Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Monkey Bread and Mimosas - a Christmas tradition

Through the years we've altered the recipe a bit, here are a few suggestions:
- Dip the raised dough in melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar
- No need for evaporated milk
- Top raw monkey bread with a drizzle of Karo syrup

Let it rise.

A decadent start to any morning.


And it's gone.
Until next year...

Our flight was cancelled and with limited travel options until after the New Year, I have a few extra days in Colorado to cook, eat, wine and dine.
It's snack time, and we're having bacon wrapped dates with blanched almonds.
I start by pitting the dates, cutting a slice down the length of the fruit, and replacing the pit with an almond.
Then using about 1/3 - 1/2 a slice of bacon, tightly wrap the date and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.
So very delicious, quick, and easy.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Phase 2: Colicchio suggests cooking the braised ribs in a cast iron casserole dish.
I couldn't find the suggested cookware so instead used a large pot with an oven friendly top.
Mashed taters...

Constantly checking, rotating, mixing, and turning
The meat was so tender the bones just fell out
No potato masher? Use a bottle of wine.

Per the recipes suggestion I strained all the veggies and herbs for a smooth gravy.
I think next time I will leave some of the onions and carrots in for added texture
Waiting...patientely...


The beef was served over mashed potatoes with a generous serving of gravy.
A perfect Christmas Eve dinner.
Bon Appetit from Mile High.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve Dinner - Braised Short Ribs are on the menu, and I'm ready to cook!
Phase 1: Prep work began the night before allowing the ribs to marinate for 24 hours. Yum.
4.5 lbs of flanken (cut perpendicular to the bone) beef short ribs


A good way to reference your recipe and spill on your computer.
My Aunt was a great kitchen helper, chopping, cleaning, slicing, dicing, and pouring wine.



Short ribs are seared, and the veggies are browning.
Wine for the ribs.
Wine for me.
Until tomorrow....

Friday, December 24, 2010

Breakfast in a pinch - Egg in a Basket with blackberry jam!
Feeling the effects of vodka soda I set out to make a filling, fueling morning meal.



Butter = healthy right?






A delicious way to start the morning, and pretty filling too.
Merry Christmas Eve!