Beautiful Cakes NYC

Noelle made me a custom cake inspired by my paisley party theme that had expressive pink and green icing accented by white dotted paisley icons (as seen in the photo at the top of this post). I got to watch her decorate the cake,  and it was cool to see her enter a zen mode while applying the intricate paisley designs. I’m here to say, you can feel and taste the love in every bite. The cake she made me serves 50, and features raspberry, mango, and coconut buttercream. $600. sugarflowercakeshop.com

Since the posting of this story, the space has been taken over by Madison Lee, who make cakes just as beautifully.

Cooking with a Banana Leaf: Baked Cod in Aji Criollo Sauce

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

To make an awe-inspiring impression,  try cooking with a banana leaf at your next fiesta. The leaf not only acts as an attractive wrapping, but also lends a tea-like flavor to the fish. Basically, you will just cut the leaf into 12-inch squares, place fish inside, and tie them up with the rib from the center of the leaf. Tip: When you are creating the ties from the ribs, they will dry out if you cut them too early in the process, so cut the leaves  when you are ready to cook. If they do dry out, spray with water to make them pliable again.

A nice accompaniment to the fish, is a mildly hot Aji Criollo sauce, made with mostly jalapeño peppers and cilantro which keeps the fish moist, and injects a zippy herb flavor. Add the sauce to fish before baking, then set out extra on the table in case guests want to add a little more.

If you are looking to throw a kickin’ Latin party, see my party plan A Latin Fiesta for more recipes and ideas.

MAKES 8 PACKETS

PREPARE BANANA LEAVES…PREHEAT OVEN 425ºF

1 or 2 banana leaves, defrosted
—
Unfold banana leaves. With a kitchen scissor, cut out the rib along the edge (to tie each packet), put aside. Carefully cut leaves into eight 12-inch squares.

MAKE THE AJI CRIOLLO SAUCE

3 jalapeños, stems and seeds removed, cut into 4 pieces
1/2 bunch of cilantro, both stems and leaves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup of water
3 cloves garlic, squeezed in a garlic press
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
1 scallion, cut into thin rings
—
Combine in a blender, except scallions. Move to bowl, stir in scallions. Makes about 8 oz.

MAKE THE FISH PACKETS

1 1/4 LB cod fillet, cut into 8 pieces
aji criollo sauce
—
Take each banana leaf square by the corner and sweep back and forth over a burner, about 5 times each side. Place fish in center of leaf, top with a big spoonful of the aji criollo sauce. Fold top and bottom of banana leaf over fish, then fold in left and right sides to enclose the fish and form a packet. Tie packet, trim ends. Place onto baking sheet.

BAKE THE FISH

Place on oven’s middle shelf, bake for 20 min. To serve, keep fish inside packets to keep warm, and allow guests to unwrap and eat. It’s a bit messy with sauce oozing out, so nice to present in small bowls.

Each banana leaf measures about 3 to 4 feet, so could be used decoratively as a runner along the length of the table.

Coconut Shrimp Appetizer with a Sweet-Hot Dipping Sauce

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Shrimp never tasted so good. Coconut shrimp is the perfect pairing of textures and tastes. This dish is very crowd pleasing, especially with the sweet dipping sauce. So, if you are having a big party, you might want to make double the recipe—I guarantee this will disappear immediately.

Cooking tip: Dipping in the egg twice when doing the coating makes it very thick, and the bite that much more substantial. Creating these will get messy. Best to use both hands, one for the egg part, one for the crumb part.

I thought this recipe would be perfect in my plan for hosting a Latin-themed party, whose flavors celebrate South American flavors and flair. See this link for more recipes and ideas.

MAKES 36 SHRIMP

PREHEAT OVEN 425ºF… PREPARE THE DIPPING STATIONS

5 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
—
1 CUP panko bread crumbs
—
1/2 CUP panko bread crumbs
1 CUP flaked coconut
—
Set up 3 shallow bowls: [1] Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper. [2] Panko. [3] Panko and coconut.

START DIPPING

36 shrimp, shells and tails removed
—
Dip shrimp in the egg mixture. Allow excess to drain off, dip in panko. Dip into eggs again. Let excess drain, dip into panko/coconut mix. Place onto baking sheet lined with parchment.

BAKE THE SHRIMP

Bake for 10 min, turn shrimp over, and cook for another 4 min until golden brown. Remove from oven, let cool. Stack shrimp around bowl of sweet hot sauce.

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recipe

SWEET HOT SAUCE

This is a medium-kick spicy sauce. If you are looking for something with a more powerful sting, substitute one of the serranos for a habanero, or other spicy pepper. Consider splitting the recipe into medium and hot offerings. Best to stay in red or orange tones for the best color. This sauce goes with just about everything else on the menu, so put some out so people can help themselves. It’s drinkably good!

Makes about two 12 oz squirt bottles of sauce

3 red serranos, seeded, cut into 4 pieces
1 mango, peeled, cut into chunks
1 CUP white vinegar
1/4 CUP Filling Station coconut balsamic vinegar
1/2 CUP water
1/2 CUP Santa Cruz organic mango fruit spread
2 TB turbinado sugar
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Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Run blender for a while to really liquefy. Strain through sieve and funnel into a squirt bottle, pushing mixture through with a spoon. Rinse sieve to get rid of gunk sporadically.

Cool plating idea: use a colorful plate and add an orchid to create a tropical feel.

Modern Latin Party Food: Chili-Infused Pork & Rum Pineapple

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

In this modern Latin party food recipe, the chili spice mix is the secret ingredient that makes this dish sing. It adds a lovely color and intense flavor to the pork bites. I also suggest putting extra on the table, so your guests can sprinkle extra on at will.

Pair pork with pineapple, whose flavors have been enhanced by a complex rum and grilling. The decadence of the pineapple adds a sweet, juicy element to the lean pork. Your guests will be popping these in their mouths with joy!

See more recipes and ideas for hosting a fun and hot Latin party at this link.

MAKES ABOUT 50 BITES

MARINATE THE PINEAPPLE

6 oz Kracken rum
2 TB maple syrup
1 pineapple, cored and cut into 1-inch cubes
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Gently heat rum and sugar to incorporate, about 2 min. Let cool. Marinate pineapple chunks in mix in the fridge.

MAKE THE CHILI SPICE MIX

Combines bitter annato seeds, some fiery aspects, and a touch of cinnamon. The flavors blend well with meats and could also work in some sweet dishes as well. To grind the spices, use a coffee grinder devoted to spice grinding, and be done in a jiffy.

Makes about 1/3 cup

1 TB annato seeds, crushed in spice grinder
1 TB pink peppercorns, crushed in spice grinder
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/4 CUP chili powder
1 TB onion salt
1 TB cinnamon
—
Use a mortar and pestle if you don’t have a spice grinder. Transfer crushed annato seeds and pink peppercorns to a bowl and mix everything together.

PREPARE PORK

1 LB pork loin
Chili Spice Mix
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Cut loin into 3/4 inch-thick fillets. Rub spice mix all over.

PREHEAT OVEN 350ºF… COOK THE PORK

Heat up a skillet. Sear meat, about 3 min on each side. Move to a baking dish. Cook about 8 min. Let meat rest 5 min.

GRILL PINEAPPLE

1 TB honey
—
Baste pineapple chunks with honey. Sear on grill pan turning frequently.

TO ASSEMBLE

cooked pork
cilantro, torn into individual leaves
grilled pineapple pieces
Sweet Hot Sauce (optional)
—
Cut pork into 1-inch cubes. Place sprig of cilantro on top of pineapple bit, spear with toothpick, then stick into a piece of pork. Drizzle Sweet Hot Sauce over it.


Put this trio of sauces and spices on your table, so guests can add extra flavor to suit their palate. From the top: Aji Criollo, Chili Spice Mix (recipe above), Sweet Hot Sauce.

Mini Arepas with Black Beans & Creamy Corn, A Vegan Delight

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

An ancient recipe, arepas have been around South American since pre-Columbian times. They make a hearty base for whatever you want to top them with. In this recipe, we mixed beans and corn and nutritional yeast to add up to a wonderfully-filling vegan canape. If you have never tried nutritional yeast, you should give it a shot. It has a complex flavor reminiscent of a wheaty-cheese, and a powdery texture. You will get raves from this dish from all your friends, but your vegan friends will really thank you.

Arepas use a special flour called masarepa, found in most Latin markets. Do not confuse it with masa harina, which is for making tortillas. Make sure to buy the right one.

Dotting your serving platter with orchids gives it an exotic bent. Get stems of orchids, and break off the individual flowers right before plating. They will last the night just sitting on the platter.

I created a bunch of recipes for hosting a Latin canape party. See the other recipes at this link to create an entire menu.

MAKES ABOUT 50 MINI AREPAS

MAKE THE BEANS

1 CUP black beans (dry)
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1 tsp salt
—
1 TB olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
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Cover beans with at least 3 inches of cool water, soak overnight. Choose a bowl that will accommodate expansion. When ready to cook, drain and rinse. Place in a big pot with lots of water and gently boil for 1.5 to 2 hrs. Add salt after 1 hr. (Make sure there is enough water in the pot, if you need to add water use boiling or very hot.) When beans are soft, drain. Mash beans with olive oil and garlic. Refrigerate.

MAKE THE CREAMY CORN

4 ears of corn
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1 small white onion, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 TB vegenaise
1 tsp salt
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Boil ears of corn for 15 to 20 min. Drain water, let cool. Remove kernels from cob with a sharp knife. Place in bowl and toss with other ingredients. Refrigerate till ready to create the arepas.

COOK THE AREPAS

2 CUPS masarepa flour
3 CUPS warm water (plus more if necessary)
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne, optional
—
vegetable oil
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In large bowl, combine flour, water, and salt—and cayenne, if you want them to be spicy. (If the mixture seems dry add a little water.) Let mixture sit for 10 min to allow the dough to absorb all the water.

Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil. Using a large wooden spoon, add a half spoonful of dough to the pan, spread out, flatten. Each arepa should be about 2 – 3 inches. Cook 2 to 3 min on each side, until crispy and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack, or sheet of aluminum foil.

ASSEMBLE THE AREPAS

mini arepas
black bean mash
creamy corn
nutritional yeast
cilantro, cut into thin ribbons
—
Spread a thin coating of black bean paste over the tops of arepas. Top with corn mixture. Sprinkle yeast. Garnish with ribbons of cilantro.

Aragua: A Hot Toddy, Venezuelan-Style

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Maxime Belfand created this Hot Toddy for the Cocktail Cabinet Program, which he runs with Masa Urushido at Saxon + Parole in NYC. This program gives new meaning to “I’ll have the usual.”

SAXON + PAROLE has come up with a fun way to discover new tastes in cocktails, and make you feel like one of the family. Here’s how it works. Each month you’ll be invited to try a new cocktail at a tasting, then the surplus is housed for you until you re-visit. Rare and barrel-aged spirits and specialty house-made ingredients are highlighted.

Joining the club is $75 a month, which includes about eight cocktails and also gets you preferential reservations at Saxon + Parole. Featured January 2014, The Aragua was a warm sip, artfully housed, featuring exquisite Santa Teresa rum, house-made falernum, and lime and ginger accents. saxonandparole.com

Jim Romdall of Rumba Shares a Tropical Cocktail Recipe

Posted on: September 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

If you are into rum, the way I am, then Rumba Seattle should be on your bucket-list destinations. Jim Romdall has quite the collection, and bar menu. He’s shared a super pretty cocktail recipe that will make a big splash at your next gathering.

After a stint at owning Seattle’s supreme destination cocktail bar Vessel, Jim Romdall has moved his talent for creating cocktails to Rumba, a bar with over 250 rum selections.

The cocktail menu’s main focus is daiquiris at the most sophisticated level, plus an array of island drinks including prohibition-era Havana drinks, and fresh-ingredient tiki cocktails, punches and Caribbean classics—perfect for summer cooling.

Go for the cocktails, or for sipping exclusive rums from around the world. Try one of the flights on the menu, like the Cigar Not Included, a trio of spirits from Haiti, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. One of my favorite styles of rum is Rhum Agricole, made from sugar cane instead of molasses. So, Jim created an Agricole Swizzle for me. rumbaonpike.com

See more recipes for a hot and steamy Latin dance party in our Tropicalia issue.

Grilled Vegetable Napoleon—the Ultimate Pairing with Charcuterie

Posted on: August 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

A fancy sidekick to charcuterie, this refreshing grilled vegetable napoleon blends veggies and goat cheese to spectacular results.  It’s part of a plan for hosting guests over a weekend: this is part of the welcome snack. You can make this up to 2 days ahead. If you are following our weekend hosting plan, you will be making extra. Use the best grilled vegetables for the stack, and save the rest for sandwiches for Saturday’s lunch.

To help create perfect Vegetable Napoleon stacks, we used a very cool tool. The ARCHITEC Stackable Appetizer Maker is a unique gadget that lets you turn ordinary ingredients into beautifully layered creations in just minutes. Simply place a layer of each ingredient, and press down with included flat bar, then cut into individual servings. If you don’t have this gadget, you could probably do the same thing in a narrow baking pan. Or just arrange the ingredients nicely with your charcuterie offering.

We devised a super-easy method for roasting peppers, which adds eye-popping color to the Vegetable Napoleons, see the details below.

MAKES 11 STACKS

HOBNOBMAG Herbs Marinade

MAKE THE MARINADE

1/4 CUP olive oil
fresh herbs, minced
s + p
—
Mix ingredients together.

SET OVEN TO BROIL… ROAST PEPPERS & ZUCCHINI

3 red bell peppers
3 yellow bell peppers
—
6 zucchinis, cut into 3/8-inch slices on the diagonal
marinade
—
Cut peppers into their natural segments, then trim curvy parts top and bottom (save for use in salad). Remove seeds. Flatten each piece on a baking sheet lined with foil. (the foil comes into play, wait!)

Place under broiler on top shelf in oven, skin side up, until black, about 10 min. Remove from oven. Enclose peppers inside the foil to sweat the skins off. After 10 min or so, remove skins. I like to do this under running water.

For the zucchini, brush tops with marinade. Gang up slices on foil-lined baking trays. Put under the broiler for 6 min, flip, broil another 5 min. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the trays.

MAKE THE SPINACH LAYER

2 TB olive oil
2 pkgs baby spinach
1 TB raw agave
3 TB red wine vinegar
salt
—
Heat a large pan over medium heat, add oil. Wilt spinach, add agave and vinegar, cook for about 1 min. (Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches.) Transfer spinach to strainer, press down to remove excess liquid.

MAKE THE VEGEATABLE NAPOLEON STACKS

roasted yellow peppers
goat cheese, softened
roasted zucchini
cooked spinach
tomatoes, cut in 1/4-inch horizontal slices
—
Layer ingredients in this order, pushing down between each layer:

1. yellow peppers
2. goat cheese
3. zucchini
4. spinach
5. tomatoes
6. goat cheese
7. zucchini
8. spinach
9. goat cheese
10. red peppers.
Cover and refrigerate. Cut into stacks when ready to serve.

Unusual Taco Bar Salsas: White Peach Salsa and Colorful Slaw

Posted on: August 1st, 2014 by Ellen Swandiak

Add these two dishes to your taco bar to create exciting combinations with any of the other recipes from our Taco Bar menu.  Our unusual taco bar salsas  add the crowning touch. This party’s getting hotter by the minute.

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recipe

SALSA: WHITE PEACH, CUCUMBER, RED PEPPER, RED ONIONS

This salsa works well with all the bases and looks pretty on the table. Choose peaches that are not too soft, so that you get a nice dice.

MAKES ENOUGH FOR 24 TACOS

GET A NICE SHARP KNIFE

3 almost ripe peaches, diced
1 English cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 large red onion, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 tsp salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
juice from 3 limes
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In a medium bowl, place all the ingredients, squeeze lime juice over. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hrs to allow flavors to meld.

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recipe

SLAW: RED CABBAGE, PEA SPROUTS, PEA PODS, CARROTS

A healthy slaw with only a bit of sweetness.

MAKES ENOUGH FOR 24 TACOS

MAKE THE DRESSING

6 TB grape seed oil
4 TB pinot grigio vinegar
2 TB agave
s + p
—
Whisk ingredients together in small bowl.

MAKE THE SALAD

1/2 red cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
1 CUP pea pods, sliced thinly
1/2 CUP radish micro greens
—
In a medium bowl, put all the ingredients. Pour dressing and toss together. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hrs to allow flavors to meld.

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