Getting Lucky In the Kitchen

The Peach has dropped the countdown is over. Let’s get the New Year off to a phenomenal start by gathering friends and family together for a delicious day of foods chock - full of good fortune.

After you have rocked all night with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson ringing in the New Year on the Peach Drop main stage, nothing says New Year’s Day like Food Football and Fun! Whether you tune in for the Wisconsin Badgers versus the TCU Horned Frogs in the Rose Bowl or the Florida Gators taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Outback Bowl, create the perfect kick-off to 2011 with food your fans will think came from heaven.

Gain riches, love and an abundance of good fortune throughout the year with quick simple and delicious foods guaranteed to be true crowd pleasing creations.

The game plan – let’s get lucky in the kitchen with foods proven to bring great fortune.

Long lived traditions include recipes created within the following categories: Greens, Pork, Fish, Legumes, Noodles and round Cakes. Top that off with a fortunateness fruity beverage and true luck is certain.

Cooked Greens – kale, cabbage, collard greens and chard are consumed for their resemblance of folded money. The more you eat the larger your fortune for next year.

Create delicious creamed collard greens with garlic, onions, whipping cream and butter.

Lentils – Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and amino acids these legumes are thought to resemble coins also equaling good fortune. They plump up as they cook symbolizing growing wealth. Whip up a simple lentil side dish with bacon, chorizo, mashed garlic, onion and rice.

Noodles – Long noodles represent longevity. Eat them slowly so that you don’t break them and risk a shortened life. Prepare a pot of noodle soup with bok choy, red bell peppers, sesame seeds, peanuts and Ramen noodles.

Pork – As pigs root for food they keep their feet planted and push their snouts forward signifying progress, future wealth and prosperity. Grill a delicious beer brined chile rubbed pork tenderloin using Atlanta’s own Red Brick Brown Ale, brown sugar, honey, ancho chiles, salt and pepper.

Fish – Fish represent moving forward and symbolize abundance as they swim in schools.

Create a simple delicately flavored sesame crusted Ahi Tuna appetizer that will also bring you an abundance of raving reviews.

Round Cakes or Breads – The emphasis on these baked goods is placed on the round or ring shaped items. This signifies that the old year is complete. Bake a delicious chocolate raspberry Bundt cake or if your are not up for the challenge, pick up a variety of Dukin’ Donuts to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth cravings.

Make a toast to New Year’s Day with a Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail. Pomegranates are associated with abundance, fertility and marriage. Now that’s a great way to start the year off on the right foot!

Keep in mind that in addition to all the lucky foods, there are also a few to avoid. Lobsters should not be eaten as they move backwards and this could lead to setbacks. Chicken should also be kept off the menu as chickens scratch backwards, which could cause regret or one to dwell in the past.

One last New Years Day tradition to remember – Don’t clean your plate! Leaving a bit of food on your plate is believed to ensure a year of plenty ahead.

Happy New Year and remember Peace Love Food!

Made with Love

Made with Love - Holiday gifts from your kitchen

We have been hearing it since St. Patty’s Day “Only 283 shopping days left until Christmas”….and counting. As we head into the home stretch this season and the hustle and the bustle of holiday shopping has taken its toll on your wallet and your sanity, whip up a few easy and affordable homemade treats from your kitchen.

Herbal Vinegars & Butters are quick, simple and delicious. Take a visit to the Cobb International Farmers Market where you will find an endless variety of fresh herbs to use as your infusing agents. Select a variety of glass jars and bottles that you can personalize with colorful ribbons and handmade gift tags at Cost Plus World Market. Unleash your creativity by selecting flavor combinations that you know appeal to each individual recipient. Once you have completed your culinary creations, head on over to Great Harvest Bread Company and select one of their freshly baked breads to compliment the flavorful gifts from your kitchen.

As you take the time to remember the true spirit of the season, have fun with food and flavor in your kitchen, creating gifts for friends and family truly made with love.

Peace Love Food!

To Make the Vinegars – Use a good quality white, red or cider vinegar. Lightly bruise the herbs first to allow them to give off their flavors.

Place the herbs in clean jars or decorative bottles.  Gently heat the vinegar, but don't boil it.  Let it cool down, and pour the warm Vinegar over the herbs in the jars.  Place the jars in a dark place, such as a cabinet or shelf away from bright windows. The vinegars can be used in 2 weeks and will last for up to 1 year.

A few herb combinations to try:

White Wine Vinegar goes well with Chive, Dill, Savory, Sage, Basil, Lavender Sprigs or Flowers, Fennel, Parsley, Rosemary, Tarragon, Thyme, Garlic

Red Wine Vinegar goes well with Basil, Garlic, Oregano, and Thyme.

Cider Vinegar is enhanced by Orange Peel Spirals, Raspberries, and Lavender Blossoms. 

To Make the Butters – Soften 1 stick of butter. Put the softened butter in a bowl and using a wooden spoon or hand mixer, beat until soft and creamy. Add flavorings and seasonings and blend well. Place the flavored butter in jars with a tight lid.

Parsley Butter: Add 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve over meat, fish, chicken or vegetables.

Herb Butter: Prepare as above but use tarragon, chives or cilantro to replace the parsley. Use to top meat, fish, chicken or vegetables or in soups and sauces.

Sweet Orange Butter:  Add 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest and juice. Use for muffins, pancakes and breakfast breads.