Food Lush

New Favorite Pizza: Santucci's, Philadelphia, PA

by Maura

My favorite food of all time is pizza. I am not necessarily a pizza snob; I'll eat cardboard with marinara and cheese. However, I am always on the lookout for better delivery pizza. A few weeks ago, Will ordered us pizza while I was on my drive home from work. I expected one of the three pizza places we usually rotate through: traditional, round, mediocre. Instead, I came home to an entirely different pizza experience: square, cheese on the bottom, delicious.

(Image credit: Santucci's Original Square Pizza)

I absolutely love Santucci's pizza. We have eaten this pizza at least three (or four) times since the first time. The crust is thin, but not too thin, the sauce is absolutely delicious -- the best pizza sauce I've ever had. This pizza also reheats beautifully, which is important, since I can't eat a whole pizza in one night. (I've tried.)

If you are visiting Philadelphia and want to dine in at this fine pizza establishment, you will find them around the corner from the Italian Market, so you can eat your fill of pizza and top it off with a cannoli or gelati!

Santucci's has five other locations, too.

What is your favorite local pizza joint?

Favorite Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand

by Maura

If people judged wine expertise by how much wine they drank, I would be a guru. Fortunately, that is not the standard. Despite years of wine drinking, I have always had a hard time remembering which wineries I like. This summer, though, I narrowed it down to a region, and am slowly working my way through every winery from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. My favorites are:

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc {$10-12}

According to the winery, the wine "is all about expressive fruit flavors. The wine possesses a light straw colour and tropical aromas of guava, melon and citrus. The palate exhibits the same fine flavours followed by a crisp, dry, flinty finish." I love this wine because it has a nice, strong citrus flavor. It tastes like grapefruit, which may be the guava and citrus.

Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($13-15)

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc is a "classic regional style – the palate is full and vibrant. Fresh nettle, gooseberry & tropical-fruit flavours abound and linger on the long, clean acid finish." This wine is a little pricier, but it is light, crisp and delicious. I would happily take this wine as a hostess gift or to a party.

Noblito Regional Collection {$12-14}

One of my friends calls this wine her "house wine," which I love. Noblito is "a quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which treats you to aromas of ripe tropical and citrus fruits which flow through to the palate and a crisp dry finish. A fresh,fruity liquid pleasure."

As you can tell, I prefer dry, citrusy wines with a screw top. Okay, I will buy a corked wine, but Will opens them for me. Do you recommend a "house wine?" What would you recommend I try?

{photo credit: snooth.com, wines.com, and Target.com}

Building the Perfect Wedding Registry in your Kitchen: Part 3

By Elisabeth

Now, let's talk cookware and utensils. There are so many options out there, (like everything else) but when it comes to cookware, you'll probably hear or have heard reports about certain kinds of cookware (non-stick) emitting terrible things that will cause your left ear to fall off if the cookware is at all scratched when the wind blows in a Northeast direction. It can be MADDENING. And, it can also be expensive buying and re-buying the "right" kind. Do some research. Use your best judgement and wear earmuffs just to be safe.

First up, a stainless steel multi-cooker.

This one is a Crate and Barrell exclusive, but every main brand has their own version. It's great for many things, obviously, but currently I use mine mostly for steaming a large amount of veggies for baby food. It's got a smaller basket on top and the bigger one inside. It's perfect and I've used it for 10 years now.

Next, cookware set.

This baby is an all-clad, top of the tier, awesome cookware set. I have always had better luck in price on a set than buying the pieces individually, but sometimes you may get more than you need. Or, this might be too expensive for one person to purchase, so you could register for the entire set, plus some single pieces to meet the needs of your guests.

The one above included a 3-quart sauté pan which I think is the best thing ever invented. Now, back when I got married, I registered for and received an entire non-stick set. I still use both fry pans for eggs, but have discontinued using any piece that has been scratched. I ordered a stainless set and use both depending on what I need at the moment.

And now, the roasting pan.

You might be a roasting banshee or have never roasted anything in your life, but you'll need this on some occasion in your life. I especially like this one that comes with an insert. I've made a horribly salted corned beef brisket for my in-laws using this pan thinking I had purchased a regular brisket. BOY, was that a shocker when we sat down to eat. BUT, I would not have had any cookware to smoke overnight, then roast if it weren't for this type of pan.

Ok, so now that I have listed the definite basics, I'm going to show you some ideal items that can round out your kitchen starting with the reverse griddle.

I do not have one of these. I have a few items that put together would equal this. I want this. What a great space saver and plenty big to do bacon and pancakes at the same time. Flip it over and roast some veggies and burger simultaneously! (Adding to wish list now.)

What I would give to eat some cast iron skillet cornbread right now.

And these are items that I currently have in my kitchen that I can't live without. I happen to love and adore my Pyrex casserole dish set and measuring cup. My silpat baking mat works wonders for my cookies.

I am a huge fan of OXO Good Grips for all my cooking utensils. This 15-piece set looks like it has everything you need to round out your kitchen.

So, readers, what have I missed? This is quite a large arena of items, and I know you probably have some favorites yourself. Please do tell! 

{photo credits: crateandbarrel.com}

Jalapeno Popper Dip: Make This Now!

By Kristin 

I’ve been meaning to write about this Jalapeno Popper Dip for at least 2 months (since the first time I made it) because it is so awesome. But then, I never remember to photograph the dip when it comes out of the oven because I stuff it all in my piehole.

This is the empty, clean pan that housed the dip. We ate the whole thing this past weekend at my mom’s house, where we were celebrating my Grandma’s birthday. It was a HIT! 

This dip makes a lot, so I usually half it, unless it’s going to be a big party. This was plenty for me and my family. I mean, more would have been better, but then no one would have been able to button their pants. 

You can get the full recipe here. 

And then make it now. TRUST ME.

CD Cafe's Curry Chicken Salad

By Leslie

One of the best parts of knowing everyone and knowing everything about the town you grew up in is that you can rattle off the "best of ..." winners pretty quickly.  In southern Maryland there is a place on the water called The CD Cafe.  It's located on Solomon's Island in Calvert County.  For years, this has been a favorite lunch spot for my family.  But we aren't the only ones.  The CD Cafe has a huge following and a fantastic reputation.  In fact, my best friend from high school (who is now a chef) sought out a position in their kitchen prior to attending a prestigious culinary school. 

This weekend my mom was visiting and the only thing on her list was CRABCAKES, of course.  So we had a few crabcakes from various local, famous, Baltimore eateries before we headed south for a quick day trip.  We stopped into our favorite lunch spot and mom order the crabcake, but I had the very well-known curry chicken salad wrap.  (Which is actually the only thing I've ever ordered.  I should probably branch out some day.)

On their menu it reads - "Our most popular lunch item!  Made with apples, walnuts and grapes and stuffed in a greek pita."  Now, I'm pretty sure the recipe is top secret (although I happen to know a guy....) but my mom and I have tried to recreate it and I'm certain we have it pretty close.  We just use small potato rolls, but it's good on any bread or just by itself. 

Here , have a look -

We've determined that the required ingredients are:

• chicken, in approx 1 inch cubes (although I'm sure a rotisserie chicken would be fine)
• mayo
• curry (yellow) and a lot of it
• red apples, chopped up very small
• walnuts, medium chopped
• green grapes, medium chopped
• salt and pepper

(Measurements are up to you on this one.  Trial and error.)

Do you make curry chicken salad?  If so, how do you make it?

My Favorite Winery – ZD Winery in Napa, California

By Kristin 

This past weekend I was in the Bay Area of San Francisco to attend the wedding of one of my friends. Since I had lived in the area for six years, I decided to make a long weekend of it and spend as much time in wine country as possible. It didn’t hurt that my friend was getting married at a winery. 

I didn’t have a ton of time and I was also making the trip solo, so it meant any winery visitations would be in moderation so I could make the drive back to my hotel. 

I’ve been to Napa and Sonoma many times. It was where I found my love of wine. Without the constant tastings, I would have never realized that red wine is the bomb diggity and I would have been stuck turning my nose up at pinots and zinfandels and cabernets, OH MY! 

The first Pinot Noir I ever loved was on my first wine tasting trip to Napa. We stopped at ZD and I fell in love. The winery and tasting room is beautiful and everyone that works there is so nice. Since that time, about 10 years ago, I never see my beloved ZD on wine menus or in stores. So I decided that on my trip back up to wine country this time, the only place I HAD to go was ZD.

It was worth it. The guy who poured my tasting was really funny and awesome. It helped that I brought Jennster along with me, who makes grass growing and paint drying FUN! I told him my love of ZD and he let me try everything, including the reserve bottle of pinot that I ended up buying even though it’s more than my typical bottle of three-buck Chuck. (I’m hiding it in my closet so that I force myself to drink it on a special occasion, and not like a random Friday.) 

Also good is their Chardonnay. And I don’t like Chardonnay at all. But this didn’t have that normal Chardonnay oaky taste. It tasted like melted butter. And now I’m mad I didn’t buy a bottle of that too. 

Have you been to Napa/Sonoma? Do you have a favorite winery? Do tell!

Best Cooking Magazines

By Leslie

This weekend one of my friends made a really amazing spicy thai soup.  It contained shredded chicken, rice noodles, curry, ginger, sriracha, and fresh herbs.  She mentioned that she found the recipe in the most recent Cooking Light magazine.  It got me thinking about the best magazines for recipe and meal ideas. 

While I use the Cooking Light website regularly, I had almost forgotten about the actual magazine.  The only one I subscribe to is Real Simple, which is FULL of easy, healthy recipes and inspiration.  (I also love it for the other topics like organization and random cleaning tips.  Who doesn't like Real Simple?) 

In the past I have subscribed to Everyday with Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart Living.  One was a gift, and the other arrived for free with another magazine we receive monthly so I never actually continued my subscriptions. My mom has received Better Homes and Gardens for years and I've found some excellent recipes in there as well.  

I like a magazine that covers recipes, restaurant reviews, tips and tricks, some basic food education...and of course pretty food pictures.    

Some others I've heard good things about:

Food and Wine

Bon Appetit

Food Network Magazine

Saveur

Readers - what are you favorite magazines for meal and dining inspiration?  Do you suscribe to any, and if so, which ones? 

Candy Corner: What's Your Regional Candy?

by Erik

Longtime readers will know that I've spent a fair amount of time traveling this summer. Two weeks in Vermont, and most recently two weeks hangin' with the ancestors back in Michigan. Plus, with some work-related trips throughout the length of California, I've had the opportunity to sample some interesting regional flavors. Vermont has its maple-flavored obsession, and California has an interesting melange of Asian flavors mixed with Mexican sweets (in addition to a burgeoning high-end chocolatier scene). Michigan has a couple of regional delicacies -- the most commonly known is the Mackinac Island Fudge (not to be confused with the Mackinac Island Fudgees that the horses leave all over the roads on the island itself, if you know what I mean. You won't want to wear white loafers, even if it is before Labor Day). 

Lesser known (to me at least) is Dutch Licorice. Michigan has a sizeable Dutch population along the state's Lake Michigan coastline. There's a town named "Holland" that has a whole replica Ye Olde Tyme Dutch Village in it (Nelis' Dutch Village), and every other surname sounds as though the loveliest parts of French were combined with the ugliest parts of German and were left in a swamp to ruminate for 2000 years. And these Dutch take their Dutchness VERY seriously.

So seriously that they have adopted a particular type of licorice as the official Dutch candy of western Michigan. This is a kind of black licorice that is different from what one would consider a typical black licorice flavor profile. This black licorice is salted, and tough. In fact, you can choose from a whole range of saltiness and toughness:

Now, here's the sad part: I didn't get to actually taste any Dutch Licorice. In fact, I didn't even know about it until the last day we were in Michigan, at which point my brother mentions this crazy Dutch Candy and how gross it is. So I'm going to have to order some.

But it did get me wondering: what are some other regional candies that are unique to a certain area, city, or state? Readers? Help me out here, and give me your local candies or sweet favorites (remember Nicole's awesome regional food breakdown?). Someday, I'll drive across the country visiting each of these candy nirvanas, kind of like a more sugary, diabetic version of Travels With Charlie (instead of a trusty canine side kick, I'll have an insulin pump). In this travelog, Steinbeck wrote about the homogenization of culture brought about by mass media. But candy still offers a unique look into a local culture and custom. In a state that often times seems homogenized within an inch of its life (heck, I can get a burrito, Pho, a live (cooking) turtle, ice cream, a spaghetti dinner, and bubble tea all in the same strip mall), I still can't find Dutch Licorice anywhere.     

{Photo credit: http://shopping.dutchvillage.com/dvfood/dvf_food2.htm}

Grill Interrupted

By Kristin

I read a lot of food blogs. It’s a great place to get ideas for new and yummy things to make for myself. The problem with food blogs, though, is that what I end up making never tastes as good as I think it should and never looks as pretty. And sadly, I’m not wealthy enough to hire a professional chef to make all those yummy things for me.

But! I am lucky enough to have a very good friend who is married to one of these amazing cooks/food bloggers. For those of you who don’t know Ali, you should go read her site now. And for those of us foodies, meet Ali’s husband Gabe, better known as Chef Dad. 

Gabe (I won’t call him Gav, but everyone else does) is the author of a cookbook on grilling. He also has his own food website – Grill, Interrupted. In addition to that, he writes a food column on Urban Moms. 

Gabe really enjoys cooking. He enjoys creating new dishes and perfecting them. And lucky for me, I try to visit him and the rest of his family a few times a year and get to be the recipient of such great food! 

This weekend I went up to Toronto to visit the Martell clan. Since we all weren’t going to BlogHer, we had BBQHer up in Canada. And it was amazing and involved a lot of REALLY GOOD food and booze! 

For instance, Friday night’s dinner menu included:

• Grilled short ribs
• Roasted asparagus
• Grilled vegetables
• Rice
• Wine

On Saturday for lunch, we all got to grill our own pizzas. They were AMAZING! And helped soak up all the beer G and I drank at the Toronto Beer Fest. 

And Sunday morning, he just whipped up some scrambled eggs, which were the most amazing eggs I’ve ever had. 

So go check out his site! Make his recipes! I can personally vouch for the awesomeness of the poppy seed cake, the pasta with Boursin sauce, the beef stroganoff and the Kristabella sandwich. 

{Photo courtesy of Gav Martell}

The Best Brunch of My Life: The Sunburnt Cow

By Jennie

I'm in New York City as you read this -- wait, that's not right, I'm in California as you read this -- but as I write this, I'm still in Texas. (It's a crazy life I lead, keep up!) I will have jetted off for a week or so to NYC first and then San Francisco next, so I'm writing this well in advance, and in honor of the New York half of my trip, I thought I'd share the best brunch I've ever had: the Sunburnt Cow in the East Village of NYC.

If you're ever in the city, please go! (I know, the New York City recs are long and endless and all very likely delicious). But, add it to your list anyway, and please get the crab cakes benedict and the bottomless mimosas if you go.

Then sit back and enjoy....