Check Out My Recipes in The Cooking Light Double Holiday Issue

Are you ready for the holidays? Yes, I know it's only October 25th, but Thanksgiving is in 31 days. OK, now that I've got you in a good panic, let me help.

The double holiday issue of Cooking Light magazine is on stands, and you need to get a copy. Why? Because it contains 332 healthy recipes and tips to make your Thanksgiving dinner a healthy, smashing success.

Plus, I've got several recipes in this issue. See the string beans and mashed sweet potatoes on the cover? Those are my recipes!

This hefty issue gives you with everything you need for your holiday dinner: Scores of delicious appetizers, drinks, entrees, sides, and desserts. If you're wondering which recipes are mine, here they are. (Please note that all photos are courtesy of Cooking Light.)

                                                 Pomegranate Gin Sling

                                             Winter Jeweled Fruit Salad

                                     Spiced Persimmon and Pecan Muffins

                               Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Shallots

                                        Citrus Green Beans with Pine Nuts

                                                  Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Kristen of the beautiful blog Dine & Dish already made this pumpkin pie pudding and said, "These little beauties do not disappoint." And readers on the Cooking Light website rating it as "outstanding."

So whether you need some Thanksgiving side dish inspiration, a new way to cook the bird, or just want a pretty magazine to flip through, you'll find everything you need in the Cooking Light double holiday issue.

Caveat to my Rhode Island readers: Get your copy soon. If you don't, my dad may end up buying all of them.

What Are the Best Apples for Baking?

There are nearly 100 apple varieties sold commercially in the U.S. How do you choose the best ones for baking?

The key is to consider both flavor and texture. The apples you choose should be firm so they'll maintain their shape and not turn to sauce when cooked, and they should be slightly tart since you’ll sweeten them up with sugar and spices.

People have regional preferences for apple varieties such as MacIntosh in New England and Fuji in Washington. When possible choose fresh, locally grown apples, which will be more flavorful and allow you to brag -- “I baked this pie with apples I picked this morning!” Also, many bakers agree that the tastiest apple pies come from mixing sweet and tart apples. 

Here is run-down on the best apples for baking:

Best for pies: Sturdy, thick-skinned apples with a sweet-tart flesh. Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gravenstein, Jonagold, Jonathans, Pink Lady, Pippin, and Winesap.

Best for baked goods such as muffins, scones, and cakes: Firm apples with a sweet-tart flesh. Fuji, Gala, Empire, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Rome Beauty.

Best for applesauce: Softer, sweeter apples. Ambrosia, Cameo, Cortland, MacIntosh, and Macoun.

What are your favorite apples for baking?

Here are more apple recipes you might enjoy from Food Blogga:

Homemade Apple Sauce recipe from Food Blogga

Tuscan Torta di Mele (apple cake) recipe from Food Blogga
Apple- Maple Walnut Breakfast Quinoa recipe from Food Blogga

Old-Fashioned Apple Spice Streusel Muffins recipe from Food Blogga

Ricotta Hotcakes with Warm Spiced Apples and Maple Syrup recipe from Food Blogga

Homemade Cranberry, Raisin, and Walnut Apple Sauce recipe from Food Blogga

Here are more apple recipes you might enjoy from the blogosphere:

The Ultimate Caramel Apple Pie recipe from Kopiaste

Southern Fried Apple Pies recipe from Confabulation in the Kitchen

Apple, Walnut, Gorgonzola Rustic Tart recipe from Simply Recipes

Caramel Apple Tart with Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe from Pete Bakes

Sticky Spiked Double-Apple Cake w Brown Sugar-Brandy Sauce recipe from The Kitchn

Got Soft Apples? Make Apple-Maple Walnut Breakfast Quinoa

Is there anything more disappointing in October than biting into what you think will be a crisp, snappy apple only to have your teeth sink into mushy flesh? What do you do? Continue to eat it not to be wasteful, or toss it aside for something else?

Neither. Don't eat something you don't enjoy. You'll only be unsatisfied and crave something more. If you can, don't toss it either. Use it in something where the texture of the apple isn't critical, like applesauce. Or add it diced and cooked to oatmeal, quinoa, or barley for a delicious hot breakfast.

This Apple-Maple Walnut Breakfast Quinoa is a protein-rich, filling breakfast alternative to oatmeal. Plus, when you bake the apples on the stovetop, the scent of freshly baked apple pie will float in the air. How can a day not be good when you start it off with warm, soothing, spiced apples?

Seeing as I bought six apples from the same farmer, I've likely got five more softies in my fridge. I don't feel like having quinoa for breakfast tomorrow, so I'll be saying hello to homemade applesauce later today.

Apple-Maple Walnut Breakfast Quinoa
Makes 2 servings
Printable recipe.

1/2 cup dry quinoa
1 cup water
2 teaspoons butter
1 medium apple of your choice, diced with skins on
1- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1/8 teaspoon apple pie spice
a pinch of salt
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1. In a small, heavy bottomed sauce pan, bring water and quinoa to a boil for 2 minutes. Lower to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the water, puffs up, and turns translucent. If the water has evaporated before the quinoa is cooked, just add a bit more water. Quinoa should maintain a slight crunch when cooked.

2. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples and cook 2 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned. Add walnuts, apple pie spice, and salt. Cook 1 minute more. Add to quinoa and stir.

3. Divide quinoa into two bowls, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve hot.


Here are more breakfast recipes with apples you might enjoy:
Apple and Granola Scones recipe from Baking Bites
Pumpkin Apple Pancakes recipe from Halfed Baked
Breakfast Apple Granola Crisp recipe from Stylish Cuisine
Whole Grain Sour Cream Apple Muffins recipe from Pinch My Salt
Baked French Toast with Apples recipe from Confessions of a Foodie
Old-Fashioned Spiced Apple Streusel Muffins recipe from Food Blogga
Homemade Cranberry, Raisin, and Walnut Applesauce recipe from Food Blogga

Husbands, Sunday Football, and Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

Reason #47 why I love my husband: He has deemed Sundays "Pizza and Football Day." That's right. He makes the pizza. Then we eat the pizza, drink beer, and watch football together.

If you're thinking, "But she just announced she has celiac disease. Why is she posting about pizza?" Here's my response: I'll still be posting carby Italian recipes like pizza and pasta. After all, Jeff isn't gluten-intolerant. However, I'll also be posting gluten-free recipes. So, rather than having less, Food Blogga will have more! Now for the pizza.



When struck with a serious hankering for a Philly Cheesesteak last Sunday, Jeff decided to make a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza instead -- a macho pie of succulent sauteed sirloin steak, sweet caramelized onions, and smoky cheddar cheese.

After the first bite, I thought his Philly Cheesesteak Pizza couldn't be improved upon. I was wrong. Reason #48 why I love my husband: He suggested adding a scoop of mouth-puckering, salty giardiniera to our pizza. Touchdown!

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Makes 8 slices
Printable recipe.

This pizza recipe was created by Jeff Benabio, aka @dermdoc, Food Blogga's husband. It should feed eight people; it will likely feed four; for the truly gluttonous, it will feed two. 

1 pound store bought dough or homemade dough
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1/2- inch thick strips
a sprinkling of salt and black pepper
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups smoked cheddar cheese (or sharp cheddar)
2-3 tablespoons fresh finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, optional
1 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)*

1. Roll out the dough and brush all over with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Cover with a dish towel and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add steak and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning once or twice, until lightly browned and just barely pink. Transfer to a plate.

3. In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes or until softened and browned. Remove from heat.

4. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the dough. Arrange the steak on top, then arrange the onions. Sprinkle evenly with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and then remaining cheese.

5. For a pizza stone, bake at 500 degree for about 10 minutes, or until both the top and bottom of the crust is brown and the cheese is melted. For a baking sheet, bake at 450 for about 20 minutes, or until both the top and bottom of the crust is brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot or at room temperature, and garnish with a spoonful of giardiniera.


*Shopping Note: Giardiniera, an Italian pickled vegetable salad, can be found at Italian specialty markets or in the Italian or condiment section of most major supermarkets.

You might also enjoy these pizza recipes:
Dad's Patriots' Potato Pizza recipe from Food Blogga
Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza recipe from Food Blogga
Tequila-Lime Shrimp Pizza recipe from Susan Russo at NPR.org
Fennel Sausage and Rapini Pizza recipe from Food Blogga
Mexican Pizza recipe from My Life Through Food
Meatball Pizza recipe from Recipe Girl
Spanish Inspired Pizza recipe from Jenn Cuisine ~ gluten-free
Pepperoni, Mushroom, and Sausage Pizza recipe from YumSugar
Flatbread Pizza with Prosciutto and Gouda recipe from The Food Addicts
Roasted Garlic, Gruyere, and Rosemary Pizza recipe from Tennessee Locavore

Nine Things I Learned at the BlogHer Food '10 Conference

I recently returned from BlogHer Food '10 where, as expected, I met fabulous new friends, connected with fabulous old friends, and ate fabulous food. A few unexpected things happened too.

Here are nine things I learned at BlogHer Food '10:

1. While attending an informative session on food styling, an attendee asked, "What can I do to make brown, gloppy food like beef stew look good?" The panelists' collective reply: Nothing. After the laughter subsided, Tami Hardeman of Running With Tweezers offered this advice: Surround ugly food with pretty props: a colorful bowl, a funky spoon, or a textured napkin. Never underestimate the power of sprinkled parsley.


Dorie Greenspan, Susan Russo, and Elise Bauer

2. Next time you're creatively stymied, stop everything and go for a walk. That's what baking goddess Dorie Greenspan does when she needs to spark her creativity. "It works every time!" she told me.

3. David Leite of Leite's Culinaria told us it's OK to say "no." Working for free or for minimal payment isn't furthering bloggers' careers. Say "no," and most times, they'll come back with a better offer.


Susan Russo, Ree Drummond, and Garrett McCord

4. The dazzlingly down-to-earth Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, reminded her audience that you can't be everything to everybody. Choose the media that best suits your talents: Are you a word wizard? Write. Do you come alive in front of the camera? Do video. Do you have great interviewing skills? Hello, podcasts.

5. The talented and beautiful Anupy Singla, author of The Indian Slow Cooker, understands that many home cooks are intimidated by Indian spices and cooking. So she created spice packets, small bundles of 5 essential Indian spices, that will get anyone cooking Indian. Demystify something for people, and they will love you. They'll also buy your book.

6. Diane of the darling White on Rice couple told bloggers that "Great food photography isn't about fancy gear; it's about light." She encouraged us to walk around our homes to find the best sources of natural light for food photography, even if it's in the bedroom, or --  GASP! -- the bathroom.

7. Smile. Say hello. To everyone. Wear comfortable shoes. Know when to walk away from the Scharffen Berger table.


Lunching with Ben Rhau, Tara Dahill, Cheryl Sternman Rule, and Katie Goodman.

8. Katie Goodman of Good Life Eats, who has a mega-watt smile, taught me to always carry a WISP, a single use mini toothbrush, in my purse. When you're on a panel after lunch, like I was, you want people to remember what you said, not what you ate.

9. The food gods appreciate irony. While at BlogHer Food '10, I received a call from my doctor informing me that I tested positive for celiac disease. Not only can I no longer eat pasta and pizza, but I also have to change my Twitter bio, which currently reads, "I eat gluten."


Here are more posts about BlogHer Food '10 you might enjoy:
Revelations: Fed Up With Lunch
Guide to Conference Etiquette: 5 Second Rule
BlogHer Food: The Love Fest: Will Write for Food
Memorable Moments from BlogHer Food '10: Panini Happy
Defining Success: Dine and Dish
BlogHer Food 2010 in San Francisco: The Italian Dish
Want more? Check out Liveblog at BlogHer.com.

My Book, Recipes Every Man Should Know, Is Available for Pre-Sale on Amazon!

I just returned from the amazing BlogHer Food '10 conference in San Francisco. I am thrilled and humbled to tell you that my little black book, Recipes Every Man Should Know, co-authored with Brett Cohen, was the first book to sell out at their authors' table! (Insert sounds of horn-tooting by me.)

Would you like a copy of Recipes Every Man Should Know or a copy for a hungry guy in your life? It's available for pre-sale on Amazon right now, and it's only $9.95!

Why should men cook?

1. Women think men who cook are sexy.
2. It involves fire, sharp instruments, and meat.
3. Women think men who cook are sexy, and it involves fire, sharp instruments, and meat.

Need more reasons?

4. It's cheaper than eating out all the time, which means more money for other stuff.
5. It's healthier, which is also sexy.
6. If you cook for your friends, they'll buy you drinks.

That's why you've got to have a copy of Recipes Every Man Should Know. This little black book is packed with easy, delicious recipes that will impress family, friends, and, most importantly, the ladies.


It's never too early to get him started in the kitchen.

Not sure which pots and pans to use? We tell you. Don't know the difference between dicing and slicing? We explain. Not sure how many pints are in a quart? Two. No matter the occasion, we've got recipes that won't fail you:

• Tailgating? Jumbalaya and Beef-and-Beer Chile
• Throwing a party? Beer Margaritas and BuffaloWings
• Dinner alone? Perfect Panfried Pork Chops
• Romantic dinner for her? Creamy Shrimp Fettucine 
• Sunday breakfast with the kids? Better-Than-IHOP Chocolate Chip Pancakes

We've even got recipes for "The Hangover Cure," (yes, it works), The Perfect Burger, No-Bake Cheesecake, and more! All this goodness fits snugly in your back pocket, so you don't even need a grocery list. What more could you ask for?

Want to buy a copy for yourself or for a guy in your life? It makes a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for only $9.95! Order your copy of Recipes Every Man Should Know through Irreference.com or through Amazon.com today!

Photo Credits: Creative Commons, Flickr: Australian War Memorial Collection and Hadassah Williams.

Falling For Grapes: Mesclun, Chicken, and Grape Autumn Salad

At the end of August, I posted on an Asian Chicken and Soba Noodle Salad that I called a "transitional salad" -- cool enough to eat on a steamy summer night yet satisfying enough to quell your hunger after a long day at work.

Four days into October, it's now time for full-fledged autumn salads. You know, the kind with thick slabs of roasted squash, wedges of spicy persimmons, and robust dressings made with maple syrup and heady herbs such as rosemary and sage.

While most fall salads include apples, pears, and fresh figs, not many include of one autumn's most popular fruits: grapes. Perhaps that's because like bananas, grapes are available in our supermarkets year-round and don't seem to have a specific season. Well, they do. Most grapes in the US are grown in California and are harvested between August and December. They're also available at San Diego farmers' markets right now.


Locally grown grapes from the Little Italy Mercato. 

I wish I could have you taste some of our local grapes. They're like nothing you've ever tasted from the supermarket. That's because no matter the variety -- Champagne, Thompson, Concord, Flame -- the grapes aren't picked until fully vine-ripened, which makes them dizzyingly plump, juicy, and flavorful. When you bite into some varieties, they release bursts of juice so intense, you'd think you're drinking wine.

Even if you can't get locally grown grapes, buy yourself the best ones you can find, and toss them into this Mesclun, Chicken, and Grape Autumn Salad. Sweet or tart grapes will get along deliciously with crisp pan-seared chicken, crunchy red bell peppers, and juicy heirloom tomatoes.

So next time you're at the market, reacquaint yourself with grapes. This long-time friend just might surprise you.

Mesclun, Chicken, and Grape Autumn Salad
Makes 4 servings
Printable recipe.

Salad:
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
8-10 cups mesclun, preferably spicy
1 yellow tomato, cut into wedges
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 cup grapes of your choice

Vinaigrette:
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped, lightly toasted pecans, pine nuts, or walnuts

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken; cook for 8-10 minutes, turning several times, until golden and cooked through.

2. Place mesclun, tomato, pepper, and grapes in a large bowl.

3. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Add chicken to salad and toss. Pour vinaigrette over salad, and toss until well coated. Sprinkle with nuts. Divide evenly among four plates.

You might also enjoy these fall/autumn salad recipes:
Roasted Pear Salad recipe from Kitchen Parade
Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad recipe from Dani Spies
Watercress, Seckel Pear, and Brie Salad recipe from Food Blogga
Dandelion, Persimmon, and Medjool Date Salad recipe from Food Blogga
Roasted Purple Cauliflower and Arugula Salad recipe from Food Blogga
Butternut Squash Salad with Curry-Apple Dressing recipe from This Mama Cooks!
Roasted Sweet Potato, Apple, and Spinach Salad recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod