Wednesday, December 30, 2009

sarkis-evanston

THE BEST DIVE IN CHICAGO-LAND.
SARKI'S CAFE

2632 Gross Point Rd
(between Crawford Ave & Hartzell St)
EvanstonIL 60201
(847) 328-9703
Let me start off by saying you must get the Loretta sandwich (bacon, eggs, gooey cheese, green peppers, tomatoes, all smashed onto a piece of toasted french bread), and hashbrowns with cheese on top. 
The rest of up to you. Slam a Gatorade while you wait, and you will forget you even drank till 4 am the night before.
Thanks, Lizzie!





bittersweet bakery, chicago

cake tasting.




eat your greens!

salads i have made/consumed lately...









Monday, December 28, 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

bottega louie gelato.

hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate trio.



giada de laurentiis. mushroom risotto with peas.

this is hands down one of the best recipes i have ever made. it takes a little over an hour so make sure you have the time. it is not something to make if you are multi-tasking, so prepare a salad before hand and serve them up together.
   
 *  5 3/4 cups canned low-salt chicken broth (I only used 5 1/2 cups in the end, make sure you use low-lodium or it will become too salty)
    * 1/2-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
    * 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    * 2 tablespoons olive oil
    * 2 cups finely chopped onions
    * 10 ounces white mushrooms, finely chopped
    * 2 garlic cloves, minced
    * 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or short-grain white rice
    * 2/3 cup dry white wine
    * 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
    * 2/3 cup grated Parmesan (I used a full cup)
    * Salt and freshly ground black pepper, optional


Directions


Bring the broth to a simmer in a heavy medium saucepan. Add the porcini mushrooms. Set aside until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Keep the broth warm over very low heat.


Melt the butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the white mushrooms and garlic. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the porcini mushrooms to a cutting board. Finely chop the mushrooms and add to the saucepan. Saute until the mushrooms are tender and the juices evaporate, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and let it toast for a few minutes. Add the wine; cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of hot broth; simmer over medium-low heat until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, adding more broth by cupfuls and stirring often, about 28 minutes. Stir in the peas. Mix in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 












san francisco. cakes. yum.


Friday, December 4, 2009