Kamis, 27 Desember 2007

Skinny Gourmet's Best of 2007

I recently discovered that some bloggers are putting together a year’s end review of the best recipes, and are inviting bloggers to submit their best recipe from the past year. I thought this was a fun way to commemorate a year in food, so it got me thinking. I have different favorites for different reasons. Food can be a favorite because it is delicious, because it reminds you of a wonderful

Kamis, 20 Desember 2007

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas in Ghana

Christmas in Ghana is a fascinating beast. I can tell that today, the day after Ghana's official celebration of Eid, Christmas began. It isn't because silver bells ring out from every street corner, and it sure isn't because of the snow. And although it is unfamiliar to me, Christmas in Ghana has its own sort of magic. There is something in the air here too, there are quite moments of family,

Rabu, 19 Desember 2007

SG Santa Recommends: Garlic Press

Garlic Press This is one of the few things that I use almost daily in my kitchen. I am a fanatic for garlic. I love it roasted or sauteed. I love the bite it adds to everything from chili to salsa. I love how the fragrance of fresh garlic cooking fills the whole house, and starts eager stomachs rumbling. I grew up using garlic salt. We put it in our homemade marinara sauce. We used it to make

Selasa, 18 Desember 2007

(Mis)Adventures in Christmas in Ghana

Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself or you'd go crazy. My husband and I have really been trying to get into the holiday spirit. Normally this is not something I struggle with. On the contrary, I am something of a Christmas fanatic. I love the decorations, I love baking, I love Christmas carols. Most of all I love family and family traditions. Many of which have to do with food.Lately we

Senin, 17 Desember 2007

SG Santa Recommends: Pizza Stone

Homemade pizza is a tradition in our home, whether it is just my husband and I or a fun excuse to get togehter with friends. Making pizza at home also allows you to produce food that is both healthier and tastier than those you can purchase. Even if just for that reason, my first recommendation, for anyone who doesn't have one yet, is a Pizza Stone. But a pizza stone is about much more than pizza

The Skinny Gourmet Gift List

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for your favorite "foodie?" As my very own advent calendar gift to you, I'm offering a countdown of wonderful gifts to give the person who loves their food and their health in equal measure.When I close my eyes to my tropical surroundings here, I can almost picture the blustery holiday streets on Chicago's Michigan Avenue ("The Magnificent Mile") from memory.

Rabu, 12 Desember 2007

Chilled Asparagus with Wasabi Dipping Sauce

If you are looking for an easy, healthy, and elegant holiday appetizer, look no further. This recipe for chilled asparagus with Wasabi dipping sauce has to be one of the simplest and most elegant appetizers I know. Since I first learned the recipe from my mother-in-law, this has become a family favorite. We served it last year at our New Year's party to rave reviews. People simply could not

Jumat, 07 Desember 2007

Heart of Palm Amuse Bouche with grapefruit, thyme, and champagne vinegar

The holidays are, among other things, about glitz and glamour. About feasting with your eyes. One of my favorite tricks for holiday entertaining is to serve a tray of amuse bouche in flat-bottomed Asian soup spoons. This allows you to gather together interesting combinations of tastes that don't conform to traditional "finger food" forms. But this dish can be served equally well plated for a