LilSugar

Apple and Pear Tart

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:45 -0800

Below, OnSugar blog Fresh Tart makes the most of leftover pate brisee - and the end of the season's apples and pears - by rolling out a rustic galette.

You can thank the asparagus & leek tart for this treat. The original pie crust (pate brisee) recipe makes two crusts (I halved it for the posted recipe), so I had extra dough sitting in the fridge. I brushed over it a couple of times, thinking I'd probably make another quiche and freeze it. But then I noticed my fruit bowl, holding two very ripe pears, and two dusky apples, and well...a tart was born.

See how her dessert comes together when you read more.

Learn How to Make Eplekake, A Norwegian Apple Cake

Yum Community — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:50:15 -0800

This story was written by member MénagèreModerne and comes from the Kitchen Goddess group in the YumSugar Community.This is a very traditional and popular cake here in Norway. It is normally made with heavy cream or milk, but I prefer to use buttermilk to make it lighter, but still get a very moist and fluffy cake. It is delicious served warm with whipped cream, caramel ice cream or vanilla custard or alone at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

To get her recipe, keep reading.

Have You Ever Regretted Making a Recipe?

partysugar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:50:42 -0800

Last Wednesday, when I was making the food for an Apples to Apples theme party, I couldn't help but ask myself, "Whose stupid idea was it to plan an entire menu of apple dishes?" The idea was mine, of course. It was a great idea in theory, but I didn't realize that I would have to peel, slice, core, and chop 18 apples. It took me an hour and it was the first time I seriously regretted making a certain recipe. Has this ever happened to you?

Happy Hour: Apple Whiskey Spritzers

partysugar — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:00:18 -0800

On Wednesday FabSugar and I hosted our Apples to Apples game night. The party was a total success, and we had a great time thanks in part to a conversation-stimulating cocktail. Although I had planned to make a vodka-based drink, Fab asked me to do something with whiskey, so in the end, I went with these apple spritzers. They are refreshing, easy to drink, and effervescent. Unlike some party drinks, this libation is not too sweet. To get the recipe, read more.

Apple Whiskey Spritzers
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

2 cups chilled club soda
1.5 cups chilled apple juice or cider
10-12 dashes angostura bitters
whiskey, for serving

Directions

In a pitcher, combine club soda, apple juice or cider, and the bitters.
Fill four glasses with ice and pour 1.5-2 ounces of whiskey in each glass. Top with the club soda and apple mixture. Stir and enjoy!

Makes 4-6 drinks.

Print recipe with images | without images

Easy as Apple Pie Bars

partysugar — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:00:13 -0800

There's nothing quite as comforting, all-American, or nostalgic as homemade apple pie. While I'm a huge fan of the classic version, when I came across this recipe for apple pie bars, I got really excited. I'm always on the lookout for desserts that can be made in advance, are portable, and don't require utensils and a plate. Why? Because they are perfect for parties!

The bottom layer is shortbread, the middle layer is sugary apples, and the top layer is an oat and walnut crumble. Although it's a time-consuming recipe, the resulting dessert is worth it. They're wonderfully delicious and taste just like apple pie. It's also an ideal recipe for entertaining because you can serve them after breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ready for the recipe? Read more.

Let's Dish: What's Your Favorite Apple and Why?

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:50:53 -0800

One of my favorite discoveries at this year's Food Fête was the Lady Alice, a Washington-bred apple variety that's recently entered the mass market. Like a Pink Lady, the Lady Alice was painted with a mix of red, yellow, and green, but had an even deeper blush color. One bite revealed that it's both tart and intensely sweet, with a startling juicy crispness. I was told they'd hit Safeway stores in a few months. Until then, I'll just have to dream about my new favorite apple! What's your preferred variety and why?

Would You Rather Eat Red or Green Apples?

partysugar — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:30:11 -0800

I've had apples on the brain thanks to the Apples to Apples game night I'm planning. I'm wondering, when you hear the word apple, what comes to mind, a red one or a green one?

Come Party With Me: Apples to Apples - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:00:37 -0800

Next Wednesday FabSugar and I are hosting a game night. We're playing Apples to Apples and serving a menu of easy dishes that all have apples.

Usually when I host a party, I like to make a pitcher drink so I don't have to worry about making cocktails all night. However, since this is an intimate gathering and I'm cohosting with Fab, I've decided it will be fun to play bartender!

I'll be mixing up a libation called the Gold Rush. It's a beautiful combination of vodka, apple juice concentrate, and Calvados, a French apple brandy. It's easy to make, so learn how and read more.

The Gold Rush
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup thawed frozen apple juice concentrate
4 teaspoons Calvados
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Combine vodka, apple juice concentrate, Calvados, and lemon juice in cocktail shaker; add ice.
Cover and shake well. Strain into Martini glasses and serve.

Makes 2 drinks.

Print recipe with images | without images

Come Party With Me: Apples to Apples - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:00:21 -0800

FabSugar and I are totally obsessed with the card game Apples to Apples. We love it so much that we're gathering an intimate group to play the game. Fab's providing the party space and I'm in charge of the cuisine. The savory menu features apples and the dessert is no different. I'm making these caramelized apple sundaes. They're a delightful combination of caramelized apple wedges, cinnamon ice cream, pecan-oat crumble, and whipped cream. How amazing does that sound?! After we play the game, I'll invite everyone into the kitchen to help assemble the sundaes. It's the perfect sweet finish to what's sure to be a successful event. To check out the recipe, read more.

Caramel Apple Sundae
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

For the caramelized apples
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored, each cut into 12 wedges
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons Calvados
1/2 cup heavy cream
For assembly
1 cup heavy cream
Cinnamon Ice Cream
Pecan-Oat Crumble

Directions

Make the apples: Toss apples with lemon juice in a large bowl, and let stand.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sugar, and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is dark amber, about 15 minutes.
Stir in apples, their juices, and the salt. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened, about 10 minutes.
Stir in Calvados and cream. Transfer apple mixture to a bowl.
Prepare an ice-water bath. Set the bowl in the bath, and let apple mixture cool, stirring occasionally, until mixture is cold and sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Use immediately (or refrigerate overnight).
To assemble: Whisk cream to medium peaks. For each serving, place 2 caramelized apple wedges in a sundae glass. Top with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream, 2 caramelized apple wedges, and some pecan-oat crumble. Repeat ice cream, apple, and crumble layers. Top with whipped cream.

Serves 6.

Print recipe with images | without images

Come Party With Me: Apples to Apples - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:30:26 -0800

Have you ever played Apples to Apples? The wildly entertaining game that's all about words and comparisons? It's my new favorite party game - I love it so much that I'm joining forces with FabSugar to host an Apples to Apples party! Fab's inviting equal amounts of boys and girls to her house, and I'm in charge of the food and drinks. Each item on the menu includes (no surprises here) apples! Since the party is on a Thursday evening, I'll keep things simple by serving two dishes that can be made in advance. Guests can help themselves to sausage, fennel, and apple skewers or fill a mug with steaming sweet potato, chipotle, and apple soup.

These apple recipes would be fun at any Winter-themed dinner so get them now after the break.